Discussion
300bhp/ton said:
Personally never understood the fascination with Fenix models. They seem to be the BMW M3 or Porsche 911 of the flashlight world. I.e .the brand people buy just because other people have.
,,,,,,, there are probably 1000's of different models available.
I knew/know nothing about torches and so there's no point me giving my opinion of it;
but also, as I knew nothing about torches I didn't buy it because of the brand;
I've not shown it to people, I've not been seen out by others with it, I've never mentioned it to my peers and they've never disclosed the brand of their torches to me
.Anyway - I'm off on a trip to the back of beyond and so I need another torch
.Something slightly lighter and smaller which doesn't have to be nearly as powerful
but should have a very good run time when set to a moderate output,
but once again run on NiMH AA cells.
The trouble is as said by 300bhp/ton, "... there are probably 1000's of different models available."
Where to start????? Please don't say CPF - it's SO bewildering!
I know you’ve said AA/NiMH. However it might well be worth considering Li-ion.
For example, a single 18650 Li-ion holds more power than 4xAA NiMH. So will last longer, offer better performance and while being more compact.
If you want to stick with NiMh you have a choice of:
-single AA
-double AA
-4 x AA
-3 or 4 x AAA
There are some truly brilliant AA lights on the market. Very very small. But the reality is, none of them have very good runtimes. And most are not that bright. There are a few expectations, the Zebralight range offer a really high output AA light, but it costs a fortune. And doesn’t do anything for runtimes.
Double AA lights tend to be twice as bright as single AA lights, but usually offer 3 or more times the runtime. But due to their length are not always all that pocket friendly. They are longer than most 18650 Li-ion torches.
As far I as I know, 3 x AA doesn’t seem to be common at all. And 4 x AA as you know, makes for a good torch, but they are a bit chunky and heavy.
Then you are down to AAA lights. While these can often perform ok, they tend to have lower runtimes than many AA lights. Although depends specifically on the model in question.
And while most torches have multi modes, when they have a high output, it’s difficult not to resist using it.
In the 1AA market I currently EDC a Thrunite T10 (I’ve got the titanium one, but the aluminium is just as good). It’s a nice compromise in an AA light. But there are many others on the market. Check out the Zebralights if you want to pay more. The Klarus Mi7 and Olight S series are all nice too.
For 2AA, I have to say, the Mini Mag Pro is actually a good torch. And has the bonus it will work on alkaline batteries quite well too. But it is quite long for a 2AA torch. The Klarus P2A is a bit of an old design, but also very good still.
But there does seem to be a shortage in the budget 2AA market. I think Fenix, Olight and Nitecore all offer something however.
For AAA, the Mag XL series is pretty nice. The XL50 the most likely candidate. Not much bigger than an 18650 light and will generally out perform most 1AA lights. And the Led Lenser P7.2, ups the anti a little and rivals 2AA lights on output, although lower runtime.
The big trouble is. A Convoy S2 or S2+ will set you back about £15 including shipping. And it will outperform all of these with ease. And apart from the 1AA lights would also be the smallest.
18650 for the win really.
Now as another option. There some lights that run on 2 x CR123a. Which if you buy a pack on ebay or the like, actually aren’t too expensive to run. And some of these lights will run on LiFePo4 rechargeable 16340 batteries as an alternative to Li-ion.
EagleTac offer quite a few lights that use this format. I particularly like the D Series lights. Either as a twisty or a clicky torch.
The nice thing is, they are slightly slimmer than an 18650 light, making them barely bigger than a 1AA light, but with superb performance.
2 x CR123a also means they will normally run on a 16650 Li-ion too, should you ever fancy giving Li-ion a go.
The D25C2 is the one to look at IMO and just buy some CR123a’s.
http://www.eagletac.com/html/d25c2m/index.html
For example, a single 18650 Li-ion holds more power than 4xAA NiMH. So will last longer, offer better performance and while being more compact.
If you want to stick with NiMh you have a choice of:
-single AA
-double AA
-4 x AA
-3 or 4 x AAA
There are some truly brilliant AA lights on the market. Very very small. But the reality is, none of them have very good runtimes. And most are not that bright. There are a few expectations, the Zebralight range offer a really high output AA light, but it costs a fortune. And doesn’t do anything for runtimes.
Double AA lights tend to be twice as bright as single AA lights, but usually offer 3 or more times the runtime. But due to their length are not always all that pocket friendly. They are longer than most 18650 Li-ion torches.
As far I as I know, 3 x AA doesn’t seem to be common at all. And 4 x AA as you know, makes for a good torch, but they are a bit chunky and heavy.
