MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ben... on April 02, 2010, 08:01:49 PM
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thought i would share some research ive found. I was in the market for a new tourch, wanted a LED torch, but not one of those nasty 9 led things, i wanted a Q4/Q5 LED emitter. Some of those can churn out 250 lumens of light - thats pretty impressive. So i went to the local camping store, and a look around and almost fell over when they quoted me $180-300. FOR A TOURCH!
So i walked out of there tail between my legs came home and started looking around online, found a honk kong knockoff with CREE branded led emitters for $2.99. they sting you 9.95 for postage but hey... cheap. so at that price i got 4, and will wait and see what they are like. Gota love ebay.
Here is a picture sorry i think it may have some advertising on it...
(http://www.gomarketphoto.com/led/A8Ba.jpg)
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Man that is cheap, keen to hear what your thoughts on them are when they turn up.
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ill be sure to post up some pictures when i get them. got 2 of another sort coming also, appear to be brighter, but only takes 1 aa battery. not sure what sort of battery life ill get, but thought id still give them a shot also. will do a comparison of the 2 onces i get them
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Cool, looking forward to it.
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Hi,
LED torches are amazing stuff. I was in the camping shop browsing around when I saw one of the staff packing up what looked like a large mag light with an extra big reflector area.
Curious I asked what it was.
It was a $350 LED torch that was going back 'cause no one was interested at that price. He demonstrated the beam, by shining it to the other end of the store, maybe 30m away, but he forgot the wall was lined with mirrors.
Instant welding flash; that baby had some lumens.
I'm still happy with my year old Petzl LED head lamp, though I can't see the reason they bothered still incorporating the halogen main beam, the LEDs are far more useful.
(http://www.petzl.com/files/imagecache/product_outdoor_slideshow_image/files/node_media/7383-1.jpg)
I like the 3 brightness levels on the LEDs and find I seldom need more that the economy setting, even when walking at night.
cheers
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Picture of the other one ive got coming that only takes 1aa.
(http://www.cyberportpic.com/led2/SA20.jpg)
Ill post the ebay links if anyone is interested.
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I ordered 1 a couple of months back cost about $30 delivered
also got a bike mount and it has different settings such as high low
flash fast and slow about 250 lumens puts the kids next door p7 led lenzer
to shame :cup: pretty good quality for cheap chinese torch
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Nick - the first one of the second one?
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Big fan of the led,s, so much better than the incandescent models, the ones showen here range from 1 to 3 watts power, very good on battery usage too, interesting to see how the great wall of china led's proform ;D
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yeah should be interesting. they are cree emitters so "should" mean they are ok, but who knows until you get them.
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Hi,
LED torches are amazing stuff. I was in the camping shop browsing around when I saw one of the staff packing up what looked like a large mag light with an extra big reflector area.
Curious I asked what it was.
It was a $350 LED torch that was going back 'cause no one was interested at that price. He demonstrated the beam, by shining it to the other end of the store, maybe 30m away, but he forgot the wall was lined with mirrors.
Instant welding flash; that baby had some lumens.
A friend of mine has one of those, except he paid $500 for it. It is insanely bright, we were using it to light things up about 200m away!
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the first one ben
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That's not a torch......
.....Now that's a torch...!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/T6-1600-Lumens-6x-CREE-Q5-LED-RCT6-Torch-Flashlight_W0QQitemZ260549102309QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches?hash=item3ca9efcae5
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1600 lumens, hahah holy burn your eyes out batman.
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That's not a torch......
.....Now that's a torch...!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/T6-1600-Lumens-6x-CREE-Q5-LED-RCT6-Torch-Flashlight_W0QQitemZ260549102309QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches?hash=item3ca9efcae5
The funny thing is a torch with a single CREE led and a decent reflector would probably have better range than this. ;D
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Reflectors on a LED make very little difference to the light output as most of the light is already directionally straigh out the front of the LED. What makes a difference is the Collimator Lens (optics) in determining the light focus or spread. See the Australian company Cuttler Electronics (http://www.cutter.com.au/categories.php ) for interesting LED set ups.
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That's not a torch......
.....Now that's a torch...!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/T6-1600-Lumens-6x-CREE-Q5-LED-RCT6-Torch-Flashlight_W0QQitemZ260549102309QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches?hash=item3ca9efcae5
It would be interetsing if they did a deal for say 40 of them including postage. Then we can all buy one cheap.
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I too will be waiting to see what they end up being like. As you all say you gotta love LED lights.
Sean
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Reflectors on a LED make very little difference to the light output as most of the light is already directionally straigh out the front of the LED. What makes a difference is the Collimator Lens (optics) in determining the light focus or spread. See the Australian company Cuttler Electronics (http://www.cutter.com.au/categories.php ) for interesting LED set ups.
