LED Torches

[gromit]

Checked out the torches I carry in my Defender and a couple had batteries that had leaked and they all had globes (they were long before LED's.....).

Had a look round and ended up with a Coleman torch from Bunnings but while there found this handy torch/lantern. Coleman 2-In-1 Utility Light | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/coleman-2-in-1-utility-light_p0044537)

Most of the Coleman torches have 'Battery Lock' which disengages the batteries. Seems that many LED types consume a small amount of power while monitoring the 'switch' so left for long periods they drain down and the batteries leak.
The torch above is cheap at $7 with Duracell batteries included. Currently they are 'in the aisle' most Bunnings so it means they are on the way out. I found them in one of the electrical aisles near the torch section.

I ended up with this one Coleman 325m LED Battery Guard Flashlight | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/coleman-325m-led-battery-guard-flashlight_p0029110)
On the 'low' setting it's very bright, on the high setting it illuminates the whole of my back garden.


Colin

[trout1105]

I bought 2 of these rechargeable torches from Bunnings for about $30 each 5 years ago.
1 of them I accidentally ran over with the D2a and squished it but the other one has survived and is still working well and holding a good charge, about 4 hours on low using the side "fluro" [thumbsupbig]
I bought a couple of the newer models last year and they are just as good.

157418157419157420

I have used this particular torch cable tied under the barrel of my .22 to shoot rabbits and foxes at night up to 200m with great success

[gromit]

I bought 2 of these rechargeable torches from Bunnings for about $30 each 5 years ago.


I steer clear of the rechargeable torches, always have AA & AAA batteries spare in the Defender and often use rechargeable AA & AAA batteries.

Colin

[DiscoMick]

LEDs are definitely the way to go because of the low power usage, brightness and reliability, I think.
We have several in the centre console.
Anaconda has quite a range, and they are high quality, but more expensive than cheapies from Bunnings.
Camping stores are another good source.
I was given a Lenser as a birthday gift and it is wonderful, with an adjustable beam. Not rechargeable, but the batteries last a long time.
I was in Anaconda one day and got a shock when I saw the cost of my torch - about $80![emoji15]
Great torch though.

[gromit]

Anaconda has quite a range, and they are high quality, but more expensive than cheapies from Bunnings.
.

Had a look and Anaconda have similar Chinese cheapies like Bunnings but also the LED Lenser range (with prices up to $400 !!!).
Also saw LED Lenser on Bunnings website.

The Coleman ones at Bunnings are OK and reasonably priced for something I use 'once in a blue moon'.

The torch/lantern in the first post is a bargain at $7 with Duracell batteries included. I got one for each of the kids for Cub/Scout/Venturer camps. Illuminate the tent with the lantern (two settings), also use as a torch, magnet on the side with a hanger. The ability to disconnect the batteries without removing them is a bonus, not that the kids will remember to do this !

If they lose one.......at $7 it's no real loss.
I also got a couple for the Defender.




Colin

[DiscoMick]

The Lensers are certainly pricey. The Coleman ones seem good value.

[4bee]

LEDs are definitely the way to go because of the low power usage, brightness and reliability, I think.
We have several in the centre console.
Anaconda has quite a range, and they are high quality, but more expensive than cheapies from Bunnings.
Camping stores are another good source.
I was given a Lenser as a birthday gift and it is wonderful, with an adjustable beam. Not rechargeable, but the batteries last a long time.
I was in Anaconda one day and got a shock when I saw the cost of my torch - about $80![emoji15]
Great torch though.


Speaking of batteries & **** Mike, how did your Snake Killer Tank Land Mine work out?

[rick130]

I know you said you preferred non rechargeable but I use these for work, have multiples in the work ute to swap over if they go flat as they do take quite a few hours to recharge (via USB connection) but are so bloody handy.
They migrate to the Disco for camping duty but are used at work each day.

4 x 2W LED Hawk Work Light | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/4-x-2w-led-hawk-work-light_p4410920)

BTW, that's how they open out and can open to any angle (they are folded closed when not in use) but you can still use the torch in the end as a spot light.
I call them a bat light or bat torch

[gromit]

I know you said you preferred non rechargeable but I use these for work

Only because I hate it when you have to throw something away because the batteries have karked it and they are integral and not meant to be replaced.
The wife just got a new 'dustbuster' because the old one only ran for a few minutes. Re-populated it with batteries from Ebay and use it in the shed now....
I just use rechargeable AA's or AAA's where practical.



Colin

[EastFreo]

A few years ago I bought one of the rechargeable head lamps from these guys. Pricy but amazing. Attention Required! | Cloudflare (https://www.wolfeyes.com.au/LED-torches-flashlights/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApaXxBRDNARIsAGFdaB9vaB8sYZxz_dNV1FG rBzq6Dg9vUoymqDiWGZkGkekvDHJUGZOKCGYaAvOcEALw_wcB)

I also have a few AA powered ones from Hard Korr. Really good for the price. In fact I have bought quite a few of their other products and found all excellent. Hard Korr Australia | Camp Lighting, Auto Lights, 12V Solar & Electrical (https://www.korrlighting.com.au/)

[Gav 110]

If you’ve got a non rechargeable torch and the batteries get left in them for a long time stay away from the expensive brand names that end up leaking and getting stuck in the torch
I use the Jaycar eclipse batteries
Never had one leak, under half price of others and good life
I’ve lost a few of my old mag lites to “EnerCELL” over the years☹️

[gromit]

If you’ve got a non rechargeable torch and the batteries get left in them for a long time stay away from the expensive brand names that end up leaking and getting stuck in the torch
I use the Jaycar eclipse batteries
Never had one leak, under half price of others and good life
I’ve lost a few of my old mag lites to “EnerCELL” over the years☹️

That's why the Coleman with the 'battery lock' system seemed a good idea.

