Small Bright Flashlights - Recommendation

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#3019796 11-Jan-2023 05:59

I bought this torch for my son, and I’ve been impressed with its robustness and brightness - but it’s rechargeable: https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/focus-400-hand-torch.html?colour=3381. Kathmandu also sell a brighter one.

Personally, I’m trying to move away from torches using disposable batteries, as I’m sick of the waste this generates. As it happens I’m also in the market for a new torch as the the power button fell off my current one - at the risk of thread crapping, I’d be interested in recommendations for compact rechargeable torches similar to these Kathmandu ones, or that use AAs given I have spare eneloop batteries. Ta…

xpd

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#3019805 11-Jan-2023 07:49

I picked up an Energizer headlamp from Mitre10 recently for $27, is rated at 200 Lumens.... to me, its pretty damn bright, and I was using it outside fishing..... so I'd aim for that at a minimum :)

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jonathan18

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#3019852 11-Jan-2023 09:19

Looking again at the rechargeable Kathmandu torches it looks like it's impossible to source new batteries, so perhaps not the best option long-term.

So what about a rechargeable torch that can also use standard batteries? Potentially the best of both worlds in that when the rechargeable battery dies (or just goes flat) it can easily be replaced.

I've had the standard AE-sourced torches that come with a rechargeable battery but can also use 3 AAAs like this one, however their quality is crap so they don't last.

Bunnings sell a 450 lumen torch that comes with a 14500 rechargeable battery, and can also run on a single AA battery. Any ideas as to how this may perform? Or any other similar products people would recommend?

maoriboy

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#3019867 11-Jan-2023 10:00

Fenix brand torches and headlamps have a great reputation and generally come with a rechargeable 18650, or similar, battery. I have the HM 65R and it is a beast. Probably overkill for most situations but works well when I'm out bush on night trail runs where I need ALL the lumens hahaha

Fenix HM65R-T

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#3019873 11-Jan-2023 10:10

I am actively trying to avoid 18650 because then I need a specific charger solely for those (and I have had issues with how long they last and how well they charge). I like the idea of rechargeable, but there is no doubt that having the ability to throw in AA or AAA batteries and have guaranteed light is quite handy.

maoriboy

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#3019878 11-Jan-2023 10:22

networkn:

I am actively trying to avoid 18650 because then I need a specific charger solely for those (and I have had issues with how long they last and how well they charge). I like the idea of rechargeable, but there is no doubt that having the ability to throw in AA or AAA batteries and have guaranteed light is quite handy.

Fair enough. Most Fenix models have the ability to charge the battery while in the torch, via usb. I've had Fenix and Nitecore headlamps for years with a number of spare 18650 batteries and have always charged them directly from the headlamp.

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#3019879 11-Jan-2023 10:23

networkn:
I am actively trying to avoid 18650 because then I need a specific charger solely for those (and I have had issues with how long they last and how well they charge). I like the idea of rechargeable, but there is no doubt that having the ability to throw in AA or AAA batteries and have guaranteed light is quite handy.

I totally understand this, but if you're leaning towards rechargeable AA and/or AAA, you're best off investing in a good charger. Most good ones will handle lithium batteries just fine, and a quality charger will ensure whichever batteries you choose have the longest life possible. Personally I recommend Liitokala or Nitecore for a good balance of price and features, but there are others out there that will do a good job as well. Specifically, don't just buy the supermarket's "4 NiMH batteries plus charger for under $30! And it's Energizer!" They won't last like a set of Eneloops and a quality charger.

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#3019884 11-Jan-2023 10:26

My issue with rechargeable is they are designed for high drain quick use. We don't use flashlights very often, but when we want them, they NEED to be working and well. My daughter went to camp for 8 days over xmas, we gave her a flashlight and 3 sets of batteries. It would have been much harder to manage with trying to charge a rechargeable one.

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#3019888 11-Jan-2023 10:31

networkn:
My issue with rechargeable is they are designed for high drain quick use. We don't use flashlights very often, but when we want them, they NEED to be working and well. My daughter went to camp for 8 days over xmas, we gave her a flashlight and 3 sets of batteries. It would have been much harder to manage with trying to charge a rechargeable one.

Ah, then Eneloops are definitely what you want. They have an excellent shelf life fully charged, and have higher capacity than anything else in that form factor. You might still have to supply your kids a couple of sets for a week long camp, but if you always keep them charged that shouldn't be a problem.

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#3019944 11-Jan-2023 10:59

I've picked up really nice Seac torches before on Marine Deals. Compact, bright, machined out of aluminum and waterproof enough for scuba diving. Usally about $80 - $90 full price.

I just wait unlit they're on clearance

Mike

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#3019946 11-Jan-2023 11:15

Ah, then Eneloops are definitely what you want. They have an excellent shelf life fully charged, and have higher capacity than anything else in that form factor. You might still have to supply your kids a couple of sets for a week long camp, but if you always keep them charged that shouldn't be a problem.

I have some Eneloops around at home. I'll have a look I guess.

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#3019960 11-Jan-2023 11:35

I have several of these small single AA-battery Energizer Hard Case torches, and they are great. The are robust and rubberised and come with a clip and a magnet, I have one living on my fridge door. They are cheap and seemingly indestructible. I really like that they use a single AA battery only, not AAA. Highly recommended.

My larger torch is an Energizer Vision HD, 1000 lumens, charges via micro USB and can also act as a power bank with a USB-A socket. Very very bright and robust, can also highly recommend.

Cheers,
Joseph

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#3019985 11-Jan-2023 12:04

josephhinvest: I have several of these small single AA-battery Energizer Hard Case torches, and they are great. The are robust and rubberised and come with a clip and a magnet, I have one living on my fridge door. They are cheap and seemingly indestructible. I really like that they use a single AA battery only, not AAA. Highly recommended.

Cheers,
Joseph

That looks decent, just don't like the fact the bulb is 90 degrees to the stem.

tieke

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#3019993 11-Jan-2023 12:19

Maybe a bit expensive to outfit the entire family with, but I've got a Xiaomi Beebest FZ101 torch that I really like - it was about $40 from aliexpress, is well engineered and definitely bright enough (supposedly 1000lumen). It is USB-C rechargable which I found way more useful than going through AA batteries all the time, and you can use its 2600mAh battery as a powerbank if you need to.

Comes with an optional diffuser cap and a bike attachment. Here's the first youtube video review I spotted.

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#3020042 11-Jan-2023 13:57

tieke:

Maybe a bit expensive to outfit the entire family with, but I've got a Xiaomi Beebest FZ101 torch that I really like.

Looks good - compact, rechargeable and with a replaceable battery [edit: watched the YT video and they say the battery's not replaceable; rules this out for me!]. My main concern would be the minimalist design looks like it could make the torch a bit slippery.

There's another Xiaomi brand called NexTool, and they seem to have a fairly similar model - claimed 1200 lumens, same ability to function as a power bank, but more of a textured surface. It's a similar price, eg https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003792951211.html . [Edit - the other key advantage of this over the Beebest is the ability to replace the battery.]

They also make a more powerful (claimed 2000 lumens!) torch at a similar price (sans power bank feature) which can be bought with two batteries, but it's not nearly as compact, eg https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004899881900.html

Has anyone had experience with either of these torches?

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