Good LED torch and LED head torch

[Kaido]

Hey,

Looking for a good smallish led torch and head torch, can anyone recommended me anything with a decent battery life and brightness

Cheers

[VZ_V8]

How small are you talking?

Thrunite - TI2 (72mm x 14mm) - 1x AAA battery

Thrunite - Saber 1C (65mm x 20mm) - 1x CR123A battery

XinTD - C8 the 1C chip is the way to go IMO (155(length) x 25(body) x 45(head)) - 1x 18650 battery


Can make other suggestions, let me know size and if you are happy to buy rechargeable batteries and charger to go with it or whether you just want standard AA, AAA etc. FYI two 18650 batteries and charger would be ~$20...

Don't get LED Lenser. They are way overpriced and not that good.

[Kaido]

I am using it for night time rock clicking, so ideally i think to be able to put it on my pocket or clip it to my harness so something not to bulky would be good.

just google the XinTD c8 and that looks the good, would want something rechargeable than buying bulk batteries.

any suggestion for a head light?

[viet_boi]

Got myself one of these:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Adjustable-Zoom-CREE-LED-7W-Flashlight-Torch-18650-AAA-/110722029694?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torc hes&hash=item19c78c187e

Bright as fuck, shines a pretty far distances and cheap.
would recommend.

[VZ_V8]

A lot of brands make a C8 but the XinTD one is the best by far! Get it from intloutdoor LINK (http://intl-outdoor.com/xintd-c8-v4-xml2-t6-18650-flashlight-p-308.html) You can also choose the configuration you want with it, I went 3 modes with the 1C tint which is generally brighter but whiter.

For a charger look at a Xtar WP2 II (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/XTAR-WP2-II-14500-18650-18700-3-7v-USB-Battery-Charger-/320912027646?pt=AU_Electronics_Batteries_Chargers&hash=item4ab7d8effe&_uhb=1) or if you want something cheaper I haven't had any problems with my Ultrafire WF-139 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ultrafire-Charger-WF-139-14500-17670-18650-Battery-/320912037000?pt=AU_Electronics_Batteries_Chargers&hash=item4ab7d91488&_uhb=1)

Batteries you can either get expensive ones like Samsung (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2pcs-Samsung-ICR-18650-28A-2800mAh-3-7V-Protected-Li-ion-Rechargeable-Battery-/251059093712?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item3a7449c0d0&_uhb=1) or I use Trustfire Flames (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290714539642?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649), just make sure you buy protected cells.

I haven't had much experience with headlamps... Are you looking for something which is very bright, or something which is just compact and bright enough to see in front of you?

[huggy_b]

I like LED lenser headlights, I use them for fishing a lot and Ive never had an issue with them.

[S85FI]

Gerber M Flashlight, one AA battery and lasts ages. O rings seals on all openings so no problems outside. Has lanyard loop and belt - Pen clip. Ignore Military only - there are some shops in Perth that Stock it and around $70. Toughest small torch you will ever come across. Has four lenses colours, White, Blue, Red and Green (Yeh yeh.. you won't need the colours I get it but if one LED goes you have 3 others).

http://au.gerbergear.com/content/search?SearchText=Lights&tool_type=Lights&force_type=1

Headlamps go for Petzl. A little expensive but dam good. I have the Elite. About $60 and the case it comes in is smaller than a chicken egg. Head lamp is about the size of a 50c coinn. Has two light power modes and will go for about 17 hours on low power. You can get bigger models that take a bigger battery. You won't know this thing is on your head.

http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/super-compact

Energizer one is cheap around $30, heavy and anoying. Good light, but not as good as the Petz.
http://www.energizer.com/flashlights-lighting/flashlights/headlight/Pages/default.aspx

[S85FI]

I am using it for night time rock clicking, so ideally i think to be able to put it on my pocket or clip it to my harness so something not to bulky would be good.

just google the XinTD c8 and that looks the good, would want something rechargeable than buying bulk batteries.

any suggestion for a head light?

Telsonic Imports for batteries. You get them by the card or box load. Insanely cheap. eg, those CR+ type batteries a card of 10 is like $3.

[bgtx3]

LED LENSER all the way for me! Very strong construction, very bright/adjustable beam. Would however have spare batteries at hand.

