What torch would you recommend?
Discussion
A couple of observations re: LED Lenser. Their lumen figures (being German) are realistic, whereas a vast amount of those boasting 1000 lumens are nearly always the rated output of the LED emitter - two very very different measurements. I have a 120 lumen H7 headtorch which is virtually as bright as a 700 lumen dealtime extreme torch.
Lensers are the torch of choice by most UK MR and SAR teams - their key requirement being idiot and bash proof. They manage to balance output and duration extremely well - I have three of their torches and have tested them under some pretty harsh conditions when on mountain rescue duty - submerged, dropped onto rocks, working in -10C conditions.
For your needs you would be far better with their H7 headtorch:
If you want more power the next model up is much brighter but bulkier and heavier - I have one of these as well as it has a much longer throw, which is useful for searching for missing persons - but I have to say the H7 is the better general use torch.
To give you an idea, in our MR team 95% of the team now have Lensers and I know of only one failure and that was an out of the box manufacturing fault. If they work when you first switch them on, then they typically work for ever.
ETA Because I appear to have had a stroke and written some gobbledygook sentences.
Lensers are the torch of choice by most UK MR and SAR teams - their key requirement being idiot and bash proof. They manage to balance output and duration extremely well - I have three of their torches and have tested them under some pretty harsh conditions when on mountain rescue duty - submerged, dropped onto rocks, working in -10C conditions.
For your needs you would be far better with their H7 headtorch:
- It has a fast focus system and can project a useful light beam for 20m.
- It has brightness control which means you can wind it back so as not to dazzle yourself when looking at something up close.
- It takes standard AAA batteries which means that you don't have to worry about whether your cells are still charged or where you'll get some fresh ones from.
- It's weather proof
- It's extremely light
- It comes in a neoprene pouch that won't rattle in your glovebox.
- I've had mind a couple of years and it's still going strong and used a lot.
- It'll burn all night if you drop the brightness
If you want more power the next model up is much brighter but bulkier and heavier - I have one of these as well as it has a much longer throw, which is useful for searching for missing persons - but I have to say the H7 is the better general use torch.
To give you an idea, in our MR team 95% of the team now have Lensers and I know of only one failure and that was an out of the box manufacturing fault. If they work when you first switch them on, then they typically work for ever.
ETA Because I appear to have had a stroke and written some gobbledygook sentences.
Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 9th August 15:44
Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 9th August 15:45
ive also brought several 900 lumens and other torches off deal extreme, and have been mightly impressed with the UltraFire and Eastward brands they supply
http://www.dealextreme.com/c/18650-cree-flashlight...
http://www.dealextreme.com/c/18650-cree-flashlight...
Edited by Viper on Tuesday 9th August 16:35
I think you need a Surefire with Crenellated Strike-bezel in case things turn ugly...
Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
Edited by Disastrous on Tuesday 9th August 15:52
JFReturns said:
Silvs said:
jcborden said:
I'd go for an LED Lenser T7.
I've had mine for a year or so and use it all the time in work, it's taken a battering and still works perfectly.Not too badly priced either, well recommended.
Highly recommended.
Disastrous said:
I think you need a Surefire with Crenellated Strike-bezel in case things turn ugly...
Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
That guy sounds SO awesome.Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
Edited by Disastrous on Tuesday 9th August 15:52
thehappyotter said:
Used one at work for some time. It's been dropped down stairs, in puddles, covered in blood, had cups of tea spilled on it and, despite looking rather scratched and battered, works exactly as it did the day it came out of the box.
Highly recommended.
I use a T7 as a cycle light; completely changed cycling in the dark, and it's interesting to have a torch which I need to dim when other road users are approaching!Highly recommended.
MikeGTi said:
Disastrous said:
I think you need a Surefire with Crenellated Strike-bezel in case things turn ugly...
Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
That guy sounds SO awesome.Just look at this customer testimonial from their website:
[i]I often go walking late at night; I enjoy the cool, calm air and the peace and quiet. One night, I was out for a stroll, my SureFire E2D LED Defender® and my laser pointer in my pocket, when I came upon a group of four males, all 18-20 years old, harassing and annoying a young lady. I shouted at them and told them to leave the woman alone. Two of them stopped the woman from leaving, and the other two approached me.
