Best torch that runs on AA batteries

[noelex]

Yes good point. If you want a small torch a single AA is much nicer than 3xAAA.

The AA battery contains a similar amount of energy as 3xAAA, but is smaller. The AA torch also does not need a flimsy plastic battery carrier. Its quicker, easier and cheaper to change the battery

The zebralight torch/head torch is not much bigger than a AA battery and is a great example of what can be done. Very handy on a boat ( but not cheap)

260 genuine lumens and available as a torch or combination torch/headtorch/clip on torch depending on the model.
(Despite its small size its not just a couple of 5mm LEDs but a high output Cree.)

At its lowest brightness it will run continuously for 3 months!

To give you an idea of the light output it is about 6x the old 3D a Maglight, when both are independently measured ( it is a flood output rather than a spot, but amazing from such a small package)

 

[Tim Good]

Petzl Myo XP. Very bright, water resistant head torch. Recommend thoroughly.

 

[northwind]

Fenix e11

Slightly over budget... But a great torch.

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix-e11.html

 

[noelex]

Other than cost I think the zebralight has it beat
(2.5 x times as bright. 1.5x brighter for the same run time, more levels, shorter but a bigger reflector, battery capacity indicator)
Fenix are a great maker, but it's very hard to beat zebralight at the moment for single AA torches. With the important caveat that they are expensive.

http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/zebralight/zebralight-sc52.html

 

[Swagman]

I bought six Cree 300 LM AA torches from ebay earlier this year. Came from China but arrived in 10 days and all worked fine. Very bright, very light, easy to use switch if you've gloves on, and at around £10 IMHO very good value (and you don't cry if it slips overboard)

 

[dylanwinter]

I bought these

I bought six Cree 300 LM AA torches from ebay earlier this year. Came from China but arrived in 10 days and all worked fine. Very bright, very light, easy to use switch if you've gloves on, and at around £10 IMHO very good value (and you don't cry if it slips overboard)

 

[Searush]

I contrive to create increasingly cunning ways of dropping them in the drink when moving stuff from car to boat and the other way around

Why not leave a couple on the boat & in the car so you don't need to transport them everywhere? They can be cheap enough to not be worth nicking or stress about if they disappear.

 

[charles_reed]

only use AA batteries on Katie

any suggestions for an LED or Cree Torch from amazon or ebay that runs on AAs

D

I got one of these last year and then doubled my order - they've done sterling work on the boat last season.
Don't shine them in anyones' eyes tho'.

Can't remember if they take AA or AAA batteries and they have doubled in price in 10 months.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumens-Head...1380821642&sr=8-19&keywords=cree+head+torches

 

[chinita]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumens-Head...1380821642&sr=8-19&keywords=cree+head+torches

Charles,

I know you only have one working eye but Dylan did say this:

no head torches

hate em - make me look like a twaz

We have to watch his blood pressure, you know.

 

[dylanwinter]

I use them when...

Why not leave a couple on the boat & in the car so you don't need to transport them everywhere? They can be cheap enough to not be worth nicking or stress about if they disappear.

I use them when moving from the car to the boat

great time to drop them

but these might be cheap enough for me not to care

 

[dylanwinter]

Charles,

I know you only have one working eye but Dylan did say this:

no head torches

hate em - make me look like a twaz

We have to watch his blood pressure, you know.

the trouble with head torches are that they are unsociable when used around pontoons

if you see some-one coming towards you then you want your head torch on - but not dazzle the other bloke

the head torch looks where you look

I want a torch to be pointed down at my feet

and

they make me look like a twaz

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Suggest you get a Petzl LED head torch if you don't have one.Nothing like it for efficient hands free working plus an IR option to save your night-sight.Runs on AAA for days but fits the same charger as an AA and stows lighter in the pocket than any conventional torch.
(absolutely no shares in Petzl)

maybe I'm cynical, but is this really worth ten times ( literally) as much as a cheepo from ebay? Is it not a case of the Harley syndrome - put a brand name onto a dog turd and you will sell it - not that I'm suggesting the torch is dog turd quality, just that it looks to me like £5 for the torch and £30 for the brand name.

 

[abraxus]

maybe I'm cynical, but is this really worth ten times ( literally) as much as a cheepo from ebay? Is it not a case of the Harley syndrome - put a brand name onto a dog turd and you will sell it - not that I'm suggesting the torch is dog turd quality, just that it looks to me like £5 for the torch and £30 for the brand name.

You're not wrong, I use head torches a lot for night fishing and had a Petzl, but now use the £5 jobs from ebay. Just as good, if not better and brighter, and I can have a few lying around at that price.

 

[MrCramp]

Just bought a LED "Cree" torch from Lidl. Brilliant torch, SOS function, robust. What more do you want for £7.99????????????????
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/SID-E...our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=6200

 

[abraxus]

What more do you want for £7.99????????????????

Two torches

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-3-Wat...ing_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item4176c118cb

 

[colind3782]

Just bought a LED "Cree" torch from Lidl. Brilliant torch, SOS function, robust. What more do you want for £7.99????????????????
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/SID-E...our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=6200

+1

 

[gjgm]

the trouble with head torches are that they are unsociable when used around pontoons

if you see some-one coming towards you then you want your head torch on - but not dazzle the other bloke

the head torch looks where you look

I want a torch to be pointed down at my feet

and

they make me look like a twaz

Well, not that I use them often , but the ones I have you can angle ?

 

[Gwylan]

Looking a wazzock is generally not defined by one's choice of illumination equipment.

Poundshop or similar. Head torch AAA batteries. Cost £1, 00. Horrible, nasty little things, but up to the job.
Have at least 2 at a time on board. One to wear and one to sacrifice to the gods of wherever I am stopped and using the torch.

Have similar policy on spectacles.

 

[Tim Good]

You're not wrong, I use head torches a lot for night fishing and had a Petzl, but now use the £5 jobs from ebay. Just as good, if not better and brighter, and I can have a few lying around at that price.

I couldn't agree less. Lots of things in life you pay for the name but torches are not one of them. You will not get the same quality or brightness from a petrol station £5 torch compared to Petzl. I've used Petzl for years while mountaineering, ski touring and caving. They are one of the only companies left to genuinely do their own R&D and the services / quality is excellent. My Petzl Mypo puts out 200 lumens, its waterproof (even though they don't claim it is I've tested in by submerging in a cave), and when it went wrong within 2 years of use, they replaced it outright.

Skimp on your beans, your dinghy, your shackles etc but when it comes to knives and torches, get the best brand even if it isn't their top model.

 

[noelex]

You can also go the other way. Something like this makes a Petzl headtorch look very cheap:

http://www.stenlight.com