I haven't seen cheap Cree LED lights on here for a while, this seems to be a decent price for this light.
Don't expect 600 lumens like the desription, maybe around 100 lumens from a AA.
Avalible in black, silver and gold.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-gKEbpuTwKM?t=1m
Referee gets $2 in coupons. Referrer gets 10% off (if referee spends over US$10)
I wonder that too. I am browsing their site right now and wanna see if they have better flashlights on sale. I have one of these cheap ones (a different brand) and they aren't that good. Just better than nothing.
The Ultrafire torches are brighter than the ones in this deal and are only rated at 300 lumens, I have both and with the Ultrafire you also get the mounting bracket which is handy. I have several of the Ultrafire torches and some are brighter than others it looks as if a different LED is being put in some of them which isn't as bright but still brighter than the ones posted above.
That looks interesting. And the bracket makes it even more attractive. I wanna see if I can get a deal on one of the pricey ones from the site of this deal. If that doesn't go through then I might grab the one you linked as it's on sale as well. Ta
The Ultrafire ones on eBay don't appear to have the mounting bracket. I don't know if I'll forgive myself for using Gearbest if the goods don't show up (after all the warnings). Not many companies have been banned from OzBargain.
Yeah it's a great little torch, but i wouldn't be buying from gearbest … multiple failures & email BS with me personally … never again.
Is this genuine?
They got psychedelic ones too.
@steamtrain:
A genuine SK86 is made by Sipik, UltraFire was originally just made knock off flashlights then other companies started to make knock offs of UltraFire, ironic but it happens a lot.
@steamtrain: FastTech is a decent merchant if you want to give that a try, they have a nice range of batteries.
Why do they always make cheap light zoomable?
Errr… Because it is better.
You can adjust the diameter of the beam, and manually balance the throw vs brightness.
Much easier than carrying 3 torches, one for each kind of lighting requirement!
At least this one has a clicky switch (on/off). I HATE the torches with 2 or 3 modes, plus they drain the batteries slowly as they are "always on"
Errr… Because it is better.
Why don't high end torches have that feature? Because it's rubbish that's why.
You can adjust the diameter of the beam, and manually balance the throw vs brightness.
Or you can carry one decent torch that does both and has the ability to have multiple nodes.
Much easier than carrying 3 torches, one for each kind of lighting requirement!
Why would you carry three torches when you can carry one good one?
At least this one has a clicky switch (on/off). I HATE the torches with 2 or 3 modes, plus they drain the batteries slowly as they are "always on"
No they don't, you're confused with electronic switches that are in some torches.
This is a good torch, unless you are a torch nerd, then it sucks.
@Keeno:
Summed it up perfectly.
This is a good torch for $2.75.
It is a crap compared to a $275 torch.
Only non-torch nerds can comprehend these simple concepts, that everything is relative..
Why don't high end torches have that feature?
I have no idea - you should ask a torch expert. However this is not a high end torch - this is $2.75.
Or you can carry one decent torch that does both
Please show us where such a "decent torch" can be purchased for $2.75
and has the ability to have multiple nodes
That seems like torch nerd talk. Is there a translation to English?
Why would you carry three torches when you can carry one good one?
I've never seen a torch that can have adjustable beam, without being zoomable or adjustable. Please link me to one, and share your elite knowledge with a lowly non-nerd like me.
No they don't, you're confused with electronic switches that are in some torches.
I am not confused in the slightest - I am specifically referring to what you so cleverly refer to as "the electronic switches that are in some torches".
See, I am ONLY talking about cheap torches. The ones that compete at this $2.75 price point. I am not talking about $20 torches or $200 torches or $2000 torches, because none of those are relevant to a discussion or thread about $2.75 torches.
You see, it's silly to compare a $2.75 torch to a torch that sells for 10 times that price. Because if you did, you'd make yourself appear ignorant. It doesn't take a "torch nerd" to work out that a cheap $2.75 torch is not going to be as good as some high-end torch that sells for 20 times that price.
If there is a better product for THIS PRICE then please share.
@llama:
I don't think Maverick-au is saying there are better torches for $2.75 but rather that it may be worth it spending more on something that is better.
This torch users a counterfeit LED. It is not a CREE LED. The quality of this torch is also not that great. It will break after a few drops and the heat management won't be good so the LED will heat up and lessen the lifetime of the LED.
Of course I'm not saying don't buy this torch, I agree with what you say that for $2.75 it is great. But there are better torches out there that may cost more and some people may rather pay that extra to get something better that will last longer and be friendlier to use.