[Evman]

How small are you talking?

Thrunite - TI2 (72mm x 14mm) - 1x AAA battery

Thrunite - Saber 1C (65mm x 20mm) - 1x CR123A battery

XinTD - C8 the 1C chip is the way to go IMO (155(length) x 25(body) x 45(head)) - 1x 18650 battery


Can make other suggestions, let me know size and if you are happy to buy rechargeable batteries and charger to go with it or whether you just want standard AA, AAA etc. FYI two 18650 batteries and charger would be ~$20...

Don't get LED Lenser. They are way overpriced and not that good.

DO NOT ENCOURAGE THIS MAN

He has a serious medical condition manifesting as an addiction to buying LED torches. Tim, your therapist will not be happy :p

[RICEY]

Don't get LED Lenser. They are way overpriced and not that good.

I got a LED Lenser and the thing is fucking awesome. It out shone my mates hand held flood light and its only a small torch. I got it for work but also take it camping for the killer brightness of it. Have dropped it many times and it doesnt break.

Mine's an L7, got it from wellington surplus for about $40 I think.

[RICEY]

Yep still 39.95 http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/showProduct/lighting/led-lenser-flashlights/ZL7058/Led-Lenser-L7-Flashlight-%96-Polycarbonate-%96-Model-ZL7058

[VZ_V8]

I got a LED Lenser and the thing is fucking awesome. It out shone my mates hand held flood light and its only a small torch. I got it for work but also take it camping for the killer brightness of it. Have dropped it many times and it doesnt break.

Mine's an L7, got it from wellington surplus for about $40 I think.

$40 for 115 lumens output and a tiny reflector as against the XinTD C8 which has 1050 lumens assuming you go for the XM-L2 T6 1C chip for $29.95 with IPX-8 waterproof rating.

You can buy a Thrunite 1C Saber which is only 65mm long with more than double the output of an L7 and IPX-8 waterproof rating and toughened glass lens in an alloy body for less money as well.

You can't compare a flood light to a small focused light, I have a Thrunite TN31 torch which is only a smallish handheld torch but has an ANSI tested 840m beam throw and almost 1200lm output but my smaller cheaper torch will flood an immediate area with more light.


I will standby my comments that LED Lenser are overpriced and under performing when you compare them to any decent light out there.

[VZ_V8]

DO NOT ENCOURAGE THIS MAN

He has a serious medical condition manifesting as an addiction to buying LED torches. Tim, your therapist will not be happy :p

hahaha i wouldn't go that far...

[RICEY]

I will standby my comments that LED Lenser are overpriced and under performing when you compare them to any decent light out there.

It does exactly what I want it to at the level that satisfies me at a price Im more than happy to pay. $40 for a decent torch is nothing unless you're jewish.

And lumens mean fuck all, thats been proven many times.

[VZ_V8]

I'm sure it does do what you want and most people would be happy with them. What i'm saying is you can get far better for cheaper and since the question was asked I'm saying what I think.

Of course it doesn't mean everything... The material of the pill (what the chip is mounted on), the way it is mounted in the body, the quality of the driver, the reflector - width, depth, finish.. They all play just as important part. However a chip with a higher lumen output, assuming it is supported with a decent reflector and driver is always going to be brighter than a lower lumen output chip.

The $29.95 C8 has a flawless reflector finish, a proper Nanjg 105C 2.8A regulated driver, a large threaded brass pill and has CREE's highest output chip (XM-L2)

[S85FI]

also take it camping for the killer brightness of it.

My Camping torch - this bad boy puts a beam from one end of Waroona Dam to the other side.... awesome light...

http://www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=8060

*wait for AL smart ass comments to follow....

[millzy_88]

LED Lenser definitely seem to be the brightest cap lamps. Like being on the surface the amount of light they kick out.