There you go, learn something new everyday, bring on the multi-CREE torches then. :cup:
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Swaggers
I went to Anoconda got on to a head light LED 3 settings 1, 3 & 7 settings /
runs on 3 AAA supplied , all this for $5 each
Had a rush of blood to the head bourt 5 units
1 for me
1 for SWOMBO
1 for the kitchen
1 as a spare
1 as another spare
the savings i spent on grog
:cheers:
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Spweewa158
thats a classic......know doubt you are set for a long time
Sean
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I just picked up some LED torches from the 'book man' today. $10 each - you shake them to recharge, so we'll see how long they last. Batteries are those flat ones you can buy anywhere. Put out a decent 'shine' as well. Nothing like those $$$$ ones, but I'm not intending on putting a spotlight on the lead singer at a concert in the dark - just finding my way to loo and back without trodding on Joe Blake or his friends.
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It would be interetsing if they did a deal for say 40 of them including postage. Then we can all buy one cheap.
www.dealextreme.com do bulk discounts.
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Actually....just did a bit of extra looking and found this.
I think this would be a great torch...!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CREE-Q5-LED-300-LM-7W-Headlamp-HeadLight-Head-Torch_W0QQitemZ280482926232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches?hash=item414e15ce98
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I use the P7 LED LENSER. The model I have is 190 lumens (now 200) and it has a two stage switch on it. It uses 4AAA batteries. I have had it for 12 months now and use it for performing weld inspections as well as take it away camping and using it around the house. It is only on it's second set of batteries the first set lasted for over 40 hours on full power. It came with a nylon belt pouch. I paid just under $100 for it and I have found it to be worth every penny.
There is probably better out there but this one has me sold. I am saving for a X21 which uses 4 "D" size batteries and is 1050 lumens. It is near the $450.00 mark
Here is the info on the P7
http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/produkte/html_highperformance/html_Pserie/p7.php?id=p7
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Swaggers
if i can or my SWOMBO can sit & read by headlight or cook or stumble around to the dunny , thats all we need
yes there are better but who cares
spend the rest on grog
:cheers:
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I use the P7 LED LENSER. The model I have is 190 lumens (now 200) and it has a two stage switch on it. It uses 4AAA batteries. I have had it for 12 months now and use it for performing weld inspections as well as take it away camping and using it around the house. It is only on it's second set of batteries the first set lasted for over 40 hours on full power. It came with a nylon belt pouch. I paid just under $100 for it and I have found it to be worth every penny.
There is probably better out there but this one has me sold. I am saving for a X21 which uses 4 "D" size batteries and is 1050 lumens. It is near the $450.00 mark
Here is the info on the P7
http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/produkte/html_highperformance/html_Pserie/p7.php?id=p7
$450 for a torch???? WTF
Darren
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what he said... thats alot of coin to drop on a tourch. I loose tourches all the time, id never use that sucker in fear id loose it.
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$ 450 that Gods way of telling you you have too much money !
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$450 for a torch???? WTF
Darren
It may be cheaper than that now, but 12 months ago that was the price. The security guards around here are using that exact torch. At a said range of 500+ meters I can see why.
$ 450 that Gods way of telling you you have too much money !
I do agree that it is a lot of money but you do get what you pay for. It is not only going to be used for camping and I can justify buying it because of hobbies and sport. I don't buy anything unless I have a need for it.
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It may be cheaper than that now, but 12 months ago that was the price. The security guards around here are using that exact torch. At a said range of 500+ meters I can see why.
I do agree that it is a lot of money but you do get what you pay for. It is not only going to be used for camping and I can justify buying it because of hobbies and sport. I don't buy anything unless I have a need for it.
Thats funny bout the security gaurds. Most of them couldnt walk 5 m let alone 500 so knowing what is half a k away is a bit of a waste ;D
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Thats funny bout the security gaurds. Most of them couldnt walk 5 m let alone 500 so knowing what is half a k away is a bit of a waste ;D
Haha never gave that much thought until you posted that. I will admit though and you didn't hear me saying this but the guy that does the patrols for me here is a bloody fit bugger I would hate to try and out run him or take him on.
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I have a Ledlenser and the wife has a cheap Chinese knock off and to tell the truth hers is brighter ect but ....... The wife goes through a set of batteries $20 a pop every camping trip and I am still on the originals after 2 years ....... lol ...... even with the wife using mine cause hers is flat ;D
Thanks
yogi
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what he said... thats alot of coin to drop on a tourch. I loose tourches all the time, id never use that sucker in fear id loose it.
no chance of loosin it while its switched on, LOL
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prlamb
i think you may be on to something , lost torch in the bush at night switched on,,,,easy to find ,,,,,, must try in backyard tonight ,. will keep you posted,,!
