Spec me an LED Torch

Currently I have a Fenix PD12 (https://www.flashaholics.co.uk/products/fenix-pd12.html), which is nice and bright and easily fits on my keys but the button to turn it on is a little hard to find when it's dark as you can't really feel where it is very well so it can take a while to actually get it on lol.

I'm kind of looking to replace it with something similar in size so that it just fits on my keys, been browsing Flashaholics and come across the following:

Nitecore MT10C https://www.flashaholics.co.uk/products/nitecore-mt10c.html#undefined1
LED Lenser F1 https://www.flashaholics.co.uk/products/led-lenser-f1.html
Olight S10 Baton https://www.flashaholics.co.uk/products/olight-s10-baton.html

The Nitecore sounds nice and powerful when used with IMR batteries but I still have a load of CR123a batteries so I'd look at getting IMR once I've used all my current CR123a ones.

Is there any reason for me to go for the other two over the Nitecore? Any other torches that are similar I should look at? Don't really have a budget but nothing over £100 really.
 
I have a bit of an issue, I'm currently running a Solarforce XM-L2 with U2 980 drop in module and using Panasonic 18650 3.7v 2900mAh batteries. Batteries seem in good condition and last well in my old Shadow VG-10 but don’t last more than 10-15 minutes in the L2.

The batteries are not more than 2 years old but as they last ages in the VG-10 I’m at a loss to know why the sudden drop in life when using the L2. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Also if anyone knows whether you can get other switches for VG-10’s as I’m fed up with having to cycle through modes (I have 4 mode version).

UPDATE - charged same batteries last night to test how long the L2 would last and for some reason (not that I'm complaining) I had over 3 hours on full power before I gave up.
Very odd as I'd never had that sort of performance before. I'm going to run another test later on the other 18650's I have (older) and see how long it lasts.
 
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Daniee said:
Currently I have a Fenix PD12 (https://www.flashaholics.co.uk/products/fenix-pd12.html), which is nice and bright and easily fits on my keys but the button to turn it on is a little hard to find when it's dark as you can't really feel where it is very well so it can take a while to actually get it on lol.
Click to expand...

When I thought my Quark was lost I got the PD12. I have to agree about the mode button. I can live with it but it would be better if it was slightly more pronounced. Are there no mods available?
 
I just went with BT-C3100 from ebay as no one piped up.
Just charging and then testing the new Panasonics.

Then i'll test the "4000mah ultrafire" batteries that came with head torch. Taking bets 600mah each?
 
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Well I wasn't far off, the "4000mah" are actually 826mah and 871mah, the 3400mah Panasonics which should be genuine are still discharging and hopefully will be for a while.

Which should mean head torch will last 4 times longer.

Edit - Panasonics have finally finished
3297mah and 3371mah

That should be an absolutely massive upgrade.
 
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I've found myself needing a torch, so I thought I'd post what I'm looking for, and see if anyone can help me out as I know very little about them.

I'd like:
- Rechargeable batteries. Probably expensive, but worthwhile in the long run?
- Smaller the better, comfortable to hold in one hand.
- I really want one with a nice clean light. Not with the focusing spots if it can be avoided.
- Prefer a more narrow, focused angle, rather than wide angle flood type of beam.
- A strobe mode (but not a must)
- Waterproof
 
I asked earlier, but haven't found an answer yet. How do you remove the brass rings with two holes in at opposite sides? I tried tweezers but they bent, so I suppose there must be a tool I can buy to unscrew the ring - but what is the tool called?
 
darael said:
I asked earlier, but haven't found an answer yet. How do you remove the brass rings with two holes in at opposite sides? I tried tweezers but they bent, so I suppose there must be a tool I can buy to unscrew the ring - but what is the tool called?
Click to expand...

Circlip pliers? I have a similar clip on my Brompton which holds all the sprockets in place. Had to buy one of those tools to get it off!
 
You could destroy some scissors if you have the tools to create two points on the end. Else find two pegs to put in the holes then user needle nose pliers to open them up. Depending on the size you may even be able to just open the gap with pliers. You can also put screwdrivers against the inside edges of the clip and user the needle nose pliers trick again.

If you're not in a rush just buy some circlip pliers, they're really useful, will do the job in two seconds and aren't massively expensive
 
Radec said:
I've found myself needing a torch, so I thought I'd post what I'm looking for, and see if anyone can help me out as I know very little about them.

I'd like:
- Rechargeable batteries. Probably expensive, but worthwhile in the long run?
- Smaller the better, comfortable to hold in one hand.
- I really want one with a nice clean light. Not with the focusing spots if it can be avoided.
- Prefer a more narrow, focused angle, rather than wide angle flood type of beam.
- A strobe mode (but not a must)
- Waterproof
Click to expand...

Solarforce L2 body,
Some protected panasonic 3400mah-based 18650s,
Solarforce XP-L V3 3 mode led Bulb

That should be pretty good in performance and not cost too much :D
 
The circlips arrived and I was able to undo the brass ring which released the PCB with a spring/battery contact on it. However I wasn't able to remove the PCB and there is hardly any room for a soldering iron. I didn't want to pull on the PCB too much in case I snapped the wires, but I did see a silver coloured ring underneath which has no notches in it - but, as I said, there isn't much room for anything in that small space.
 
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