Anyone recommend a reliable cheap flashlight? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 06:42:09 am
content: I have gone through four eBay flashlights. All had switch problems, poor contacts, bad design and did not last long.There are too many frauds selling Chinese 18650 batteries that have "5000mAh" capacity and the like, so I want to avoid they types of torches.I ended up buying a torch from a local hardware store under a brand name. It too lasted about a year.I am interested in a smallish torch that uses standard AA or AAA cells, that will last at 20 years, and has decent output for example, to use outside in the dark, or illuminating circuitry under the car dashboard. Don't want to pay too much... maybe up to $40 or so. I prefer it not to be rechargeable as it is another opportunity for poor quality to break. There are heaps of reviews around, but they do not discuss long life by good design, except when they cost hundreds of dollars.Does anyone have any experience with good quality, low cost torches, that are reliable? Any suggestions?

author: Marck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 07:54:08 am
content: Honestly one of the better LED torches that I have Is from Aldi. 2x AA batteries and has bounced around in my 4wd for a couple of years and apart from batteries has no other problems not cutting edge with brightness or efficiency but good value . I think it was $10 or $20. The other stand out is the cheep energiser head torches I think the top of the line one is around $40 and my last one lasted 4 years before I wore a hole in the button. Still worked but I wanted a new one.M

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 08:45:29 am
content: Not AA/AAA though, bought 3 of BLF A6 SE with 1600 Lumen, use 18650 and I use with genuine Panasonic cells.Its is community designed at Budget Light Forum, and sold exclusively by Banggood, priced for US$ 18 and quality build quite good.Also its powered by u-controller for the smart thingy, quite useful like showing battery level thru blink, and also it memorizes the last brightness level, as I really hate to cycle thru brightness levels every time I turned on at the dumb ones.Just google for "BLF A6" for more info.MineFrom google

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 08:52:32 am
content: I have an Energizer Fusion 3-in-1 LED Flashlight that I bought at Woolworths a few years ago. I can recommend it for good light output. It uses 4x AA batteries.It was on sale then and I haven't seen them of late. Maybe they are not sold anymore but they are usefully flexible. It has a diffuse side panel that can be dimmed down and an inbuilt fold out stand and swiveling head to help get light where you want it when hands free.If you can find one then it is worth considering.https://www.energizer.com/flashlights-lighting/light-fusion-flashlights

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 09:33:16 am
content: For meMaglitehas been the flashlight of choice for over thirty five years.https://faveable.com/best-flashlights-to-combat-the-dark

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 09:37:43 am
content: Quote from: soldar on November 17, 2019, 09:33:16 amMaglite collector too here, you named it, starting from single AAA ones .. up to multiple D cells.Its just the new era of led is roaming the earth now, incandescence flashlight feels like back to the cursed 35mm film era, compared to current digital photography.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 09:40:31 am
content: I've had the same streamlight stinger for... 10 years. Almost ready for new batteries though. Used it most of that time as a tech. It's been submerged, dropped, and thrown. They're 4x your budget and rechargeable with a non standard battery. It's pretty much the opposite of what you want other than the quality but it's the only recommendation I have.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 09:51:08 am
content: LUMINTOP Keychain torch with single AAA. Dave reviewed this before. I bought one, have been using for 2-3 years. Highly recommended. Very useful, always within reach when I need one. One rechargeable NiMH can last very long time. Later design may have magnetic grip.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 10:39:14 am
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on November 17, 2019, 06:42:09 amHow often are you switching it on/off? Rubber domes and/or tactile buttons are notorious for wearing out, while rotating controls and wiping leaf switches seem to outlast the dinosaurs. As mentioned above several times the Maglite torch is a proven survivor and in your budget for a AAx2 version.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 10:45:06 am
content: Quote from: all_repair on November 17, 2019, 09:51:08 amYep, they are great, still using my Tool AAA every day on my keychain.For a slightly bigger AA version I'd recommend the Lumintop Tool AAhttps://amzn.to/357d78z

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 11:06:37 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 17, 2019, 10:45:06 amThose look a lot like the streamlight protac.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 11:50:17 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 17, 2019, 09:37:43 amMaglite makes all sorts of LED flashlights, alkalines, rechargeables, etc.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 12:55:10 pm
content: I've found this one to be very good over about half an dozen distributed units. The 18650 is integral (although I suspect that it could be accessed if necessary with some surgery).It has a good range of light outputs and the low setting has a really long battery life in case you happen to be stuck in a cave! It's often on a lightning deal in the UK at this time of year, tomorrow morning for instance.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074TZXC73/P.S. if you hold the button down until it turns off, it comes back on in the same mode.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 04:44:20 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on November 17, 2019, 06:42:09 amMaglite makes excellent, high-quality flashlights/torches but I would not call them "low cost".

