Recommend me a torch

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Recommend me a torch

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#210339 23-Mar-2017 12:38

So it became apparent that our house sucks when it comes to torches. ie we don't have one - well I have an old trucker style Maglite which is more useful as a weapon than anything....

I don't really want to spend a heap (would like to keep it below $50), but would like something that is reasonably good, (waterproof?? maybe), and versatile - ie is it possible to get a torch that can focus light as well as operate somewhat like a lantern (ie spread light)....or is it best to get a lantern and a torch and keep them separate...is it best to get one that is rechargeable or not? I am err'ing on the side of not...but open to either.

Anyhow, I was going to go for a hunt on aliexpress but have heard of things to watch out for in terms of the batteries and stuff...

Any ideas?

Cheers

1 | 2

29746 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1746381 23-Mar-2017 12:58

I recommend a light one.

PaulBags

809 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1746385 23-Mar-2017 13:06

I have a few lights, I like the fancy/expensive ones best but honestly Dolphin LED lights are good, waterproof, and cheap. You could get 2 or 3 for that price, and I'm pretty sure they do a lantern/torch hybrid. Having torches in multiple locations is useful too, so more for the same price is a plus.

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#1746389 23-Mar-2017 13:12

Around Christmas time i picked up a Dolphin sized LED jobbie from K-Mart for $15, came complete with two 6v batteries

I put the second battery in my old dolphin torch and the LED torch put the old dolphin to shame

timmmay

20578 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1746391 23-Mar-2017 13:14

Fenix is a good brand. I got mine on Amazon. You won't get much for $50 from Fenix though. Surefire and Nightcore are two other good brands.

mattwnz

20147 posts

Uber Geek

#1746404 23-Mar-2017 13:37

There are some amazing new maglight sized touches you can buy, that are so bright they will burn things if you get them too close to things. Some though do need special batteries. But as long as they take conventional batteries, I think most will be fine.

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1746411 23-Mar-2017 13:46

Thanks all for the feedback...even the troll ;P

How do you know if they need special batteries or not...what does one need to look out for in that respect?

sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1746426 23-Mar-2017 13:54

I had a Led Lenser P9 for a number of years which I liked a lot. Was about $130.

When I lost it I thought I'd try a chinese cheapie and bought this: http://www.dx.com/p/e17-cree-xm-l-t6-900lm-5-mode-memory-white-led-zoomable-flashlight-w-zooming-bike-mount-black-305630#.WNMbFW996Uk

It's brighter, has a zoom and a floodlight feature, and seems very sturdy. Build quality isn't quite as good as the Led Lenser (which was awesome), and it isn't advertised as waterproof, but has been very satisfactory for $12US free shipping. Glad I didn't splash out for more.

Note: free shipping from DX can take up to a month.

Edit - runs on regular AAA batteries. I opted for ease. I gather the torches that use 'special' batteries are just higher capacity rechargeables. For how infrequently I use my torch, my AAA's last a year or two anyway - or more.

Sharesies kids

Free kids accounts - trade shares and funds (NZ, US) with Sharesies (affiliate link).

trig42

5810 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1746430 23-Mar-2017 14:02

I have about 3 or 4 torches from DX, all different, all very bright.

A couple live in my bag at all times (so get bounced around a fair bit), the rest in the drawers at home.

They are all 18650 LI batteries (which I also got from DX) and the batteries seem to last quite a long time (I also got a charger from them).

I have had one dud from DX - they sent a replacement after I sent them a photo (what they got from a photo of a non-working torch I don't know, but I got a replacement anyway). Postage went via Sweden or Norway if I recall for the second lot I got - because of the batteries I gather.

Dulouz

883 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1746480 23-Mar-2017 15:24

I had an old Maglite which I recently upgraded with LED kit. Battery life is heaps better now.

Amanon

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1746483 23-Mar-2017 15:28

I went to a closing down $2+ style shop and picked up a couple of 9 LED torches for $2 each....took AAA's. Had them sitting around the house. Actually worked damn well.

Until I lost them..... probably find them buried in a draw somewhere...

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

LinkTree

tdgeek

29746 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1746484 23-Mar-2017 15:29

E3xtc:

Thanks all for the feedback...even the troll ;P

How do you know if they need special batteries or not...what does one need to look out for in that respect?

Cheers LOL. Been a long day!

toyonut

1508 posts

Uber Geek

#1746488 23-Mar-2017 15:36

I just buy the plastic LED torches from bunnings. All I can remember is it is red. It was abuot $15 and it is a brand name one, maybe an EverReady. I will check when I get home. Works great though and it really bright.

I have had a bunch of the cheap ally ones you get in bargain bins and from Supercheap and Repco and they are almost always useless.

A co-worker got me an LED lenser P5 when I left my previous job. It goes everywhere with me alongside my leatherman. It is the coolest torch I have ever had. I don't know what it costs though.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

fishandchips

40 posts

Geek

ID Verified

#1746526 23-Mar-2017 16:36

If you want to spend a little more then check out these on Aliexpress. They are designed with the help of NZ hunters.

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170322193320&SearchText=maxtoch

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek

#1746576 23-Mar-2017 19:06

I bought a couple of LED torches off alix,

For twenty bucks (NZ) I got a torch that looks just like those navy seal tactical flashlights in all the spam ads. Solid metal body.

You can focus the beam tight or spread it wide.

That torch will work with 3 AAA cells or one big 18650 Lithium cell.

Included in the deal were two 18650 Lithium cells as well as an adapter that would allow me to use three AAA cells instead.

Also included was a charger for the Lithiums. I can use the charger off the mains - it came with a Kiwi plug - or in the car - it also came with a car plug.

What is not to like?

Athlonite

1828 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1746741 24-Mar-2017 05:21

Grab yaself 5 of these

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/zk50-CREE-XM-L-T6-led-tactical-flashlight-5000Lm-zoomable-torch-for-Hunting-battery-Remote-Switch/32770842005.html?scm=1007.13338.78123.000000000000000&pvid=61539f6c-c476-4320-bb9e-c8e060bd1b16&tpp=1

they're on special for $8.99

1 | 2