Maverick-au was also talking about modes, he simply made a typo saying "nodes" instead. Modes mean that the torch can have a low, medium, and high output sometimes along with some strobe modes that are usually unwanted. Low mode can be useful when you just get out of bed in the dark and don't want to ruin your night vision or hurt your eyes with bright light.
It is a crap compared to a $275 torch.
It's crap compared to a $10 torch.
Only non-torch nerds can comprehend these simple concepts, that everything is relative..
So only torch nerds understand the importance of having a reliable torch?
Sweet Jesus Mav.
I thought i told you to be nice to folk online.
You're being naughty again Mav.
I love zoomable torches.
Love them.
Turn & burn Mav.
A big downside to zoomable torches is the loss of brightness due to not having a reflector directing the light efficiently.
A big downside to zoomable torches is the loss of brightness due to not having a reflector directing the light efficiently.
Maybe (maybe not), however they DO have a lens with optics that directs the light efficiently. SO they pick up a hell of a lot from that!
Remember, LEDs are already "forward throw" so they don't really need a reflector. Any gains from a reflector will be minimal compared to those possible from improved lens optics that can harness and collimate the beam from the LED package.
Obviously the best results come from a well engineered combination of both. Personally, I will sacrifice a few "lumens" in order to get more Candela (that I think torch-nerds erroneously call "throw").
I work in the LED industry - however I specialise in commercial, not handheld products. We see a lot of "lens-only" optics and it works well. Much of the technology that I work with uses the internal reflection of the "lens" material as a light guide and reflector. So, a reflector doesn't need to be made from something shiny.
Maybe (maybe not), however they DO have a lens with optics that directs the light efficiently. SO they pick up a hell of a lot from that!
Remember, LEDs are already "forward throw" so they don't really need a reflector. Any gains from a reflector will be minimal compared to those possible from improved lens optics that can harness and collimate the beam from the LED package.
This makes no sense, a LED is not forward throw as you put it but throws light out to the sides. The Cree XP-G2 throws light nearly 60 degrees to each side (nearly 120 degrees). The primary optic has some control over this and you end up with half the output at the extremities, this primary optic varies in size depending on the LED and application.
Reflectors are the most efficient way to direct the light in a torch whereas TIR optics are better for narrow beam applications.
This makes no sense, a LED is not forward throw as you put it but throws light out to the sides
I repeat: LEDs are already "forward throw". They emits ZERO lumens backwards, and 100% of the light output goes forward.
The Cree XP-G2 throws light…
Impressive, but so what? This torch uses a CREE XPE.
nearly 60 degrees to each side (nearly 120 degrees).
Yes. Exactly.
The primary optic has some control over this and you end up with half the output at the extremities,
The primary optic has ALL the control over that, which is precisely why it is installed on there LOL
You seem not to comprehend photometrics. You are quoting half-peak beam angles (typically +/-60°). That doesn't mean that 1/2 the energy is radiated sideways past 60°. Typically this means that about 85% of the energy is radiated within the cone 60° from straight ahead, and about 50% is within a cone +/-40° from axis.
Nevertheless, a reflector is effective in getting those very low angle lumens out, however is does absolutely nothing to control the majority of the flux which the primary optic is firing forward.
Reflectors are the most efficient way to direct the light in a torch
Reflectors are one way to direct light in a torch. It's certainly a cheap way if there is no need for a collimated beam (in other words, what we in the lighting industry call, a "blurter".
whereas TIR optics are better for narrow beam applications.
You mean, like a torch?
Reflectors are one way to direct light in a torch. It's certainly a cheap way if there is no need for a collimated beam (in other words, what we in the lighting industry call, a "blurter".
Why do expensive high performance torches use reflectors? Very few torches use any form of optics outside of the cheap rubbish ones and the ones that do suffer from large performance hits.
You mean, like a torch?
No, there are better ways to handle light if you want a spotlight. Take a look at the Nitecore EA8 Cavemen for example.
A torch with zoomable optics can waste around 60% in flood mode and 85% in focused mode.
Just chiming in to show you some zoomable (aspheric) torches from the higher end of the market.
NOTE: these are not all cheap, I am not linking them as deals, but to show you that aspheric's do have a place in the high end torch world, and are made by good manufacturers. They are not mainstream but at the same time there is nothing wrong with them.
LED Lenser has a whole host to Aspherics
http://www.ledlenser.com.au/products/led-lenser/flashlights/…
Fenix has at least one model
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fd40-fenix-flashlight/
WolfEyese has a few models
https://wolfeyes.com.au/LED-torches-flashlights/wolf-eyes-se…
https://wolfeyes.com.au/LED-torches-flashlights/defender-iii…
There is also a discussion about the topic on "budgetlightforum"
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/3264
DISCLAIMER: I own several Wolfeyes torches including the basic version of the Defender III (350 Lumen), Sniper (older model 260 lumen) and the Sniper II Pro (1210 lumen) and can report that the Defender III feels brighter than the 260 lumen sniper in flood mode (very nice uniform light) and in the focused throw mode it is still brighter than the Sniper's hot spot. All three torches also are multi-mode (strobe/low/med/high).
