Powerful flashlights

ch750536

I bought this from www.powerdrivegolfbatteries.com, great torch. We had no power for 5 days, so maybe 5 hrs a night, charged each day but probably could have gone 3 days I reckon. was €64.99 but it seems they don't sell them anymore.

Benedict

Perhaps it's the particular batteries that I wanted - they had no trouble sending the torch - but not the batteries. Don't know why. I could have gone for the torch and then tried to source suitable batteries in Ireland but I simply wasn't confident that I would be able to do so. And if I did source them, they'd probably be a fortune to buy.

I eventually went for a lamp with a re-chargeable battery already installed and there wasn't a problem with that. But I'm not very happy with it because it is very cumbersome and heavy. In terms of brightness it's great but it's not something you could put in a jacket pocket and a full charge on full brightness only lasts 40 minutes. Then it's 18 hours to do a full re-charge.

But at least it's bright.

aaakev

Benedict wrote: »

I can see the reason for people saying that there's no need for a really powerful Cree torch of 9000 Lumen plus. I just think that when you have a problem and need light, the nearest thing to daylight is best (provided you're careful not to blind anyone).

Have you seen how bright a 200 lumen led torch is??

Benedict

I've seen you-tube footage of these torches - but not in reality. The lamp that I ended up getting from Amazon is a Sealey 10 million candlepower portable (if you're Hercules) lamp. I wasn't able to find out what the equivalent is in Lumens. When I try to find out what the equivalent is in Lumens, I keep hear "Oh! It's a different system of measurement".

If anyone out there knows what 10 million Candlepower is in Lumens, I would be interested to find out.

It's a pity there isn't a shop in Dublin that stocks a really good range of high-powered torches at a fair price.

markad1

I like this one
http://www.torchdirect.co.uk/fenix-professional-torches/fenix-uc40-ultimate-edition-rechargeable-led-torch.html

SNAKEDOC

Benedict wrote: »

I've seen you-tube footage of these torches - but not in reality. The lamp that I ended up getting from Amazon is a Sealey 10 million candlepower portable (if you're Hercules) lamp. I wasn't able to find out what the equivalent is in Lumens. When I try to find out what the equivalent is in Lumens, I keep hear "Oh! It's a different system of measurement".

If anyone out there knows what 10 million Candlepower is in Lumens, I would be interested to find out.

It's a pity there isn't a shop in Dublin that stocks a really good range of high-powered torches at a fair price.

Well 1 million candle power is 250 lumens so 10 million is 2500 lumens roughly. Its not exact but close enough. The difference is lumens is the size of area the light source lights up one foot from the source, whereas candle power is the radiance of the source. Have you recieved the sealy lamp yet. Its way bright just dont point it at your face or at anyone else for that matter. They are big and chunky and in my opinion way over kill for camping. These things are for industrial use on farms and stuff. My little 250 lumen lenzer is perfect fist size and batteries are AAA so no hastle carrying extras.

Pat Mustard

My understanding is that lumens are a measure of the total amount of light, and that candlepower is an archaic measurement of intensity of light (the brightest spot in a focused beam), which cannot be converted to lumens without knowing how the light is distributed.

I've read an article that says that a light source with 1 candlepower in all directions will produce 12.57 lumen. This might be okay for simple examples, but when we start trying to compare torches with two different systems of measurement, it's not so helpful. It doesn't necessarily mean that a torch giving off 1 million candlepower will give off 12,570,000 lumen.

example:

Imagine you're in a dark room with just a thin beam of sunlight shining through a tiny opening between heavy curtains. That beam represents high candlepower, but modest lumens. You wouldn't want to look straight into the direction it's coming from, even though the sunbeam doesn't brighten the whole room much. On the other hand, a table lamp could brighten the room much more than that sunbeam, even though it's not nearly as bright as the sun when you look directly at it. That lamp represents high lumens, but modest candlepower. See the difference?

To me, it seems a bit like trying to compare the water pressure from a power hose as against the total amount of water in a lake. Not very comparable.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?2587-Candlepower-To-Lumens

ShadowFox

Benedict wrote: »

Anyone know where I can purchase a really powerful flashlight in Ireland for Euro 100 or less? I'm interested in, for example, a Cree, Trustfire 11000 to 13000 Lumens (or similar) - which is very bright. I know that people who camp in very out of the way locations often look for such flashlights. I know that they can be bought online - but I would prefer to buy face to face. I haven't been able to locate any shop who will sell me a flashlight similar to the one above.

