UK AutoExpress Car 12 Torch Test
- Thread starter abvidledUK
- Start date
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Didn't realise they had it online. I posted something about this on BritishBlades cos i saw this in the magazine. They had the worst selection of torches, i was very disappointed. The MiniMag won, which to be fair with fresh batteries in is pretty good. They did however forget to point out that after a very short while it will become completely useless!
Disappointing
Disappointing
Casual Flashlight User
Flashlight Enthusiast
And that is putting it kindly!
CFU
Coop
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'd expect some headlamps in a test like this. As they specifically mention roadside repairs, the first cheap *** headlamp that comes along beats any of these at useability...
Completely idiotic criteria too... The droptest I can understand, but spread of light from 4m distance?? when was the last time you shone your light from 4 meters distance to change a tire (or wheel actually) ?? Adjustable beam gets point too... To me, an adjustable beam is just compensation for a lights shortcomings...
In a test for a light to keep in your car I'd want some completely different criteria:
- hands free (headlamp/free standing with ability to direct beam/magnet base)
- dimmable for close up work
- good flood
- beacon glow/strobe mode
- waterproof (my car only breaks down in pouring rain)
- rechargeable on 12v/ability to run from car battery or at least running on batteries available at the most gas stations.
- Led for durability
Also some of the comments in the article just make me want to curl up in a corner and cry:
on the Duracell Voyager:
...it was very bright indeed... (if that's bright, then what do they call dim?)
on the Mini Mag:
...It was one of the top performers... (can't even come up with a witty comment on this)
on the Police Tech Focus:
...The ultra-bright LED gives off a fantastic bluey light – similar to that delivered by cars' xenon lamps... (From a car magazine? they should know that they're HID and that they're white)
on the Homebase Plastic Torch:
...While the beam was wide, it wasn't very focused... (OMG, did they actually publish that??)
on the Laser Flexi Torch:
...The clever flexible shaft meant you could see around corners... (so if I get this light I can completely ignore the laws of optics?)
Completely idiotic criteria too... The droptest I can understand, but spread of light from 4m distance?? when was the last time you shone your light from 4 meters distance to change a tire (or wheel actually) ?? Adjustable beam gets point too... To me, an adjustable beam is just compensation for a lights shortcomings...
In a test for a light to keep in your car I'd want some completely different criteria:
- hands free (headlamp/free standing with ability to direct beam/magnet base)
- dimmable for close up work
- good flood
- beacon glow/strobe mode
- waterproof (my car only breaks down in pouring rain)
- rechargeable on 12v/ability to run from car battery or at least running on batteries available at the most gas stations.
- Led for durability
Also some of the comments in the article just make me want to curl up in a corner and cry:
on the Duracell Voyager:
...it was very bright indeed... (if that's bright, then what do they call dim?)
on the Mini Mag:
...It was one of the top performers... (can't even come up with a witty comment on this)
on the Police Tech Focus:
...The ultra-bright LED gives off a fantastic bluey light – similar to that delivered by cars' xenon lamps... (From a car magazine? they should know that they're HID and that they're white)
on the Homebase Plastic Torch:
...While the beam was wide, it wasn't very focused... (OMG, did they actually publish that??)
on the Laser Flexi Torch:
...The clever flexible shaft meant you could see around corners... (so if I get this light I can completely ignore the laws of optics?)
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