@Maverick-au:
Personally I don't like zoomies and wouldn't buy one but they are OK for for what they are.
They aren't for flashaholics but they have their place and bring new people in to the hobby that can end up educating them self, often people will see it as a necessary feature because they don't realize what other decent lights are like.
Decent brands can throw a couple hundred meters and still flood the whole area, while high end dedicated throwers with a pinpoint beam can throw that far you would need binoculars to see what your pointing it at.
Just chiming in to show you some zoomable (aspheric) torches from the higher end of the market.
NOTE: these are not all cheap, I am not linking them as deals, but to show you that aspheric's do have a place in the high end torch world, and are made by good manufacturers. They are not mainstream but at the same time there is nothing wrong with them.
I'm aware of them and own a LED Lenser one but I wouldn't recommend them given the compromises and to be honest I find them pretty pointless as there are plenty of torches with reflectors that do so much more and can have a diffuser fitted if required.
For specific purposes zoomable torches do have their place but for for everyday use a torch with a reflector is going to be better value. For $20-50 you can buy some fantastic torches.
I posted originally to dispel the rubbish that llama was posting, not to rubbish this particular torch. His claims included that zoomable torches are better and that all torches with modes drained the battery but he continues to make all sorts of misleading claims.
Gosh, conversation is incredibly tedious on this forum.
His claims included that zoomable torches are better
Miscomprehension. No, I didn't say that.
and that all torches with modes drained the battery
Miscomprehension. No, I didn't say that.
My comments in this thread only relate to and are made only in context OF THIS thread, and OF THIS item (this deal).
The item we are discussing here is a $2.75 Zoomie AA-cell torch.
The cheap torches (like this) tend to have zoomie optics because it is better than them not having it. It allows a crappy torch to do a much better job than the same crappy torch would do without Zoomie optics.
What I mean is that the light output from a cheap torch like this is far too gutless to have both throw AND spread. However, by using a LED like an "XP-E design" that has inbuilt primary optic, and adding a simple moveable lens, they can create a $2.75 pocketable throw-away torch that performs surprisingly well for the price.
And cheap torches that have Multi-Mode almost all use a single momentary clicky switch to select Off/High/Low/Flash. These use a single-IC solution, and are literally in "standby mode" at all times. Off doesn't mean battery is disconnected, and depending on the quality of the design (which is inevitably rubbish) there is a relatively high parasitic drain on the batteries.
I have heaps of SK68 copies. I find them all over the house, in the car, in bags, etc. They are $2 or $3 each, zoomie single-mode and take a standard AA cell. They fit in a pocket and give more than enough light to walk down a path, or zoom in and spotlight a possum. It's pretty much the perfect <$3 torch, which is why everyone keeps buying them.
It doesn't take much comprehension to understand that a $2.75 torch like in this deal is not going to be the ultimate performance device. I see zero point is comparing a $2.75 torch to a Led Lenser, or even to a $10 torch.
If anyone thinks there is something better for this price, then please contribute to this thread.
@steamtrain: Yep, the torch world does go a bit crazy. Just like the high end audio market. If you make something silly enough and charge enough for it someone will buy it to make it worth your while.
Perfect for the eneloops.
At $2.75, I don't mind having one in the glove box although if you really want a good value for money flash light for general use, you should look at the Fenix brand.
What model would you recommend?
Miranda Kerr
Nah too skinny.
Finally a discussion I can participate in.
Any that uses AAs because most of us would have Enerloops and a charger for it.
I have a small one on my keyring.
The one I have from 10 years ago and it's still working handily in the glove box.
This flashlight won't have a real CREE LED either. Still a good bargain though.
To anyone buying, only use AA batteries. Tried a 3.7V 14500 on one of these and it blew immediately.
Well they must have changed them. I have a bunch of these torches (well they look the same) about a year or so old and use 14500 with them without issues.
I tried a 3.7v 14500 on one of mine initially with no problems, but the cell was ~3.6V. Once I charged it to ~4.2V, it killed 3/4 of the bulb. Might just be unlucky though.
I use one of these with a 14500 (~6 months) and have had no issues either.
I have started using 14500 LifePO4 cells in mine - they are about 3.6V full charge and 3.2V dead flat. Awesome, and the cells can be absolutely hammered (charge at 2C or even more) without being adversely affected like Li-Ion.
