ISSUE 47 HAND HELD TORCHES

REVIEW

52 • BUSHCRAFT & SURvivAl SkillS magazine Follow Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine on Facebook

The object and intention of this review is to compare for the reader a selection of hand-held battery operated torches or ‘flashlights’ from a range of the leading companies.

There are basically 2 types of electric torch 1) Those with an Incandescent Bulb, 2) Those with an L.E.D (Light Emitting Diode). The oldest type are the ‘incandescent variety’,

the traditional glass bulb where the filament wire is heated by an electric current passing through it until it glows. Around 95% of the energy is converted to heat, great for an incubator but not for efficiency. An LED bulb has many advantages over an incandescent bulb including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. They are 90% more efficient and can last for 20-30,000 hours/ 20 years and generally these types of bulbs cannot be replaced.

In bushcrafting a good torch is as essential as any other item of kit in your inventory of tools. At times a torch can be a literal life saver and scrimping on it could be a great mistake and cost you dearly. This last statement may seem dramatic but this is because I have

experienced situations where a good torch has quite literally saved my life and prevented serious injury to myself and others. Some models have the ability to select which light suits which role such as: - White for general illumination. Red for preserving night vision. Blue for identifying fluids. Green for map reading. Word white can be in bold white font

Until very recently there was no consistency in how flashlight specifications were presented on the manufacturer’s website or product packaging, the ANSI/NEMA FL1 standard has been widely accepted to remedy this. You will start to see packaging in stores that shows simple icons letting you know the product specifications for each light. I do hope that this review is helpful, happy reading…

HAND-HELD TORCH REVIEW

Gerber: Tactical Recon Task Light: www.gerbergear.co.uk Price: £24.99

The Recon Task Light is a multi use torch and has D.I.A.L. technology, which allows you to dial in the colour that'll serve you best. This is the second smallest torch in the review and has White, Red, Green and Blue lights. It is lightweight with a good runtime, fast to switch between colours, but really requires a 2 hand operation. The 3 Lumen beam is not very bright, dull and inferior compared to the Coast TX10 which also has White, Red, Green and Blue lights. They are about the same price and size but the D.I.A.L system is awkward.

Versatility **** Efficiency **** Usability ** Brightness * Value ** Overall ***

‘compact and versatile but not very bright’

Gerber/BG: Intense Torch:www.beargryllsstore.com Price: £62.99

This torch has a bright oxide orange body with a handy rubberised grip and it is also the only triangular shaped torch reviewed. It has a clever automatic SOS feature and the tail button is protected from accidental activation by 3 curved sections of the body that also allows for thumb location of the button in the dark. The lanyard is well made and survived my yank and swirl test. I like the

fact it operates on easily obtainable AA batteries and at 17 hours run time at low power (17 Lumens) it would make a good pack/hike light especially with its SOS feature.

Versatility *** Efficiency **** Usability **** Brightness *** Value *** Overall ****

‘Bright body, bright light, a good hiking torch’

Grant NealeRhodesian born and bred, Grant now lives and works in the UK, he has served as a British police officer with over eighteen years experience, twelve of which as a police firearms officer, included being a national rifle officer (sniper) and working at Buckingham Palace as Royalty close protection. A lifetime of outdoor living and survival experiences qualify his attention to detail when evaluating kit, helping you to make an informed decision.

AUTHOR PROFILE:

BUSHCRAFT & SURvivAl SkillS magazine • 53

Nitecore: SRT 7 Revenger: www.nitecore.co.uk Price: £99.95

The SRT 7 uses a third generation magnetic selector ring controlling emission of White Red, Green and Blue light as well as the smooth zoom and adjustable brightness of white light. I am really impressed with all of the Nitecore products, the SRT7 is something I would loved to have owned when I was worked as a police/ ARV officer. The coloured lights are effective but not as bright as the Coast TX10’s or 5.11 R3MC. The versatility of being

able to use either 18650 or CR123 batteries is positive and this torch doesn't need a special slide cartridge to fit the CR123’s in, and, when fitted they don’t rattle, unlike if you tried that with say the Nextorch TA3. Overall a great torch with features for the advanced bushcrafter/ tracker. Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall *****

