What torch to get?

ginvzt

Thanks all. I have ordered Led Lenser T7. I am sure OH will be shocked by the price, but I got fed up with the ones we had that kept eating batteries and gave no light at all.

QTPie

Hi

I have a few "nightlight emergency torches" around my house (last time we had a power cut, I was alone in the house bfing a newborn baby... Freaked me out a bit...).

They are "Home Tek" "Safe T Light": pretty expensive (I got double packs through eBay) and are not great torches... They are more "emergency light to find bigger torches during a power cut".... Only been using them for a week, so cannot exactly give a thorough review - so far, so good....

QT

Clive_Woody

I have a 3 D-cell maglite with an LED bulb, there is a spare standard bulb in the tail cap. The torch is pretty much indestructible (my kids have tested that one for me). It still has the original set of durcell batteries from god knows when, well over 18 months ago.

The LED bulb isn't quite as bright as the standard bulb, but it pro-longs the battery life significantly. I am veyr pleased with my torch.

ECOWARRIOR_3

There was an excellent torch review in the Independent for the serious torch enthusiast. It rated ;

1. Surefire G2 Nitrolon, £35
Compact and weatherproof, this miniature marvel pumps out four times the light of a big two D-cell torch - or double that again with an optional high intensity lamp (£20).
2. Ixion, £35
This waterproof rechargeable torch uses a clever wireless induction system to power up its (10-hour) battery pack. It's slim, stylish and throws a very bright beam.

3. Night-Ops Gladius, £185
This "handheld tactical illumination tool" has variable light levels, up to 400 hours run-time, strobe function and an ultra-tough aircraft-aluminium shell. As used by the SAS.

4. Solar Wind-up Radio and Torch, £20
A solar-powered torch isn't as silly as it sounds, although you might need to boost it with wrist power (or AA batteries) if you want to use the built-in AM/FM radio.

5. Maglite Charger, £150
The iconic work torch is now available in a powerful rechargeable system, giving two hours of 40,000 candlepower halogen light from each charge.

6. Freeplay Sherpa X-Ray, £30
A wind-up torch that's bright enough to rival conventional rivals: just 30 seconds winding gives eight minutes of illumination. Also has a AC adaptor for mains charging.
7. Duracell Voyager, £7
No bells, no whistles - just a basic torch that's tough enough to bounce and rubbery enough to shrug off the British drizzle. Good value, too - it comes with Duracell batteries.

8. Oval LED Flashlight, £39
This award-winning torch has two sets of LEDs - one to illuminate the ground before you, the other shining forward. Its ergonomic handle is designed for extended carrying.

9. Mini Maglite AA, £15
Small and perfectly formed, the Mini Maglite is perfect for odd jobs in the house or car, and is fully waterproof for camping trips. Available in a range of colours.

10. Eurohike Wind-up, £10
Three minutes' winding of this bright spark gives a splash of light or a few minutes' talk time for most Nokia, Motorola, Sony and Samsung mobile phones.

Generally I have disregarded the word powerful in any description as they all use it, and instead look for a warning NOT to look directly into the beam. For the occasionalk use, the wind ups are eco friendly, cheap to buy and run and have sufficient light for looking in a dark corner. For weekly use, go for a sturdy battery torch with 30 feet beam. Beware of the cheap copies from China. That SafeTLight torch is pathetically useless – it is intended as a feeble light to find a proper torch but when placed near furniture or a reflective surface in the home , it flickers like a disco light.
Look on Amazon for a good buy with reviews.

wallbash

ginvzt he will be pleased with your choice

I have had one for months , very happy, but they are very small
Wonderful light output , super construction , but it takes time to appreciate the torch
because it looks so 'dainty' have had toy torches that are bigger.

27col

An update for you. The Cree torch that I ordered on e-Bay has finally arrived. Dirt cheap, less than £10 for 2. Brilliant bit of kit. I have seen torches that appear to be identical for anything up to 5 times the cost. Just in case anyone is interested.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290493812992&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT