Help de-mystify flashlights please

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17th August 2019, 09:29
swanbourne

Help de-mystify flashlights please

I've carried a simple hi/lo/strobe/zoom pocket flashlight for years, I don't even know the lumen rating. I've misplaced it and wish to replace it but here's where the confusion starts. I've seen quite a few listings rated between 500-850 lumens selling for up to £90 and then there are thousands of others with claimed ratings of 1000, 2000 and more for just a few pounds (I even saw one rated in N/m). Then you have the "military tactical" type advertised as "get this now before they are banned" with a picture showing the flashlight illuminating the landscape for many miles.

I'm just looking for a simple hi/lo/strobe/zoom pocket flashlight which doesn't break the bank, it can be AA, AAA or 18650.

Eddie
17th August 2019, 10:04
GMTMaster

Look at the Lenser Tactical Series Eddie.

SureFire are also decent.

The problem with flashlights is they can write whatever they want in the title!

Doesn't necessarily mean its true.

Infact - I think I have an LED Lenser T7 somewhere that I haven't used I can send you that if you fancy.
17th August 2019, 10:08
PickleB

Does this fit the bill...link?
17th August 2019, 10:12
jamiej

LED Lenser are good, you can get them on amazon, and they are occasionally on offer.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
17th August 2019, 10:15
stix

I've had one of these for a couple of years an used it camping, sailing and general use and it's awesome!!! I find it's more than enough for my needs.

• https://www.torchdirect.co.uk/profes...led-torch.html
17th August 2019, 10:23
MADDOG

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMTMaster

Look at the Lenser Tactical Series Eddie.

SureFire are also decent.

The problem with flashlights is they can write whatever they want in the title!

Doesn't necessarily mean its true.

Infact - I think I have an LED Lenser T7 somewhere that I haven't used I can send you that if you fancy.

I used Surefire torches whilst serving in the Army which are really good, but I thought the batteries were a tad expensive as they use the same as what you fit into cameras. You can also go the rechargable route for them.
17th August 2019, 10:24
GMTMaster

Help de-mystify flashlights please

Quote:

Originally Posted by MADDOG

I used Surefire torches whilst serving in the Army which are really good, but I thought the batteries were a tad expensive as they use the same as what you fit into cameras. You can also go the rechargable route for them.

I have an E2D Defender Ultra and to he honest finding one of those batteries in a remote part of Iceland is not fun.

Can’t beat an AA battery

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
17th August 2019, 10:24
PickleB

Quote:

Originally Posted by stix

I've had one of these for a couple of years an used it camping, sailing and general use and it's awesome!!! I find it's more than enough for my needs.

• https://www.torchdirect.co.uk/profes...led-torch.html

LED Lenser have a very nice zoom system that locks but the P7 (and others) lack the strobe that Eddie wants.
17th August 2019, 10:26
Chris_in_the_UK

I find the LED Lenser TT more than adequate - 3 x AAA batteries.
17th August 2019, 10:28
JasonM

I think most use the same cree led light sources, the extra money you spend on branded ones will mostly be improved build and circuit quality.
17th August 2019, 10:29
JasonM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMTMaster

I have an E2D Defender Ultra and to he honest finding one of those batteries in a remote part of Iceland is not fun.

Can’t beat an AA battery

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree, I always get AAA or AA compatible as I know I can get new batteries anywhere.
17th August 2019, 11:38
markrlondon

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanbourne

I'm just looking for a simple hi/lo/strobe/zoom pocket flashlight which doesn't break the bank, it can be AA, AAA or 18650.

I'd suggest 18650 as anything running off AA or AAA today seems to guzzle batteries way too quickly.

Beyond that, I can recommend these two:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/32000LM-S...t/361693575966
£13.62 for the 8 LED version, £17.61 for the 12 LED version
These all take four 18650 batteries and I have the 8 LED version. Very bright, does high, low, strobe, but not zoom. Not quite pocketable (short but thick) but good as a house torch.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tactical-...0/173555276628
£3.79
This takes a single 18650 and I also have one of these. I think this one covers your requirements: High, medium, low, strobe, SOS, zoom. Easily pocketable, does the job.
17th August 2019, 11:38
VDG

Quote:

Originally Posted by PickleB

Does this fit the bill...link?

I have one of these and it does the job, my only gripe is that it’s not possible to focus the beam unlike in that 4DD aluminium thingy.
17th August 2019, 11:40
walkerwek1958

Buy a set of rechargeable batteries and a cheap charger, I’m not a fan of items with built in rechargeable batteries.
17th August 2019, 11:52
PickleB

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrlondon

I'd suggest 18650 as anything running off AA or AAA today seems to guzzle batteries way too quickly.