‘A versatile / practical / tactical torch’ Win

Nitecore: P25 SMILODON: www.nitecore.co.uk Price: £79.95

This torch is practical to use and allows you to easily master its 8 modes so that they become natural without having to read the instructions to remind you. I liked the fact the master on/off push button is on the tail and that it is reasonably protected from accidental activation by the body housing. Again you can use 18650 or CR123 batteries. This torch is simple but versatile enough to allow for it to be used on say a rifle and thanks to is picatinny rails, a laser pointer can be added

to it plus the added remote switch which can be fitted, this surely would make an impressive set up. However it can be used just as well as a pocket torch. The nylon fabric carry pouch supplied with velcro fastening is very well made and can be fitted to the belt or to a clip with its D ring.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall *****

‘A practical and easy to use’

Nitecore: TM26: www.nitecore.co.uk Price: £299.95

Claims to be the worlds smallest & lightest 3500 Lumen rechargeable LED torch. The TM26 has been included as a ‘wild card’ to show just how bright a fairly compact LED torch can be! It is one heck of a compact, chunky, bright and amazing torch. Not only is it the most expensive, but also the brightest LED torch reviewed. Its basically like getting 4 powerful single LED torches and strapping them together with a fancy single control button. It is even pocket sized and rechargeable as a self

contained unit which is invaluable eliminating the hassle of removing batteries to a charger. The Turbo beam, strobe and programmed SOS function with such a high light output

would make it well suited to a search and rescue applications. One of my Top 5 Torches reviewed

Versatility **** Efficiency ***** Usability **** Brightness ***** Value *** Overall ****

‘One hell of a monster bright torch’

Inova: T3: Visit www.whitbyandco.co.uk to find a stockist. Price: £65 Star with Great Value!

The T3 is a sophisticated but simple torch that comes from a company with a long innovative history of dealing with L.E.D products and technology. The focused spot and flood beam is amazing and clear of shadows/ rings. Being able to have high and low modes enable it to be versatile and efficient depending upon use. It is easy to change modes and operate with the thumb. I

found this to be a quite simple and unassuming yet impressive torch and considering its lower end price and high light output and run time well worth considering.

Versatility **** Efficiency ***** Usability *****Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall *****

‘A sophisticated yet simple torch’

Inova: T3R: Visit www.whitbyandco.co.uk to find a stockist. Price: £99.95

The T3R is similar to the T3 with regards its functions and modes but it is actually slightly bigger all over. This torch is rechargeable and by twisting the head the charging port is revealed which impressively can go from 0 to a full charge in 4 hours. It can use USB, AC & DC chargers which are all included in the pack. Again the focused spot and flood beam is amazing and clear of shadows/rings. The T3 and T3R are so similar that if I had to

choose between them, I would go for the T3 due to the T3R’s inability to accept batteries different to its Inova lithium one, whereas the T3 can take any 3 CR123’s making it more versatile. The T3R is a really nice torch though.

Versatility *** Efficiency ***** Usability **** Brightness ***** Value **** Overall ****

‘Rechargeable and very simple’

WIN! THIS TORCH

(see T&Cs p3)

WILD CARD

BEST INTEST


REVIEW Prices quoted in the review reflect either the RRP or the supplying retailers prices. * Surefire prices are a conversion from USD ($) pricing, as supplied by the manufacturer.

COAST: HP7 TAC: Check out www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £54.95

A Tactical version of the HP7 that’s blackened inside & out for covert use. It is comparable to the HP7R as far as being just as effective at providing a powerful flood and Bulls-Eye spot beam. It does though have a slightly different design especially at the tail where the press button is sunken and protected by

the housing except for 2 thumb grooves. If I were to be tactically picky I would have to say that the tube diameter is too wide for a comfortable overhand grip and operation of the press button if used in conjunction with a say a pistol, and, the large red logo on the flap is not that tactical.

