Discussion
andyxxx said:
Blimey, I have just spent an hour on this thread and never realized ‘this’ was even a thing!!! I hope I don’t become an addict, but thinking about it I do have a number of torches including a hope m/b head torch.
Anyway, I am going around in circles so anyone got any recommends please that fit my criteria before I lose the will and just order the Olight Seeker2pro at £89.97 (which is far more than I want to pay)
Primarily to be used for dog walking, so a nice throw and possibly a zoom (but doesn’t need to have a 15 mile penetration)
I want a good quality hand torch from a well known manufacturer – perhaps 100-125mm long
Don’t particularly like all the morse/flashing modes.
Must be built in battery (presumably Li-ion) with USB charger
Must hold charge a long time and preferably a long use time between charges.
I don’t want to use a Chinese website and I try to purchase goods not made in China.
I didn’t want to spend more than £50 and would prefer less (but like you lot, will pay more if necessary)
Thanks in anticipation!!
Why not China or Chinese sites?Anyway, I am going around in circles so anyone got any recommends please that fit my criteria before I lose the will and just order the Olight Seeker2pro at £89.97 (which is far more than I want to pay)
Primarily to be used for dog walking, so a nice throw and possibly a zoom (but doesn’t need to have a 15 mile penetration)
I want a good quality hand torch from a well known manufacturer – perhaps 100-125mm long
Don’t particularly like all the morse/flashing modes.
Must be built in battery (presumably Li-ion) with USB charger
Must hold charge a long time and preferably a long use time between charges.
I don’t want to use a Chinese website and I try to purchase goods not made in China.
I didn’t want to spend more than £50 and would prefer less (but like you lot, will pay more if necessary)
Thanks in anticipation!!
Ultimately, the VAST majority of flashights are Chinese. Either completely, or assembled.
There are a few select non Chinese makers, but you'll typically be paying a lot. Some guys on CPF (Candlepowerforums) will still spank $1000+ a bespoke USA made pocket torch.
However, pretty much anything else that you buy direct in the UK or from the USA will likely cost you more than £50.
Even a $20 Maglite (about £16) will cost you nearly £50 if you want to buy one in the UK.
Companies like Convoy or Astrolux might be Chinese. But they have had a lot of influence from the flashlight community, specifically the members of the Budgetlightforum.
Oh, BTW. Olight is a Chinese company too........
For your budget and use. I'd recommend these:
Astrolux FT03 Mini
This is very coat pocket friendly with a good mix of beam distance and flood for itss size.
You can have a choice of emitters SST-40 for more distance. Or XHP50 for more lumens, but slightly less distance. For dog walking I'd go SST-40 in this. And 5000k. It comes with a USB built in charging.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-SST40-...
You will need a battery. A Samsung 30Q is my recommendation:
https://www.banggood.com/1PCS-INR18650-30Q-3000mah...
Or if you want the XHP50 (go for 5700k) it comes with a battery:
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-XHP50_...
If you want more distance, there is the bigger brother the FT03. This will still fit in a coat pocket, but has a much bigger reflector and will shine a lot further. The XHP50 really suits this. It has a great UI and USB charging. It is also on offer and comes with a battery. For only £30 if you go with the cool white 6500k. The neutral white 5700k option will cost the same as the MINI version. All well under £50 delivered.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-XHP50_2-430...
Or if you want a lumen monster have a look at the EC03. Much more of a flood light and less distance. But super impressive. You'll need a battery for this too, the Samsung 30Q would do, or you'll need to source a quality 21700 battery.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-EC03-3x-XHP50_2-...
I don't believe you'll be able to buy as good elsewhere. Or for similar money.
andyxxx said:
I refer the honourable member to a reply earlier in the thread:
Don't buy that. It is utter junk! Probably not even worth £4.99LordGrover said:
Ledeak T6, but it's really an 18650 battery though it comes with a triple AAA adaptor and batteries.
Amazon
Thank you – a great suggestion, but I would rather the torch has a ‘sealed battery’ so doesn’t need to be removed from the torch to be charged – ie, the usb plugs directly in to the torch.Amazon
Further to the discussion earlier when I asked questions about Convoy L6, ended up buying 3 torches. 