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Hi Guys,
I bought an LED torch from Jaycar a year or so ago. It's made by Aurora, I haven't seen them anywhere else since. I just googled it and found them here for you: http://smarterlife.com.au/?action=view&id=800485
This is a seriously good torch, incredibly bright, very tough (even my daughters couldn't kill it) and will light up the hillside where we camp which is over 150m away. It takes 2 x AA Penlight batteries and lasts ages.
When I bought it, I took it home, tried it out in the day time and was so impressed I went straight back out to Jaycar and bought one for my dad. When I gave it to him he complained and said, "Thanks but I already have a torch, take it back and stop wasting your money" That was until he tried it .... :-D
Best value for money torch, and I've not met anyone with a better torch whilst camping, all are impressed.
Cheers,
DJ
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a mate of mine bout a torch turned it on pointed it up , then got a sms from some bloke on the moon asking him to turn away its to bright
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thought i would share some research ive found. I was in the market for a new tourch, wanted a LED tourch, but not one of those nasty 9 led things, i wanted a Q4/Q5 LED emitter. Some of those can churn out 250 lumens of light - thats pretty impressive. So i went to the local camping store, and a look around and almost fell over when they quoted me $180-300. FOR A TOURCH!
So i walked out of there tail between my legs came home and started looking around online, found a honk kong knockoff with CREE branded led emitters for $2.99. they sting you 9.95 for postage but hey... cheap. so at that price i got 4, and will wait and see what they are like. Gota love ebay.
So it's almost been a couple of weeks, have they turned up yet?
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We have an energizer branded torch, single LED, torch is rechargeable from 12 or 240 volt. Lens is probably 100 x 100mm and it puts out a focused beam to about 300m. We bought it from Mitre 10 on special for around $70 18 months ago. Have dropped it, had it underwater (briefly) and we keep it in the Patrol which is parked outdoors so in the sun all day and a single charge lasts ages, probably only charged it 3 time since we bought it and it does get a fair bit of use. Would recommend it to anyone after a largish sized powerful and reliable torch. This is the current version of same torch http://www.energizer.com/products/flashlights/worklights/Pages/battery-operated-lantern.aspx (http://www.energizer.com/products/flashlights/worklights/Pages/battery-operated-lantern.aspx)
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A friend in Brissy gave me a few of these to try out as he is now stocking them as well as a few other 4x4 bits and pieces at Barry Evans Lifting World. The AmPro 6 LED flashlight with magnetic pickup.. I just love them. Bright enough to find my way to the loo at night when camping. The magnet is great as it sticks to the poles at the head of my bed in the C/T therefore I always know where it is. And also comes in very handy when fumble fingers drops anything in the engine bay. And the kids love them for a top game of spotlight ;D
www.justtools.com.au/prod5148.htm for a picture
Caz
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well they arrived, and ive had a couple of days to play with them and i have to say im pretty impressed. between the two models I ordered one is much smaller than the other but i think the smaller one actually has a better light. The better thing with smaller one is that it takes 1aa - much easier with battery replacement. The larger tourch takes 3 x aaa batteries, or 1 of these batteries that look like aa on steriods. very bright beam, clear white light as you would expect. will update you on battery life once they run out.
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I got a 4 D cell LED Mag light from Coles about 4 months ago for around $29. It's an absolute ripper for the price (reasonably bright and the batteries are still going strong after hours of use) and it doubles up as an effective whacking stick as well >:D
I don't know if they would still have then, it may have been a promotional thing?
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Hi Guys,
Today I bought the grandaddy of LED torches, The LED LENSER P7. This thing is insane, it takes 4 AAA batteries, is about 5 inches long and has an adjustable focus and two stage lighting. It pumps out 200 Lumens, has a range of 220m, and battery life of 120 hrs.
German made and excellent construction. Comes with equally impressive price tag $117. Bloody good torch. Too bright to shine it in your eyes. Looking forward to going camping in less that 2 weeks so I can use it in earnest.
I love new technology!
DJ
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Hi Deejay
Where did you get it from
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I just ordered 2 of these.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CREE-Q5-LED-300-LM-7W-Headlamp-HeadLight-Head-Torch_W0QQitemZ280482926232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches?hash=item414e15ce98
Thought I should get one for SWMBO as well.
We have 2 of the Aurora torches. They are fantastic and give out an great tight beam of light. I think it has a lot to do with the lens.
When the new ones arrive, I'll try to take some pictures to compare the beams.