These are great. I have a bunch (multiple of all the colours!) and I use them heaps. Plenty of light, Nice wide beam (I don't use the zoom much).
Maybe not 600 lumens but certainly more than 100. These are bright, but they do get hot and run time isn't huge.
At this price I'm tempted to buy some more - but that would be insane!
Looks like the one @ ALDI store this week, only cheaper
Don't get confused guys. These ones are JUNK. I was sucked in with this model a while back. Give it the big swerve. There are better models out there for not much more $$$$
They are of the same quality as the Sipik clones and any other cheap light, youre not going to get a good AA light for much under $20.
I wouldn't buy them myself due to having dozens of premium brand (and custom made) AA lights, for the price they do they job they are made to do for a fraction of the price.
I bought one of those Sipik clones from a deal posted here….it has worked a charm, definitely worth keeping on the desk (I don't recommend glove box unless you are keeping a lithium battery in it though). They work as advertised, provide good light and are dirt cheap. Hence the +ve for this deal
Yeah. Agreed. Those SIPIK clones are great units. I have 4 or 5 of them. This one here is not a SIPIK clone. It is just cheap trash
@zonbie: I guess I will have to take your word for it. I don't intend to buy one of these but your warning is valued.
Anyone that has one, could they measure the diameter of driver and emitter plates?
Thinking of maybe putting a Cree XP-L in one of these
i meant the pcb board diameter that the led is attached to…
But thanks anyways!
These are bad for modding they have a hollow pills there is a thread on BLF but i cant find it now. they are trying to sell them to us!
Hey I remember these.. quite a few people ordered them, and most of them were DoA. Different company though.
Can never have enough torches
Was about to buy till i read some of the comments : ((
If people want a brighter torch, look for Cree T6 torches.
http://flashlightwiki.com/Cree
These will output at 300 lumens mininum when driven at 700ma. They are around $6 to $10 from eBay.
But they require 3x AAA batteries or one or TWO 18650 batteries, for even more lumens.
T6 isnt a model of a Cree LED its the bin, the bin describes the performance of that model of LED.
XM-L, XM-L2 and XP-L all have T6 bins but they aren't the highest, after T6 there is U2, U3, U4 etc then up to V2 through to V6 on the XP-L emitters.
Then those LED's still aren't the brightest.
If people want a bright torch and they don't know how to choose its best going on a forum like Budget Light Forum and asking for advice on which to get for your budget.
May buy 100 to store all my eneloops :-)
thanks
Op would probably prefer a vote.
They are trying to sell them to us on Budgetlightforum but no one wants them. These are bad for modding!
I'm not planning to mod a torch. I just want it to light up stuff when it's dark.
Pfff torch light casuals
This is why you never be a Jedi
i got a dozen or more of the ultrafires a few years back
Every one of them still going strong and if I needed more I would be grabbing some.
Highly recommended for the small money paid and convenience of size
Are these using real Cree? I have bought flash lights that stated Cree on ebay, and always ended up being disappointed. For $2.75 it is worth it even if it isn't Cree.
Are these using real Cree?
Yeah, a real Cree clone. The chinese consider this style of LED package as a "Cree". It's the same as we call vacuum cleaners "Hoovers" etc - applying a brand name to a generic product.
I get amusement reading the adverts for "Genuine Imax B6" hobby chargers. The original clones (of reasonable quality) are made by SkyRC and called an "Imax B6", and now clones of clones are claiming they are genuine, but calling the brand what used to be the model name. LOL
For a $2.75 it is not a bad torch, I got one from last ozbargain and still running pretty good.
Good, i'll buy a few then.
Yeah that's just a little bit better than this one ;)
Got 2x
Not going to upvote?
@Lukian: As long as you don't have a problem with them and don't mind 1 month shipping time. My last experience with them took more than 3 months all up to get a DOA item replaced. They are very slow with everything, even with responding to messages. At times they took 7 days to reply with 3 to 4 days being the average. I would stay away from them unless you have a lot of patience.
Edit: Oops, I was referring to FastTech as per comment made by [@Lukian] and not the merchant in OP. My experience with Banggood has been very positive so far. Parcels arriving in a week or 2 worst case and 24 hours turn around time for my inquiries.
Got 2x thanks OP. At $2-ish bucks each, I cant complaint.
I bought a couple of these torches from banggood maybe over a year ago and they are still going strong. They do get a little warm when constantly on, other than that I have no issues with them at all.
Even at $2.75 it's overpriced.
Ok - show us something better, smart arse.
Why do they always make cheap light zoomable?