Convoy S2+ to replace an old LED Lenser P7.2 that had gone walkabout.
Convoy L6 which does what it says on the tin, except slight downside, like a numpty tried a warm white version, bit too yellow for my liking but chucks a decent amount of light out and reasonable throw and spread. And meets the family request of bit more heft, as long as they don't kill anyone with it.
Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
Convoy S2+ to replace an old LED Lenser P7.2 that had gone walkabout.
Convoy L6 which does what it says on the tin, except slight downside, like a numpty tried a warm white version, bit too yellow for my liking but chucks a decent amount of light out and reasonable throw and spread. And meets the family request of bit more heft, as long as they don't kill anyone with it.
Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
andyxxx said:
Blimey, I have just spent an hour on this thread and never realized ‘this’ was even a thing!!! I hope I don’t become an addict, but thinking about it I do have a number of torches including a hope m/b head torch.
Anyway, I am going around in circles so anyone got any recommends please that fit my criteria before I lose the will and just order the Olight Seeker2pro at £89.97 (which is far more than I want to pay)
Primarily to be used for dog walking, so a nice throw and possibly a zoom (but doesn’t need to have a 15 mile penetration)
I want a good quality hand torch from a well known manufacturer – perhaps 100-125mm long
Don’t particularly like all the morse/flashing modes.
Must be built in battery (presumably Li-ion) with USB charger
Must hold charge a long time and preferably a long use time between charges.
I don’t want to use a Chinese website and I try to purchase goods not made in China.
I didn’t want to spend more than £50 and would prefer less (but like you lot, will pay more if necessary)
Thanks in anticipation!!
You wont go wrong with your choice of Seeker 2 Pro - peace of mind knowing it has a "proper" warranty and no worries about the battery being matched and safe. If like some on here you are into collecting torches then yeh try a handful of cheaper imports and have fun but at the end of the day most people just need a single torch plus maybe a keyring torch (which you would usually get free with Olight anyway).Anyway, I am going around in circles so anyone got any recommends please that fit my criteria before I lose the will and just order the Olight Seeker2pro at £89.97 (which is far more than I want to pay)
Primarily to be used for dog walking, so a nice throw and possibly a zoom (but doesn’t need to have a 15 mile penetration)
I want a good quality hand torch from a well known manufacturer – perhaps 100-125mm long
Don’t particularly like all the morse/flashing modes.
Must be built in battery (presumably Li-ion) with USB charger
Must hold charge a long time and preferably a long use time between charges.
I don’t want to use a Chinese website and I try to purchase goods not made in China.
I didn’t want to spend more than £50 and would prefer less (but like you lot, will pay more if necessary)
Thanks in anticipation!!
My personal choice was the Warrior X Pro that I bought last month for £93 including freebie i3t mini. This same torch has been increased in price to £104 even though it's advertised as a Black Friday deal!!!!
Many reviews on Youtube ..............
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsisn70DHDk
Some more serious than that one
Edited by dickymint on Tuesday 24th November 17:58
FiF said:
Convoy L6 which does what it says on the tin, except slight downside, like a numpty tried a warm white version, bit too yellow for my liking but chucks a decent amount of light out and reasonable throw and spread. And meets the family request of bit more heft, as long as they don't kill anyone with it.
Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
Warm white is ok, although I find I need to get used to it a bit. I prefer neutral more than warm. Warm works best when you are in fields or woods. It should really bring out the greens and browns better. But in doors or urban areas they tend to look too yellow sometimes.Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
How does the L6 compare with the FT03? The L6 should out throw and out lumen the Astrolux. But I'd be curious how close or far they are from each other.
I think if you really want something made outside China you can get it but you will have to pay for it in one way or another. You can buy Maglite or Surefire which are made in the USA or a Ledlenser which is designed in Germany (still made in China though). None of them really offer a good lumens for dollar ratio and you are going to have to pay more for the privilege (which is fine, I just ordered another Ledlenser because I like them, I have lots of other devices from Chinese brands too though).