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 05:52:45 pm
content: They're not exactly high cost either, I think the last time I bought one the 2-D-cell Maglites were around $20, I was modifying them with high power LEDs back when off the shelf LED flashlights were still expensive and typically a bit anemic. I built a 3-D Maglite with a Luminus Phlatlight LED which was at the time the most powerful single LED emitter on the market, producing 2200 lumens driven at 11 Amps. Powered by a set of LiFePO4 cells it's a bit like a V8 powered lawnmower, a bit over the top, built it because I could. It does come in handy from time to time though when I need a LOT of light in a focused beam.https://www.candlepowerforums.comis my go-to for all things flashlight related.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 10:05:13 pm
content: I have an OxyLED MD50. Son-in-law gave me 2 for XMass 3 years ago. I have lost one but still on the original battery for the one I still have. It stays in my toolbag. Not used every day and still holds a decent charge for a good long time. They are still available on Amazon Prime for $15.99 USD. I will probably pick up another.https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Flashlight-OxyLED-Waterproof-Emergency/dp/B07MXFB3H2EDIT: never mind. They don't come with the AAA battery adapter any more.It says it can use AAA batteries but the package contents list doesn't mention the adapter like mine did.

author: jogri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2019, 10:41:09 pm
content: I had good experience with Thrunite, they are really tough and not that expensive. I have a Thrunite TN12 as my main lamp (it uses 18650s, but you'll need an extra charger), but it looks like the Archer 1A uses a single AA cell and costs around 30 bucks. The only thing that can be a bit annyoing is the strobe mode as it gets activated when you hold the mode button.

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 12:12:03 am
content: I've used an UltraFire WF-501B for several years, and like it a lot. It uses an 18650. My memory is that it was pretty inexpensive from Ebay, and came with two 18650s and a charger. It has five modes - high, medium, low, rapid flashing, and SOS. It puts out a lot of light on high. Also good on low for inspecting solder joints.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 12:36:42 am
content: Thanks heaps for all the suggestions.I will purchase the Lumintop torch. The reviews are all 5 stars on Amazon and the price is good. Furthermore, it is small enough to use in tight spaces like under the hood or in an instrument.Others who visit this thread will also find the posts very helpful.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 12:37:39 am
content: Other than seconding the Maglite comment I can recommend nothing. I have several nice flashlights, but all have some significant flaw that prevents recommendation. Some of the flaws are my opinion and may be exactly what another wants. For example I generally hate multi-mode flashlights. I don't want to have to cycle through even two modes to get the one I want. For me a flashlight should be ON or OFF and possibly have an adjustable beam size.

author: Johnboy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 12:57:18 am
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on November 18, 2019, 12:37:39 amFourthing.I love Maglites (mine is a 3D LED model), but they are decidedly bulky as a large flashlight. That is also why American police officers carried them for decades, as a sort of club (although I haven't seen a 5D Maglite in years). They can be used as doorstops, pry bars, even hammers, in a pinch.I would agree with the candlepower forum suggestion as a good place to ask questions about these products. Those folks really take flashlight specs seriously and many are collectors of off-the-shelf products. Here you are more likely to find people who would select a flashlight based on its existing merits and then modify it themselves to suit their specific requirements.EDIT: Actually, this is my edc flashlight. I don't know if it qualifies as cheap at twenty dollars, but it has certainly been reliable, as well as accurate.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 01:40:13 am
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on November 18, 2019, 12:36:42 amAfter using one for quite a while, I actually think every tech should own one AAA Keychain torch. AAA - smallest easy batt; Keychain - you have it when you need it (very very important) ; multi brightness - sometime to see closeup component you need adjustable brightness; not Maglite - field tool must be not too painful if you lost it.one other feature I wish to have is "magnetic grip". As my Lumitop is doing well, I have no strong urge to get a newer one yet.disclosure--no relationship at all with Lumitop, just a happy customer.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 03:35:51 am
content: Quote from: all_repair on November 18, 2019, 01:40:13 amAgreed. And it should have two levels of power-on protection so it doesn't accidentally turn on. The Lumintop has both twist cap and tailcap switch. And you can set it to your preferred level when switched on, I have mine set to medium.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 04:37:37 am
content: Quote from: all_repair on November 18, 2019, 01:40:13 amI carried one for years, but at some point I reduced the amount of stuff in my pocket and got rid of it. There's a flashlight feature built into my mobile phone so that covers the always have it with me thing. Then I've got larger flashlights in my cars, in the pack I carry to and from the office, and around the house.

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 04:59:36 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 17, 2019, 08:45:29 amI've bought 5-6 pcs. for me and a couple of friends back when they released it. Still got it in my pocket. Best torch i've ever had.The only annoying thing is, the old batch had a great belt-clip, on the newer versions they got it to cheap.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 05:56:23 am
content: Quote from: cs.dk on November 18, 2019, 04:59:36 amNot sure about the latest coating/finishing, all of mine have really hard surface, as they won't scratch or dent easily, knew this as I put one inside my car's toolbox, and after all this years, laying side by side with other hard steel tools like wrench keys, screw drivers and etc, the flashlight's surface is still very smooth, quite amazing imo.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 07:25:29 am
content: Quote from: james_s on November 18, 2019, 04:37:37 amWash your mouth out!

