Spec me an LED Torch
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Caporegime
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Cyanide tbh.
sweet on both counts!
I look forward to beamshots with the smooth reflector. i wonder if they do smooth reflectors for the M1Xm *drool*
I think i'll get an XR-E C8 for a weaponlight because of that awesome tight beam, and if it gets shot out, who cares? it's £6
I look forward to beamshots with the smooth reflector. i wonder if they do smooth reflectors for the M1Xm *drool*
I think i'll get an XR-E C8 for a weaponlight because of that awesome tight beam, and if it gets shot out, who cares? it's £6
Hi guys. The other day I bought some toches for cycling. Rather than specific bike lights my mate recommended an LED torch with a mount for handle bars since it can double up as a torch, which I also needed. I went with his advice as I needed something quick, although I think he may have swayed me just because he likes to feel good about what he bought! Anyway I was in a rush so went with it, I got a Lenser P7 200 Lumens LED torch, and also a Lenser H7 LED Head torch 140 lumens. Does anyone have any experience with these?
These are my first LED torches so to me they look good. I need equipment that will last and not break. I also need the battery life to be 2-3 hours on high.
How much better is this BC40 that everyone recommends and is it waterproof? Also where to buy from? I don't think the lenser stuff I bought is officially waterprood.
These are my first LED torches so to me they look good. I need equipment that will last and not break. I also need the battery life to be 2-3 hours on high.
How much better is this BC40 that everyone recommends and is it waterproof? Also where to buy from? I don't think the lenser stuff I bought is officially waterprood.
OK so I think I rushed my purchase with the lenser which is really unlike me. So I can send this back. I want something that lasts 2-3 hours and is flippin bright and can be mounted to a bike handle bar. Also I want really good flood.....I think. Not spot? The one where it covers the most area all around with wide field of view. Budget, no more than £60.
sweet on both counts!
I look forward to beamshots with the smooth reflector. i wonder if they do smooth reflectors for the M1Xm *drool*
I think i'll get an XR-E C8 for a weaponlight because of that awesome tight beam, and if it gets shot out, who cares? it's £6
It's going to be amazing for tactical usage due to the centre beam
Epic flood, epic brightness and decent battery life? £60 budget? Say no more! Buy the Ultrafire C8 XR-E version (advertised as 400lumens or thereabouts). It's under a tenner but comes with a smooth reflector so you'd want to have an orange peel reflector on it to expand the centre beam to flood more. I have an OP reflector for the C8 here you can have.
The great thing is the C8 is so cheap that you can afford to fall off your bike and smash it and just buy another one. It's Oringed up so weather protected.
The flood on any other torch with a smaller head is a few feet smaller in diameter so I'd definitely go C8.
Buy 2! One for the rear with a red lens cover on and set it to low brightness, at £6~ it's criminal not to!
You can buy the BC40 from eBay from any high ranked seller
It is indeed waterproof up to 2 metres under water, it is shock proof as well and is having a coated, scratch proof lens and so on.I have used the P7 and it's nice but for me it wasn't bright enough although it is compact and so easily portable. The BC40 is about double the length so keep that in mind if portability is your thing!
For the price though I don't think any other off the shelf torch is as well built or well specced than the BC40.
Soldato
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I have the Lenser P7 and I dont think it will really be suited for your needs. For high mode you have to hold the switch constantly in which isnt really doable on a bike, even if you could manage it the battery will only last about an hour. Medium mode will last long enough but i wouldnt think it would be bright enough.
Its one tough torch though and will easily handle any rain or drops/crashes you can throw at it or , but i would definitely send it back if i were you. Overpriced for what it is really. Mrk's suggestion is good, plus if weight isnt an issue you could always get 2 of the C8's he mentioned since they're so cheap, brightness definitely wont be an issue then
Better still, get the XM-L version of the C8, which has more output for the same amount of power-use and also has considerably more flood due to the beam.
Mrk, in this instance i think you might be confusing flood (a wide beam with either a large or very diffuse hotspot) with spill (the dimmer light that surrounds the central bright hotspot.
