Spec me an LED Torch

It's going to start getting dark soon, and I've put off getting a new torch for too long.

I was originally going to stick with something which takes AA batteries, however the more I read in this thread and on CPF forums the more I am coming to the conclusion that something which takes CR123A / 18650 is going to be much better in terms of output.

So, I'm looking at the following from Solarforce:

http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?id=304&s=45&t=LF

which is basically an L2T host with 3-mode XM-L drop-in.

For batteries/charger I'm looking at:

http://hkequipment.net/?p=6&id=1114&lang=en

with 2 of the Ultrafire 18650 3000mAh Protected cells which can be added via the drop-down. I like the fact that this charger can deal with a wide range of batteries, including 18650s, and charge different types at the same time.

Any good?
 
Torch choice is excellent. bare in mind that you are highly advised to shim the dropin to the host with copper/aluminium for heat conduction purposes.

it won't have very good runtime on high (less than two hours) but on low/medium should last for ages :)

Re. that charger; I've not heard anything about it which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but doesn't inspire confidence. Li-Ion cells are tempermental at the best of times, and compounded with dodgy chargers can be downright dangerous.
Of the cheap chargers, the Xtar WP2 v.2 is generally regarded as the best;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XTAR-WP2-II-Battery-Charger-/180712649835

add a couple of reasonably good cells (Not the ultrafire 3000mAh ones!) and you should be golden.

These two reviews cover a wide range of cells. you'll note that most of the x-y-z-Fire cells don't even come close to their stated capacities.
http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/Battery 18650 UK.html
http://lygte-info.dk/info/Batteries18650-2011 UK.html

My personal cell recommendation would be anything by AW:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?230876-AW-s-LiIon-Batteries-Sales-Thread-*Part-12*
 
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petriodet said:
just bought some senybor 2800mah batteries not the best on the market but pretty good considering i got them for the same price as the ultrafires, i'm getting rid of the cheap ultrafire ones that i'm using.
this guy has done a great roundup of batteries and bike lights/torches http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/batteries_21.html
Click to expand...

Nice find! those senybor cells sound remarkably good considering their price. :)
 
Well after dropping my Led Lenser P7 down a rather large cliff face this weekend it would seem I'm now in the market for an upgrade. :)

Any stand out recommendations for a very bright compactish spot torch at around £60 mark? Must have features for me would be:

Power button on the tail of the torch.
High power mode that doesn't require the power switch being held in like the P7.
Hexagonal type shape rather than smooth round so it won't slip out of my chalk covered hand down a cliff.

I had been intending on getting a Fenix TK12 before my P7, however i was given a voucher for a certain outdoors shop and they only had the Lensers in stock, so went with it. Was never blown away by it and it wasn't as powerful as a would have liked. I've noticed the Fenix TK21 which I'm liking the look of but any recommendations from you more knowledgeable folks would be very welcome.

Thanks :)
 
the Fenix TK torches are outstanding and can take rechargeable 18650 cells. they come highly recommended from many Torch enthusiasts and meet all your criteria as far as i can tell.

they're also cliff-proof (probably) :)
 
Aod said:
the Fenix TK torches are outstanding and can take rechargeable 18650 cells. they come highly recommended from many Torch enthusiasts and meet all your criteria as far as i can tell.

they're also cliff-proof (probably) :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to reply :) That's what I was secretly hoping to hear as to be honest I'm in love with Fenix TK range :eek:

The Lenser p7 is actually cliff proof to a certain extent in that it still works, but any excuse for a shiny new gadget eh?
 
Friend of mine has the P7, it's a nice feeling torch and feels like a tank but I wasn't impressed with its power or the tail switch action!
 
Bennie-Mac said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply :) That's what I was secretly hoping to hear as to be honest I'm in love with Fenix TK range :eek:

The Lenser p7 is actually cliff proof to a certain extent in that it still works, but any excuse for a shiny new gadget eh?
Click to expand...

Damn right!

considering your requirements you might be better off with the Fenix TK11, it uses the XP-G instead of the XM-L meaning it has less total output capability (althought not that much less) but has much better throw. :)

it's also a bit cheaper and, imho, has a better UI.
 
Just ordered a McGizmo Haiku XM-L - pics to follow when it lands :-)

I love it when it starts getting dark ;-)
 
Here's a few piccies of my Sky Ray 3800 3 x XM-L, excuse the poor quality.

Firstly a few to get the idea of size next to my MTE SF-15, this is a P7 LED single 1850 Flashlight.

Using extension to run 3 x 1850's

p1060861p.jpg


Standard 2 x 1850's

p1060862i.jpg


3 x XM-L smooth reflector versus the single orangle peel P7

p1060865y.jpg


Approx 25m distance to bottom of garden

p1060866m.jpg


p1060867g.jpg


Massive difference onto next doors roof

p1060870c.jpg


p1060871n.jpg


Tbh, I didn't quite realise how much bigger this was going to be as I carry it in my jacket at work so I may move it on and purchase a single 1850 flashlight, however this thing is so bright I might put up with the extra size.
 
That's the difference with smooth vs op reflectors too though. My L2 has both and it's quite a bit better at lighting further with the smooth.

You can get similar sized to your P7 torches that are much brighter if size does end up being a problem. My C8 is only using a Q5 but it's a lot better at lighting surrounds and distances than the P7 due to the reflector I found!
 
Deluxe1 said:
Not sure if its just me or the picture quality or the camera but it doesnt look as bright as it should for 3 x XM-L
Click to expand...

It's the camera or rather my lack of knowing what settings to use.

In the first picture in real life the P7 actually lights the playhouse as much as the picture of the XM-L but as soon as you turn the flashlight on the camera auto adjusts and makes the picture seem really dark.

In the second picture the P7 actually lights the roof up to some extent but the camera makes it appear that it doesn't.
However the camera also adjusts the XM-L to the same extent, the XM-L is incredibly bright.
 
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