gingernut

Torches, Torches, Torches

Me'eld favourite was the black tubed knurled steel Maglite...at first it sort of filled all purposes, economic on battery power, a beam you could focus, sturdy yet carriable, and you sort of felt safe with it- but when you tried to i love u daddyxxx take it apart, all the threads seemed to cross.

So then I moved onto the "mini" mag lite, limited usefulnes on a dark country road, but came into it's own in a tent. Even had a bit of it's own hanging loop and a "candle" feature. Replacement bulbs were a bit expensive, (about £4.99 from Milletts) but what the hell, how impressive can you get, swapping bulbs in the middle of a countryside crisis, (although I've only actually needed to change them when I've been demonstrating how to change them after a few beers.)

It's now time to move into the "LED" age. What a load of balloney, just about good enough for not tripping over your shoelaces-although I must admit my "LED" headlight could be my favourite of all time, 'cos it lasts so long but the lights cold&blue.

Oh well, time to take the hound for a walk, must admit, I do feel safe with B&Q's 20 trillion zillion (million) candlepower rechargeable (any outlet) torch, but it seems to dim after about five minutes.

Any one got a torch for all seasons?

(PS got a windy up one which i quite good but no bright enough)

Parapunter

Mini Maglite, Had one for ten years, simplicity itself, made of beef, yer can't go wrong. Three cheers for the colonies, they got it right.

Noah Zark.

I've got one of those B & Q humungous 10-ish inch diameter jobbies. From full charge it lasts about 15 mins continuous before it starts to dim. But in that 15 mins it will shrivel the paint off a car parked 100 yards away!
All the street lights go dim when I plug the charger in!

ZH875

3 'D' Cell Maglite with an LED 'bulb', far brighter than the original Maglite buld, and batteries last forever (and still useful as a weapon)

kms901

I agree. D cell maglite wiv LED. Favourite tool of night club doorstaff.

the beater

CLULITE!!!
Arc-eye on tap!

Solid Rust Twotter

Pelican - Sealed/waterproof and blindingly bright yet small and light.

Some SF thing I was given that strobes to disorientate someone approaching when the switch is held in, and is as big as a large screwdriver handle. Also has crennellated guard for use as a striking tool. Very bright but a bit scary.

Germstone

fenix p1d-ce

google it you wont be dissapointed

Clarence Oveur

Streamlite.

Paracab

A fair few replys and not a single vote for SureFire... Obviously only me with the creme de la creme of torches then

ww1

Agree with Germ. Have a look at the new crop of LED torches (the Fenix line is a good place to start) - these new lights are most definitely not those terrible blue/green/purple lights of old. Many different styles, sizes, batts, features (high for brightness, low for runtime, etc..), price ranges, and on and on. Incandescent bulbs are pretty much obsolete. Check out CandlePowerForums.com
flashlightreviews.com

Howard Hughes

My Smith & Wesson, fits neatly in yer pocket...

Rainboe

I'm afraid Maglites are history! Can't be doing with carrying them around. I have also just got the Fenix p1d-ce. Unbelievable! A torch the size of your little finger, and you could do a walkaround of a 747 at night with this thing. I cannot believe the amount of light pouring out of it. And it can go into flashing mode and SOS mode as well.

Basil

Scorpion Streamlight - about the size of a Mini Maglite with the beam of a 3 cell. Great weightsaver in the briefcase but bright enough to do a night walkround on a 747.
Downside is that it uses two lithium CR123A btteries

Mad Monk

Surefire E2e. Brighter than a 4 D Magite.
Battery and bulb carrier swings a nasty surprise.
If it eventually fails I would go for a Night Ops Gladius.

Foss

Mini maglite silver colour, and if you look really really closely it has Audi A4 stamped on it. (Got a whole load of stuff after Audi c@ck-up)
Did have a black mini mag brilliant candle feature is a good idea, focus is good, pretty indestructable but then it bloody sealed itself shut. Couldn't even open it in a vice with pliers.
Got an itty bitty mag, key ring job. Not very good, like a little metal glow worm.

But, to rebel against the LED revolution, I still have my elderly father's head torch with a seperate battery pack. Takes about 8 big batteries. Stick the metal battery case in the top of your rucksack, sort out the cable attaching to it. Voila, you're a walking lighthouse. But you cant get them anymore.
Fos