Which Torch

[nila]

Hey all,
I want to get a torch. Just a really small one thats powerful and easy to carry around.
Was thinking it should be AA or AAA just for ease but am open to reasons why something else might be better.

Was wanting it around this type of size I think:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11336

Dont know much about torches though and want to get a good one that is as powerful as possible for that sort of size with a good narrow and wide(ish) beam.

Would prefer not to spend much more than $30 but am more than happy to get a cheaper one that that if there's a good one (solidly made & bright)..


Thanks for all suggestions

 

[hyperloop]

Hi there and :welcome:

if you want a Fenix, go to 4sevens instead, also free shipping (probably much faster too). This is not a AA or AAA light, its a CR123 light which can cost significantly more than AA or AAA depending on which part of the world you live in.

Its a good call to start with Fenix, you can also have a look at the Quark lights at the site above.

But most importantly, you need to help us to help you choose a light. Go to this link, fill out the questionaire and post it here so we have an idea what you want from a light.

 

[nila]

0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?

__X__I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
____I am in North America. More precisely I am in _______________.


1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____I can spend $15-30.

2) Format:

____I want a flashlight.

3) Length:

____1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)

4) Width:

____I don't care.

5) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.

____I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)

6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

____I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
____I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)


7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below.

Throw (distance)----------------------X----------------------Flood/close-up

8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.

____240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
____360+ min. (More than 6 hours)

9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)


8) Switch Type:

____I don't care.

9) Switch Location:

____I don't care.

10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.

____A simple on-off is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)

11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?

____I don't care.

 

[Gunner12]

This light could be a good place to start. Good quality, 3 programmable modes, good output, and is within your price range.

:welcome:

 

[nila]

Not the longest run time.
It 'claims' one hour which means probably less

Is that around as good as I'll get for a light this powerful? I'd like a longer run time if possible?

 

[Marduke]

Runtime depends on the mode you select. You get longer runtime with a lower brightness mode. All multi-mode lights are the same in that respect.

 

[kramer5150]

Your requirements...
$30 or less
Less than 2 inches and keychain EDC capable
Common alkalines
2 modes
At least 40 Lumens

Your $30 + two inch keychain requirement is going to severely limit your choices. The only thing that comes close is the Maratac / ITP 1xAAA, but its 3 modes.

If you don't mind spending a little more, and sacrificing some size the nitecore EZAA comes close.

The Akoray K106 is not really a keychain EDC capable light... IMHO

The Inova X1-V4 comes close... but its too big for a keychain and is only 1 mode.

Kingpower has a REALLY nice 2-mode 1AA light, but its by far the biggest light I have mentioned (and IIRC the heaviest) and therefore not suitable for keychains.

I would go with the maratac / ITP-A3... and just learn to tolerate the 3 modes.

 

[hyperloop]

Your max budget of $30 does not leave much choices, especially if you want an AA/AAA with multimodes.

Off the top of my head i can only repeat what has been suggested which is the ITP or Maratac AAA lights. Next, you are not going to get long runtimes AND higher output. High output equals high consumption so less runtime and vice versa.

As for the size, heck, my Nitecore EX10 is already 3 inches long and that's considered pretty short for its size but, it uses CR123s which is out of your requirements.

Good luck with your search, if you do find a AA/AAA light for $30 with super long runtimes and decent output and 2 inches long, let me know man, i would want one too

 

[nila]

I think I'll just get one of the two suggested.
I dont really need the modes, it was just something I figured why not have if they were a free extra.
Those lights sound like they'd be good enough, I just want it as a general little tool, no particular hard core use in mind

 

[hyperloop]

If that's the case, i'd really suggest the Akoray, i own one of these and have programmed mine for min - med - max, most of the time i only need min or med, seldom do i use max except for fun (its really bright on 14500 lithium ion cells).

 

[nila]

The AKOray looks pretty good and is a nice size.
The price for it also looks pretty good.

Just want to check though - the post above says the k106 but when I'm looking on ebay (both UK and US) all I'm seeing is the k105 - is it the same thing or if not, what is the difference?

Also, does it have a spot so that I can clip it onto a keychain or just the shirt clip thing?

Thanks for the help guys

 

[how2]

Hi Nila

Get this torch, its very good. Takes aaa and SS

http://www.bestofferbuy.com/ultrafi...5wc-150lumen-led-flashlight-1aaa-p-27039.html

 

[Gunner12]

Buy the light off Dealextreme (here's the link), it's usually cheaper that way, though shipping from DX is usually slow. I don't know the difference between the K105 and K106. The K105 could be the real 5 mode one, while the K106 is the 3 mode programmable one. Just a guess.

There doesn't seem to be a keychain attachment point for the Akoray.

If you want small and pretty, maybe something like this could work?

 

[nila]

Got the ITP A3 Upgraded in the end.
Just wanted really small.

Gotta say, this thing is impressively small and the power on it is great.
Easily blinding and can light up things 30+ ft away which in my books is good for pretty much anything you'll need for day to day use which suits me just perfect

Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[Gunner12]

I'm glad you like it!