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There was a stall at the camping show next to Anaconda, my wife and I nearly fell over when I picked up an led torch for $550, put it down pretty quick too :D
Some of these cheap imports look ok.
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Hi Deejay
Where did you get it from
Hi CRW,
I bought it from a little camping store in Balcatta, Western AUstralia, called "Go Camping". I haven't seen them before but must be available elsewhere I would imagine.
I just found the same torch here for cheaper http://www.ledtorches.com.au/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=87
Bugger! Oh well, I'm happy supporting the smaller guy. :angel:
Cheers,
DJ
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You getwhat you pay for with LED torches (by the way, what is a tourch?). I have a little LEDLenser and it beats all my other torches hands down. came as one of the "free" gifts for subscribing to 4wd Action magazine.
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Thanks DeeJay, just bought one from them
:cheers:
Carl
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Hi CRW,
I bought it from a little camping store in Balcatta, Western AUstralia, called "Go Camping". I haven't seen them before but must be available elsewhere I would imagine.
I just found the same torch here for cheaper http://www.ledtorches.com.au/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=87
Bugger! Oh well, I'm happy supporting the smaller guy. :angel:
Cheers,
DJ
Same here but that site is dearer than I paid my local guy for one. I paid $92 for my P7 and that site is asking $106. I was quoted $450 for the x21 and that site is asking $589 just goes to show you you local guy can sometimes be cheaper than the internet. Pays to look and bargain locally.
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Today only, adaptable LED flashlight from Zazz - $25 + p&p
http://www.zazz.com.au/ (http://www.zazz.com.au/)
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received my headlamps today. I'll be giving them a tryout this weekend.
report to follow...!
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Today only, adaptable LED flashlight from Zazz - $25 + p&p
http://www.zazz.com.au/ (http://www.zazz.com.au/)
That looks suspiciously like one I got on ebay ex Hong Kong for A$12.65 with free postage.
Works well too.
I think they are still listed there, under CREE LED 300 Lumens.
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That looks suspiciously like one I got on ebay ex Hong Kong for $12.95 with free postage.
Works well too.
got a link Toad ??
cheers
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Mate I'm a bit of a dinosaur, but if you type into ebay exactly as follows "CREE led torch" it comes up at the top of the list. Item160411245285.
I like it for the fact it uses 2x AA batteries, not 3x AAA's.
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the old dolphin torch gets me to the esky and with the price difference from a flash one ( punn intended ) can also keep the esky well supplied .
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Today only, adaptable LED flashlight from Zazz - $25 + p&p
http://www.zazz.com.au/ (http://www.zazz.com.au/)
They must've had a few buyers as now are sold out!
might look into the "toad" option ;D ;D
cheers
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might look into the "toad" option ;D ;D
cheers
Always worth a look! 8) 8)
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the ones i got i have been using just about every night - the ones that take the aa batteries have been the best so far. Mine hasnt had the need to replace the battery yet since i installed it.
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well...tried out the ebay CREE head lamp torch and overall I'm happy with it.
I'm not certain the brightness is quite as high as they quote (300 lumens) but it is certainly bright enough for lighting up an area that you would work on using a head lamp. Using it as a torch is a bit of a mixed bag. Its certainly brighter than my Aurora torch but the beam itself is not as good. Seems to project an image of the LED element rather than a spread of light. Still, its quite a penetrating beam.
The construction is not what you would call superb but it's sufficient for the job. The battery pack is little more than a plastic holder with a rubber cover. I doubt it is waterproof. It does sit comfortably on your head. The light can be angled down but its only at 2 angles. If you want a range of motion, this is no good. The beam adjustment is made by sliding the lens barrel which feel a bit flimsy at first but does work OK.
Overall...for a $12 torch, its pretty good value and it does seem it will last long enough to well and truely get my money's worth. I'll try to take some photos of the light shortly.
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Well I bit the bullet and grabbed one of the three AAA type CREE torches that Ben showed on the first page of the thread, it was delivered a few days ago, so far I'm pretty happy with it, the beam pattern isn't the greatest but I wasn't expecting to be for the price ($12.98), but it does throw a good amount of light, more than any other torch I own actually, the beam pattern is almost like 2 beams, there is a fairly wide beam which gives usable light for a few metres, and then there is a spot in the centre which gives usable light for maybe 50 metres.
The build quality appears to be pretty good, only time will tell if the switch will wear out sooner than something else worth 10 times the price, or if the driving circuits will give good longevity, but for the price I can't complain at all.
Might have to grab one of those head lamp jobbies you got Darcy, sounds like they are good value for money too.
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OK...I tried to get some photos to show the difference between the $12 headlamp and my $70 Aurora torch. Unfortunately they didn't really come out too well but it does give you some idea.