I'm not sure that the spill would be sufficient for cycling use, especially because his eyes will adjust to the hotspot and he'll hardly be able to see the spill.
Lastly, the C8's probably only doing about 240 Lumens
Mrk, in this instance i think you might be confusing flood (a wide beam with either a large or very diffuse hotspot) with spill (the dimmer light that surrounds the central bright hotspot.
I'm not sure that the spill would be sufficient for cycling use, especially because his eyes will adjust to the hotspot and he'll hardly be able to see the spill.
Lastly, the C8's probably only doing about 240 Lumens
Thanks for the above recommendations but I'm not sure the Ultrafire C8 XR-E is sufficient? I checked the spec on ebay for one and it stated 150 lumens max. that's 50 less than the Lenser P7 I have @ 200 Lumens. I would want it atleast as bright as that. The BC40 I did not realize was so big so I think that is out of the question.
I think the place to go for this kind of thing seems to be....arr...actually not sure I am allowed to mention it as a competitor? A large Chinese/Hon Kong based online place I gather. I have ordered from there before and found them great.
It appears there are universal mounts for torches fitting to handle bars so that seems a non issue. As for priority, for me it's all about flood use for cycling with still fairly good throw. I will be using them in the forest in pitch black. I could just go and buy some cycle specific lights but I don't like paying a premium for something badged as a cycle light that's no better than an LED torch, unless there are specific reasons to buy particular cycle ones? The only reason I can see is they are more specific to the task sometimes being tougher and easily mountable. Also some of them have a battery life indicator on the rear. Not that important to me so long as they last 2.5 - 3 hours.
The P7 I find the beam pattern is not very wide. Even on flood there are big fall offs to the side so there is gap at the floor about 4 meters or so until I get any light, then it's very bright for a fairly good way.
Aod, do I need to be searching for a particular model name for the C8? Also on the site I mentioned above (sort of) I see torches with fairly good reviews that claim spec like 900 Lumens yet they are similar in size to the Lenser P7 I have at about 15cm long. Is that just BS or...? Some claim 1200 Lumens too.
I don't know. Bif of a mind field really.
The Lenser Head torch I got seems well made with a dimmer, focusable and good to mount to head or helmet. Paid about £30 I recall and it's 140 Lumens so will most probably keep that.
Question, if you buy three torches @ 100 Lumens each, you get 300 Lumens equivalent output? Or is there more to it than that?
I think the place to go for this kind of thing seems to be....arr...actually not sure I am allowed to mention it as a competitor? A large Chinese/Hon Kong based online place I gather. I have ordered from there before and found them great.
It appears there are universal mounts for torches fitting to handle bars so that seems a non issue. As for priority, for me it's all about flood use for cycling with still fairly good throw. I will be using them in the forest in pitch black. I could just go and buy some cycle specific lights but I don't like paying a premium for something badged as a cycle light that's no better than an LED torch, unless there are specific reasons to buy particular cycle ones? The only reason I can see is they are more specific to the task sometimes being tougher and easily mountable. Also some of them have a battery life indicator on the rear. Not that important to me so long as they last 2.5 - 3 hours.
The P7 I find the beam pattern is not very wide. Even on flood there are big fall offs to the side so there is gap at the floor about 4 meters or so until I get any light, then it's very bright for a fairly good way.
Aod, do I need to be searching for a particular model name for the C8? Also on the site I mentioned above (sort of) I see torches with fairly good reviews that claim spec like 900 Lumens yet they are similar in size to the Lenser P7 I have at about 15cm long. Is that just BS or...? Some claim 1200 Lumens too.
I don't know. Bif of a mind field really.
The Lenser Head torch I got seems well made with a dimmer, focusable and good to mount to head or helmet. Paid about £30 I recall and it's 140 Lumens so will most probably keep that.
Question, if you buy three torches @ 100 Lumens each, you get 300 Lumens equivalent output? Or is there more to it than that?