Versatility **** Efficiency **** Usability **** Brightness *****

Value (seen as cheap as £37) ***** Overall ****

‘A value tactical torch’

Coast: HP7R Rechargeable: Check out www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £85.95

A compact torch powered by either 4 x AAA batteries or 2 rechargeable cartridges that can be charged in/out of the unit using a USB with either AC/ DC. The HP7 is literally a miniature version of the HP14 and just as effective at providing a powerful flood and Bulls-Eye spot beam. Two rechargeable units are supplied but the longevity and versatility comes from having 3 cartridges that can either be AAA or

rechargeable - brilliant!The brilliance doesn't end there, this torch in its presentation box continues to impress

with a wall mount storage clip, a belt quick release clip as well as strong nylon fabric pouch that is very well made and secures the torch well. This torch is included in my top 5 for innovation, versatility, value and like-ability.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall *****

‘A really versatile battery/rechargeable torch thats impresses’

Coast: TX10: Check out www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £25.95

The TX10 is a 4-Color LED Signal torch, each controlled by a separate switch allowing for the colour that'll serve you best, white, red, green and blue.This handy torch quite literally fits in the palm of my hand and is tube shaped with an easy grip knurled body. If I was wanting a torch just for the multi-

coloured options then compared to the Gerber Recon Task light, the

5.11 R3MC and the SRT 7, I’d easily recommend the TX10 as being the best one. One of my Top 5 Torches

reviewed Versatility ***** Efficiency

***** Usability ***** Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall *****

‘A bright multi-coloured torch that is really versatile and handy’


Coast: HP14: Check out: www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £54.99

The HP14 torch has a larger/ longer housing than other L.E.D torches, due to the fact it uses x 4 of the world's most common AA battery. The size is comparable to my trusty old 3D Maglite but is far superior in both beam/brightness and run time. It boasts ‘superior

beam consistency from spot to flood, with no dark rings typically associated with focusing torches’, I would agree with this statement

but not with their claim that the focus control can be done with finger tip speed, and, it is a two hand job.

Versatility **** Efficiency ***** Usability ***Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall ***

‘Great flood and spot

BEST COLOURED

LIGHT


REVIEW Prices quoted in the review reflect either the RRP or the supplying retailers prices. * Surefire prices are a conversion from USD ($) pricing, as supplied by the manufacturer.


Pelican: M6: www.heinnie.com Price: £75.95 The newest addition to the Black Knight Series.

This is the only ‘tactical’ torch reviewed with an incandescent Xenon bulb and probably the dullest with shortest run time and range as well. Considering the asking price of £75 I wouldn't consider it or use up print on it when there’s much better L.E.D ones

in the review already. We included it so that the Pelican brand, a long established maker

was included and to show the contrast between incandescent and LED models. Versatility *** Efficiency *Usability ** Brightness ***Value * Overall **

‘ok if you like an expensive, inefficient incandescent torch’

NEXTORCH: TA3: Check out: www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £71.95

The TA3 can take both 18650 and CR123 batteries in a magazine, the torch will still work without having them in the magazine, but it does make a rattle noise as they move inside the tube. The high Lumen output means that after about 12 minutes it was getting uncomfortably hot to hold, the aluminium housing is to both help conduct the heat away as well as make it lightweight.

One needs to read the instructions to be of-ay with its operating modes, I tried operating it wearing my special firearms gloves which you would wear if using a tactical torch and I found the push button wasn't easy to both feel and operate with the thumb in an overhand grip. I realise that’s a pedantic point to raise but I do

get irritated by all this ‘tactical’ branding. Only the Nitecore SRT7 and P25, the 5.11 models (and possibly the Surefire EB1)

are the only true tactical torches. Having said that, the T3 is good enough for the layman and bushcrafter and it can be bought for under £50 which is good value for what you get. The lanyard failed my yank and swirl test snapping straight away.

