Hi guys,
Im looking for a high end torch/flashlight similar to the Wolf-Eyes brand like the one below:
http://wolfeyes.com.au/wolf-eyes-nighthunter-p-182.html
or any other brand etc of a similar calibre, does anyone know of any current deals/specials/?
Also consider:
- Solarforce - I have bought from them and can recommend.
- Eagletac - good reputation for quality flashlights and batteries too
- Thrunite - Their high end offerings are very well regarded.
fenix
thrunite
OK Thanks, I bought a somewhat cheapo CREE torch ~ $40 from eBay, it was rated like 900lumens+ whilst using those CRA123 (lithium camera type) batteries that are ultra expensive!
It had a great output but the problem is, given the high light output the batteries dont last long at all, infact you cant really find a good-rated torch running off disposable batteries.
Thats why im looking for a high performance torch with inbuilt reschargable battery (not the ones that use rechargeable AAs or equivalent)
Most rechargeable torches will use a 18650 or 14500 battery.
They are cylindrical shaped, high energy density lithium cells.
I usually get them from Fasttech (this is the most popular place for torch fanatics to shop from) but they can be sourced from JayCar. Again, pretty expensive locally.
Before buying, look closely at the specs of the torch, and see what batteries are supported. Your torch I guess drains pretty fast because it only uses 1 cell and the LED emitter being used has a high output.
Some torches like this one can support BOTH ordinary NiMH cells (e.g Eneloop) and lithium cells, while others can only fit one type.
Another accessory that you should look into is a Nitecore i2 charger, they're reasonably inexpensive and is around $15 AUD. It will charge both Li-Ion and NiMH.
I think there are a few nitecore ones that are inbuilt. TBH most people are against them because you can't just swap them around if you get caught in the middle of a job. Maglite make one too, but it's somewhat expensive.
My advice would be to choose a battery type and stick to it. I've decided to go with rechargeable AAs for all my torches, but I know people who have taken the plunge and have gone exclusively 18650
The downside of the AAs is that their size/performance ratio is not as efficient as a large custom battery, like an 18650. however, i have found some larger torches that take multiple AAs, like my nitecore ea4 that takes 4 together.
infact you cant really find a good-rated torch running off disposable batteries.
correct. Hence I've got a bunch of eneloops. I've got the smaller 1AA flashlight (that can kill the battery in any time between 45 minutes and 4 weeks.. depending on it's brightness) and the EA4.
Look at the Convoy torches on Fasttech for good performance and quality for a relatively low price (the S2/S3 runs ~15 USD, the M1/M2 are better throwers, the L4 and C8 are bulkier variants). Add on the 2x Samsung 2600mAh 18650 for 7.50 USD and a good charger like @scrimshaw's recommended Nitecore i2, or the Soshine SC-S2, and you've got yourself a set. Use the code BLF for 5% off.
You can find some great reviews for chargers and batteries, and some torches, here: http://lygte-info.dk/
Most torches are reviewed over at Budget Light Forums and Candle Power Forums.
When dealing with li-ion batteries, never buy off-brand. Same goes for the chargers. They get a tad explosive otherwise. Most of the Ultrafire/Trustfire/*fire stuff fall under this category.
Nice, checked out the Fenix - they're great. cheapest one though is like $110.00 with a ~250Lumens output.
How do the Convoy rank up?
Over the past years, I've bought many Cree/LED flashlights of varying types, problem is I found most of the:
Ultrafire, Trufire, etc brands I found are almost exactly the same. Infact I'm not surprised if there's 1 warehouse building these generic flashlights and some company in China just stamp a funky name. I've matched up about 4 flashlights all to appear the exact same internally.
That's why i've opted to go to a branded name like Fenix, Wolfeyes, etc problem is I cant find any specials on these =((
AFAIK the Convoys are more or less what they claim. The biggest issue you'll probably have is the smaller ones simply don't have enough mass in them to dissipate large amounts of heat, so you wouldn't be able to keep one on 2800 mA high for long, but 2800 med or 1400 high can last a fair while.
For the most part, as long as you go through a reputable seller you'll likely get what you ordered. Where you'll really run into trouble is when you buy them from, say, random eBay sellers - they're often misrepresented.
At the end of the day, they're torches. You turn them on, they give you light. Different models will have different characteristics - some are better flooders, some are better throwers. Some are a warmer white than others. Some will be a higher brightness bin - basically a better quality LED (little difference). Some are physically bulkier, but put out more light for a longer period. But none of those are brand-specific. And it's not really that hard (or expensive) to manufacture a good light.
Look at reviews. Buy from a reputable seller. There's some comparison sites out there, e.g.: http://fonarik.com/test/indexen.php, plus detailed reviews on the above mentioned forums.
As for the Convoy brand? The reviews on CPF seem quite happy with them. That particular guy also owns a few other lights. And, if you're going to invest in the 18650 ecosystem (battery + charger) anyway, I'd say you might as well grab one of the Convoys for 10% the price of the other lights. At least it won't be an expensive mistake if you don't like it.
Just bought an OLIGHT S10R. Easy built in recharging or can swap out the single IMR 18350 it uses. Top quality and 450 lumens performance in a tiny size not much bigger than my thumb. Awesome little light.
OLIGHT's larger rechargeable models are worth looking into also. However I have my eye on the Nitecore MH20 for the next logical step up in size and power. It is newly released. It also has built in recharging but through a micro USB socket. (It doesn't use a recharging dock like the S10R does.) It uses a single (swappable) RCR 18650 or IMR 18650.
Correction (sorry): The battery for the S10R is an RCR123A / 16340.
Or go American and get SureFire. I recently got a 6PX pro surefire and I'm in love with it. Unfortunately it uses the CR123A batteries so there's that to consider.
Finally gave in and bought an EagleTac T20C2 MK II.
I initially ordered the Fenix PD35, but given my obsession with law enforcement and tactical equipment, I swapped it for the EagleTac. So the total price was ~$110 AUD. The Fenix flashlights are more geared for Camping and Hiking.
I have some feedback though, for a flashlight that costs over $100, I found it to be rather light and 'cheapeish' not the lightness you get from comparing an Iphone 3 to an Iphone 5. But I expected to get a solid feel to it. Looking at the box, it's also made in China which doesnt make matters any better. I thought it would be made in the US.
Does anyone know of other tactical flashlights that are compact and solid?
Hi mate
If you are still looking for a light, let me know and I'll try and help you out. Or head over to r/flashlight
You'd be looking at possibly a Nitecore or a Fenix. I don't own any of these, — I just use a cheapo Cree XML-T5 torch that I bought from Deal Extreme. It works perfectly fine and is rugged enough to use in rain. But for quality go for the brand I mentioned above.
You can import these usually from overseas, try looking on eBay or Aliexpress. Or buy locally but pay an inflated RRP price.