BTW....I think I found the best torch on the market.....! Price isn't too bad.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AURORA-AK-P7-5-SSC-P7-900-Lumen-LED-Flashlight-Torch-/160431650942?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item255a78b87e
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Just purchased a Olight M20 Warrior Premium, 250 lumen, 250 metre throw, 4 settings, 2 lenses, waterproof & indestructible, very long battery life. Man this thing is bright. Even has a stainless steel "striking bezel", now that sounds fun.
http://www.olightusa.com/detail.asp?id=11
This makes my Maglight 3D & Led Lenser look like candles in comparison. Can be had on sale for around $110. Highly recommended.
Cheers
Baz
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The rechargeable Maglite is the most awesome light we've had to date.
But after getting a relatively cheap LED torch from Bunnings or somewhere like that (Eiger Electrical brand) I was rather impressed especially comparing it to the little AA Mag Lite, it doesn't get the distance of the big Maglite but the brightness is plenty good. So with my last bike parts order I spotted a LED Lenser P7 for a good price ($74Au) and so now there is one on it's way (meant to be two but they cancelled one as they went out of stock, bugger!!!!).
A comparison between it and the Maglite will be interesting! I'm really looking forward to it, never thought I'd be excited by buying a torch!!!
The only thing I hate about the Maglite is that it can't take standard batteries as well, and during say a power outage when you most need it, should it run out well you're stuffed! Sure we've got a car charger but I'd hardly go for a drive just to charge the light. And it gets around 2hrs of runtime with it's impressive throw of light, but if it was needed as a main source of light on a camping trip it just wouldn't do.
Talking about camping, those ARB type flouro lights didn't seem to cut it last time we went for a couple of nights (tenting it these days) one had trouble starting and we have had to return one brand newie in the past because it wouldn't fire up. I must admit this time the battery could have been part culprit (not sure how good it is even though we did fully charge it before heading off...it's an Orbital gel battery).
Anyway getting to the point I spied these Primus Lanters, The Super Nova 180 which might be on my wish-list. What do you fellows use for general lighting around the campsite these days? And opinion on the Super Nova? Looks like it's around $60
http://www.primusaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=78 (http://www.primusaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=78)
In the link the flouro light picture on the right is the style of light we have at the moment and not entirely happy with, although two of them do provide good general lighting around the camp providing they get going of course!
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Anyway getting to the point I spied these Primus Lanters, The Super Nova 180 which might be on my wish-list. What do you fellows use for general lighting around the campsite these days? And opinion on the Super Nova? Looks like it's around $60
http://www.primusaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=78 (http://www.primusaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=78)
In the link the flouro light picture on the right is the style of light we have at the moment and not entirely happy with, although two of them do provide good general lighting around the camp providing they get going of course!
That's first I've seen the Super Nova LED lanterns before and I thought I'd have a gander on Ebay for lanterns and came across the light below, looks identical to the Super Nova except for the plastic colour, and it's half the price. I have no idea how good the light will be, but I'd be willing to try one out at $30.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/3-Watt-3w-w-CREE-LED-Light-Lamp-Lantern-Camping-Fishing-/150389740196?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item2303ed52a4
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Anybody got one of these? I'm looking for a spotlight.
http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/gear/lighting/rechargeable-lighting/led-rechargeable-spotlight.aspx
(http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/uploadedImages/LEDRechargSpotlight.jpg)
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Have a go at this..
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/index.php?s=45a9429f4dcfe5e657f33e2fd5c13c2a&
I thought we were bad? what did all the wierdo's do before the net?
What about this
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=278342
What pet names do you have for your torch?????
Darren
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117,000 members on a torch forum. Surely camper trailers are more interesting ;D
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ok...that is possibly the strangest forum I have ever seen.
Seriously.......pet names for your torches....?? WTF...??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
And don't anyone one of you think of starting a thread like that here...!
PLEASE...!
oh what the heck.... ;D
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WOT ! Don't you have a pet name for your camper and your car ?
LOL :cheers: ;D ;D ;D ;D
Steve
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Yes I came across candlepower forums when I was researching the P7 making sure it was a worthwhile buy, I was also amazed that so many people were so seriously into their torches....errrmm I mean flashlights ;D Can't honestly say I've ever thought of modifying a torch to make it brighter!
It just goes to show you can spend a Shitload of money on just about anything if you're into it seriously enough! Hmmm $500 buys me a PS3 or a nice BMX or a very bright torch! It's just a matter of choice really!
I think Hubby just about fell off his chair when I emailed him a link to the LED Lenser X21 and it's price tag tough ;D I guess one way to convince him P7's were affordable ;D ;D
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Just an update, I got my LED Lenser P7 and it lives up to my expectations so far.