[Faz]

Yep led lenser are awesome. When adjusted beam is insanely bright. Just chews the bettery.also has different modes like energy saving where it halves brightness. And all sorts of flashing sequences

[RELEASE]

DO NOT ENCOURAGE THIS MAN

He has a serious medical condition manifesting as an addiction to buying LED torches. Tim, your therapist will not be happy :pbahaha I think Evan's right, Tim......think you have a problem lol
In a couple posts you turned a simply torch concept into a rocket ship :p

I'm finding myself buying the stuff you recommended yet I don't know why

[VZ_V8]

bahaha I think Evan's right, Tim......think you have a problem lol
In a couple posts you turned a simply torch concept into a rocket ship :p

I'm finding myself buying the stuff you recommended yet I don't know why

haha you will soon see why when you get one. Trust me, if you got one of those C8s you won't be disappointed. For the price they are one of the best torches out there. This is a beam shot from a previous version which has a lower output chip in it than the one currently available...

http://i1157.photobucket.com/albums/p585/PokkyPB/XinTDC8_1.jpg

[DESAM8+PANIK]

anything running a "Cree" LED bulb .......... these things burn small animals and children at 200m ... well sort ............ farking bright in a head lamp

[volt_bite]

VZ_V8, whats a good torch that can handle some underwater activities and also has a rechargeable battery? Only need to be water proof for a few metres.

Probably a bit overpriced, but I was looking at Underwater Kinetics or Bigblue. Ideally if I can get something a lot cheaper that a full blown diving torch then that would be good.

I have a Petzl headlamp, courtesy of Rio Tinto xD

[Trolley]

This is a good "head torch" for different purposes...

http://player.hu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/kepatmeretezes_hu_T1TyvMXkNrXXbO6os8_0721322.jpg

CREE Q5 Baseball Bat Flashlight - $20. Bargain!

[VZ_V8]

VZ_V8, whats a good torch that can handle some underwater activities and also has a rechargeable battery? Only need to be water proof for a few metres.

Probably a bit overpriced, but I was looking at Underwater Kinetics or Bigblue. Ideally if I can get something a lot cheaper that a full blown diving torch then that would be good.

I have a Petzl headlamp, courtesy of Rio Tinto xD

PM Sent

[Lmx]

PM Sent
Post here, also interested in underwater torches, mainly just for snorkelling and what not..

[VZ_V8]

Hey mate,

There are a few options available for dive torches. Unfortunately once you add dive to the title the price jumps pretty quickly. Personally I would stick to ones made from aluminium over polycarbonate. Whilst the PC ones will cope better with shock etc they are shithouse for heat conduction. LED torches have a step down point which happens when they get to a certain temperature, for the high powered ones this will happen after only a few minutes of use, whilst it is not a huge step down it is noticeable, it does it to cool itself down. The good aluminium torches have the led mounted to a threaded pill which will allow the entire body of the torch to act as a heatsink which prolongs the use you can get before the step down occurs. Just make sure you don't drop it because it ain't going to float!

Depending on how much you want to spend and how much output you want will determine what you can get.

At the lower end price bracket, but with still a lot of light output you could go for either a Trustfire TR-J1 or TR-J2. They are the same torch but the TR-J2 has a battery extension tube allowing you to run two batteries instead of one, purely to achieve a longer run time. They are proper dive torches and their stated rating is 100m. Personally I wouldn't take it to that but anything up to what an advanced dive ticket allows should be fine (30m).

Trustfire TR-J1 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TrustFire-TR-J1-Diving-1000Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Waterproof-100m-/350543495053?pt=AU_Scuba_Diving_Snorkelling&hash=item519e053f8d&_uhb=1)

Trustfire TR-J2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TrustFire-TR-J2-Diving-1000Lm-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Waterproof-100m-/181120533920?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item2a2ba005a0&_uhb=1)

From there you could go to another Trustfire but a larger one with with a shit ton more output and a much bigger flood beam.