I think there are some pretty solid made in China brands and some less so ones. I am a big fan of Olight and Nitecore, their stuff feels properly made and supported. You can also buy them direct and not via Bandgood or something like that. So that could be a suitable compromise.
I think if you definitely don't want made in China then I'd buy a Maglite. It won't be the gruntiest and you won't win any lumen contests but it should work well enough.
I think there are some pretty solid made in China brands and some less so ones. I am a big fan of Olight and Nitecore, their stuff feels properly made and supported. You can also buy them direct and not via Bandgood or something like that. So that could be a suitable compromise.
I think if you definitely don't want made in China then I'd buy a Maglite. It won't be the gruntiest and you won't win any lumen contests but it should work well enough.
300bhp/ton said:
FiF said:
Convoy L6 which does what it says on the tin, except slight downside, like a numpty tried a warm white version, bit too yellow for my liking but chucks a decent amount of light out and reasonable throw and spread. And meets the family request of bit more heft, as long as they don't kill anyone with it.
Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
Warm white is ok, although I find I need to get used to it a bit. I prefer neutral more than warm. Warm works best when you are in fields or woods. It should really bring out the greens and browns better. But in doors or urban areas they tend to look too yellow sometimes.Finally one recommended by 300bhp, Astrolux FT03 link including a 26650 battery and the whole shebang is far better than 30 quid might suggest. Only gripe the included wrist strap is a bit meagre so swapped it for one from an old Lidl torch. banging. Paid less than the linked Black Friday deal price too.
How does the L6 compare with the FT03? The L6 should out throw and out lumen the Astrolux. But I'd be curious how close or far they are from each other.
The FTO3 is a more concentrated beam and not so much spill, but for 29 and change gbp incl delivery, insurance etc it's fine. Noticed the Black Friday special deal is just over a pound more expensive plus delivery. Well constructed, the standard setting is straightforward and intuitive, plus more optional settings in the UI, short but well written instruction included.
However , need to do a bit more back to back comparison rather than just using them, but for example the FT03 throw is very very marginally brighter and not really any further than that of the throw emitter on my favourite Fenix TK51 900 lumens, 1800 with both emitters on. Suspect the 4300lm are Chinese(ish) lumens
FiF said:
However , need to do a bit more back to back comparison rather than just using them, but for example the FT03 throw is very very marginally brighter and not really any further than that of the throw emitter on my favourite Fenix TK51 900 lumens, 1800 with both emitters on. Suspect the 4300lm are Chinese(ish) lumens
You are getting it on Turbo? I believe High, when you use the ramping is approx 2000 lumens. A double click after you have turned it on (from any brightness) should put it in Turbo mode and it is a lot brighter and should start to heat up below the head after about 30 secs.Independent tests have seen over 4000 lumens.
But I kind of know where you are coming from. I have an Olight SR52 Intimidator. It is rated at 1200 lumens from an XM-L2 in a large SMO reflector. With the FT03 on High they are very evenly matched. The FT03 just has a slightly fatter beam. But tap it into Turbo and it is a different ballgame.
300bhp/ton said:
andyxxx said:
LordGrover said:
Ledeak T6, but it's really an 18650 battery though it comes with a triple AAA adaptor and batteries.
Amazon
Thank you – a great suggestion, but I would rather the torch has a ‘sealed battery’ so doesn’t need to be removed from the torch to be charged – ie, the usb plugs directly in to the torch.Amazon
Why do you say it's junk?
300bhp/ton said:
FiF said:
However , need to do a bit more back to back comparison rather than just using them, but for example the FT03 throw is very very marginally brighter and not really any further than that of the throw emitter on my favourite Fenix TK51 900 lumens, 1800 with both emitters on. Suspect the 4300lm are Chinese(ish) lumens
You are getting it on Turbo? I believe High, when you use the ramping is approx 2000 lumens. A double click after you have turned it on (from any brightness) should put it in Turbo mode and it is a lot brighter and should start to heat up below the head after about 30 secs.Independent tests have seen over 4000 lumens.
But I kind of know where you are coming from. I have an Olight SR52 Intimidator. It is rated at 1200 lumens from an XM-L2 in a large SMO reflector. With the FT03 on High they are very evenly matched. The FT03 just has a slightly fatter beam. But tap it into Turbo and it is a different ballgame.