Ive used a trust fire 11000 lumens flashlight they give out fantastic light BUT they eat batteries your lucky if you get an hour run time out of your 18650 or cr123a batteries remember also the cr123a batteries are around €10 each to buy here if you can find them I had rechargeable 18650s for mine but ended up with one set in the flashlight one set charged in my pouch and a 3rd set on charge which was a nightmare. I changed to a led lenser P7 200 lumens nearly 40 hours out of 3 aaa batteries if it goes dead and i forget my spares any shop sells AAAs much better value for money

ShadowFox

ShadowFox wrote: »

Ive used a trust fire 11000 lumens flashlight they give out fantastic light BUT they eat batteries your lucky if you get an hour run time out of your 18650 or cr123a batteries remember also the cr123a batteries are around €10 each to buy here if you can find them I had rechargeable 18650s for mine but ended up with one set in the flashlight one set charged in my pouch and a 3rd set on charge which was a nightmare. I changed to a led lenser P7 200 lumens nearly 40 hours out of 3 aaa batteries if it goes dead and i forget my spares any shop sells AAAs much better value for money

After saying all that I do plan on picking up a Nitecore P12 at 950 lumens http://www.heinnie.com/Flashlights/Nitecore-Flashlights/P12/p-97-480-11557/ as from time to time Id like to have a more powerful flashlight but my P7 will still be my main light

Gran Hermano

Plenty of Chinese manufacturers/retailers will over estimate and exaggerate the amount of lumens their gear outputs.
Also worth noting that a 500 lumen flashlight does not appear twice as bright as a 250 lumen one.

200-250 is plenty bright for most people.

Something like this will allow you to use AAA x3 in an 18650 flashlight. http://dx.com/p/3-x-aaa-batteries-holder-case-for-18650-flashlight-white-2-pcs-159745#.UxNvGOFFDbU

Also worthy looking at flash lights that will run on AA and/or 14500, again you can use the higher voltage 14500 batteries for more lumens but drop down to AA if stuck.

Always worth having a flashlight with both a low and high mode, sometimes you need runtime more than brightness.
My most used was the Nitecore D10/Ex10 as they had an infinite level of brightness/runtime settings.

The new Nitecore models will charge via micro USB, very handy. I picked up the Nitecore P25 last year but is overkill for most tasks.

Benedict

I have already purchased the Sealey 10 million c/p lamp through Amazon. This level of power is often referred to as "tactical" - I gather this means that it is best for events such as emergencies where short term very bright light is needed. Events such as security events, traffic emergencies etc. The big draw-back is that like lap-tops, the battery runs out fairly quickly. The big plus is that the amount of light is monumental. When you switch the Sealey on it's like the sun has come out.

I've never actually seen the really powerful 10k Lumens plus torches. It seems that there is no scientific way of comparing Lumens with c/p. I'd be fascinated to know if there's anyone out there who has actually seen a demo of, say a 10k+ Lumens AND and 10 mill. c/p and is in a position to confirm if they are comparable? Or would a 10k Lumen torch put a 10 Mill c/p in the halfpenny place. If I saw the two together both shining on an object 50 yards away I could say the Lumen beats the c/p (or vice versa) - but unfortunately I haven't. Because there is no scientific comparison, the judge would have to be a person who has actually seen both with his/her own eyes.

thehippychippy

I carry a leatherman and a p3 lenser on my belt at all times, had lots "talks" bout that from SHMBO but I won't budge on it. Interesting talk before a wedding last year, seemingly "I've always done it, you just never noticed before" is not a valid argument. Leatherman, goes without saying but I'd always carry a torch. Working in the building game, it's used more then the leatherman and at night when I'm walking the dog it's handy to have. Don't know what lumens it is or candle power but it's perfect for me for work, camping, walking etc. Been thinking of getting the p7 but to be honest, for the price of it, and using 1 aaa battery (have it over a year and changed the battery once) I don't think you'll beat the p3, so might start changing out the lamps in the bobs with them. Actually, while writing this I've realised, I'm going to get the p7 and a change out the others for p3s. Eventually. Quietly, and without fuss. Or I might have to have the "why so many torches?" talk again. Am I the only one with a separate torch beside the bed, torch/led lamp in the kitchen, torch beside the front door, torch/lamp at the back door, torches in the shed, torch in the car, torches in the van, head lamps around the house, in the car, van and jackets and oil lamps in the shed? I can't be the only one?