It's almost as bright as the Maglite, and I say almost mainly because the throw of light area wise isn't as great as that of the maglite, and understandably so because the maglite is bigger in size (head / reflector etc). Distance wise I think they're both pretty much on par.
I'm happy, one day will have to test the run time though because I don't believe it would be 50hrs or whatever ridiculous number they state in the marketing!
In some ways it makes sense that it switches to the brightest setting first but in other ways it would be better if it went ..low - high - off, less chance of leaving it on without realizing and better if you were using it as a "toilet light" so as not to wake the partner.
It certainly blows the other little LED torch we have out of the water.
This is where I got mine...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31959 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31959)
Next I'm looking forward to getting the H7R headlamp because I originally ordered two P7's but they were out of stock so they only sent me one and refunded the other. I ended up deciding a headlamp might be better for the husband anyway and they've finally just come in stock!
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i'm curious which maglite you have.
i bought one of these 900 Lumens torch (http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?SiteId=1&ProductId=10313) and it far out performs my 4 cell led maglite.i run 9000ma rechargeables in the mag lite and even at full charge the torch isn't as bright.
having a light throw a beam long way is no good if you still can't make out what you are looking at 500 metres away. close up the little cheap led blows it out of the water.
the led lenser head lights do look good, and the h7r is up on my list of new headlights (on the SWMBOs order), but i'm also considering the Fenix HP10 at roughly twice the brightness. Feniz HP10 on the other nerd forum. (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=250565)
dan
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Hey Silvo, what is your pet name for the 4 cell Maglite? ;D
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Black Panadol
when i hit someone with it, they'll need a Panadol.
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Try this one
http://www.mossko.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=40&sid=80c90b5a6b8a3f5b284e9d2d8fe8001a
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that one actually looks pretty cool.
Do u have one?
Doesnt look like it can be dimmed though. which i find handy for around the camp fire / eating dinner off lap scenario.
rossow.
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i just purchased two headlights from ledtorches.com.au.
comes with free shipping and the prices were good as well.
hopefully they come next week.
i bought the Fenix HP10 for myself and a HL20 for the wife. 225 and 105 lumens respectively.
the HL20 is a bit lighter, a smaller unit runs off 1 AA battery.
the HP10 is bulkier that runs off 4 AA batteries.
can't wait.
dan
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On headlamps
My missus and kids have the trusty petzl tikka plus's I have a tikka xp for hiking because its lite, and i have a myob xp for home. It gets used every day and the elastic is stuffed. I use the tikka xp for night hiking by myself and its easily bright enough. You only need to see just in front of you.
Silvo, the rear battery pack lamps like my myob are a pain if your reading in bed as you lay on the battery
Darren
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i'm curious which maglite you have.
i bought one of these 900 Lumens torch (http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?SiteId=1&ProductId=10313) and it far out performs my 4 cell led maglite.i run 9000ma rechargeables in the mag lite and even at full charge the torch isn't as bright.
having a light throw a beam long way is no good if you still can't make out what you are looking at 500 metres away. close up the little cheap led blows it out of the water.
the led lenser head lights do look good, and the h7r is up on my list of new headlights (on the SWMBOs order), but i'm also considering the Fenix HP10 at roughly twice the brightness. Feniz HP10 on the other nerd forum. (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=250565)
dan
Well the only distinguishable thing about my Maglite that I can tell is that the NiCad battery pack looks to have 5 cells (says 6.0V 2.2AH). It's about 32cm head to tail and I think we purchased it back in 2001! Lol not a bad life I guess!
The LED Lenser certainly kills it in light quality, that is giving out even light without all the black-spots etc.
Lol I'm not sure if my eyesight would be good enough to make out what I'm looking at 500m away!
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Now you have a torch get out there in the CT , go camping Or are you afraid of the dark ?
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"i bought one of these 900 Lumens torch and it far out performs my 4 cell led maglite.i run 9000ma rechargeables in the mag lite and even at full charge the torch isn't as bright."
What I want to know is how they get 900 Lumens out of 1 AA size battery...?
Seems remarkable to me. The light from that must be absolutely blinding.
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I have both a Led Lenser P3 and H7.
The P3 has an awsome light spread. Bright right to the edge of the beam.
The H7 is just amasing. The light it throws is great.
I have got a few of the cheap headlamps from ebay. Still waiting on them. They look like they will be good for the money.
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Hey Laith
If the headlamp torches from ebay are similar to the ones I bought, I'd be interested to see what you think about the comparative outputs. If you could post up some pics that would be great.
Darcy
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What I want to know is how they get 900 Lumens out of 1 AA size battery...?
