My new torch

[DannyScene]

C n C said:

DannyScene said:

Guys I need some recommendations for a new torch

I've been using chinese Cree T6 jobbies for years bought cheap off ebay, to be fair they've never gone wrong in any way and I've had one of them going on 10 years

I'd quite like to upgrade to something 'proper' and keep getting recommended the Lenser P7

Any love for the lenser or any other recommendations please?

I guess it depends on what sort of torch you want - it would likely help people to recommend specific models if you gave an idea of budget, physical size, whether flood or throw, any limitations on battery type etc...

Personally I've not been a fan of AA or AAA powered torches like the Lenser P7, although they do have the advantage of batteries being readily available. I've usually preferred CR123 or the rechargeable RCR123 for smaller torches and rechargeable 18650 cells for larger models.

There are some very good value torches designed by the budget light forum and available through Banggood.

A good general use light is the BLF A6 for around £22

Some of the Convoy lights are also very good value and well made.

If you're happy to pay significantly more you can't really go wrong with the higher priced but quality manufacturers such as Olight, Nitecore, Fenix - the sort of stuff available from torchdirect

For small EDC type lights that you don't really notice you're carrying, I love the Olight S1 Baton or the rechargeable version, the S1R Baton. Although Olights are very good quality, they are in the more expensive bracket.

Apologies for being so vague, it'll be used exclusively for urban exploring and photography purposes so something with a decent throw and a zoomable beam is a necessity, the ultrafire cree T6/ lenser P7 are pretty much the perfect size for me, much smaller and I fear I'd loose it, much bigger becomes bulky for packing light

Battery wise I've got 5 Samsung 18650's I currently use in rotation with my cheapo ebay charger but I am happy to use AA's if required

The BLF A6 looks good for the price but I can't see mention of a zoomable beam

[Last Visit]

red_slr said:

Last Visit said:

Can anyone pop a link up for a decent holster for the BLF A6 please? The torch arrived today, very pleased with it but didn't realise it came with no holster or pouch. Just after a Velcro fastening one, nothing fancy.

TIA.

https://www.banggood.com/High-Quality-Nylon-Holster-For-Convoy-S2+-or-S3-LED-Flashlight-Flashlight-Accessories-p-1101575.html

Thanks, ordered.

[CoolHands]

Hey people I need 1 or 2 new 18650 battery Where do you buy? Amazon don’t seem to sell them ebay is variable quality? Olight store seems expensive.

Any opinions? Must be uk and delivery soon I can’t be arsed for waiting for banggood etc

Edit someone a few pages back mentions torchyboy so might try him
https://www.torchy.co.uk/product-category/batterie...

Edited by CoolHands on Saturday 12th September 13:06

[Andy-SP2]

CoolHands said:

Hey people I need 1 or 2 new 18650 battery Where do you buy? Amazon don’t seem to sell them ebay is variable quality? Olight store seems expensive.

Any opinions? Must be uk and delivery soon I can’t be arsed for waiting for banggood etc

Edit someone a few pages back mentions torchyboy so might try him
https://www.torchy.co.uk/product-category/batterie...

https://18650.uk/

[CoolHands]

Andy-SP2 said:

https://18650.uk/

I used these in the end they had best price and delivery. Samsung button top 30q

[CoolHands]

Andy-SP2 said:

https://18650.uk/

I used these in the end they had best price and delivery. Samsung button top 30q

[chinnyman]

Can you get one of those torches but rechargeable without a separate charger?

I can't be bothered with more things in my drawer of wires...

[Carbon Sasquatch]

chinnyman said:

Can you get one of those torches but rechargeable without a separate charger?

I can't be bothered with more things in my drawer of wires...

Any particular torch ?

A few of my Olights have magnetic USB chargers - this one for example - https://www.olightstore.uk/olight-m2r-pro-compact-...

[bmwmike]

How does the BLF q8 stack up to more modern torches in terms of brightness and throw?

Ive got a q8 and been happy with it for what i paid (~£40) but if the new stuff is better again im ready for a new torch for a budget of £80 or so... lighting up woods and night etc.

thanks

[Caddyshack]

chinnyman said:

Can you get one of those torches but rechargeable without a separate charger?