ShadowFox

thehippychippy wrote: »

I carry a leatherman and a p3 lenser on my belt at all times, had lots "talks" bout that from SHMBO but I won't budge on it. Interesting talk before a wedding last year, seemingly "I've always done it, you just never noticed before" is not a valid argument. Leatherman, goes without saying but I'd always carry a torch. Working in the building game, it's used more then the leatherman and at night when I'm walking the dog it's handy to have. Don't know what lumens it is or candle power but it's perfect for me for work, camping, walking etc. Been thinking of getting the p7 but to be honest, for the price of it, and using 1 aaa battery (have it over a year and changed the battery once) I don't think you'll beat the p3, so might start changing out the lamps in the bobs with them. Actually, while writing this I've realised, I'm going to get the p7 and a change out the others for p3s. Eventually. Quietly, and without fuss. Or I might have to have the "why so many torches?" talk again. Am I the only one with a separate torch beside the bed, torch/led lamp in the kitchen, torch beside the front door, torch/lamp at the back door, torches in the shed, torch in the car, torches in the van, head lamps around the house, in the car, van and jackets and oil lamps in the shed? I can't be the only one?

Flash lights/torches are my down fall Ive way too many. At home Ive a 2D cell maglite at the front door 4C cell maglite at the back door 4D cell maglite inside the bed room door and a very old 7C cell on the landing All of these have battery converters in them to run off AA batteries and all blubs have been upgraded. I carry a SAK and Led Lenser P2 in my pocket all the time also have a P3, P7 and M5 from led lenser the P2 and P3 are 16 lumens the P7 is 220 lumens and the M5 is 100 lumens and has strobe. I used to have AA maglites beside every bed in the house but they got broken over time (kids taking them apart) Last year Aldi had 9 led torches 3 for €5 so they are whats used now. The 64 led magnetic torches are in the bathroom, kitchen and sheds plus ive wind up torches and other cheap ones I picked up when I see them. My main work torch is the P7 the P2 would be the back up or depending where Im going Id have the M5 also

Benedict

Okay, but the point is this. When you ask which is brighter, 10k Lumens or 10 Million c/p nobody can answer. The answer is always the same. You need to be a mathematician to work out the similarity.

But look, if there's a house 100 yards away and I shine both. Which will light up the house most. A 10k Lumen or a 10 million c/P. Forget maths, is there anyone out there who has seen both and can say basically which lights up the house most?

Pat Mustard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjEVJraNMsw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCCeJB0vpE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1m0PRnaVhM

Pat Mustard

Lidl will be selling a 5W mini cree LED torch for €9.99, from the 20th March. Aluminium exterior.

The lumens value is not given in relation to the Lidl torch, but in an attempt at comparison, the led lenser p7 has an output of 7.2 watts (and 200 lumens), as opposed to 5W with the lidl torch.

EDIT: The Lidl torch is 70 lumens.

Benedict

It goes on and on! We are still expected to have a Ph.D. in physics to work out how bright is the torch we wish to purchase. So there's Lumens and Candlepower - and now Watts?

Imagine buying a car and saying "I want a 1500 CC engine" and the salesman saying "well sir, this is x horsepower - don't know what CC it is but you can work it out if you've got an hour or two to spare".

"But what CC is it?" "Sorry sir, we deal in horsepower only".

With torches, only mathematical geniuses know what they're buying!

Pat Mustard

Lumens are a measure of the amount of visible light. The other measurements are not.

Benedict

Lumens is fine. But then you find a torch that shows only the c/p or Watts? And nobody really knows how the three can be compared?

If you see two torches in a shop window, one is 100 Lumens and the other is 200 Lumens, you know which is brighter. But if one is c/p or Watts, you don't!

