Torch

[Buckman]

About 2 years ago my wife bought me an Energizer LED torch for Christmas. I don't use it often, but a couple of months later it would switch on and stay on for a bout 5 seconds and then switch off. If holding down the on off switch, it then constantly flickers. She is very disappointed as it was a gift and she could not return or exchange it. It was bought from a shop.

However I now need a decent torch to replace it. No need for a mega expensive torch, but one that is hardy to being dropped, a decent beam and under £30. Any recommendations based on personal experience ? Thanks.

 

[audiorob]

Have a look at 'Nebo' torches on places like Screwfix - my son has had one of the cheaper ones for several years as an all-purpose tool - I think its this one (rechargeable too!)

Nebo 450 Flex Rechargeable LED Torch Graphite 250lm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Pocket-sized torch that features 6x adjustable zoom and dual-direction clip to attach to clothing or gear. Durable aluminium body and water-resistant for outdoor use. Powerful magnetic base for convenient hands-free lighting with on/off button for easy operation. 4...

www.screwfix.com

 

[otherclive]

About 2 years ago my wife bought me an Energizer LED torch for Christmas. I don't use it often, but a couple of months later it would switch on and stay on for a bout 5 seconds and then switch off. If holding down the on off switch, it then constantly flickers. She is very disappointed as it was a gift and she could not return or exchange it. It was bought from a shop.

However I now need a decent torch to replace it. No need for a mega expensive torch, but one that is hardy to being dropped, a decent beam and under £30. Any recommendations based on personal experience ? Thanks.

Lenser are very good. I have three, and you can get compact ones too. See picture.

 

[Hutch]

I also have a ledlenser P7, a fantastic torch, batteries for me would last 2 months, being used every day at work. Expensive but worth it.
Just recently bought a Nebo, Big Larry 2, from Homebase for carrying in the car. Under £20.

 

[JTQ]

About three years back I purchased Three Lifesystems rechargable torches, probably a version now replaced with THIS
These have proved first class, the more so in they were on a Blacks half price offer, I recall I paid £17 each.
I am not sure they would stand the heavy drop requirement as they are Aluminium.
I like that the Lithium battery, in our version at least, is a standard item so if these ever get tired buying cell replacements will be possible.

On the subject of torches, I have a head torch, ours a budget Petzl, these are great for camping as well as much else, your hands are free, they point where you want to look and you are not inclined to drop them.

[Three? One for each car and one for the house, all replacing cheaper non LED, replaceable battery items]

 

[Buckman]

The Lifesystem and Nebo are well rated by Which however the LED lenser is well down on the table. However I guess it depends on which version they test? In this case it is the Core P3.

Just to add the torch will mainly be used around the home hence the concern about dropping it on a hard floor.

 

[otherclive]

About three years back I purchased Three Lifesystems rechargable torches, probably a version now replaced with THIS
These have proved first class, the more so in they were on a Blacks half price offer, I recall I paid £17 each.
I am not sure they would stand the heavy drop requirement as they are Aluminium.
I like that the Lithiun battery is a standard item so if these ever get tired buying cell replacements will be possible.

On the subject of torches I have a head torch, ours a budget Petzl, these are great for camping as well as much else, your hands are free, they point where you want to look and you are not inclined to drop them.

[Three? One for each car and one for the house, all replacing cheaper non LED, replaceable battery items]

I’ve got a Petzl head torch that is mainly kept in the car. It has a red light filter and auto SOS. A quality piece of kit.

 

[otherclive]

The Lifesystem and Nebo are well rated by Which however the LED lenser is well down on the table. However I guess it depends on which version they test? In this case it is the Core P3.

Just to add the torch will mainly be used around the home hence the concern about dropping it on a hard floor.

The table tells me virtually nothing about the relative reviews of the torches tested. What factors led to the Lenser being low in the table?

 

[Buckman]

The table tells me virtually nothing about the relative reviews of the torches tested. What factors led to the Lenser being low in the table?

Did you scroll down to the reviews under the table? It states;

Pros
Good beam width
Lightweight
Cons
Average beam reach
Too small to hold comfortably
Power button takes effort to press
Average battery life
Our verdict Decent given it's tiny

Yours may be a different model and may be excellent. Same with the Lifesystems which is rated as excellent by Which, but other models could be poor.

The above is the reason why I asked for information base don personal experience. Thanks for understanding.

 

[JTQ]

Just to add the torch will mainly be used around the home hence the concern about dropping it on a hard floor.

Our hand torches feature a wrist lanyard so that issue is mitigated to some extent, if used as such.

 

[Jcloughie]

I have some Stanley power tools, and now have 4 batteries, two are 4 amp, andget very little use. Recently I worried about having a light in case of a power cut, so purchased the Stanley work torch.



I tried it, put it on the coffee table, and point at the ceiling. lights the whole room. 😀

We also have a simple LED torch with a built in magnet stuck to the fridge. About £5 on an ‘at the till’ offer somewhere. So rarely use it. But works fine, and is always there in an emergency.

John

 

[Hutch]

Did you scroll down to the reviews under the table? It states;

Pros
Good beam width
Lightweight
Cons
Average beam reach
Too small to hold comfortably
Power button takes effort to press
Average battery life
Our verdict Decent given it's tiny

Yours may be a different model and may be excellent. Same with the Lifesystems which is rated as excellent by Which, but other models could be poor.

The above is the reason why I asked for information base don personal experience. Thanks for understanding.

The three ledlenser torches are all different, the P3core is 90lm, OC's TT is 150lm. And my P7 is 500lm.
I think you need to buy a torch to suit what you need it for.