Beyond that, I can recommend these two:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/32000LM-S...t/361693575966
£13.62 for the 8 LED version, £17.61 for the 12 LED version
These all take four 18650 batteries and I have the 8 LED version. Very bright, does high, low, strobe, but not zoom. Not quite pocketable (short but thick) but good as a house torch.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tactical-...50/17355527662
£3.79
This takes a single 18650 and I also have one of these. I think this one covers your requirements: High, medium, low, strobe, SOS, zoom. Easily pocketable, does the job.

Follow the 2nd link and add an 8 to the end for it to work.
17th August 2019, 12:09
markrlondon

Quote:

Originally Posted by PickleB

Follow the 2nd link and add an 8 to the end for it to work.

Thank you, have now fixed the link.
17th August 2019, 12:09
Essexman

18650 will give you more power than AA or AAA.

Everyone has their favourite makes.

I’ve a few Olight torches, well built, good customer service, not the cheapest.

https://www.olightstore.uk
17th August 2019, 13:01
PickleB

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkerwek1958

Buy a set of rechargeable batteries and a cheap charger, I’m not a fan of items with built in rechargeable batteries.

For a single cell chargers don't come much more simple and transportable than this Olight cable...eBay link.
17th August 2019, 13:06
catch21

I got a cheap £10 Aldi for the car. It's a little bit clunky but it does the job admirably. Unless you're a world traveller I'd suggest a rechargeable 18650. I can recharge in September and use until next April-May. They go on forever.
19th August 2019, 07:22
magpie215

Eddie

Get yourself onto

Candlepowerforums.com

Seriously good forum for torches and you will get good advice...ive always received great suggestions for a torch to the spec im looking for.
19th August 2019, 07:31
bloater

All my torches now run on 18650, it makes it easy for me, and I've built up a collection of batteries for them and a good quality charger.
Depending on the use I think a torch can be too bright and 400-1000 lumens will do me for most situations.
If you can go without the strobe then I'm a fan of led lensers and have had a fair few over the years.

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
19th August 2019, 07:46
magirus

You might find something suitable from Fenix. I have several for differing uses, the oldest is over 15yrs old from my Fire Service days, battered and well worn but still working perfectly. They are very well made, and plenty of UK stockists. http://www.fenixlight.com/
19th August 2019, 08:00
magpie215

Quote:

Originally Posted by magirus

You might find something suitable from Fenix. I have several for differing uses, the oldest is over 15yrs old from my Fire Service days, battered and well worn but still working perfectly. They are very well made, and plenty of UK stockists. http://www.fenixlight.com/

I'd second this ive had a fenix before and they are robust well specced torches.
19th August 2019, 08:50
Kingstepper

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloater

If you can go without the strobe then I'm a fan of led lensers and have had a fair few over the years.

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

Agree, never needed a strobe.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
19th August 2019, 13:10
Enoch

Have a look at “Thrunite” I bought my wife one of their headlamps for when she’s down with the horses during winter..

Incredible amount of light from such a small device, and fantastic battery life... waterproof etc as well...
19th August 2019, 15:04
ac82

I had one of these when they were branded inova, brilliant little light with all the functions.

Bright but not great distance.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nite-Ize-Mi...=inova+&sr=8-2
19th August 2019, 15:28
PickleB

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac82

I had one of these when they were branded inova, brilliant little light with all the functions.

Bright but not great distance.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nite-Ize-Mi...=inova+&sr=8-2

I hadn't seen the Nite Ize Microlight but then I'm a fan of the Nitecore Tube as a light for my keyring. They're not unreasonably priced on Amazon etc, but if you don't mind waiting they are cheaper from China...link. They work but I cannot be sure if they're fakes or not.
19th August 2019, 19:18
RJM25R

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanbourne

I've carried a simple hi/lo/strobe/zoom pocket flashlight for years, I don't even know the lumen rating. I've misplaced it and wish to replace it but here's where the confusion starts. I've seen quite a few listings rated between 500-850 lumens selling for up to £90 and then there are thousands of others with claimed ratings of 1000, 2000 and more for just a few pounds (I even saw one rated in N/m). Then you have the "military tactical" type advertised as "get this now before they are banned" with a picture showing the flashlight illuminating the landscape for many miles.

I'm just looking for a simple hi/lo/strobe/zoom pocket flashlight which doesn't break the bank, it can be AA, AAA or 18650.

Eddie

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F332135934228

I put a heads up on here ages ago about these (when they were £1 or so?)

Zoom/strobe/aa battery

I carry a couple when walking the dog at 6am in winter

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