Then you are down to AAA lights. While these can often perform ok, they tend to have lower runtimes than many AA lights. Although depends specifically on the model in question.
And while most torches have multi modes, when they have a high output, it’s difficult not to resist using it.
In the 1AA market I currently EDC a Thrunite T10 (I’ve got the titanium one, but the aluminium is just as good). It’s a nice compromise in an AA light. But there are many others on the market. Check out the Zebralights if you want to pay more. The Klarus Mi7 and Olight S series are all nice too.
For 2AA, I have to say, the Mini Mag Pro is actually a good torch. And has the bonus it will work on alkaline batteries quite well too. But it is quite long for a 2AA torch. The Klarus P2A is a bit of an old design, but also very good still.
But there does seem to be a shortage in the budget 2AA market. I think Fenix, Olight and Nitecore all offer something however.
For AAA, the Mag XL series is pretty nice. The XL50 the most likely candidate. Not much bigger than an 18650 light and will generally out perform most 1AA lights. And the Led Lenser P7.2, ups the anti a little and rivals 2AA lights on output, although lower runtime.
The big trouble is. A Convoy S2 or S2+ will set you back about £15 including shipping. And it will outperform all of these with ease. And apart from the 1AA lights would also be the smallest.
18650 for the win really.
Now as another option. There some lights that run on 2 x CR123a. Which if you buy a pack on ebay or the like, actually aren’t too expensive to run. And some of these lights will run on LiFePo4 rechargeable 16340 batteries as an alternative to Li-ion.
EagleTac offer quite a few lights that use this format. I particularly like the D Series lights. Either as a twisty or a clicky torch.
The nice thing is, they are slightly slimmer than an 18650 light, making them barely bigger than a 1AA light, but with superb performance.
2 x CR123a also means they will normally run on a 16650 Li-ion too, should you ever fancy giving Li-ion a go.
The D25C2 is the one to look at IMO and just buy some CR123a’s.
http://www.eagletac.com/html/d25c2m/index.html
Thanks 300bhp/ton; I'll look at your suggestions.
My reason for wanting NiMH AAs is because I've loads of eneloops (and a Maha charger),
but I've just googled Convoy S2+ .... all of £8.49 including shipping from China
.
But this torch is for a trip which will include a few flights, am I going to have problems taking Li-ion batteries with me?
My reason for wanting NiMH AAs is because I've loads of eneloops (and a Maha charger),
but I've just googled Convoy S2+ .... all of £8.49 including shipping from China
.But this torch is for a trip which will include a few flights, am I going to have problems taking Li-ion batteries with me?
Elderly said:
Thanks 300bhp/ton; I'll look at your suggestions.
My reason for wanting NiMH AAs is because I've loads of eneloops (and a Maha charger),
but I've just googled Convoy S2+ .... all of £8.49 including shipping from China.
But this torch is for a trip which will include a few flights, am I going to have problems taking Li-ion batteries with me?
Tbh, I'm not sure about travel with Li-ion. I suspect if you have them in hand luggage it'll be fine. But you'd want to check with whoever you are travelling with.My reason for wanting NiMH AAs is because I've loads of eneloops (and a Maha charger),
but I've just googled Convoy S2+ .... all of £8.49 including shipping from China
.But this torch is for a trip which will include a few flights, am I going to have problems taking Li-ion batteries with me?
Review here of the Convoy:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/37399#node-37399
I'd advise buying either from Simon on Aliexpress (he 'is' Convoy flashlights) or banggood.com
I'd also advise going for a neutral white tint, such a 3B.
I'll have a think about some other AA lights for you.
Mothersruin said:
Looking to upgrade my head torch this winter as it will get heavy use. Looking at a Led Lenser h14.2 rechargeable.
Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
Just out of interest the H14.2 is on an upcoming Amazon Black Friday deal. Starts 8:30 tomorrow. Already down to 55.99.Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
The H14R.2 is down to 98, not showing in a deal as yet.
Previously said have enough torches, but but but hanging nose over that Convoy L6.
Edited by FiF on Tuesday 15th November 11:56
Elderly said:
But this torch is for a trip which will include a few flights, am I going to have problems taking Li-ion batteries with me?
FiF said:
Mothersruin said:
Looking to upgrade my head torch this winter as it will get heavy use. Looking at a Led Lenser h14.2 rechargeable.
Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
Just out of interest the H14.2 is on an upcoming Amazon Black Friday deal. Starts 8:30 tomorrow. Already down to 55.99.Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
The H14R.2 is down to 98, not showing in a deal as yet.
Previously said have enough torches, but but but hanging nose over that Convoy L6.
