spotlight / large torch

[ctva]

Got a lenser T7 recently, astounding light from a little torch

...I recently bought a Lenser T7 on recommendation here. I only really wanted a general-purpose torch but, going on deck at midnight the other week to check we were suitably anchored after floating off, I found it had a remarkably useful range for such a small device.

Pete

As above, I got the Lenser P7 off fleebay for £29 from a UK seller and it's bright. You don't realise how bright and powerful until you compare it to a mains or 12v one. I used to think the 4 cell Maglight with 3W led was bright until I got the P7. Best thing is, it's small about 4" long and comes with a belt case which fits on the lifejacket belt. It's also focusable (if that's a word). You'll never need another torch.

There are other very good new generation LED torches out there and fully waterproof ones too. When comparing them look for the Lum rating which is more of an industry standard for mesuring brightness rather than the umpteen billion candle power things which are really pants.

The only difference between the P7 and T7 is the T is for 'Tactical' which keeps the military types happy but is basically the same torch.

 

[Neil]

For a LED torch, the OLIGHT SR91 INTIMIDATOR SST-90, at 1500 lumens should be pretty bright, but for the ultimate you could go for a HID torch, at 3500 lumens, could fill in for stadium lights......

In comparison, I have a Fenix TK15 at 337 lumens, and even at that it is incredibly bright

 

[noelex]

As above, I got the Lenser P7 off fleebay for £29 from a UK seller and it's bright.

LedLenser are the only company that sell reasonable LED torches at normal retail outlets like camping stores.
Because so few people have seen a good LED torch they are “blown away” by the performance of the Ledlenser.
If you are prepared to buy from specialist stores you can get torches better than Ledlenser.
There are many torches for similar money that are brighter than Ledlenser. Most of the Ledlenser models are unregulated. This means that the LED is not driven at optimum levels. It also means the brightness drops as the batteries wear out. The better torchers are regulated the brightness stays the same until the batteries are close to depleted. Near the end of the battery life they will switch to a lower level or blink etc to tell you the batteries are weak.
Regulation also means the torch can be used optimally with many batteries such as alkaline, lithium rechargeable lithium etc.

Ledlensers big selling points is the focussing mechanism. This unfortunately compromises their waterproofness (most good LED torches can be used snorkelling without any problems, if you drop them overboard at an anchorage chances are the torch will be fine when retrieved). The focusing system is also unnecessary with such bright LEDs available and a good reflector the torches have good flood and spot without making any alterations.

There are some beamshots here where you can compare torches
http://fonarik.com/test/indexen.php

 

[Sailfree]

There are some beamshots here where you can compare torches
http://fonarik.com/test/indexen.php

Great site. What LED would you recommend for sailing that work on normal batteries please.

Preferably one for boat and if too large for pocket which one for pocket?

 

[noelex]

Great site. What LED would you recommend for sailing that work on normal batteries please.

Preferably one for boat and if too large for pocket which one for pocket?

I always think a good big torch is incredibly useful on a boat. Its more value in many emergency situations than a lot of the safety equipment carried . Here is a photo of my Trunight catapult on a bracket next to the companion way.
Big torch
Say a TK 41 (aa batteries)
http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/fenix/fenix-tk41.html
Combine this with a small (single aa battery) for dingy trips at night
Small torch
Nitecore D11
http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/nitecore/nitecore-d11-v2.html

Just one
If you want just 1 torch the Nitecore may well be enough You will be amazed how bright it is, but the TK LD20 is a between in size
TK LD20( 2 aa batteries)
http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/fenix/fenix-ld20.html

 

[TopDonkey]

Be aware that HID torches use a ballast that starts them up with about 23,000 volts !!, probably not ideal to be using around a salt water environment even if they are supposed to be waterproof

i've got led, incan, HID and all sorts of different torches, but wouldnt ever take my HID onboard my boat just in case

My favourite torch is my Fenix TK45, its perfect for boat use and fully waterproof too (ive tested it !)

 

[noelex]

The TK 45 is a great torch. The new Tk41 that I recommended above has a little bit more throw (for illuminating distant objects with a narrow spot) but a bit less spill.
Take your pick which you want.

There are people that take these torches snorkeling or even diving (the buttons stop working at about 30 feet because the water pressure forces the rubber in). I would not recommend it, but they survive well on a boat.

 

[TopDonkey]

The TK41 is a very narrow spot beam, it has a very long range (twice that of the TK45), but its a tiny dot of light that makes it difficult to see what your actually lighting up, wheras the TK45 has a very floody type beam, that lights up a very wide area and gives you a better overall view of what you are actuall looking at

My personal opinion is that a floody type beam is easier and better as you light up a bigger area and have a decent amount of spill lighting so that you can see things around you are well as what you are shining it on, but the other problem with a floody beam is that if you are shining it from on deck, you get glare from the spill lighting on a floody beam that can reduce your night vision and get in the way.

I had a focused beam torch that put out an exact circle of light with absolutely no flood and although it could shine a long way, it was almost useless because of the lack of spill from it

 

[noelex]

There is a brief review of the TK41 here with a beamshot comparison to the TK45. They are both made by the same company and are of similar quality and size.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...s-and-outdoor-beamshots&highlight=tk41+review

 

[alahol2]

For anyone not convinced about LED, but would like a cheap try. Try This