Versatility **** Efficiency ***** Usability **** Brightness ***** Value ***** Overall ****

‘A very impact resistant & bright torch’

NEXTORCH: TL6 R5 SET: www.bbb-leisureproducts.co.uk Price: £71.95

Essentially a hunters set that includes the T6L R5 flashlight, RM81 & RM 85 mount, TS6-L remote pressure switch. Review Comments: This torch is part of a set and designed essentially for mounting on a rifle as part of a hunting set up. The two clamps allow the torch to fit either on the barrel or onto a scope. The remote tail can then be used to activate it. However if you ignore the hunting accessories

the torch of itself is ok. Its compact and pocket sized enough, the lock out feature and steady

/ momentary on without a strobe make it easy and simple to operate. Comparing it to the other hunters set/torch reviewed (Nitecore P25) its not as bright with less than half the range, run time, light out-put and about the same price I would chose the P25.

Versatility **** Efficiency ***Usability **** Brightness ****

Value *** Overall ***

‘A good hunters set with torch, remote switch

LED Lenser: P7 Available from: -www.heinnie.com Price: - £49.95

This torch is slightly thicker in the body due to the 4x AAA batteries it runs on. Very similar to the Coast HP7 TAC in terms of features, price and modes but

a longer run time. The only thing I would like to point out with this and some of these torches

is the hassle of never knowing which mode its going to turn on with and having to go through another mode to turn it off! I personally would chose a Coast HP7 TAC instead.

Versatility *** Efficiency **** Usability *** Brightness *** Value **** Overall ***

‘A good travel torch’


Fenix: UC40: www.casstrom.co.uk Price: £71.95

The Fenix UC40 USB rechargeable torch can be used safely with various batteries but for charging is restricted to using only the Fenix ARBL1S rechargeable battery. The UC40 is a slim-line tubular torch with the on/off button at the head. At first I thought it didn’t work and then discovered that to turn it on you have to press and hold the button for over 1 second and then again press and hold for

over a second to turn it off. It cycles through Turbo, High, Mid and Low modes with a quick press of the button and the strobe is temporary when pressing and holding in the button for about 2 seconds. I found this slow response irritating and in the dark finding to feel for the rather flush button would be an added hinderance. The spot beam on turbo is quite good but the surrounding flood lighting isn't up to much.

Versatility *** Efficiency **** Usability *** Brightness ****Value *** Overall ***

‘Slim line and simple’

REVIEW

LED Lenser: P3: www.heinnie.com Price: £13.95

LED LENSER® P3 is the twin brother of LED LENSER® P2, but due to its bigger lamp head, it has an increased lighting range. The Blue Moon Focus System allows quick transition from circular low beam to focused long-distance light. This is the smallest and lightest torch reviewed and I am very impressed with how bright it is. It is also simple and easy to operate. It has a good handy little pouch and thanks to the ring and chain can also double as a key ring light, I really like this and would recommend it.

Versatility **** Efficiency ****Usability *****Brightness *****Value ***** Overall ****

‘A small torch that is very useful and like-able’

Prices quoted in the review reflect either the RRP or the supplying retailers prices. * Surefire prices are a conversion from USD ($) pricing, as supplied by the manufacturer.


Fenix: TK22: www.casstrom.co.uk Price: £79.95

The Fenix TK22 is a smart yet practically designed tactical torch. The TK22 looks good and puts out a good beam and flood. It is easy to operate with the master on/off/steady button on the tail and mode cycle button on the side near the head. The ‘mode memory’ is a really useful feature which saves having to cycle through modes to get back to it. I would compare the TK22 to the Nitecore P25 due to its design/ weight/price/

features plus tactical ring and side button with master tail control. Both are on par but for the fact the P25 has 200 more Lumens and picatinny rail. Overall a charming torch.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness *****Value **** Overall ****

‘A smart looking versatile torch’

Fenix: PD35: www.casstrom.co.uk Price: £59.95

A short and lightweight 850 Lumen torch. This Fenix PD35 from a distance looks very similar to the Fenix UC40, but it is superior in both design and features. Although it is also not rechargeable, it has double the Lumens and is over £10 cheaper. For a hand-held pocket torch this one performs very well, it gets noticeably hotter than some of the others and does so really quickly too. Hence

the feature of automatically changing from turbo to high after exactly 5 minutes, after which the whole torch feels uncomfortably warm. Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability *** Brightness *****Value ***** Overall *****