As said I'm usually using the TK51 as it suits what I need the best. Most of the time just have the flood emitter on either 150 or 400LM output with a single press when needed to get the full 1800 from both.
LordGrover said:
Interesting, I've found it very good and seen many others recommend it too. It doesn't have any fancy functions like some, but all I want is a fairly bright torch with an adjustable beam and an on/off switch. I have others with strobe and various brightness levels but don't get on with them; too much unnecessary faff for doggy walking in the dark.
Why do you say it's junk?
Apologies, if you like it, then that is probably fine in the grand scheme of things Why do you say it's junk?
Although, I'd ask, have you got or used any other more "quality" lights as a comparison? If not, I'd recommend trying some. You might be amazed.
Generally zoomy lights under perform on the whole, I have a couple that are ok, but mostly they are a compromise. The large XM-L style emitter also limits throw (just down to physics). Although they can produce good close in flood ability.
As for this specific light, the listing is dreadful; "T6" would refer to a brightness bin of a very old Cree XM-L emitter. The picture with the LED says XML-L2 which is just nonsense numbers. The picture of the LED doesn't match what an XM-L actually looks like. And the info in the listing contradicts the text in the pictures.
No way is a light like this making 1200 lumens. And certainly way way less on AAA's. Probably more like 300-500 lumens if even this much. The details in the rest of the listing are all nonsense too.
Think of it this way. If you saw a car listing saying:
"2.0 litre engine with 1600cc. Much better than the 4 cylinder engines you used to get"
That is essentially what it is saying. Would it scream quality to you?
The charger looks to be the cheap nasty dangerous kind. That should only find one home in the bin.
I'm also betting the included 18650 is a fake. Lots of tests done on cheap 18650's and some have as low as 700mAh in them! some of the fake batteries even use a much smaller battery in an 18650 casing:
The flashlight host itself is a cheap generic variety that is sold in lots of places, often tagged as military or stupid claims of 900,000 lumens and other nonsense.
All of the pictures of the light in use are either fakes or stolen from other listings or reviews of other torches.
The stats are all made up and lies.
Watch the first 30 secs of this video. It isn't exactly the same torch that you have, but I'm willing to bet it is very similar.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Wednesday 25th November 09:33
This is exactly why I prefer not to purchase from Chinese websites/companies – I would never have known any of that. (I am aware Amazon is not Chinese, but it is full of Chinese copies and rubbish.)
I know there are quality Chinese products and manufacturers, but there are far too many Chinese ‘knock offs’ and patent infringements for my liking.
I know there are quality Chinese products and manufacturers, but there are far too many Chinese ‘knock offs’ and patent infringements for my liking.
300bhp/ton said:
Why not China or Chinese sites?
Ultimately, the VAST majority of flashights are Chinese. Either completely, or assembled.
There are a few select non Chinese makers, but you'll typically be paying a lot. Some guys on CPF (Candlepowerforums) will still spank $1000+ a bespoke USA made pocket torch.
However, pretty much anything else that you buy direct in the UK or from the USA will likely cost you more than £50.
Even a $20 Maglite (about £16) will cost you nearly £50 if you want to buy one in the UK.
Companies like Convoy or Astrolux might be Chinese. But they have had a lot of influence from the flashlight community, specifically the members of the Budgetlightforum.
Oh, BTW. Olight is a Chinese company too........
For your budget and use. I'd recommend these:
Astrolux FT03 Mini
This is very coat pocket friendly with a good mix of beam distance and flood for itss size.
You can have a choice of emitters SST-40 for more distance. Or XHP50 for more lumens, but slightly less distance. For dog walking I'd go SST-40 in this. And 5000k. It comes with a USB built in charging.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-SST40-...
You will need a battery. A Samsung 30Q is my recommendation:
https://www.banggood.com/1PCS-INR18650-30Q-3000mah...
Or if you want the XHP50 (go for 5700k) it comes with a battery:
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-XHP50_...
