Large torch $50

Would like something that would work well for hunting and lighting the beach area from a 4th floor appartment.
Happy for it to be a large torch ideally something with rechargable battery
I am often between UK and USA so can buy from either place

We might be able to give some recommendations with just a couple more details. For "hunting", does that mean a long-distance spotter, or do you mean task lighting and lighting a trail for walking/orienteering? For "lighting a beach area", does that mean flooding a large area from the 4th floor, or long-distance spotting? Does "with rechargeable battery" mean that you'd prefer a built-in battery pack with some kind of built-in charging in the light, or are you thinking about having external cell charging outside of the light? For each application, what kind of runtime are you after?

There is a checklist you might want to fill out (copy-paste with your answers here) ...

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=4297899

Keitho said:

We might be able to give some recommendations with just a couple more details. For "hunting", does that mean a long-distance spotter, or do you mean task lighting and lighting a trail for walking/orienteering? For "lighting a beach area", does that mean flooding a large area from the 4th floor, or long-distance spotting? Does "with rechargeable battery" mean that you'd prefer a built-in battery pack with some kind of built-in charging in the light, or are you thinking about having external cell charging outside of the light? For each application, what kind of runtime are you after?

Click to expand...

Thankyou for your reply.
I would be doing both, so something that can make a good crack at both flood and spot please
Recharging wise, would be ideal to have something with built in battery pack.
Runtime wise I do not go out for long so it does not need a long runtime

archimedes said:

There is a checklist you might want to fill out (copy-paste with your answers here) ...

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=4297899

Click to expand...

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
YES This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
HYES Up to $50 (UP TO 75 MAX)
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
YES I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
YES MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
YES LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

YES I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
YES I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
YES I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




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

YES Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

YES Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level 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.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
YES I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
YES None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
YES In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Would greatly appreciate your suggestions, really am stuck as can't seem to find anything apart from unbranded bits and bobs with wild claims on Amazon at present

The lack of replies might be because it is a tall order...$50 to buy something that can light up a beach, be a spotlight, and comes with a battery pack. Assuming you have to compromise on budget or capabilities, any room to budge on either? Most on this forum are likely using a different light for spotlight than for floodlight duties; many budget-minded people buy lights that use swappable rechargeable cells rather than built-in battery packs; etc.

Completely understand. What would be the best I could do given the budget would you recommend please, I fully understand that the torch cannot excel in all the situations but something that would make a good hash of it

visit home depot, they have large lights that are around 1000L i had their defiant armor max xml\3d cell it was pretty good, it would be more than enough for your needs. and if you don't like it you can always return with no problem,

Home Depot sells 750 lumen Rayovac Indestructible Spotlights that run on 6 AA's, rated for 440 M of ANSI beam distance - probably the longest thrower that HD sells for under $50. Not rechargeable but that's what Eneloops are for.

You might look at the [h=2]Astrolux FT03[/h]
It takes a 26650 battery that is rechargeable inside the light. You may get it with a battery, or you may have to buy the battery separately. Although it is a bit of the thrower, it does have a fair amount of spill, and for throwing at the beach from 100 feet away, the spot does spread out a bit.

OTOH, despite giving my grandson options when we go camping, he prefers a home depot defiant 3C triple LED light. They are only about $13 US. I have never run it on the C cells it comes with. I prefer to run it on a single 18650 LiIon battery with an adapter that I made for it fairly easily. The 18650 battery is about $8 a Liitokala charger for about $9 and the adapter made with a bolt cut to size and lots of duct tape can be made for about $5 ? The triple LED gives a broader spot so it is a bit more floody.

If you go the HD method, that opens you up to a myriad of 18650 lights that you can charge outside the light.

Poppy said:

OTOH, despite giving my grandson options when we go camping, he prefers a home depot defiant 3C triple LED light. They are only about $13 US. I have never run it on the C cells it comes with. I prefer to run it on a single 18650 LiIon battery with an adapter that I made for it fairly easily. The 18650 battery is about $8 a Liitokala charger for about $9 and the adapter made with a bolt cut to size and lots of duct tape can be made for about $5 ? The triple LED gives a broader spot so it is a bit more floody.

If you go the HD method, that opens you up to a myriad of 18650 lights that you can charge outside the light.

Click to expand...

I use the same light (and other 3C lights) with 18650's and Eneloops in 3D printed adapters.



But the Defiant is not a thrower, for distance the 3C Mag ML25 will out throw it as will the Mag 3C ML50 and 3D ML300.

You could also check out Parametrek Flashlight Guide to dial in your parameters as an option.

xxo said:

I use the same light (and other 3C lights) with 18650's and Eneloops in 3D printed adapters.

But the Defiant is not a thrower, for distance the 3C Mag ML25 will out throw it as will the Mag 3C ML50 and 3D ML300.

Click to expand...

XXO,
They are nice adapters!

I made mine with, I think a one inch dowel that I drilled out to accept a bolt cut to length. I then wrapped the battery in plastic from a water bottle so it doesn't rattle around.

Unfortunately, the 26650 doesn't fit in the tube.

Poppy said:

XXO,
They are nice adapters!

I made mine with, I think a one inch dowel that I drilled out to accept a bolt cut to length. I then wrapped the battery in plastic from a water bottle so it doesn't rattle around.

Unfortunately, the 26650 doesn't fit in the tube.

Click to expand...

Cool!

I used to make adapters a lot like that before I started 3D printing them.