‘A micro sized super-bright torch’

Lenslight: KO 2 x 123: www.heinnie.com Price: £203.95

A torch that also has a self defence strike surface, my initial impression of this torch was that its basic and extremely expensive. It is very solid and built to withstand rough treatment. The shaped/crenulated bezeled rim is also referred to by the maker as a ‘Strike Bezel’ which as its name suggests matches what you see before you. The crenulated bezel ring on the 5.11‘s & Fenix TK22 were more severe than

that of the TA3, but compared to this one they are all smooth and flat. This crenulation is decidedly jagged and sharp enough to cause

some injury/damage. My concluding impression on this torch after testing it out is about the same as my initial one, but I like the colour of its light, bezel, and stockiness.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness ***** Value ** Overall ***

‘Solid, stocky with a sharp crenellated bezel rim’

Mini Maglite: www.heinnie.com Price: - £23.95

The heir to the original Mini Maglite 2AAA flashlight launched 25 years ago, this newest member of the family features the same classic look and size and the same simple operation – just twist the head to turn it on, turn it off and focus the beam. I looked nostalgically at the Mini Maglite's and then felt disappointed when I saw how much the design hasn't really moved on. The blinking signal feature is new and slightly less annoying than a strobe and could come in handy for a

bushcrafter. This mini would be ideal as glove box or expendable type torch that you could give to a child going on a camp

knowing it’ll probably be lost in a few days but of good service while it lasts. I don't mean to be a torch snob and do like maglite torches but would for the price and features recommend instead the cheaper LED Lenser P3.

Versatility *** Efficiency ***** Usability *** Brightness **** Value ***** Overall ***

‘MAGLITE a trusted brand’

Zebralight: SC600 MK2: www.heinnie.com Price: £89.95

With a storming 900 lumens output from its tiny dimensions, this Zebralight is a really handy bright little torch. It has 3 main user selectable main levels (High, Medium and Low). That bits simple enough but each main level can be programmed to one of its two sub-levels. The second sub-level of the each main levels can be further programmed to different brightness levels, so it all gets a bit complicated!I would like to euphemistically compare its

like-ability to marmite as theres some real zebralight fans out there. Personally with regards this torch, I don't like marmite, why do I want

a complicated 3 main and 6 sub level torch? It is nowhere near as bright as the feature/lumen suggest compared to the Nitecore P25, I could not find if it has an FL1 standard. It is though, small, pocket sized and has a bright output of light.

Versatility **** Efficiency ***** Usability ***Brightness **** Value ** Overall ***

‘A complicated 900 Lumen pocket rocket’

Surefire: G2XTM Fire Rescue Pro: www.surefire.com Price: £74.99

The G2X Fire Rescue Pro is a powerful dual-output torch designed specifically for firefighters, paramedics and other first responders, but it can also serve as an excellent outdoor/general use torch or emergency/disaster light. We have included it in this review as, being orange in colour it is hard to loose, so for the bushcrafter that likes bright gear it is perfect!

The body is innovatively designed using Nitrolon® which is a high-strength, non-conductive, impact- resistant it has a really good and

clear light with both spot and flood abilities. Operation is enabled first by making sure its not locked out by tightening the tail cap and then the push button activates either high or low beam in a cyclic order. With a super fluorescent lanyard I have seen this model online for under £60! A very relevant torch for the bushcrafter. One of my Top 5 Torches reviewed. Versatility ***** Efficiency **** Usability *****Brightness ***** Value **** Overall ****

‘Fluorescent body serves as both a beacon and handy torch’