Seems remarkable to me. The light from that must be absolutely blinding.
it''s not 1 AA, it is a 18650 li-on battery.
you can't look at it when it is on full strength.
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Hey Laith
If the headlamp torches from ebay are similar to the ones I bought, I'd be interested to see what you think about the comparative outputs. If you could post up some pics that would be great.
Darcy
No worries. Will do.
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Seems like the consensus is to have one or two "good torches" and some cheapies as well!
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Pebbles whats the bet the expensive torch dies or dose the phantom on you only to use the cheapy as a main , Works in my camp . >:D
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ok, i got my new headlights today.. god they are bright.
Original Headlight - Tactical brand (Anaconda) no idea what lumens.
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/15473-2/IMG_0073.jpg)
Wifes new Headlight - Fenix HL20 - 105 Lumens (i almost like this one better than mine)
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/15476-2/IMG_0074.jpg)
My Headlight - Fenix HP10 - 225 Lumens
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/15470-2/IMG_0075.jpg)
MTE 900 Lumens LED Torch
(http://www.myswag.org/gallery/d/15479-2/IMG_0076.jpg)
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edit - removed a double post
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That must be a flash camper as you have art on the walls ?
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That must be a flash camper as you have art on the walls ?
jealous?
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I don't know why I'm laughing, my headlamp just arrived but I know someone out there would be saying "serves you right for buying from overseas". It came with a UK adapter for the charger! I feel so stupid now :-[ not having even thought of that, if it was any other electrical product I would have known better.
Ahh well in the end it was still a good price for what I could now class as a H7 (rather than a H7R). I don't like my chances of sourcing the correct adaptor part I need (rather than buying a whole charger).
About to give it a go charging direct via the USB connection!
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I don't know why I'm laughing, my headlamp just arrived but I know someone out there would be saying "serves you right for buying from overseas". It came with a UK adapter for the charger! I feel so stupid now :-[ not having even thought of that, if it was any other electrical product I would have known better.
Ahh well in the end it was still a good price for what I could now class as a H7 (rather than a H7R). I don't like my chances of sourcing the correct adaptor part I need (rather than buying a whole charger).
About to give it a go charging direct via the USB connection!
can you cut the plug off and put an aussie one on? my led torch came with a european plug, i cut it off and ran a aussie one, after checking the voltage would be ok.
dan
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I don't know why I'm laughing, my headlamp just arrived but I know someone out there would be saying "serves you right for buying from overseas". It came with a UK adapter for the charger! I feel so stupid now :-[ not having even thought of that, if it was any other electrical product I would have known better.
Ahh well in the end it was still a good price for what I could now class as a H7 (rather than a H7R). I don't like my chances of sourcing the correct adaptor part I need (rather than buying a whole charger).
About to give it a go charging direct via the USB connection!
Check the input voltage on the plugpack, if it says 100-240v just use a travel adaptor on it, I have several that are like this and they work fine.
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Yes the voltage is 100-240 so a travel adapter would work fine.
The thing with the charger is that the charger unit actually can accept different adapters (heads) ie an Aus or UK or Euro whatever, I guess so that for different markets all they have to do is throw in the correct "head " for the charger rather than have entire different charger units. Hubby said he's seen a similar thing with one of the GPSes he has at work.
The USB charging worked fine though, but I think just for general usability we will probably end up getting a travel adapter at some stage.
I tested it out last night and from what I could tell the H7R and the P7 were about as bright as each other. The H7R seemed to have more homogenous light though, maybe a little brighter but the beam width not quite as wide in coverage at the flood setting.
Pretty nifty for a head torch to have spot / flood and also a dimmer! Nice and compact in size as well.
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Hey Laith
If the headlamp torches from ebay are similar to the ones I bought, I'd be interested to see what you think about the comparative outputs. If you could post up some pics that would be great.
Darcy
I got my eBay lights yesterday. One is the same as the one you got and the other is a copy of the H7.
Unfortunently I cant take any pics of a comparison between them and my LED Lenser H7 as my son broke my H7.
I now have a LED Lenser P2 and P3 and they both run off one AAA and are miles brighter and better quality light than the eBay jobs. The H7 just blows them away by such a huge amount that they are no comparison.
For the money I guess the eBay ones are OK but I now recon the LED Lenser H7 is worth the money. I have seen them on eBay for approx $80 and will be getting another one.
The light from my eBay ones are a little on the dull side and when focused into a tight beam the light turns into a funny shaped rectangle.
Here is a pic of the LED Lenser P2 and the and one of the eBay jobbies.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu116/Laith76/07072010235.jpg)
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yep - a little bit more money, once, will get you a light you won't replace.