Hmm I might have mixed spill with flood above yeah
240 isn't anything to scoff at but I reckon the C9 XR-E is pushing a bit beyond 240 lumens having compared it to the BC40! The spill isn't its strong point of course but it still lights up the surrounding circle quite nicely.
If I had a bike I'd put it to the test
240 isn't anything to scoff at but I reckon the C9 XR-E is pushing a bit beyond 240 lumens having compared it to the BC40! The spill isn't its strong point of course but it still lights up the surrounding circle quite nicely.
If I had a bike I'd put it to the test
Yes, lumens add up linearly. however, the visual response to lumens increases logarithmically, so 200 lumens only appears to be 50% brighter than 100 lumens.
Many torches are advertised with wildly varying lumen-claims, the C8 with the XR-E Q5 emitter, which probably emits around 240 lumens is advertised with anywhere between 150 and 500 Lumens. part of the reason for this is that measuring lumens is very very difficult (you need a special device) so the sellers make it up and the buyers accept it as true.
That said, some torches that are smaller than your P7 are capable of emitting over 800 lumens. this is because they simply use a different emitter. your P7 uses the XR-E but the XM-L emitter can handle more than three times as much power and emit more than a thousand lumens.
This is why i suggested the XM-L version of the C8, it's got more total output (though how much more is anyone's guess) as well as a much floodier beam, because the LED is much bigger.
the name, 18650, designates it's dimensions, it's an 18mm-diameter cell and it's 65.0mm long. while almost all the 18650's are called "18650" their dimensions do tend to vary a bit, but they almost all work.
18650's are great because they can be recharged between 500 to 2000 times, depending on a number of factors, meaning that if you amortize the cost of the cells and the charger over that, it works out many orders of magnitude cheaper than using AAs.
They're also much better than AAs, Ni-MH cells and other types because they have a voltage very close to that of what an LED needs, so the control circuitry can be simpler and more efficient, and they also can deliver a large amount of current for almost their entire capacity.
furthermore, their capacity is also very high. there are now 3100mAh 18650's (real 3100mAh, not fake!) which will power an XM-L at it's full drive current of three amps for more than an hour!
Many torches are advertised with wildly varying lumen-claims, the C8 with the XR-E Q5 emitter, which probably emits around 240 lumens is advertised with anywhere between 150 and 500 Lumens. part of the reason for this is that measuring lumens is very very difficult (you need a special device) so the sellers make it up and the buyers accept it as true.
That said, some torches that are smaller than your P7 are capable of emitting over 800 lumens. this is because they simply use a different emitter. your P7 uses the XR-E but the XM-L emitter can handle more than three times as much power and emit more than a thousand lumens.
This is why i suggested the XM-L version of the C8, it's got more total output (though how much more is anyone's guess) as well as a much floodier beam, because the LED is much bigger.
Well, i meant only by comparison to the 400 that is sometimes claimed of it. 240 lumens is a crapload compared to torches from 2001.
Like i said, the eye's reaction to lumens is logarithmic, not linear. 800 lumens only looks about three or four times brighter than 100.Hmm I might have mixed spill with flood above yeah
240 isn't anything to scoff at but I reckon the C9 XR-E is pushing a bit beyond 240 lumens having compared it to the BC40! The spill isn't its strong point of course but it still lights up the surrounding circle quite nicely.
If I had a bike I'd put it to the test
The 18650 is the name for the most common and popular size of cylindrical Lithium-Ion battery. most laptop-batteries use these cells.
the name, 18650, designates it's dimensions, it's an 18mm-diameter cell and it's 65.0mm long. while almost all the 18650's are called "18650" their dimensions do tend to vary a bit, but they almost all work.
18650's are great because they can be recharged between 500 to 2000 times, depending on a number of factors, meaning that if you amortize the cost of the cells and the charger over that, it works out many orders of magnitude cheaper than using AAs.
