No it is not needed but nice to have if only you are leading a group in a dark dense forest and there are many obstacles, rivets, dips, and water in your trails.
I have a 20" on my grill and I NEVER use it. The only two things it's good for is the look and for Jim, Greg, and Nick to flip it or unplug it on me when I hang around them :cheesy: View attachment 205868.