I can't be bothered with more things in my drawer of wires...

How would a rechargeable "anything" work without a lead or charger? Some of the torches will charge off a generic micro usb so you could use an existing lead but it will come with one so would you throw that away?

[chinnyman]

Caddyshack said:

chinnyman said:

Can you get one of those torches but rechargeable without a separate charger?

I can't be bothered with more things in my drawer of wires...

How would a rechargeable "anything" work without a lead or charger? Some of the torches will charge off a generic micro usb so you could use an existing lead but it will come with one so would you throw that away?

Sorry that's what I meant. I don't mind connecting a usb to it. I just don't want a seperate charger.

[untakenname]

I can recommend two which charge via USB:


Astrolux EC01 is around £25 and chargers via USB-C directly into the side of the torch and an Imalent DM70 where the cell itself has a charge port on, costs around £70.


Have used both for over a year now as EDC's due to the ease of charging, have some more powerful lights but they take multiple cells so need dedicated chargers which can be a bit of a faff.

[Caddyshack]

chinnyman said:

Caddyshack said:

chinnyman said:

Can you get one of those torches but rechargeable without a separate charger?

I can't be bothered with more things in my drawer of wires...

How would a rechargeable "anything" work without a lead or charger? Some of the torches will charge off a generic micro usb so you could use an existing lead but it will come with one so would you throw that away?

Sorry that's what I meant. I don't mind connecting a usb to it. I just don't want a seperate charger.

Gotcha. My new nextorch has a port in the side of the cell like the pic above

[TheJimi]

I'm looking for a small torch about half the size of pen, and not made in China, if possible.

Any ideas?

[chinnyman]

untakenname said:

I can recommend two which charge via USB:


Astrolux EC01 is around £25 and chargers via USB-C directly into the side of the torch and an Imalent DM70 where the cell itself has a charge port on, costs around £70.


Have used both for over a year now as EDC's due to the ease of charging, have some more powerful lights but they take multiple cells so need dedicated chargers which can be a bit of a faff.

Perfect

[Black can man]

UVB-76 said:

New torch time for me.
Olight seeker 2 pro.
This’ll replace my 5 year old FenixPD35 that’s worked faultlessly, especially during a recent 2am man-overboard in the Arctic circle it impressed the ship’s company with how powerful it was compared to their torches that seemed to have a throw of about a meter.

I use torches all the time for my work , tried the cheaper options but these olights really are fantastic .

I suppose you get what you pay for , Spooky mat you have too sir !

[HotJambalaya]

giblet said:

That was quick! Can’t complain for a fiver, smaller and brighter than my trusty i3E which sadly died an early death recently

To all the folks that nabbed this deal, would you feel happy paying £15 for it?

need a key chain light, and this could fit the bill

[blingybongy]

HotJambalaya said:

giblet said:

That was quick! Can’t complain for a fiver, smaller and brighter than my trusty i3E which sadly died an early death recently

To all the folks that nabbed this deal, would you feel happy paying £15 for it?

need a key chain light, and this could fit the bill

No, not £15. Buy this for a tenner instead. I've had mine on my keyring years.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B019HXDV6A/ref=cm_sw_r...

[S11Steve]

HotJambalaya said:

giblet said:

That was quick! Can’t complain for a fiver, smaller and brighter than my trusty i3E which sadly died an early death recently

To all the folks that nabbed this deal, would you feel happy paying £15 for it?

need a key chain light, and this could fit the bill

Yes, and I did buy a second one for full price!

The £10 light above is a reasonable device, but it is limited by the battery, and the i1R2 is half the size of it.

There is also a Lumintop EDC Pico which is a direct comparison with the i1R, but a few quid cheaper - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07T6ZXJ59/ref=cm_sw_e...

[blingybongy]

S11Steve said:

Yes, and I did buy a second one for full price!

The £10 light above is a reasonable device, but it is limited by the battery, and the i1R2 is half the size of it.

There is also a Lumintop EDC Pico which is a direct comparison with the i1R, but a few quid cheaper - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07T6ZXJ59/ref=cm_sw_e...

Disagree, the Ir2 is the one limited by its battery. You can get an AAA cell virtually anywhere but not a charge up.
Anyhow it's not worth falling out over. Just my opinion.