TR-DF003 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Diving-Flashlight-TR-DF003-3-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-5-mode-3000LM-Led-Torch-Flashlight-/121106903245?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item1c3288b0cd&_uhb=1)

For something which is more compact and would be regarded as a better quality torch you could go for something like this... Bear in mind it comes with the charger and batteries which does make up part of the extra cost

XTAR - D06 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/XTAR-D06-DIVE-LIGHT-TORCH-CREE-LED-D06-T6-SET-60M-DIVING-HIKING-UNDER-WATER-/171029569632?pt=AU_Scuba_Diving_Snorkelling&hash=item27d2282060&_uhb=1)

For a charger which is really versatile as it will virtually charge everything get a Nitecore I2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nitecore-i2-Intellicharge-Universal-Battery-Charger-RCR123A-26650-18650-AA-AAA-/390536240541?pt=AU_Electronics_Batteries_Chargers&hash=item5aedc61d9d&_uhb=1)

For a cheaper charger get an Ultrafire WF-139 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ultrafire-Charger-WF-139-14500-17670-18650-Battery-/250787267064?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item3a641601f8&_uhb=1). That charger would not be suitable for the 26650 batteries which the TR-DF003 torch uses if you went that route.

For batteries in an 18650 the best ones would be protected Samsung cells like the ICR18650s (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2pcs-Samsung-ICR-18650-28A-2800mAh-3-7V-Protected-Li-ion-Rechargeable-Battery-/251059093712?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item3a7449c0d0&_uhb=1).

The cheaper alternative would be Trustfire Flames (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290714539642?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

They would be my choices if I was looking for a dive torch.

Cheers,
Tim


Followed up my message with this video of the TR-J1 being used underwater. Also in a review of the TR-J1 the guy put it into a pressure chamber and ran it for 15 minutes at 65m without any leaks. Not bad for an XM-L equipped torch which only costs $30!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNxeObSmVvQ

[mxracer]

jump on ebay , anything with cree t6 led , and 18650 lion
is going to burn eyeballs .

use ebay junk to go night riding on mtb .. better then headlights on car and last about 3hrs ( for the 4 cell pack i got )

[uzx83]

VZ_V8 do you have any suggestions for a LED rechargeable torch?
i know you dont like LED LENSER but this is what i was looking at

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LED-LENSER-M7R-RECHARGABLE-TORCH-FOCUS-220-LUMENS-/270682811646?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torc hes&hash=item3f05f3ecfe&_uhb=1

[Fozzy]

VZ_V8 is probably a better authority on it than me. However a few of the guys are work are using these

http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=30&tid=12&cid=1#.UaGMBCsY3XE

They seem to be getting a good run and enjoying the performance of them.. Personally I prefer the slightly smaller C8 style lights and just changing the batteries over when needed. I would imagine you would get a better life cycle from the batteries this way aswell.

[s1mon]

'uzx83' Thats the 'M7R'. Best smaller torch you will buy unless you get batteries supplied free of charge. I strongly recommend it. Mine is still going strong even after being both run over by a bobcat and dropped from the top of a WA1200.

The H7 Lenser headlamp is great but chews through the batteries. My favourite is the Petzl headlamp. It has a good throw and excellent battery use. Its also by far the most comfortable ive used

[uzx83]

Great thanks for the feedback sounds positive, I will be using it at work (Diesel mechanic)

[VZ_V8]

VZ_V8 do you have any suggestions for a LED rechargeable torch?


Honestly, I have not looked into rechargeable options very much. Given the limited range available and the extra price associated with them I have always just gone the option of charging the batteries myself.

In saying that there are a few which I know of which are of very high quality and are mentioned a fair bit.

The compact option is the Klarus RS11 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/KLARUS-RS11-CREE-XM-L-U2-620-Lm-18650-IPX-8-USB-Rechargeable-LED-Flashlight-/290841749460?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torc hes&hash=item43b784e7d4&_uhb=1) which is supposed to be a very good single 18650 torch. You buy a rechargeable 18650 for it then the charger is built in to the torch. Uses an XM-L U2 emitter which has a greater output than the T6 version and has a light orange peel reflector which smooths out the beam.

Not sure of your budget or what size you are after, but for a pretty serious light with some massive output the Nitecore TM15 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rechargeable-CREE-XM-L-LED-Torch-NITECORE-Tiny-Monster-TM15-2450-lumens-/130894294534?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item1e79e86e06&_uhb=1) would be one of the best.

The Fenix that Fozzy linked would be my other suggestion. Fenix make awesome quality lights.

But as I say, they are only ones I have heard about and seen pop up a few times, rechargeable options aren't nearly as popular as the non rechargeable ones.


Cheers,
Tim

[uzx83]

Thanks heaps Tim, will look into them, appreciate the info you share.