LED torch

esuhl

If you're interested, there are some comparisons of various torches here: http://fonarevka.ru/

System

Frank_E wrote: »

OP islandman
The P7, to clarify, is the LED package made by Seoul Semi. There are numerous flashlights built using the P7 LED.
The LED package itself is listed at £23

I expect the reviews you have read are genuine. I have a few P7-based flashlights and thay are all exceptional. Not much between them in terms of output, beam width, intensity switching and consistency (lack of artefacts). The ergonomics of the flashlight are a matter of personal taste.

What is your intended use of the flashlight?

I would suggest though getting one with two intensity levels; you don't want to be flashing a P7 or CREE in someone's face.

You can get expert advice on:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com
http://www.flashlight-forums.com/

There is a subforum in the LED flashlight forum on CPF for budget lights.
Some of the forum members are serious flashlight collectors and modders.

GlobalDS

The CREE Xlamp MC-E LED packages are listed at about the same as the Seoul P7 packages, so getting a complete flashlight for just under £10 is a deal.

Hi Frank, whilst I asked for info, you certainly gave it, howeber having looked at your links, they appear to be for folk who are into torch seriously as much of what they state, is over my old head.

I was after a smallish, lightweight torch which gave out a strong beam, that had an excellent spot and was not much more that £20. The police led is one that seems extremely popular. The two I favoured I wondered if anyone could say which would be the better of the two.

Frank_E

globalds wrote: »

Lidl are selling a Cree LED for £9.99.

It was part of this weeks specials.

I bought one and it is pretty impressive

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg//SID-4A8F5FD2-EC3C3E2E/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_17791.htm?offerdate=&idcheck=true&ar2=&id=511&country=GB&zipcode=EH16+4DT&city=Edinburgh&district=Craigmillar&street=Niddrie+Mains+Road&ar=11&nf=True

I got one of those for my Dad and one for my toolbox this afternoon.
The build quality isn't good but it's better than the various plastic-bodied filament lamp lights he has.

Frank_E

islandman wrote: »

Hi Frank, whilst I asked for info, you certainly gave it, howeber having looked at your links, they appear to be for folk who are into torch seriously as much of what they state, is over my old head.

I was after a smallish, lightweight torch which gave out a strong beam, that had an excellent spot and was not much more that £20. The police led is one that seems extremely popular. The two I favoured I wondered if anyone could say which would be the better of the two.

It's difficult to say from the (expired) links. The seller didn't mention the manufacturer or model number for the one with what looked like various switches at the headend so I can't look them. I'm not sure what was going on at the headend of that torch.

Thare are many flashlights pitched as 'police' torches. You may also see them listed as 'tactical' flashlights.

I'd probably not buy either.
For a reliable flashlight I'd look at LED Lenser, Peli, Wolf, Surefire, Fenix.
For a budget the Lidl one is OK, I don't see the point in spending £20 or 30 on a budget one that isn't much more reliable than a supermarket loss leader.

Even allowing for OEM bulk buying power, there's a huge compromise in engineering standards in putting an LED that on its own costs over £20 into a torch that costs £20.

The folk on the flashlight forums will have experience with budget lights. I would also suggest contacting a specialist torch stockinst or a quality tool distributor.

3 battery format flashlights can end up a bit of a pest or rather an absolute nuisance when recharging batteries or replacing with alkalines. I have several good quality 3 battery LED torches and they have all been relegated to the back of a cupboard.

One of my favourite 'professional' torches is the LED Lenser P7. It's a bit over your 20 budget but you did initially state £30. It's a 4 AAA format, two power, excellent reasonably-artefact-free beam, adjustable beam width between spot and flood, and has excellent build quality.
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4GGLL_en-GBGB315GB315&q=led+lenser&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9462112618884441633&ei=PC1YTbqQM8nDhAes4ryFDQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CE4Q8wIwBA

Edit: Same one Lube has.

I was over £40 for mine
A slightly cheaper one is the LED Lenser LED Police Tech Police Tech Focus Black 7438. It's a 3 battery one though.

The advantages of small tactical lights can also be a disadvantage.

They are small so if you are not disciplined in keeping them in the same place they are easily mislaid. They are pocket sized therefore highly pocketable.
If they are for their intended purpose as a tactical light they'll be on your webbing belt so these disadvantages won't apply.