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Strewth Laith...!
Are you saying the beam on the left is from a $40 torch that uses just one AAA battery...??!! If so that's incredible...!!! And you reckon the H7 is better again...? Amazing...!!
The one on the right looks the same as the eBay one I bought. Yes they do give a strange image on the tight focus. I think its actually the LED emmiter 'element' itself. For $12 they are OK and very good on a spread or flood beam.
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Yeah Darcy. The beam on the left is a LED Lenser P2. I have a P3 somewhere in the camper and its a bit better again.
The H7 is is quite amazing. The light is so bright and good for quite a distance.
I agree for the money you cant complain about the eBay ones but they are certainly no comparison to the LED Lenser range.
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Here is my contribution.... from left to right:
LED Lenser P7, LED Lenser H7R and the big Maglite Rechargeable about 2.5m from wall in semi daylight.
(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp253/mtbpebble/IMG_3578.jpg)
To be fair I'm not sure of the state of charge on the H7R as my husband has been using it a fair bit, I'll charge it up and and see if there is any difference because I thought it was brighter than that.
EDIT...here we go the P7 and H7R side by side, P7 having had some use and the H7R being fully charged.
(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp253/mtbpebble/IMG_3580.jpg)
We have a "Led Pro" headtorch that takes 3 x AAA batteries and has 5 LED's, and that is significantly duller than the H7R in the top most picture, it's not even worth comparing to the others! Actually the brightness of the cheapie (which was purchased some years ago and at the time said to use the "good led's") is maybe as much as the H7R on the low setting.
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Quick get out the way there a truck coming out of the wall !! I can see ite headlights >:D :cheers:
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Hey Pebble
Those pics are incredible...!
It would be good to see the P2 next to the P7 just for the sake of comparison.
Which ever way you look at it they are definately impressive torches.
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I have a x21 and it is awesome.Even my partners p14 seems dull after using the x21. No way will you go back to the old torches. Got mine from USA. Delivered 8 days
after ordering and a lot cheaper than here. If you can spare the money get one
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Yes the Husband said the headlamp was too bright he had to use the low setting mainly. But he was used to the other cheapie headtorch which was good enough to use but nowhere near as bright. Actually the switch on it has just broken, it won't turn off so it was a timely purchase.
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Interesting some of the claims of lumens by some of these torch manufacturers...
I use torches for a living as part of my job (no not a security guard!) and the only torches that stand up to abuse and actually put out at least what they claim are Surefire torches and some of the more recent, decent brand knockoffs. Yes they are expensive, but as other posters here have said you get what you pay for.
I currently have an A2 Aviator, L2 Lumamax, 2 x M3 Combat lights, about 6-7 x G2 Nitrolons, 2 x E2 Executives and 1 x E2D Defender.
The new LED lights from Surefire absolutely blow anything else I have seen away. There is simply no comparison. Obviously for camping they might be a little over the top, but as I already have them then they are my choice. Batteries are expensive if you buy them in Australia (the 3V Lithium A123 camera battery type) but buying them in bulk makes them fairly cheap. Battery brand is also important as well as the cheap(er) Chinese version of the batteries last about 1/3 the time in the lights as other do.
I can use an M3 Combat light for spotlighting out to about 400m if need be and the new L2 Lumamax will clearly identify most "things" out to about 300m.
The L2 in my new favourite light, it comes with dual outputs and a run-time of over 15 hours on low setting and 2 hours on high setting. That might not sound like a lot but in the type of work I do you never have your torch on constantly. However for a good cheap torch I don't believe you can go past the G2L Nitrolon, they are extremely well made (I have had two of them for over eight years now on my kit and they have never let me down). Even got the two girls one each for camping, they love them as they can quite easily spot possums and koalas etc up trees at night playing spotto. I remember when I used to play we had a huuuuge spotlight type torch as we ran around the bush, but these lights now put out as much if not more light and fit in the palm of your hand!
Anyway each to his/her own. Just my 2cents on the subject!
Cheers
Dave J.
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deleted...seems off topic, what was I thinking!
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flashlight (http://www.flashlightz.com/)
ill be sure to post up some pictures when i get them. got 2 of another sort coming also, appear to be brighter, but only takes 1 aa battery. not sure what sort of battery life ill get, but thought id still give them a shot also. will do a comparison of the 2 onces i get them
Yeah please do post some pics. That thing looks very slick in the ad. I wouldn't feel scared walking through the blair witch project forest with one of those haha.
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For what it's worth, today's Zazz item is a torch.(May 20th only)
http://www.zazz.com.au/index.php
Don't know anything about it, could be rubbish, but if you want a torch, it may be worth looking at.
Cheers