They're also much better than AAs, Ni-MH cells and other types because they have a voltage very close to that of what an LED needs, so the control circuitry can be simpler and more efficient, and they also can deliver a large amount of current for almost their entire capacity.
furthermore, their capacity is also very high. there are now 3100mAh 18650's (real 3100mAh, not fake!) which will power an XM-L at it's full drive current of three amps for more than an hour!
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Yes, lumens add up linearly. however, the visual response to lumens increases logarithmically, so 200 lumens only appears to be 50% brighter than 100 lumens.
Many torches are advertised with wildly varying lumen-claims, the C8 with the XR-E Q5 emitter, which probably emits around 240 lumens is advertised with anywhere between 150 and 500 Lumens. part of the reason for this is that measuring lumens is very very difficult (you need a special device) so the sellers make it up and the buyers accept it as true.
That said, some torches that are smaller than your P7 are capable of emitting over 800 lumens. this is because they simply use a different emitter. your P7 uses the XR-E but the XM-L emitter can handle more than three times as much power and emit more than a thousand lumens.
This is why i suggested the XM-L version of the C8, it's got more total output (though how much more is anyone's guess) as well as a much floodier beam, because the LED is much bigger.
Well, i meant only by comparison to the 400 that is sometimes claimed of it. 240 lumens is a crapload compared to torches from 2001.
Like i said, the eye's reaction to lumens is logarithmic, not linear. 800 lumens only looks about three or four times brighter than 100.
The 18650 is the name for the most common and popular size of cylindrical Lithium-Ion battery. most laptop-batteries use these cells.
the name, 18650, designates it's dimensions, it's an 18mm-diameter cell and it's 65.0mm long. while almost all the 18650's are called "18650" their dimensions do tend to vary a bit, but they almost all work.
18650's are great because they can be recharged between 500 to 2000 times, depending on a number of factors, meaning that if you amortize the cost of the cells and the charger over that, it works out many orders of magnitude cheaper than using AAs.
They're also much better than AAs, Ni-MH cells and other types because they have a voltage very close to that of what an LED needs, so the control circuitry can be simpler and more efficient, and they also can deliver a large amount of current for almost their entire capacity.
furthermore, their capacity is also very high. there are now 3100mAh 18650's (real 3100mAh, not fake!) which will power an XM-L at it's full drive current of three amps for more than an hour!
That's extremely helpful. Thankyou so much. Yep got all that. Great.
So... hmm. Recommendation for best bang per buck torch that is under £60, amazing flood, good throw, no longer than 20cm (preferably not above 16 ish so similar to P7 Lenser) and fairly tough/waterproof ish. Bright as possible but MUST last 2.5 - 3 hours. Do any of them last this long over 200 lumens in that size on high? Also, do they all tend to be adjustable with flood to spot control on the focus/lens part? Or are they mainly all fixed?
Cheers for the help. I can see why people tend to use torches instead of even head lamps now since you can just mount them to the helmet as they are so small and light now.
the XM-L C8, on medium should produce more than 250 lumens and ought to last around two or three hours on a good 18650.
you are in a fortunate position that your requirements allow you to get top-notch 18650 cells (these; http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/batteries/aw-18650-2900.html)
and a great charger (this; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTAR-WP2-...177?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415d128d69)
and then get any 18650 torch that suits your needs with your available budget. i still think that Mrk's recommendation of an XM-L C8 is a good one
(here's a good place to get it; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrafire...3898654?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item5ae085729e)
the torch won't have stellar build quality, but in the fairly unlikely event that it breaks, it's easy enough to buy a new one.
Not to mention, with your high-quality cells, you'll be able to use any 18650 flashlight on the market (of which there are many!)
And you're very welcome for the help. please feel free to ask any other questions you might have or if you want something re-explained, I'm always happy to talk about flashlights
you are in a fortunate position that your requirements allow you to get top-notch 18650 cells (these; http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/batteries/aw-18650-2900.html)
and a great charger (this; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTAR-WP2-...177?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415d128d69)
and then get any 18650 torch that suits your needs with your available budget. i still think that Mrk's recommendation of an XM-L C8 is a good one
(here's a good place to get it; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrafire...3898654?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item5ae085729e)
the torch won't have stellar build quality, but in the fairly unlikely event that it breaks, it's easy enough to buy a new one.