Anything expensive I use Duracell.
Just found a couple of Duracell batteries with a use by date of 2010 and they still worked ! I did bin them though.

Bunnings have 50 Duracell AA for $25
Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries - 50 Pack | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/duracell-coppertop-aa-batteries-50-pack_p0033026)

Colin

[DiscoMick]

Speaking of batteries & **** Mike, how did your Snake Killer Tank Land Mine work out?We've had two pythons in a fortnight, so I think we can write that off as a failed experiment. Lovely snakes though.

[Gav 110]

That's why the Coleman with the 'battery lock' system seemed a good idea.

Anything expensive I use Duracell.
Just found a couple of Duracell batteries with a use by date of 2010 and they still worked ! I did bin them though.

Bunnings have 50 Duracell AA for $25
Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries - 50 Pack | Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/duracell-coppertop-aa-batteries-50-pack_p0033026)

Colin

There the culprits that took out 2 of my mag lites
These are what I buy now
Eclipse AA Alkaline Batteries Bulk Pack of 40 | Jaycar Electronics (https://www.jaycar.com.au/eclipse-aa-alkaline-batteries-bulk-pack-of-40/p/SB2332)
$16.95 for 40 and they won’t leak in your torches and remote controls👍🏿👍🏿

[gromit]

There the culprits that took out 2 of my mag lites
These are what I buy now
Eclipse AA Alkaline Batteries Bulk Pack of 40 | Jaycar Electronics (https://www.jaycar.com.au/eclipse-aa-alkaline-batteries-bulk-pack-of-40/p/SB2332)
$16.95 for 40 and they won’t leak in your torches and remote controls👍🏿👍🏿

Personally I've never had a Duracell battery fail & leak unless the device was left switched on and, as mentioned before, a lot of modern torches have a continual drain.

I also use Varta batteries from Bunnings in cheaper devices, never had one leak.

I think there is an element of luck but leaving batteries in devices for many years or if the device has a continual drain doesn't help.

Colin

[scarry]

We use led lenser LED head torches at work,these are the only ones that last,although we have had issues with the on off switches on occasions.We send the torch back to the supplier and a new one arrives in a couple of days,very good service.They have a two year warranty.
The model we use has a rechargeable battery pack,but if it runs flat,4 of AA will fit in the same battery pack.

The other thing is they have a memory,so if you always use it on say,high setting,it will always switch to high when turned on,so you don't have to cycle through all the light settings whenever it is turned on or off,which is a PITA with many other torches.

[4bee]

We've had two pythons in a fortnight, so I think we can write that off as a failed experiment. Lovely snakes though.

Blimey! Don't tell me you have fallen for them?

Hark, is that the 'Navigator' I hear in the background ...... "Don't tell him Mike, he'll only want to take the ****/Mick,Mick."[biggrin]

[Graeme]

These days I only use torches fitted with 18650 batteries - rechargeable Li-ion.

[DiscoMick]

Blimey! Don't tell me you have fallen for them?

Hark, is that the 'Navigator' I hear in the background ...... "Don't tell him Mike, he'll only want to take the ****/Mick,Mick."[biggrin]The Navigator insisted I take the python I caught a very long way away. It would need to call an Uber to get back. [emoji16]

[trout1105]

The Navigator insisted I take the python I caught a very long way away. It would need to call an Uber to get back. [emoji16]

We have a few pythons living around the place and as the house is well over 100 years old with stone walls and footings (hollow under the house) I would Much rather they were living here than their poisonous relatives that the pythons seem to keep at bay [thumbsupbig]

They do tend to scare the bejesus out of the Missus every now and then So I keep telling Her that ANY "Excitement" at our age Has to be a Good thing[bigwhistle] [biggrin]

Personally I quite like them and so far hey have shown absolutely NO aggressive tendencies even when I occasionally have to pick them up and move them before the missus can find a shovel

[ramblingboy42]

I really only have 2 affective led lights...one goes back at least 3 vehicles , a multi led cylinder with about12 leds up one side , what a ripper for seeing in front of you at night. I charge it perhaps once a year on one of my trips into SA.

The other is one of those king kong maglites , you know the one , if you get hit with it you stay down. 4 D cells powers it and its good for perhaps 200m on narrow focus and you can open it up for huge wide spread. I put new batteries in it regardless every march/april before my first trip each year.

I have no idea how many of those little $5/ 6 led torches I've left all over Australia , or I leave them in the pocket in my swag and they're knackered when I find them. It keeps super cheap happy.

Now for my next trip I'm fitting a Korr light bar of about 30 cells with a luminosity of 1 lux @ 500mtrs. That will keep the truckers unhappy out on the Mitchell Hwy , which if any of you know has an incredibly reflective straight surface.

Btw I don't dislike truckers.....they have helped me immensely in my past. I dip my lights after the 2nd or 3rd request......