5.11: ATAC R1: www.511tactical.com Price: £126

I am a fan of the 5.11 brand, the R1 has a great ergonomic design and can comfortably be held both overhand and in a cigar grip with easy thumb control/access of the tail push button control. The rubberised tactical ring and sprung pocket clip are useful and also provide an anti-rolling function. The wrist lanyard is very well made and includes a great ‘break away catch’ so as to free your hand in the instance the torch is grabbed/snagged. The R1 is rechargeable and 5.11 use their own particular custom

designed 18650 Li-ion batteries. There is however a special magazine cartridge that will fit 2 x CR123’s. It will not work unless they are in the cartridge. A really useful feature is the speed at which it can switch

between high and low beam by pressing the tail button quickly twice, press three times to go to strobe. I would though if choice were given prefer the other reviewed 5.11 - ATAC R3MC.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness ****Value **** Overall *****

‘Versatile & practical with a great charging cradle system’

5.11: ATAC R3MC: www.511tactical.com Price: £139

The R3 is very similar to the R1 but for the fact it has a selector ring as well as a tail push button to operated the modes. This selector rotates clockwise between Lock out/off to White / Red / Blue light modes. These light modes can all be switched to momentary on / steady on and strobe. The lock out / off is a great feature to prevent accidental activation in a back pack wasting

the battery. Same again with the battery cartridge and lanyard and as with the model above it can also be mains charged and interchangeable plug sockets from all over the world are supplied. It is quite pricey but a real winner.

Versatility ***** Efficiency ***** Usability ***** Brightness *****Value **** Overall *****

‘A must have versatile torch with great features

5.11: TMT L2: www.511tactical.com Price: £69.99

The TMT L2 for its small size and weight is really good. The light modes are controlled by first unlocking the selector ring from lockout and then activating the tail push button which allows momentary on / steady on / strobe. The TMT L2 has an ergonomic design and can comfortably

be held both overhand and in a cigar grip thanks to the tactical ring with easy thumb control/access of the tail push button control. It is quite pricey but with the features like the lock out selector ring and quick light mode change I think its worth it. Versatility **** Efficiency **** Usability *****Brightness ***** Value **** Overall ****

‘Another great compact torch from 5.11’

Surefire: E2D LED Defender® Ultra: www.surefire.com Price: £163.99

This is a compact 500-lumen torch with self-defense enhancements. I have always been a fan of Surefire products but not their prices. The products are of the highest quality which is reflected in them having a lifetime warranty. I still have the one issued to me in 2004, it had a Xenon P60 bulb which I have only replaced once, its survived swims, drops and ‘life’ and still works really well. At first glance the Surefire E2D LED Defender® Ultra looks more of a hostile kubotan than torch due to its sharp strike

bezel at the head and scalloped tail cap. Operation, clicking between High/Low isn't great compared to the 5.11 R1/R3. The defenders beam has a yellow-ish tint to it with no rings or deformities. Although no FL1 standard stated, it is plenty bright enough and although it states 500 Lumens, I understand from sources that it typically operates at just 350 Lumens after the first few minutes at 500.

Versatility ***** Efficiency **** Usability *****Brightness ***** Value ** Overall ****

‘A practical lightweight dual self defence torch’


REVIEW

Surefire: EB1 Backup®: www.surefire.com Price: £139.99

This is anything but just a 'backup' torch. It's certainly small enough to act as a backup, but it can equally stand on its own and be a real asset to any user. I can fit it in the palm of my hand whilst still being able to operate it with my thumb. It's plenty bright enough and casts a good spot beam on either high or low modes. I particularly like the pocket clip on this torch, which is able to clip on either head up or down position

due to the clever way it is folded and sprung. Surefire really do put a lot of effort into their product design and quality. They are even boxed really nicely with an outer red glossy sleeve holding a second black cardboard box containing the torch and instructions. It feels like an honour to unveil the torch rather than just getting it out of packaging. I would place this one 6th on my list of top torches reviewed.

Versatility ***** Efficiency **** Usability ***** Brightness ****Value *** Overall ****

‘A superb quality and bright palm sized torch’

My final ThoughTs:

When I started this review I thought it would be a doddle to get, research and play with some new shiny torches, no pun intended. It has been a real eye opener for me on just how complicated, sophisticated and diverse this market is. I have spent about 2 hours reviewing each torch. I like to be thorough, so between fiddling and taking them apart and trying the features out I also do web research on each model plus, read forums and watch YouTube videos. I fear that I might now be considered to be one of the torch enthusiasts, that I’ve been reading/watching the posts of.