Not to mention, with your high-quality cells, you'll be able to use any 18650 flashlight on the market (of which there are many!)
And you're very welcome for the help. please feel free to ask any other questions you might have or if you want something re-explained, I'm always happy to talk about flashlights
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I think I'll use this L2P with the XM-L dropin this winter as a hand warmer . Had it in my pocket today and suddenly felt like my leg was spontaneously combusting as it had turned itself on. One in each pocket should do the trick.
. Had it in my pocket today and suddenly felt like my leg was spontaneously combusting as it had turned itself on. One in each pocket should do the trick.
Soldato
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Well my TK21, charger and cells arrived the other day and ive had a good play about with everything
Still no Xtar charger yet though ordered it from HK and I still need to sort myself out with a set of decent cells. I did charge both the new cells with the Ultrafire W139 with no issues however, voltage of the cells was 4.19 for both after charging so maybe I got a good version? Made sure i was in the room though while they charged, Aod's got me all paranoid so I was up every 5 minutes checking the temperature
Unfortunately i cant really provide any nice pics for you guys since i dont actually own a camera that isnt attached to a phone, so taking beamshots etc is very troublesome. The torch itself seems fantastic though, however the light given off is much warmer than that of my P7, it looks almost purple in comparison! Great quality peice of kit though, will be perfect for what i need it for and seems ever so slightly better built that the Lenser and a good bit more weight to it as well which i like.
Also, it has far more spill than i was expecting compared to the p7. I wonder of anyone would care measuring their spill from other torches to see how it compares? When mine is 30cm from the wall the light spill is 42cm with the TK21 whereas its 30cm with the P7 and much dimmer spill wise. I was expecting a much tighter beam with the TK21 but im by no means disappointed. Would any sort of reflectors be able to tighten the beam out of interest?
Still no Xtar charger yet though ordered it from HK and I still need to sort myself out with a set of decent cells. I did charge both the new cells with the Ultrafire W139 with no issues however, voltage of the cells was 4.19 for both after charging so maybe I got a good version? Made sure i was in the room though while they charged, Aod's got me all paranoid so I was up every 5 minutes checking the temperature
Unfortunately i cant really provide any nice pics for you guys since i dont actually own a camera that isnt attached to a phone, so taking beamshots etc is very troublesome. The torch itself seems fantastic though, however the light given off is much warmer than that of my P7, it looks almost purple in comparison! Great quality peice of kit though, will be perfect for what i need it for and seems ever so slightly better built that the Lenser and a good bit more weight to it as well which i like.
Also, it has far more spill than i was expecting compared to the p7. I wonder of anyone would care measuring their spill from other torches to see how it compares? When mine is 30cm from the wall the light spill is 42cm with the TK21 whereas its 30cm with the P7 and much dimmer spill wise. I was expecting a much tighter beam with the TK21 but im by no means disappointed. Would any sort of reflectors be able to tighten the beam out of interest?
The WF-139 isn't necessarily a death sentence for your house, however, due to its charging profile it's harsh on the cells, which when combined with possibly dodgy cells isn't a happy recipe.
when i first charged up my cells with my WP2 i was checking them every five minutes too, and they were in a steel pot filled with sand
I was charging cells that had been in the sun, wind, rain and dust for two years though
As for changing reflectors to tighten the beam, i'm afraid that switching from OP to smooth would provide a very minimal increase in throw and a considerable reduction in beam-quality.
I'm not even sure that the reflector is interchangeable, i suspect that it isn't.
when i first charged up my cells with my WP2 i was checking them every five minutes too, and they were in a steel pot filled with sand
I was charging cells that had been in the sun, wind, rain and dust for two years though
As for changing reflectors to tighten the beam, i'm afraid that switching from OP to smooth would provide a very minimal increase in throw and a considerable reduction in beam-quality.
I'm not even sure that the reflector is interchangeable, i suspect that it isn't.
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