As the two males approached me, it was clear they were looking for confrontation. So I immediately drew my E2D LED with my right hand, held it like a pistol, and blasted out its max output. This really made them stop in their tracks. Then I pulled out my laser pointer and pointed that at them. The two males were dazzled, shocked, and had to sit down to absorb what had just happened. I then approached the two males who were continuing to harass and annoy the young women. I was concerned this was a potential rape in the making. After seeing what had happened to their chums, they said, "We're not looking for any trouble," and became very passive. I said, "That's funny, because before I pulled out my torch and laser pointer, you were itching for a fight, and were hassling this lady."
The males ran off, and I helped the lady back to her house. She said to me, "That was incredible, like something out of a movie." I replied, "These things don't always have such a good ending. I will be reporting this to the police; they just walked right under a CCTV camera at the library."
Before waving goodbye, the lady asked what make of torch I had. I said, "SureFire." She didn't even mention the laser pointer.
Peter G.
Longniddry, UK[/i]
Bam! Just like that. Imagine having to 'sit down and absorb what happened'...
ETA - Why won't the quote italicise?
Edited by Disastrous on Tuesday 9th August 15:52
I am a full-on torch nut.
IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Arif110 said:
I am a full-on torch nut.
IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Oh go on - you know you want to!IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Just bought 2x Surefire E2DL's this week plus a Terralux 600 Lumen upgrade for my Maglite D-Cell.
The defenders are simply awesome.
Arif110 said:
I am a full-on torch nut.
IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Please do tell us about your collection!IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Arif110 said:
I am a full-on torch nut.
IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
Whilst Fenix are a very good brand, I have to disagree with your summary of Lenser. If they were as poor as you suggest then they wouldn't have been adopted by most of the mountain rescue teams in the UK. They are very robust and bright enough with superb run times, so whether they use constant current circuitry (which their newer stuff does actually) or not is irrelevant. The one thing they do have which Fenix doesn't is a proprietary quick focus system which is of much much more practical use than CCC.IMHO - LED Lenser's do not deploy the latest technology (e.g. constant-current circuitry, nor the latest versions of a given LED) but, like French car manufacturers - they are very good at marketing.
Fenix all the way.
Can highly recommend www.thetorchsite.co.uk (Alun there, also a torch nut).
And I fully recognise that this isn't a 'brightest torch' thread - most Fenixes are versatile enough to work as both (close-work plus walking/searching).
Your best bet will likely be any of their 2AA lights.
I could go on about my collection, but I won't (not just Fenixes).
Arif!
There is so much b
ks written on the likes of Candlepower forums by people who have a huge torch collection but never actually use them beyond beam pattern shots in their back garden. I, along with my fellow team members, have used lensers on night searches in the middle of winter in below zero temperatures where it has been sleeting horizontally and not once have any of them let us down. And the benefit of being able to quickly switch from flood - to see where you are going - to spot to see whether that outline on the horizon is the person you are searching for is very very useful.
if all you need a torch for is looking under a bonnet then i can thoroughly recommend a Fenix E05.
takes a single AAA, is tiny, twist head on/off, runs forever, and is plenty bright enough to do most things. not very much 'throw' but then thats not what its meant for. perfect for odd jobs, walking home after dark etc. its like a supercharged maglite solitaire.
Always worth looking on Heinnie Haynes (www.heinnie.com), they've got a very large selection of torches, and have brilliant customer service. Also the free postage usually arrives next day.
Not an employee, no relation to, etc etc, just a happy customer.
takes a single AAA, is tiny, twist head on/off, runs forever, and is plenty bright enough to do most things. not very much 'throw' but then thats not what its meant for. perfect for odd jobs, walking home after dark etc. its like a supercharged maglite solitaire.
Always worth looking on Heinnie Haynes (www.heinnie.com), they've got a very large selection of torches, and have brilliant customer service. Also the free postage usually arrives next day.
Not an employee, no relation to, etc etc, just a happy customer.
