Discussion
Any suggestions on lightweight rechargeable head torches? Planning to continue running home from work over the winter and while my Petzl Tikka is great, I think I'd get through a lot of batteries.
My wife's got a Silva Trail Runner 2 which will probably be my default option if I don't spot something better first.
My wife's got a Silva Trail Runner 2 which will probably be my default option if I don't spot something better first.
bingybongy said:
Mini Flashlight, Rcool 2000LM CREE Q5 3 Modes LED Torch Zoomable AA/14500 Battery (Not Included) Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KJHRIIU/ref=cm_sw_r...
Cheers for pointing these out, I bought 3 after seeing them mentioned here, they took a couple of weeks to arrive from China but very impressed for less than £2.50 a pop! With an AA battery they're not quite as bright as my trusty Pop Lite T34 (Lenser P7 clone) so I'd estimate they output perhaps 150-180 lumens, but for the price you can't go wrong. They still feel reasonably well made, the zoom works fine and they're tiny in comparison to the Pop Lite so ideal for dotting around the house and leaving in the car in case of winter breakdowns etc.RizzoTheRat said:
Any suggestions on lightweight rechargeable head torches? Planning to continue running home from work over the winter and while my Petzl Tikka is great, I think I'd get through a lot of batteries.
My wife's got a Silva Trail Runner 2 which will probably be my default option if I don't spot something better first.
I've got 3 running headtorches:My wife's got a Silva Trail Runner 2 which will probably be my default option if I don't spot something better first.
1. Nitecore HC30. 1000 lumens/18650 battery. Standard training headtorch; battery lasts forever even on bright.
2. Skilhunt H03 (modded, weight 80g total) - 1200 lumens/18350 battery. Modded for ultras - see below.
3. Nitecore NU20 - 360 lumens/built in battery.
My HC30 is perfectly comfortable and I'd not bat an eyelid at using it day to day; it's not stupidly light (I think 130g with battery and strap) but I don't notice it doing hill reps on dark muddy trails. It's solid.
But for ultras I went hunting for something different. I want something that if I need it - such as when I've lost a marker flag etc - can put out some serious light. But which will generally last forever at 200-300 lumens. By short tubing a 1200 lumen light the only trade you make is weight for battery life. And of course that can be offset by taking a spare battery (something a number of ultras insist on anyway.) You've got 3 or 4 output settings but can subdivide those - 2 each - so you can get your mode spacing however you want it (and it's really easy - double tap in a given mode, it'll change and remember it.)
I started using it for morning long runs ahead of racing and I don't notice it's there, and I've never come close on 2-3 hour runs to running out of juice. I don't run everywhere on turbo but do dip into it. If you're interested in the mod read the spoiler (save boring everyone else.) The mod itself is simple.
I removed the normal long tube (designed for 18650's) and put a BLF A6 short tube on there instead. I also replaced the headband to a lighter weight Convoy one. Neither mod requires any special skills (replacing the tubes just consisted of heating the light carefully on a gas stove to melt the glue, then a pair of mole grips and a vice.) It works really well, I ran with it for 100km across the arse end of nowhere recently and whilst I didn't ever need turbo it was reassuring to have it there.
The NU20 is realistically going to run at 220 lumens with the step down, and I've not used it much. It's a 'mandatory kit' type light but one that I can actually use. I've taken it out on the odd run and am happy to rely on it, but I'm still a 'more is more,' person when it comes to lumens. I plan to use it more though just to see if it's any good.
Either way, I know there's a convenience factor in USB rechargeable lights - and only one of those is - but it's £3 for one of these chargers that'll charge anything, and that itself is powered by a microUSB cable:
https://www.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_272183.html?v...
Finally; I've seen plenty of runners with Silva and Petzl lights. I'm intrigued by the smart lighting technology but brass tacks, they're more money for more weight in most cases. And I didn't bat an eyelid at paying £400 for my last big running purchase; I run with the best I can afford. On my last ultra I'm pretty confident there were no other lights out on that course that were as capable as mine. And yet I paid significantly less than most others to get there.
Not sure what all that means, previous stuff i have ordered from them (quadcopter bits) has taken 2-3 weeks which is what I was expecting.
They have warehouses based in different countries according to their website so that will obviously affect shipping time as well.
However my TM06s has already turned up, only took 1 week from when i ordered.I haven't even got my batteries/charger sorted yet!
They have warehouses based in different countries according to their website so that will obviously affect shipping time as well.
However my TM06s has already turned up, only took 1 week from when i ordered.I haven't even got my batteries/charger sorted yet!
tenohfive said:
<stuff>
Cheers. Looking at 20-40 min run home every evening rather than ultras, so don't need insanely light weight but part of the route is bloody dark, but it's a decent surface. I cycled it last winter and an 800 lumen bike light was fine. I'll take a look at those.Edited by RizzoTheRat on Wednesday 27th September 08:19
I got a Vansky off Amazon on a daily deal on Tuesday.