 

[Sam Vimes]

About a dozen years ago I bought several Cree Led Torches powered by Lithium 18650 batteries from eBay.

Obviously made in the Middle Kingdom but they are extremely very good and still working.

Given the time scale not these but similar

Bright Flashlight Standard Torch Li-ion Rechargeable 18650 Battery Charger #HT4 | eBay

Zoom in for floodlight. Zoom out for spotlight. Flashlight: Mini small size. Apply with one 18650 battery. Convenient to take it to anywhere. Short-circuit and over current Protection. Sheef-life around 10 years.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[otherclive]

Did you scroll down to the reviews under the table? It states;

Pros
Good beam width
Lightweight
Cons
Average beam reach
Too small to hold comfortably
Power button takes effort to press
Average battery life
Our verdict Decent given it's tiny

Yours may be a different model and may be excellent. Same with the Lifesystems which is rated as excellent by Which, but other models could be poor.

The above is the reason why I asked for information base don personal experience. Thanks for understanding.

To see Pros and Cons the pages invite me to join Which. Am I missing something here? But not to worry I have no plans to change from my Lensers unless something goes awry.

 

[Mr Plodd]

I consider a head LED torch an essential bit of kit for the car.
Try changing a wheel at night with no street lighting and you will very quickly see why a head torch is essential. (You need two hands to change a wheel)

 

[Buckman]

I consider a head LED torch an essential bit of kit for the car.
Try changing a wheel at night with no street lighting and you will very quickly see why a head torch is essential. (You need two hands to change a wheel)

I am surprised that you do not have breakdown cover for just such an event? Are you a member of th CAMC as can recommend Mayday.

 

[Buckman]

The three ledlenser torches are all different, the P3core is 90lm, OC's TT is 150lm. And my P7 is 500lm.
I think you need to buy a torch to suit what you need it for.

I had no idea there were different models which is why I rely on valuable input from members of the forum who have personal experience.

 

[otherclive]

The three ledlenser torches are all different, the P3core is 90lm, OC's TT is 150lm. And my P7 is 500lm.
I think you need to buy a torch to suit what you need it for.

At max the TT is 280 lumens. A great little torch torch for using when taking the dogs. for toilets on CLs.

 

[Hutch]

I had no idea there were different models which is why I rely on valuable input from members of the forum who have personal experience.

There are many more as well.
Leed lenser

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Have to say I've used Maglite torches for many years and never had a problem with them.

Good beam and a nice solid construction.

 

[Hutch]

Have to say I've used Maglite torches for many years and never had a problem with them.

Good beam and a nice solid construction.

Maglites were my always go to torch, even changed to the led version, then I found the Ledlenser P7.

 

[Mr Plodd]

I am surprised that you do not have breakdown cover for just such an event? Are you a member of th CAMC as can recommend Mayday.

Where did I ever say I didnt have break down insurance??

I do indeed have it, both with my cars manufacturer and with my bank account, but I would rather change my own wheel (if I am safe location of course) than have to possibly wait several hours for someone to turn up to do a job I am more than capable of doing myself. That's not to say if it was lashing down and very dark I wouldn't avail myself of someone turning out and doing it for me.

 

[Hutch]

Where did I ever say I didnt have break down insurance??

I do indeed have it, both with my cars manufacturer and with my bank account, but I would rather change my own wheel (if I am safe location of course) than have to possibly wait several hours for someone to turn up to do a job I am more than capable of doing myself. That's not to say if it was lashing down and very dark I wouldn't avail myself of someone turning out and doing it for me.

Same here, I would rather change the wheel myself, on the car or caravan , than wait around for an hour plus , before a recovery truck turns up.

 

[Buckman]

Where did I ever say I didnt have break down insurance??

I do indeed have it, both with my cars manufacturer and with my bank account, but I would rather change my own wheel (if I am safe location of course) than have to possibly wait several hours for someone to turn up to do a job I am more than capable of doing myself. That's not to say if it was lashing down and very dark I wouldn't avail myself of someone turning out and doing it for me.

Apologies I got the incorrect impression from your post. Most, like us, probably think that as you paid for it, you would use it. Anyway any breakdown service that takes hours to arrive to deal with a puncture should be dumped. No wonder they are free?

Only on one occasion have we waited for more than an hour for breakdown, but that was due to no low loader being available as the vehicle needed to removed. For punctures definitely well under an hour.

In the Jeep it is a hassle to access the spare wheel as it is in a well under the rear floor which means emptying anything out of the boot area. Plus you have the weight of the full size spare wheel. I cannot manage it although I could probably manage the spare wheel on the Corolla. However as we are retired there is no rush so no big deal waiting an hour.

 

[otherclive]

Apologies I got the incorrect impression from your post. Most, like us, probably think that as you paid for it, you would use it. Anyway any breakdown service that takes hours to arrive to deal with a puncture should be dumped. No wonder they are free?

Only on one occasion have we waited for more than an hour for breakdown, but that was due to no low loader being available as the vehicle needed to removed. For punctures definitely well under an hour.

In the Jeep it is a hassle to access the spare wheel as it is in a well under the rear floor which means emptying anything out of the boot area. Plus you have the weight of the full size spare wheel. I cannot manage it although I could probably manage the spare wheel on the Corolla. However as we are retired there is no rush so no big deal waiting an hour.

The generation 1 Sorento had its full size spare under the rear floor pan and you winched it down. No need to go emptying the boot. No wonder it was called “ God’s gift to caravanners”