I bought a cheap (no more than £10) LED one from Tesco a while back. The surprising part was it had a cree LED in it. Absolutely craps all over my old D-cell maglite both for brightness and battery life!
Don't think you need to go hunting around forums and 'specialist' torch manufacturers. Off-the-shelf cheap stuff isn't so bad any more!
Don't think you need to go hunting around forums and 'specialist' torch manufacturers. Off-the-shelf cheap stuff isn't so bad any more!
rhinochopig said:
Whilst Fenix are a very good brand, I have to disagree with your summary of Lenser. If they were as poor as you suggest then they wouldn't have been adopted by most of the mountain rescue teams in the UK. They are very robust and bright enough with superb run times, so whether they use constant current circuitry (which their newer stuff does actually) or not is irrelevant. The one thing they do have which Fenix doesn't is a proprietary quick focus system which is of much much more practical use than CCC.
There is so much bks written on the likes of Candlepower forums by people who have a huge torch collection but never actually use them beyond beam pattern shots in their back garden.
I, along with my fellow team members, have used lensers on night searches in the middle of winter in below zero temperatures where it has been sleeting horizontally and not once have any of them let us down. And the benefit of being able to quickly switch from flood - to see where you are going - to spot to see whether that outline on the horizon is the person you are searching for is very very useful.
I've bought a Lenser T7 on your recommendation, but I cannot locate the strobe function which is shown on all the packaging and having tried to locate their web site am none the wiser. Any ideas as to how I activate this feature or doesn't it have one?There is so much b
ks written on the likes of Candlepower forums by people who have a huge torch collection but never actually use them beyond beam pattern shots in their back garden. I, along with my fellow team members, have used lensers on night searches in the middle of winter in below zero temperatures where it has been sleeting horizontally and not once have any of them let us down. And the benefit of being able to quickly switch from flood - to see where you are going - to spot to see whether that outline on the horizon is the person you are searching for is very very useful.
JCW said:
rhinochopig said:
Whilst Fenix are a very good brand, I have to disagree with your summary of Lenser. If they were as poor as you suggest then they wouldn't have been adopted by most of the mountain rescue teams in the UK. They are very robust and bright enough with superb run times, so whether they use constant current circuitry (which their newer stuff does actually) or not is irrelevant. The one thing they do have which Fenix doesn't is a proprietary quick focus system which is of much much more practical use than CCC.
There is so much bks written on the likes of Candlepower forums by people who have a huge torch collection but never actually use them beyond beam pattern shots in their back garden.
I, along with my fellow team members, have used lensers on night searches in the middle of winter in below zero temperatures where it has been sleeting horizontally and not once have any of them let us down. And the benefit of being able to quickly switch from flood - to see where you are going - to spot to see whether that outline on the horizon is the person you are searching for is very very useful.
I've bought a Lenser T7 on your recommendation, but I cannot locate the strobe function which is shown on all the packaging and having tried to locate their web site am none the wiser. Any ideas as to how I activate this feature or doesn't it have one?There is so much b
ks written on the likes of Candlepower forums by people who have a huge torch collection but never actually use them beyond beam pattern shots in their back garden. I, along with my fellow team members, have used lensers on night searches in the middle of winter in below zero temperatures where it has been sleeting horizontally and not once have any of them let us down. And the benefit of being able to quickly switch from flood - to see where you are going - to spot to see whether that outline on the horizon is the person you are searching for is very very useful.
Their customer care is pretty good though. If it says it does it and it doesn't send it back and get a refund if your not happy.
That said I've never found a use for a strobe function TBH. I either want full beam or partial and that's it but if you have a need for it then I would call their customer care.
Sorry your not happy (as you bought on my recommendation) but everyone I know who has them - circa 20 odd member of the MR team (me included) - all think they're a great product, but then we don't use strobes.
Just found my oar again...
I can concede the further points made on the Lensers - esp say the 'zoom' function, but the (impractical) purist in me just has a problem with a beam focused with front-of-source optics.
As to their being used extensively by professional forces - well the great thing here is that we live in an Age where there's almost no such thing as a 'crap' car, or phone, or torch - the base level for many such goods are 'very good'. You know - what with iPhones and Hunter fans being made in China, and all that.