An important consideration regarding the crenulated bezels/rims on the Nextorch TA3, Fenix TK22, All the 5.11’s and particularly the Surefire Defender & Lenslight KO is that they MAY be illegal to carry in the UK, that is, if the law is pedantically applied to them. Prevention Of Crime Act 1953 “Any person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, proof of which lies with him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon commits an offence” Offensive Weapon: Any article made, adapted or intended for causing injury. Anything that you can pick up and hit or stab someone with can be classed as an offensive weapon.These torches have this crenulated feature as a permanent design for use as a ‘strike surface’, which is, or may well be considered their only intention!!!

My observation regarding shopping for a hand-held torch is to not just concern yourself with how powerful it

is in ‘Lumens’ but look instead for run times, range and impact/ water resistance. These factors together with understanding the costs of, and availability of batteries in relation to where you are planning to travel are very important. The prices may seem high on some of the torches, only you know what you want your torch for and how much you have to spend, generally 200 Lumens is sufficient for most tasks but the capability for having more is worth it. I like the TM26 a lot with its 3500 Lumen night sun but its not cheap or practical for a pocket application. So, my top 5 torches are: - 1) Nitecore SRT7. 2) 5.11’s ATAC R3MC. 3) Surefire G2XTM Fire Rescue Pro. 4) Nitecore TM26. 5) Coast TX10. I actually think that of all the torches reviewed the Surefire G2XTM Fire Rescue Pro is probably the most relevant torch for a bushcrafter.

Whilst the NEW Surefire P3X reviewed is a preproduction model, Maglite were just too late with their NEW MAG-TAC, 320 Lumens with a range of 193m, a 4 hour burn time and 1m impact resistance. Maglite’s new kid on the block certainly looks to bring the brand upto date. 133.98mm long weighing in at 136g it takes 2 x CR123 batteries.

There are cheap L.E.D torches out there (even in supermarkets) that are ok for close up work

or using to find the loo in the night, but from experience these ones don't last and I wouldn't dare

to rely on them if I was out and about. So chose well and remember ‘if you pay peanuts you get monkeys’…


Surefire: P3X Fury Tactical: www.surefire.com Price: £154.99

The P3X Tactical has a really high 1000 Lumen output making it the 2nd brightest reviewed after the TM26. The spot and flood are adequate for searching a room or tracking, camping, hiking etc. The P3X is also longer than the majority of those reviewed due to it taking 3xCR123 batteries. If I was to be

frank about this Surefire torch I'd have to say that I'm disappointed with it and wish it had a better operating mechanism. With only 1.5 hours runtime it would consume a lot of batteries and quickly too due to not having a low mode. Ideal for police officers who get them free but for the humble and generally frugal bushcrafter it may not be the ideal torch. It is though made very well and is certainly a credit to an amazing company.

Versatility **** Efficiency ** Usability *** Brightness *****Value ** Overall ****

‘ Super-bright and handy’

Surefire:E2L Outdoorsman: www.surefire.com Price: £139.99

The Outdoorsman is an example of Surefire’s range of quality products. It has a slim body and large head housing the LED and thanks to the TIR Lens it casts a reasonable spot /flood beam on high but on low mode it's weak 5 Lumen output isn't great for searching and has minimal flood around the spot. Similar to the Surefire Backup, the pocket clip

on this torch is able to clip on either head up or down position due to the clever way it is folded and sprung. Unlike the Backup there is unfortunately no fixing point for a lanyard. Other than the sheer

quality of Surefire torches this one brings nothing new or exciting to the review and neither does it stand out enough to justify its price.

Versatility **** Efficiency **** Usability **** Brightness ****Value ** Overall ****

‘Slim, lightweight with a good belt clip'

Documents

ISSUE 47 HAND HELD TORCHES