good torch suggestions?

roam

roam

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Mar 2003
Messages
155
Location
on board, currently Malaysia
Visit site
does anyone have any recommendations for a good handheld torch?

i am looking for something that has a good powerful beam, but that can be slipped in a bag or rucksack (ie not a big 3m candle spotlight type) and preferably one that floats.

we had a great Draper torch that came free with one of the magazine subscriptions a few years back - but i managed to drop it overboard. it proved it was waterproof, but didn't float. 5 hours later i could still see the beam 15 feet down! we replaced it with a couple of new yellow Draper torches, but whilst they may float, their performance has been dismal.

i have been looking at the new LED technology torches (premierlight pl-7's). they look gorgeous, but are they any good?

all suggestions welcome.
 
I can't fault the large Maglight (although it doesn't float)
Adjustable beam, long lasting batteries and survives being left lying around in a seawater envirnoment better than many of my fishing reels.
 
We also use and are happy with Maglites. I don't know about in the UK but spares for them, if needed, seem to be available in most places.

They don't float though; in fact, quite the opposite.

John
 
I have a couple of imitation Maglights from Aldi. They're great and as I recall, change from a fiver.

I used to have 3 (car, tender & boat), but the the tender's one failed its swimming test.

I'm now waiting for the offer to come round again!
 
B&Q do (did?) an excellent rubber torch about 6" long by 2 1/2" wide. It takes 4 AA batteries (I use rechargeable). I have two and they have been in and out of water, oil etc. I think they were about £5.
 
Led torches are great, extreme good battery life and much light (not a real beam though, more diffuse light). they are pretty expensive though (use one with several LED's, i.e. more the 5)

Arno
 
We carry two Maglites which are the only ones that seem to last for us. We also have a couple of cheap but waterproof headlight gizmos from Homebase (about £8), the lights are convenient for hands free use and apart from the rubber straps which perish they last well.
 
Costco are selling genuine maglights, a large (3 D bats) and a small (2 AA) for about £14.00.

We have had ours on board for 3 years and neither have failed in any way. The have been dropped, left out and generally abused, but still going strong.

The do not float though, but you could attach a key saver to them!
 
I too like Maglites. The imitation one I had lasted about 3 years before it became unreliable, the real things have yet to give up. I got a single AAA keyring-sized one from Santa, complete with a spare bulb in the base, ideal for finding the right key, and the keyhole in the main hatch, when we get back from the pub!
 
I should have added that we also have the mini-Mags as well as a slightly larger one in a case that goes in the grab bag. Looks like Maglites get the most votes, ours were bought in Walmart in the USA and cost about 1/3rd of the UK price.

Blue Peter would perhaps solve the non -floating problem with a Fairy Liquid bottle marker buoy and some fluorescent paint? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Personal recomendation is a Pelican Stealthlite
p_01_000183.jpg

Guaranteed forever, claimed to be watertight but not recommended for diving. Mine has been at 35m on several occasions as my backup diving light with no problems. Good strong beam, biut not too large . Mine is now 11 years old and working as well as ever, but may be a tad more scratched than when new
 
I agree that a headlight is a massive step forward. I was given a cavers one, has LED or Iodide option, so it can be diffuse for working under cockpit or a beam for viewing at a distance. Be sure to get a top strap to it as you can then tuck circular straps under curve at back of head and it isn't easily knocked off.
The way ahead !
Ken
 
I bought Osram LED torches (five led's) fron Lidl last year.£4.99p
Excellent.
Like all lidl/aldi/netto specials will come round again
 
You could visit your local dive shop and buy a Underwater Kinetics Mini Q40, use lithium cells as they are lighter and tape a bit of foam or other such bouyancy aid, not much as it only just sinks! These are very bright, I've used one at -75m and are bomb proof. Downside, a bit pricy but so are Maglites which sink and leak!
 
I've had my 3D Cell Maglite for about 12 years - been through a couple of bulbs (waiting for a new one now!) but is an excellent bit of kit. Have got the smaller mags for pocket carrying (1aaa with me now) and numerous other torches, but the Mag is the one I'd choose to take.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top