Vansky® Led Torch Pocket Torch 800 Lumen Cree XML2 T6 Adjustable Focus Tactical Flashlight Zoomable Led Light Water Resistant Camping Torch, 3 x A https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A8FTJKS/ref=cm_sw_r...
Arrived yesterday. Bit of a T7.2 clone but nice enough.
Switching between modes is a bit of a pain as it doesn’t seem to remember the last mode used.
Vansky® Led Torch Pocket Torch 800 Lumen Cree XML2 T6 Adjustable Focus Tactical Flashlight Zoomable Led Light Water Resistant Camping Torch, 3 x A https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A8FTJKS/ref=cm_sw_r...
Arrived yesterday. Bit of a T7.2 clone but nice enough.
Switching between modes is a bit of a pain as it doesn’t seem to remember the last mode used.
- Slightly O/T, charging advice required**
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5000-6600Lm-U2-XML-2-3-C...
with the usual x4 18650 battery pack.
Had a failure of the module which is built into the battery pack, which partially burned out. I've taken the heatshrink off, cut away the module, and I'm about to solder a couple of tags to replace the previous ones.
The pack is still complete with no signs of swelling etc. If I cobble up appropriate connector, what sort of charger output will I need? At the moment I've got what I *think* might be the original 500mA, 6v mains charger and after 30mins charge, the pack is just slightly warm to the touch, no distortion at all.
How long should I leave it on charge for? The multimeter is:
http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/UNI-T-UT132E-Multimet...
What sort of readings should I be looking for when I'm trying for a full, safe charge...?
That's really annoying.
I'm still waiting for 4 x 30Q's (button top) to turn up for my BLF Q8. I've got enough button tops to keep it running but it makes sense to have 4 matching.
Side note: I've mentioned it before but it's a real beast of a light. The more I use it the more practical it seems and the more I find myself wanting to use it.
I'm still waiting for 4 x 30Q's (button top) to turn up for my BLF Q8. I've got enough button tops to keep it running but it makes sense to have 4 matching.
Side note: I've mentioned it before but it's a real beast of a light. The more I use it the more practical it seems and the more I find myself wanting to use it.
FiF said:
Aaargh, Banggood. :angry:
4*18650 ordered.
Just arrived 3*18650 + 1*18350
Grrrrrr.
Just for further irritation rubbing salt into the wound.4*18650 ordered.
Just arrived 3*18650 + 1*18350
Grrrrrr.
Sent them an email explaining the problem complete with SKU codes. Attached 4 photos showing all delivered goods and packing in one shot, then three photos showing close ups of a) shipping label b) the 3*18650 and packing with SKU codes, and c) the 1*18350 ditto.
Email arrives today, after several days of Chinese National holidays, Sorry to hear etc, could you please send photos of... and then proceeds to list what I've already sent photos covering the details.
Get a grip.
DAVEVO9 said:
Imalent DX80 8 x XHP 70 version 2
32k lumens I managed a £128 discount.
Will do some night shots later.
I'm pretty sure I know where you found the discount and I'm really glad I don't go there very often...my wife would kill me if a few more impulse buys found their way through my door.32k lumens I managed a £128 discount.
Will do some night shots later.
Edited by DAVEVO9 on Monday 9th October 13:10
8 x XHP70's is just crazy; through pure brute force that must throw an incredible amount whilst setting trees on fire within a 100 yard radius, no?
I'm surprised about the battery format though, I'd have thought they'd use 26650's.
CoolHands said:
CoolHands said:
I've got the torch and the charger, still waiting for the bloody batteries 
still haven't got my f
king batteries ordered on 17th sept Ill be back to aliexpress next time fk banggoodHave had a rearrange of the cells, stuck the 3*18650 from Banggood into the TK51, and transferred the 3*18650 from that and an identical cell from a head torch into the TM06S for tonight's dog walk.
Like a t
t I stuck the Tiny Monster on full welly and without thinking put my hand about an inch in front of the lens. Ouch, bleeding burnt myself. What a silly sausage.tenohfive said:
I'm pretty sure I know where you found the discount and I'm really glad I don't go there very often...my wife would kill me if a few more impulse buys found their way through my door.
8 x XHP70's is just crazy; through pure brute force that must throw an incredible amount whilst setting trees on fire within a 100 yard radius, no?
I'm surprised about the battery format though, I'd have thought they'd use 26650's.
Just been out to test it. It's a flood monster full stop.8 x XHP70's is just crazy; through pure brute force that must throw an incredible amount whilst setting trees on fire within a 100 yard radius, no?
I'm surprised about the battery format though, I'd have thought they'd use 26650's.
The reflectors are not very deep compared to the DT70 which I have also. If you just want a ton of light everywhere the comedy value is 11
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