Further though, you'll often find that it's pure accident that a certain product got taken up by a large group like that.
My collection consists of a few Fenixes: LD01s (plus stainless steel version), LD10 R5s, LD20 R4s and R5s, the TK41, and the TK45. And the Olight SR90!
The LD20s (2xAA) are deployed as glovebox lights for me and the Mrs' car. I do have also in my car a 6-Cell Maglite with the 300M-EX LED upgrade (made it a great walking-light, too).
I always have either an LD10 or LD20 on me somehow, and of course the LD01 as keychain for parents' housekeys (single AAA). I've made the Mrs use one of the LD01s as a key-fob. She's already reported it being useful once, esp as Winter approaches!
I use the TK45 the most out of the lot - from checking up on baby (decent 'Low' of about 11 lumens, IIRC), to walking.
The TK41 was attained 'randomly' - wouldn't have bought it per se - it's comparable to the Olight SR90 on 'Low' - and an equally tight beam (great for searching for lost dog in field/lamping)
The SR90 I got because I don't drink, smoke or spend too much on anything else! It's completely fecking useless in day-to-day life, but I do walk in local forests at night to get to dark spots quite deep inside for astronomy - and I do feel 'armed' with the SR90 slung on my shoulder, pointing forwards.
On the theme of bright light-sources, I also have a few green lasers - no, not from 'Wicked' lasers!! A certified post-2-minute 800mw, is my best so far. The size of a 3-Cell Maglite, 100% duty-cycle, and fan-cooled. Fecking stupendous at night - what with a laterally-visible beam. I get them from a boutique specialist, bunch of dudes based in Toronto, Canada (Laserglow Technologies). Think SVS subwoofers - that's pretty-much how it felt to be at Laserglow's offices. Run by enthusiasts.
I used to hate living in my Age until LED, laser and model jet engine technology became what it is today - affordable and accessible.
I can concede the further points made on the Lensers - esp say the 'zoom' function, but the (impractical) purist in me just has a problem with a beam focused with front-of-source optics.
As to their being used extensively by professional forces - well the great thing here is that we live in an Age where there's almost no such thing as a 'crap' car, or phone, or torch - the base level for many such goods are 'very good'. You know - what with iPhones and Hunter fans being made in China, and all that.
Further though, you'll often find that it's pure accident that a certain product got taken up by a large group like that.
My collection consists of a few Fenixes: LD01s (plus stainless steel version), LD10 R5s, LD20 R4s and R5s, the TK41, and the TK45. And the Olight SR90!
The LD20s (2xAA) are deployed as glovebox lights for me and the Mrs' car. I do have also in my car a 6-Cell Maglite with the 300M-EX LED upgrade (made it a great walking-light, too).
I always have either an LD10 or LD20 on me somehow, and of course the LD01 as keychain for parents' housekeys (single AAA). I've made the Mrs use one of the LD01s as a key-fob. She's already reported it being useful once, esp as Winter approaches!
I use the TK45 the most out of the lot - from checking up on baby (decent 'Low' of about 11 lumens, IIRC), to walking.
The TK41 was attained 'randomly' - wouldn't have bought it per se - it's comparable to the Olight SR90 on 'Low' - and an equally tight beam (great for searching for lost dog in field/lamping)
The SR90 I got because I don't drink, smoke or spend too much on anything else! It's completely fecking useless in day-to-day life, but I do walk in local forests at night to get to dark spots quite deep inside for astronomy - and I do feel 'armed' with the SR90 slung on my shoulder, pointing forwards.
On the theme of bright light-sources, I also have a few green lasers - no, not from 'Wicked' lasers!! A certified post-2-minute 800mw, is my best so far. The size of a 3-Cell Maglite, 100% duty-cycle, and fan-cooled. Fecking stupendous at night - what with a laterally-visible beam. I get them from a boutique specialist, bunch of dudes based in Toronto, Canada (Laserglow Technologies). Think SVS subwoofers - that's pretty-much how it felt to be at Laserglow's offices. Run by enthusiasts.
I used to hate living in my Age until LED, laser and model jet engine technology became what it is today - affordable and accessible.
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