I
Edited by FiF on Tuesday 15th November 11:56
Mothersruin said:
FiF said:
Mothersruin said:
Looking to upgrade my head torch this winter as it will get heavy use. Looking at a Led Lenser h14.2 rechargeable.
Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
Just out of interest the H14.2 is on an upcoming Amazon Black Friday deal. Starts 8:30 tomorrow. Already down to 55.99.Any experiences from you guys? I've only heard good things and a number of mates use Led Lenser stuff and like them.
The H14R.2 is down to 98, not showing in a deal as yet.
This one appears the same - obviously it's not 5000 lumen - I'd estimate 1000 but the majority of people would be happy with it and it's only £6.90 !
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5000LM-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-...
I have a genuine Lenser torch and a few cheap Chinese ones and TBH I can't really tell the difference.
Edited by V8RX7 on Tuesday 15th November 15:10
300bhp/ton said:
The Convoy L6 is arguably the 'budget' light of the year. Real powerhouse for the money. But physically quite a large light. The new clear anodised one looks great too.
Thanks for that.Size isn't an issue it's for poking out the bedroom window if I hear a noise in the garden or wandering around the woods with the dog.
It's also because my friend made a torch out of a LandRover HID unit and it was brighter than mine on bonfire night.
Mothersruin said:
Had a good play with one, liked the zoom function and plenty bright enough for the latest version. Got a new one for £85 including delivery.
That's interesting, I thought I couldn't recall paying £90 odd from Amazon, and just checked I only paid £83 from Amazon just over a month ago.I'm very pleased with mine, sorry not had chance to take any photos of it in use or anything else so far as yet.
Will get around to it I promise.
nigelpugh7 said:
Mothersruin said:
Had a good play with one, liked the zoom function and plenty bright enough for the latest version. Got a new one for £85 including delivery.
That's interesting, I thought I couldn't recall paying £90 odd from Amazon, and just checked I only paid £83 from Amazon just over a month ago.I'm very pleased with mine, sorry not had chance to take any photos of it in use or anything else so far as yet.
Will get around to it I promise.
nigelpugh7 said:
FiF said:
Out of interest was that the rechargeable one?
Yes indeed, compete with the recharagble battery and charger and extension cable too.It saved us 50 quid on a Philips lighting thing the other day, normally 130, dropped to 79.99 for 6 hours or thereabouts.
nigelpugh7 said:
FiF said:
Out of interest was that the rechargeable one?
Yes indeed, compete with the recharagble battery and charger and extension cable too.I got mine from these guys - http://www.uktoolcentre.co.uk/Shop/p~97360~H14R.2R...
I know they have a robust returns policy should anything crop up.
Can someone recommend a torch for me please?
My brother just informed me he wants "a good, strong, really bright rechargeable torch" for xmas. Itll be used for security work where he has to do ground patrols on nightshifts if this makes a difference.
I know nothing about torches, but a quick bit of research has me looking at the Nitecore MH25GT. Does this fit the bill, or should I be looking at something else? No real budget as such, but probably dont want to spend more than £100.
Thanks
My brother just informed me he wants "a good, strong, really bright rechargeable torch" for xmas. Itll be used for security work where he has to do ground patrols on nightshifts if this makes a difference.
I know nothing about torches, but a quick bit of research has me looking at the Nitecore MH25GT. Does this fit the bill, or should I be looking at something else? No real budget as such, but probably dont want to spend more than £100.
Thanks
PulsatingStar said:
Can someone recommend a torch for me please?
My brother just informed me he wants "a good, strong, really bright rechargeable torch" for xmas. Itll be used for security work where he has to do ground patrols on nightshifts if this makes a difference.
I know nothing about torches, but a quick bit of research has me looking at the Nitecore MH25GT. Does this fit the bill, or should I be looking at something else? No real budget as such, but probably dont want to spend more than £100.
Thanks
Does he want to go Li-ion? Read up on the pro's and risks of Li-ion.My brother just informed me he wants "a good, strong, really bright rechargeable torch" for xmas. Itll be used for security work where he has to do ground patrols on nightshifts if this makes a difference.
I know nothing about torches, but a quick bit of research has me looking at the Nitecore MH25GT. Does this fit the bill, or should I be looking at something else? No real budget as such, but probably dont want to spend more than £100.
Thanks
If so, then the Convoy L6, as mentioned only a few posts up, is a tremendous light.
http://www.banggood.com/Convoy-Clear-L6-XHP70-3800...
If you want to stick with normal batteries, then Maglites are still a good torch, so long as you get the latest ones.
300bhp/ton said:
I wouldn't order from there if you want it for Christmas/at all.Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff