Torch recommendations

amigafan2003, why did you bump this mega old thread

thought badbob was back from the grave for a second.. sure he had a stinky attitude, but he also posted some good stuff in Sound / Home Cinema :)
 
amigafan2003, why did you bump this mega old thread
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Well, I was searching for a torch thread when considering what torch to buy - saw this one, saw a reconmendation of the RC-N3, bought it and posted back on the fact they are a good torch.

Saves someone else having to post a "spec me a torch thread" when all the answers are in here.

Is that ok with you?
 
Ooops, I didn't see the dates of the original posts.
I'm sure that's a good enough reason to bump the thread, so is there any chance you can suggest somewhere for decent batteries (specifically CR123)??
 
Oh - forgot to say I've also got a Fenix TA30 - awesome bit of kit but a bit bigger that the others - it's now my main camping torch at 3.5hrs run time @ 225lumens is awesome :-) The 60 lumen setting is adequate for almost anything though and that's 25 hrs. It runs for 115hrs @ 9 lumens! To give you an idea of how bright 9 lumens is - you can stand it on it's tail and shine it to the ceiling and it lights the whole room up - easliy bright enought to eat under etc.

As for batteries, well, I use different batteries for different things.

For the RC-N3's I use Eneloop NIMH rechargeables as they are my main bike lights - I have another set always in my pockets if I end up riding for a long time so I switch them mid ride. I also have a stock of Panasonic CR123's (the best apart from Sanyos - steer clear of Energizers) if I want to use the toches in one cell mode (i.e. smaller). rechargeable CR123's (i.e. RCR123) aren't worth bothering with imo.

For the Fenix TA30 I generally have a pair of AW 17500's charged up and ready to go. Burn time and output is reduced by about 20% but it works out very economical using those - quite expensive initial outlay though - about £7 for each cell and £14 for the charger.

The TA30 can also use 3 CR123 cells - which is when it get's it's max run time intensity. If I'm going for a long walk or extended camping trip I'll use those instead of the rechargeables.

As for where to buy them - everything comes from the US or Hong Kong -much cheaper than buying them from the UK. Panasonic cells are working out at about £9 delivered atm from various ebay sellers - you have to keep checking though as they aren't always listed all the time.
 
I use an aging black diamond headlight. Its very bright, has 2 light modes and has a flashy thing to let you know whe nthe batteries are on the way out. No hands light is so much easier putting up a tent in pitch black.
 
What is this, some kind of wind-up?

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in Lewis's they do a childs penguin torch which is battery free. That looks like the adult version
 
LED Lenser are my recommendation, I cannot believe how insanely bright some of their torches are. Plus they are pretty damn efficient as well.
 
haha, no. LED Lenser torches are only popular because they're very pretty, but they use old tech LEDs and optics.
 
Aod said:
haha, no. LED Lenser torches are only popular because they're very pretty, but they use old tech LEDs and optics.
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+1

If you want a good, cheap, quality torch then you really can't go wrong with a Fenix LD20. I posted some comparison shots in the thread dannyjo linked on page 1, it was showing a Fenix P3D Rebel IIRC (I haven't checked yet...). The LD20 has the newer, brighter Cree Q5 emitter in it :) Surefire are pretty much the benchmark for flashlights but you will pay a premium for them - I also have the Surefire G2 Nitrolon (Incandescent) and the G2 LED but they are no better than the LD20 IMHO, shouldn't have bought 'em.

I've been through loads of Fenix torches in the past and they really are brilliant. The only thing I have been more impressed with for Price vs Performance is the Dereelight CL1H V4 but that takes 18650 batteries which require a special charger and protected cells (you can use unprotected cells but good luck with those :p)

If you can't stretch to £50 for the Fenix then a 3W Tesco LED light will output 100 lumens. A few lads I explore with use them and they do the job well enough, just don't expect it to last as long!
 
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I have one of these

RS Torch

I have no idea if the above is considered a competitor so please remove is it is

Item discription:
Unilite
1.5 Watt Pocket LED Aluminium Torch


A single high intensity Nichia 1.5W LED produces a very powerful beam from a compact torch
Advanced optics give a bright and even centre spot producing an initial illumination of 120 lux at 2 metres
15 hours total duration per set of AA alkaline batteries
Titanium coloured anodised aluminium construction
Latching on/off switch

Stupid strong torch. If you use it on a wall there is hardly any blur. It is a solid (almost perfect) circle. Very good torch.
Work paid for mine :D
 
3W Tesco LED light will output 100 lumens
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No they wont. The LED's are seriously underdriven. They have quite a poor thermal path as well meaning that even though they're only putting 40odd lumens otfl (out the front of light) the batteries don't last as long as a true good quality 100+ lumens light. For the same price you could have an RC-N3 Q5 light from shiningbeam.com (don't get RC-N3's from other places as they are only P4 emitters) and the batteries will last 4 hours on full and be a true 100+ lumens light (nearer 200 with an RCR123 but at reduced run time).

Fenix LD20
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I'll agree with you there - an excellent torch and will last a lifetime.

RS Torch
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That's a truly terrible torch. 100 lux @ 2m? By comparison an RC-N3 Q5 has a lux rating for 900 @ 2m! And it's £10 cheaper. Okay, the RS torch can run for 15 hours but what's the point if you can see naff all with it - and the RC-N3 @ 30% brightness is still 3x brighter and has a similar run time - plus you have the choice of two battery configs - crc123 for ulra small edc (every day carry) or 2xaa for money efficient rechargeables.
 
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Aod said:
haha, no. LED Lenser torches are only popular because they're very pretty, but they use old tech LEDs and optics.
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Well I'm only speaking from experience and i think some mountain rescue teams have started using them as well. So they can't be that bad performance wise.
 
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