in need of a good torch

Aod said:
okay, last time i used a fenix it had a reverse clicky. they must have changed recently.
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Well my torch is at least a couple of years old, however Fenix make a variety of torches so some may not use this mechanism.
 
Bennie-Mac said:
No the Fenix uses a CREE XRE Q5 not a P2
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the Cree XR-E Q5 and the Cree XR-E P2 are the same LED, hence the XR-E, the P2 or Q5 is the binning code, overall the LEDs are the same, there's only a 15% difference between a Q5 in your £50 Fenix and my £8 Romisen.
 
Aod said:
what do you need it to do?
for almost all uses i can strongly recommend this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3609 :: Blue-grey
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3607 :: Black

uses a Cree P2 LED and only a single AA battery. very bright, good runtime, nice and small.

it's brighter than a C or D-cell maglite and about a 10th of the size.

unlike nearly all Chinese torches, the clicky-switch on the back works "forwards", ie, you can push it halfway and the torch will turn on until you release. most Chinese torches (including fenix ones!) won't turn on until you push the button all the way until it clicks and then release.

<edit> and it doesn't have any annoying modes. it's just on and off.
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Cheers for that info looks like a solid torch will be buying.
 
I bought three just now one for myself and for family members. A single AA powered torch at the this kind of output power and at this price is very attractive. These look like a bargain with the points you covered.

Will report back :)
 
Aod said:
excellent. when it arrives please post about your thoughts on it, show the fenix-snobs that they aren't the Alpha and Omega of torches :)
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The same light doesn't mean everything. I wonder how long the battery lasts in one of those. I can't see it lasting anywhere near as long as a torch with two CR123 batteries in, and that for me is the killer, part of the + of LED is the much longer running time compared to similar bulb torches.

(Having said that AA batteries are cheap, CR123 aren't... But then changing batteries every couple of hours would be a pain in the ****)

EDIT: MASSIVE deal breaker for me http://www.dealextreme.com/forums/Default.dx/sku.3607~threadid.345712

Less than an hours run time in some cases! Much, much less than mine.
 
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Amp34 said:
The same light doesn't mean everything. I wonder how long the battery lasts in one of those. I can't see it lasting anywhere near as long as a torch with two CR123 batteries in, and that for me is the killer, part of the + of LED is the much longer running time compared to similar bulb torches.

(Having said that AA batteries are cheap, CR123 aren't... But then changing batteries every couple of hours would be a pain in the ****)

EDIT: MASSIVE deal breaker for me http://www.dealextreme.com/forums/Default.dx/sku.3607~threadid.345712

Less than an hours run time in some cases! Much, much less than mine.
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what would you be doing that requires loads and loads of light for hours and hours on end? i've been using this torch here and there for almost a month on one Duracell alkaline and it's not dropped to "low power mode" which it gets to the end of the battery.

i've never been in a situation where i've been using a torch continuously for hours and hours at a time, and that includes during 8+ hour power-cuts.

<edit> i've just checked - Fenixtorch.co.uk themselves say the two-AA LD20 only has 1.3 hours runtime at maximum.
looking for long runtime in a single AA torch is kind of asking for the world, i mean, there's only so much energy in an AA battery.
 
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I have a fenix TK11 R2, (60 lumens for 12 hours, 240 for 2.7) and a Lenser police tec focus (105 lumens 3xaaa battery powered 20 hours run time and more importantly half the price) and to be honest I wouldnt swap either for a cheap (sub £20 torch).
I wouldnt however buy another Fenix but I would buy another Lenser as the former does not justify the price.
 
Fenix torches are okay but they've kinda been eclipsed by the Quark line by 4sevens at the same price point.

You haven't specified what you want the torch for, what batteries you intend to use or even how bright you want it to be.

Therefore I reconmend a Quark 123x2 Regular:-

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1599

Or just buy loads like I have - I'm sure they'll be one that fits you situation - I'm happy with every single one of the lights I own but they all get used in different situations - the titanium Quark 123x2 Tactical is my favourite though :-)

Fenix TA30
Quark 123x2 Ti
Quark AAx2
Quark 123x2 Turbo
MiNi AA NW
MiNi CR2
ITP A3 EOS
MG PLI
MG L-Mini II
Romisen RC-N3 II
Romisen RC-A4 II
Akoray K-106 (x2)
Akoray K-109
 
Aod said:
what would you be doing that requires loads and loads of light for hours and hours on end? i've been using this torch here and there for almost a month on one Duracell alkaline and it's not dropped to "low power mode" which it gets to the end of the battery.

i've never been in a situation where i've been using a torch continuously for hours and hours at a time, and that includes during 8+ hour power-cuts.

<edit> i've just checked - Fenixtorch.co.uk themselves say the two-AA LD20 only has 1.3 hours runtime at maximum.
looking for long runtime in a single AA torch is kind of asking for the world, i mean, there's only so much energy in an AA battery.
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Cycling at night out of town (off and on roads), walking, camping...

Loads of things. Obviously if you spend most of your time in a house/town and only use a torch to check the back garden then a short running low price torch is fine, when you depend on a torch then it's a little different (I normally carry a main torch and a head torch, along with a third torch on occasion with a red LED for times when I need to keep my night vision, partly so I always have a spare).

Like others I use different torches for different situations, the head torch when I need my hands free and for closeup work, my LED Lenser Aviator for general and night vision use and the Fenix as my main beam when cycling or when I need a lot of light when walking and spotlighting anything. I'm considering buying a second Fenix for double the light for cycling when needed.

As for the AA issue, that's why I picked a torch with CR123 batteries. More expensive but a longer running life.
 
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