LED Flashlights.. CREE, Xenon and Luxeon, oh my!

needing some advice guys i need a new torch for work im sick of going through cheap torches at work, im a mechanic and i need a light for inspections and whatnot

budget up to $120
able to be carried in pocket most of the day comfortably
needs to be rechargeable or have rechargeable cells
RELIABLE this will be used everyday and will be knocked around abit

 

I am a Photocopier Tech & after years of searching I settled on a Fenix LD 05.
Its perfect for me. Combined with an Eneloop charger & AAA batteries, it is slim, powerfull and does exactly what I want. And yes it gets used every day.
I believe 4 seven do a similar model, but I couldn't be happier with my Fenix.
Check it out
http://www.torchworld.com.au/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=100&products_id=606

 

Any further thoughts about torches as per my posts? I live rural so going to a decent shop to actually pick one up and be able to get an opinion is well - impossible.

 

Akh, can you elaborate a bit more on your question? You're asking opinions of EagleTac (brand) and LEGear (supplier). Apples/Oranges. Well... Apples/Apple crate

I've looked at LEGear before, but they seem quite expensive. Their shipping is pretty poor too.

You'll need to decide on the sizing of the torch you're after. Have a look at some different models (18650/CR123/AA/AAA), then look for video reviews on YouTube to get an indication of the size in the hand.

Remember that if you get a torch that takes 18650/CR123 then you'll need to get a battery charger for them. They're physically thicker than normal batteries, and Li-ion, so you need a dedicated charger.

Can you tell us your occupation? You've hinted at police work/security. I'm assuming you'll be carrying the torch in a sheath or your pocket? If that's the case, then you won't have much to worry about build quality. Unless you're caving and likely to drop your torch onto rock or in water, then any DealExtreme offering will suit. My brother left his DX torch left on in the car for about an hour. It was quite hot, but it didn't damage the torch at all. It's covered in nicks and scuffs, but still works a charm.

Once you settle on your torch size, go to DealExtreme, do a search for that battery size and you'll get 100's of results. Select the option "Top matches from DIY Parts & Tools in Flashlights, Guns & Lasers". Then simply sort by ratings, and go with something that's in your price range, and has good reviews. With free shipping, you can't complain.

My officer brother bought this torch:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5379
and is very happy with it. It's on par with my $80 Dereelight torch with similar module.

Some other thoughts..
Don't get something that takes 2*18650. It's just too long for portability, and doesn't add much to the run-time and/or brightness IMO.

I'm pretty sure that *any* torch with a tail clip can be removed. All my torches so far simply have two or three screws holding the clip in place.

If you're not buying from DealExtreme, then most of the time buying direct from the supplier overseas will be much cheaper than purchasing from a "local" marked up shop. Even after postage

 

Holy shit balls, Batman!

http://www.jetbeam.com.cn/links/pro/rrt3.aspx


DO WANT!

 

That is an absolute corker of a torch lol.

Funny thing is I am still looking for a torch for work. Pretty much need someone who has handled the torch personally to vouch for pros and cons for a torch.

 

Yeah that sucks man, I see in your other threads you're in rural vic? At the moment I can only comment on Dereelight's offerings. I bought direct from their website, out read cheaper than buying from anyone here in australia.


Here's an interesting project:
http://www.slothfurnace.com/sabers/ANHObi_01.html
Home made obi-wan light saber.

 

I had a quick skim through this thread but couldn't see anything...

I'm looking for a Red LED torchlight for viewing my fish tank at night.

Any suggestions, I tried looking around some torch sites, there are some, but seem to be sold as "map reading" lights. I'm not sure if these would be bright enough?

Cheers

Torchworld suggested this one here
3W 1xAA 33-lm 3-level Zebralight H501R Headlamp

It looks very good and am considering it, but as it's just for viewing the tank at night, I don't really want to spend a great deal of cash.

 

I just found these lights in the cpf forums:

EagleTac T20C2 MKII

Olight M20 Warrior Premium R2

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=209384

fenix tk12 R5

Some nice lumens there hey?

 

All three (you linked the same torch twice) look great, especially the ones with holsters and other accessories.

You'll be happy with any one of those, although the Olight M20 looks pretty chunky.

The colour filters are interesting.


If you find ANY stores in Australia, or reasonably priced O/S stores, let me know. I often like buying a load of stuff from a store when I find a good range.

 

Oopsies on double link.

Check this for an Aussie store.....

 

Awesome. I see they have the JetBeam RRT-3 1200 lumen for a small price of $400

 

I reckon I might get this one.

 

Just note that it's sold out from ledtorchshop, and it comes in a bit cheaper from the illuminationgear store, even after the highest cost shipping to Australia. And they stock all the accessories. Although I doubt you'll need all the fancy weapon mounts The red filter will be handy for preserving your night vision if you're not actively hunting something.

 

I may go hunting wabbits hehehehehehe.

Ill check out the illuminationgear store and see what price difference it is.

 

That Jetbeam looks sweet, though $300+ is a bit harsh, what highest lumens led currently available in a torch?

 

From memory the LED Lenser X21 springs to mind
http://www.ledlenser.com.au/2009/ENG/products/html_highperformance/html_Xserie/x21.php?id=x_21
It's 1000lm, but still in a traditional "torch" package. The X21 takes 4*D cells in series, while the RRT3 takes three 18650 in a barrel config, so it appears chunkier in the tube diameter.
The X21 has 7 LED modules, versus the single die of the RRT3.
X21 is focusable.
X21 is $400+



Oh wait, no, the Wicked Lasers "The Torch" is still the most powerful, it seems
http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/The_Torch-74-41.html
4100lm but I think the run time is literally under 10 minutes.

 

Check this one http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=278201

 

Haha need a new brighter torch within reason, nothing to out there cost wise, still nothing beats my Aurora AK-P7-5, I love the beam, awesome all rounder, would just like something brighter.

 

Is it really 700lumen though?

And only because Im so into reading up on torches, how is the run time on yours?

Hi: 50 minutes; Lo 3-hours (manufactuer rated)

You would have to change the batteries a lot yeah?