Spec me an LED Torch

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2004
Posts
8,700
Well we live in the countryside and have chickens so we use a torch every night in the winter to shut them in, so the fox wot get them, My ea41 has been perfect for that and the tm26 is a over kill, but Ive wanted this torch for yrs. I would like to say this will be the torch that will last me forever, but I said that about the EA41.

Im guessing this torch wont last forever anyway which is a bit of a shame as my EA41 went wrong after 2-3yrs and it had to be a replaced from nitecore.
 
Soldato
Joined
25 Mar 2008
Posts
9,182
Well we live in the countryside and have chickens so we use a torch every night in the winter to shut them in, so the fox wot get them, My ea41 has been perfect for that and the tm26 is a over kill, but Ive wanted this torch for yrs. I would like to say this will be the torch that will last me forever, but I said that about the EA41.

Im guessing this torch wont last forever anyway which is a bit of a shame as my EA41 went wrong after 2-3yrs and it had to be a replaced from nitecore.
Sounds like a job for a headtorch! But then that's my usual preference - each to his own.
 
Soldato
Joined
26 May 2007
Posts
6,284
New light ordered the Wuben A21. Runs off the new 21700 battery with usb type c charging, 4200 lumens.

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Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2013
Posts
6,614
Location
Shropshire
I have just been having a throw out of old torches but just can't bring myself to bin these two - Both are LED not bulb type but compared to the smaller LED torches I have they are next to useless.
One is a Ring Cyba-lite with three C cells and the other is from Tesco with 2 D cells - Both are heavy.

I have searched the net numerous times to see if I can find updated LEDs and boards but to no effect. - The cyba-lite has to be minimum of 15 years old and Tesco one even older - Just seems a shame to bin them

Anyone got any ideas how to update them please.

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Soldato
Joined
13 Jul 2004
Posts
20,079
Location
Stanley Hotel, Colorado
If they arent valuable that itself could be useful to hand out to people going home in the dark, along the road maybe. Carrying a torch is good road safety and if they end up losing it in the bottom of a school bag or it gets damaged then no big deal either way. Just keep it in the meter electric cupboard for emergencies I would

Any thoughts on this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Onforu-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Water-Resistant-Included/dp/B07BGVXK48

I want USB charging, lithium battery and bright!

Happy to spend more (up to £40ish say), but nothing jumps out as being better until you get to the proper branded torches, which are much more expensive and more than I'm willing to spend.

With amazon you can always send it back I think. For the money it definitely seems quality is rising and it has everything needed for someone new. I doubt its 1000lm as well
 
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Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2012
Posts
8,333
So anyone care to reccommend a small simple pocket torch?

18650 is fine, got all the kit to deal with that from vaping, but i dont want any of this fancy strobing malarkey, just simple on/off preferably in button form.
 

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Soldato
Joined
21 Nov 2004
Posts
13,500
Location
Wishaw
In the market for a decent (sub £100) torch ideally 3/4D size and don't need any features other than as bright as possible with good distance any suggestions
 
Soldato
Joined
25 Mar 2008
Posts
9,182
Those are the right sort of size, but that programming different brightnesses and whatnot seems a little ott, all i want is ye olde on and off.
Most torches do this ( - "ye olde on and off") regardless of how many additional brightness settings they offer - you usually access those extra settings by double clicking or some such.
 
Soldato
Joined
25 Mar 2008
Posts
9,182
In the market for a decent (sub £100) torch ideally 3/4D size and don't need any features other than as bright as possible with good distance any suggestions
Most torches are a lot smaller than that nowadays...

Can you say a bit more about what you need it for? Here's what they ask for in torch recommendation requests on Candlepowerforums.com:-

==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
____This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don’t know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

____I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells(NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cellsbased on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don’t know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 

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Soldato
Joined
21 Nov 2004
Posts
13,500
Location
Wishaw
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)


____Up to £150.



3) Format:


____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).


4) Size:

.
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.

3/4D maglite size


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size) sounds interesting


6) Manufacturer:

any


7) What power source do you want to use?

_
____I intend to use Rechargeable cellsbased on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.


7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option

____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).


____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.


____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.


____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)





11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.


____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).



12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):


____I don't care.



13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.



14)Material/Finish/Coating


____I don’t care.


15) Water resistance
____None needed

16) Storage conditions

____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)



17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

None




look forward to seeing what gets suggested
 

233

233

Soldato
Joined
21 Nov 2004
Posts
13,500
Location
Wishaw
thanks Deluxe, that would be appreciated. ideally would like something a tad longer though, similar in size and err heft to a 3D maglite.
 
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