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 09:41:34 am
content: A bit off topic - but not too far - I carry Victorinox midnight manager@work.It is small form factor, has knife, scissors, usb drive, small torch, pen, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, bottle opener.Pretty pricey but I use it so often.

author: Johnboy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 03:26:03 pm
content: Quote from: VK5RC on November 18, 2019, 09:41:34 amIt isn't until I see something like this that I realize I've posted off topic. I also didn't notice that the OP had already made his decision and basically thanked everyone and signed off before I even got to the party.All that said, I agree that I dislike carrying a lot of things, and if I can find a way to incorporate a flashlight into something else, so much the better. I happen to have a flashlight on my phone as well, but there are a lot of times when I don't want to carry a cell phone with me, and I'd rather "shoot from the hip" (literally) and simply press a button when I'm lacking in light than unlock and fumble through menus anyway. A few years ago all of my dash lights suddenly went out while driving at night through a large metropolitan region and I had to use my watch to periodically view the analog speedometer. Having a reliable flashlight handy at all times can be a very good thing.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2019, 04:48:17 pm
content: Well the pub doesn't have to shut down and everyone go home when the first guy who got there leaves. It's often after the original question has been answered that the best discussions occur.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 08:44:04 am
content: Quote from: VK5RC on November 18, 2019, 09:41:34 amHorses for courses IMO.Real AAA torch on the Keyring, and a Victorinox MiniChamp in the pocket. The knife gets used a lot more than the torch, so I'd rather have a more capable knife than try and combine it with a whimpy torch.Then when I need a torch I want something fairly decent that the Midnite can't match with it's piddly LED.

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 09:17:03 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 18, 2019, 05:56:23 amThe surface is fine.. It's the beltclip that is to weak - The one I have in my pocket are from the very first batch. Strong and springy beltclip. The newer ones seems like a beercan. Not springy at all and easy to bend.

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 06:28:25 pm
content: For single AA or AAA lights, has anyone tried the Energizer Ultimate Lithium cells? They are lithium iron disulfide, nominal 1.5V, non-rechargeable. It looks like they cost about twice what alkalines cost, but are supposed to have low internal resistance, which doesn't increase as the cells discharge. Also good in the very cold.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 09:58:06 am
content: Quote from: Peabody on November 19, 2019, 06:28:25 pmThey actually go up to almost 1.7V fresh IIRC.Some products can't handle the extra voltage when fresh.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 02:54:51 pm
content: German made "LED Lenser" are my absolute favorite small flashlight for many years already.https://www.ledlenser.com/en/

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 03:22:35 pm
content: I just buy many of those single AA flashlights on aliexpress for $2.A few years ago I made a topic to find some ideal light, I'm still searching.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/the-quest-to-the-ideal-portable-work-light/msg1358019/#msg1358019I did eventually work withthesefor a while. But eventually they do create a problem where the batteries are not long enough. (poor spring quality)Meanwhile I bought some 18650's, maybe create my own or something. Not sure yet.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 03:33:24 pm
content: I found that an 18650 cell fits perfectly inside a 3/4" copper pipe. I have yet to do it but I kind of want to make my own flash light with pipe. It's very hard, if impossible to find a LED flashlight that takes 18650's and only has 1 mode. I just want on and off, that's it! None of this annoying flashing stuff that I have to keep cycling through.

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 04:22:18 pm
content: Quote from: Peabody on November 19, 2019, 06:28:25 pmA few years ago, my son went to Egypt for a month, and took with him a real digital camera (not SLR, but prosumer), which ran on AA cells.I advised him to purchase those batteries.When he came back, he said that it had been an excellent recommendation, he was very happy.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 05:46:24 am
content: I second the BLF A6s - uses one 18650 and puts out heaps of light down to moonlight.I also have the BLF Q8 - which I nickname "possum killer" - 5000+ lumens.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 08:43:27 pm
content: These are about $5, run a long time on a battery, are reliable.They will have to be discontinued, for sure!

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 03:11:46 am
content: Actually it could be fun to mod one of those. Make a lithium ion battery pack and change the bulb to the brightest LED you can find that will fit the bulb's foot print and you got yourself a pretty skookum flashlight. Not exactly tactical or strong but it's a handy form factor for general use and would last a very long time. Could even throw in a USB port to act as a battery bank. heck, Even a solar cell to trickle charge it (might take a few years but it will charge eventually). I'm starting a kick starter!

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 03:28:35 am
content: I have had a LED Lenser K3 on my keyring for more than 10 years.It is a bit beaten up, but works every time I need it.