If only every manufacturer was obliged to show the Lumens, life would be so much simpler. (They could yammer on about watts or c/p 'till the cows came home, but at least we'd have one common measurement).

aaakev

For some reason I dont think the torch manufacturing Industry will ever be that heavily regulated :rolleyes:

Just buy a good torch and dont worry so much about such a non issue!

Benedict

Ah! But you see, aakev, it is not a "non issue".

When I buy a torch without being able to figure out what the specifications mean, I don't know if it's a "good torch" or not.

So what do you do? Rip open the bubble wrap? Insert batteries and then ask the shop assistant to be escorted to a dark room so you can test it? And then run through the same procedure with twenty more torches?

So much handier if you could determine the performance from what it says on the tin.

I don't actually "worry" about this matter - but the fact that I don't know what I'm buying 'till I get the torch home irritates me.

"Non issue"?

I don't think so!

Especially when you could be shelling out serious cash for a torch that you later discover is no better than the old model you have at home.

aaakev

All led lenser torches can be tested in shop. It is a non issie because any good torch will have its power output as its selling point, just buy one of them.

Led is the only way to go so font bother with candle power or any other scale just stick to the lumens

debabyjesus

Led lenser aside, look at brands like nitecore and fenix (there are others but not as widely available in Ireland) for top torches with honest outputs. All these torches are constantly being updated and re-released with the latest cree chips. The cree xm-l u2 is the latest iirc. Can put out about 900 lumen. Torches like the nitecore tm26 have 4 of these cree u2 led's and put out about 3500 in unison. Any of these cheap torches claiming tens of thousands of lumen are talking through their arse. They may still have respectable output but it all boils down the the particular led its using and how many its using.

A very decent 900-1000 lumen torch running either 18650's, cr123s, AA or AAA, on board charged (or any combination of these) can be got for under €100. It would have a multitude of features like 4 or 5 different lumen levels, sos, strobe, beacon, red green blue.

Of the good brands only led lenser seem to persist with the manual focus from flood to beam. They are kind of overpriced too. Most other brands like the others I mentioned design their torches for particular applications and concentrate on getting a good throw (long distance light) or a good spill (immediate area light) or any combination of these.

Tldr... take ebay lumen outputs with a pinch of salt, look at fenix and nightcore torches for exceptional output with bags of features for decent money.

debabyjesus

For those who don't want to be messing with Li-ion, 18650 or specialist batteries and just want a nice simple torch running AA's, nitecore should be releasing this eax model soon. It runs on 8 AA's (disposable or rechargable).

http://nitecore.com/productDetail.aspx?id=95#.U1It7lXWKcs

2000 genuine lumens, 60,000cd intensity, 500m range with great features running AA's is simply amazing. These torches are practically bombproof, waterproof to ipx8 which is gauranteed 2 metres but will do a whole pile more.

I'd expect this to retail at £100-£150 sterling.

Pat Mustard

Aldi is selling a 450 lumen CREE LED torch for €25 atm.
https://www.aldi.ie/en/product-range/christmas/gifts/gift-ideas/products-detail-page/ps/p/10w-cree-led-torch/

Comes with a light diffuser so that you can use it as a lamp.

my3cents

The Mustard wrote: »

Aldi is selling a 450 lumen CREE LED torch for €25 atm.
https://www.aldi.ie/en/product-range/christmas/gifts/gift-ideas/products-detail-page/ps/p/10w-cree-led-torch/

Comes with a light diffuser so that you can use it as a lamp.

Reduced in my local Aldi to €15 and that is all its worth.

aaakev

my3cents wrote: »

Reduced in my local Aldi to €15 and that is all its worth.

Did ya buy it? How is the focus beem? Does it shoot far?

my3cents

aaakev wrote: »

Did ya buy it? How is the focus beem? Does it shoot far?

I have its smaller brother (x3 AAA cells) which is a good little torch and I paid less than €10 for it when Aldi were selling the same one for €15. So all I'm saying is its not as big a bargin as Aldi want to make you think it is. iirc the problem with this range of torches is that they have plastic lenses.

EDIT> Forgot focus on the smaller version is excellent, gives a really tight beam.