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Thread ID: 117134 2011-04-04 03:22:00 Best LED torch - Cree or Luxeon? wratterus (105) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1191873 2011-04-04 03:22:00 After something with good battery life (5 hours +), small size (probably around 130mm - 150mm long, or it could be longer depending on how fat it is) and running off AAs or AAAs. Had a torch which I killed, had it for ages, can't remember the name of it but I'm pretty sure it used a Cree LED, and I was very happy with it. It met the above requirements.

www.trademe.co.nz

Would something like that be any good? I'm hoping to spend around $50, but I want something that can handle a beating.

Does anyone own a similar torch, or have some knowledge in this area? I don't know a lot and am a bit unsure what I should go for. Thanks !:) 		wratterus (105)
1191874 2011-04-04 03:51:00 Kathmandu are currently selling both types in headtorches, so if your over here go in and try them to see which you prefer. A lot will depend on the reflector of course. I made the mistake of buying a torch of TM once never again I want to be able to try them myself. I have a Luxeon in my caving lamp but is a home conversion of an existing Petzl Zoom headtorch. I do think the Cree might be brighter but not 100% sure which is why it would be best to go and do an experiment if you can gary67 (56)
1191875 2011-04-04 04:22:00 www.trademe.co.nz


Does anyone own a similar torch, or have some knowledge in this area?

Husband has one. Loves it.
The only thing LED torches aren't good at as lighting up an area from a distance, but it's pretty bright. 		pctek (84)
1191876 2011-04-04 04:49:00 Husband has one. Loves it.
The only thing LED torches aren't good at as lighting up an area from a distance, but it's pretty bright.

That exact one? 		wratterus (105)
1191877 2011-04-04 06:14:00 Try dealextreme.com, they seem to have quite a few LED torches and such

Cree are probably the industry leader in terms of brightness/watt so I'd say go with them
(Mind you a "cree" torch could use any cree led from a while back...) 		forrest44 (754)
1191878 2011-04-04 07:33:00 Doesn't need to be that exact brand when buying LED torches. They are all the same really. I have a 24 led and a 32 led torch. It's bright at short distances but I wouldn't use it for walking out at night since the beam isn't as strong as ones with a light bulb.
I tend to use it when maybe there's a powercut. I'll probably use it if I can't find something on the ceiling , basement etc.
Maybe I'll use it on my way to the loo.lol 		Ninjabear (2948)
1191879 2011-04-04 09:00:00 The only thing LED torches aren't good at as lighting up an area from a distance, but it's pretty bright.


...They are all the same really. I have a 24 led and a 32 led torch. It's bright at short distances but I wouldn't use it for walking out at night since the beam isn't as strong as ones with a light bulb.I get the feeling that you guys haven't seen a modern LED torch - these days they'll quite happily compete with car headlights for both brightness and throw.

Wratterus: Could you be a bit more specific about what your requirements are? Ideally if you could cover all the stuff on this checklist (www.candlepowerforums.com) - you've already answered a few of those, but not really enough to recommend you a light yet.

Also, if you're after a forum with real expertise in this area... give CPF (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/) a go (particularly the LED subforum) - you'll get a *lot* more info than you will here. 		Erayd (23)
1191880 2011-04-04 09:48:00 Crikey, righto... :p


2) Budget:
Less than $70.


3) Format:

____I want a flashlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:


____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:

____I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

____I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiMH)


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?

____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
I will be using it for up close work (example, under a car) but still want to be able to take it tramping and hunting.


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):


____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
either, on and off is handy but so are multiple light levels...

14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights). 		wratterus (105)
1191881 2011-04-04 10:02:00 Would you consider using LiIon rechargeables? The 3+ hour runtime at max brightness you've requested will be *very* hard to find in that form factor when using NiMH AAs (unless you're happy with long runtime at a lower brightness), but you'll be able to get something that gets close to that if you're happy to go with 18650s.

One other question that wasn't on the checklist - what kind of regulation are you after? Flat / full regulation (can run on constant brightness until the battery is drained).
Buck only (constant brightness until the battery voltage is below the regulation voltage, then direct-drive [slowly declining brightness] until the battery is flat).
No regulation, direct-drive only (rapidly declining initial brightness, continuing to gradually decline until the battery is flat). Not recommended, but can be cheaper.

Also... am I correct in assuming that your dollar values are in NZD, not USD?

Edit: If you're in the Wellington area you're welcome to look at a few of mine to get a feel for what is available these days, although I suspect mine are a little above your price range (although not by too much). 		Erayd (23)
1191882 2011-04-04 10:09:00 I bought one of these last year: www.dealextreme.com

It's exceptionally bright, solidly built, and is cheap. It doesn't use AA/AAAs though, but the rechargeable batteries it takes aren't too expensive. 		somebody (208)
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