If you want more distance, there is the bigger brother the FT03. This will still fit in a coat pocket, but has a much bigger reflector and will shine a lot further. The XHP50 really suits this. It has a great UI and USB charging. It is also on offer and comes with a battery. For only £30 if you go with the cool white 6500k. The neutral white 5700k option will cost the same as the MINI version. All well under £50 delivered.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-XHP50_2-430...
Or if you want a lumen monster have a look at the EC03. Much more of a flood light and less distance. But super impressive. You'll need a battery for this too, the Samsung 30Q would do, or you'll need to source a quality 21700 battery.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-EC03-3x-XHP50_2-...
I don't believe you'll be able to buy as good elsewhere. Or for similar money.
With the USB charging can you just use a phone charger?Ultimately, the VAST majority of flashights are Chinese. Either completely, or assembled.
There are a few select non Chinese makers, but you'll typically be paying a lot. Some guys on CPF (Candlepowerforums) will still spank $1000+ a bespoke USA made pocket torch.
However, pretty much anything else that you buy direct in the UK or from the USA will likely cost you more than £50.
Even a $20 Maglite (about £16) will cost you nearly £50 if you want to buy one in the UK.
Companies like Convoy or Astrolux might be Chinese. But they have had a lot of influence from the flashlight community, specifically the members of the Budgetlightforum.
Oh, BTW. Olight is a Chinese company too........
For your budget and use. I'd recommend these:
Astrolux FT03 Mini
This is very coat pocket friendly with a good mix of beam distance and flood for itss size.
You can have a choice of emitters SST-40 for more distance. Or XHP50 for more lumens, but slightly less distance. For dog walking I'd go SST-40 in this. And 5000k. It comes with a USB built in charging.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-SST40-...
You will need a battery. A Samsung 30Q is my recommendation:
https://www.banggood.com/1PCS-INR18650-30Q-3000mah...
Or if you want the XHP50 (go for 5700k) it comes with a battery:
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-MINI-XHP50_...
If you want more distance, there is the bigger brother the FT03. This will still fit in a coat pocket, but has a much bigger reflector and will shine a lot further. The XHP50 really suits this. It has a great UI and USB charging. It is also on offer and comes with a battery. For only £30 if you go with the cool white 6500k. The neutral white 5700k option will cost the same as the MINI version. All well under £50 delivered.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-FT03-XHP50_2-430...
Or if you want a lumen monster have a look at the EC03. Much more of a flood light and less distance. But super impressive. You'll need a battery for this too, the Samsung 30Q would do, or you'll need to source a quality 21700 battery.
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-EC03-3x-XHP50_2-...
I don't believe you'll be able to buy as good elsewhere. Or for similar money.
Thanks for the clarification. I have no doubt it's all accurate and the listing is misleading.
But... it does what I need in a small, pocketable fashion for a good price.
The charger supplied is a bit rubbish though - I binned it on receipt as I already have a half decent charger. Having said that, I've only charged it a couple of times - for my use it seems to last a good while between charges.
But... it does what I need in a small, pocketable fashion for a good price.
The charger supplied is a bit rubbish though - I binned it on receipt as I already have a half decent charger. Having said that, I've only charged it a couple of times - for my use it seems to last a good while between charges.
Tim330 said:
With the USB charging can you just use a phone charger?
With the FT03 discussed above I've charged it with a couple of my multigang USB chargers, you will need a cable with C type plug though.Also charged it once by removing the battery and charged it with an XTAR VC4 charger. Personally less happy with that as it's an unprotected battery, and I understand the charge protection circuitry is embodied within the torch. Simply did it as a one off to measure how many mAh putting back into the battery after use over several evenings.
But it charged quite well from an Anker USB charger and C cable, even though the Anker is probably the poorest of the chargers I have.
300bhp/ton said:
Yes, any USB port and regular USB C type cable will work. I've charged mine from my laptop USB.
I don't know for sure, but suspect the high output USB ports will likely charge faster. A 26650 is a large battery.
Thanks. If using a USB charger will it cut off when 100% or do you have to unplug it? I've heard of li ion cells catching fire and I'm the sort of person to forget its on charge.I don't know for sure, but suspect the high output USB ports will likely charge faster. A 26650 is a large battery.
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