New Maglite (?) Torch: Recommendations Please

[Leshy]

Guess I use a light less than others! I had a single 123A head torch which used the same battery for at least three weeks of actual camping, might have been five weeks. I know that 123As are much more power dense, but multiple AAs in a single weekend :yikes:.

I haven't tried Eneloop, keep hearing good things about them. None of the other rechargeable AA batteries that I have used have held charge anywhere near as well as standard AAs. They have simply run down while sitting unused in the torch.

Yep, and that's where the eneloop excel.
They hold charge even when not in use... And they perform just as well as the alkaline in my opinion, the problem is the non rechargeable ones seem to be 1.5 v and most rechargeable ones only come up at 1,2 v .
Why ? I have no idea , but eneloops really make a difference.
No affiliation, just a happy camper

 

[homesicksteve]

Add an 'intelligent' charger, which fully drains, before recharging, and then holds on trickle charge once full,
and you can always start with a fully charged battery.
I keep a lithium AA for emergencies - holds its charge for years !


Edit : the added advantage over alkaline is they wont 'leak' & wreck your torch.

 

[mrcharly]

AA Rechargeable Eneloops are the way forward....

I've used these extensively in Fenix torches for years, running them as bike lights. Superb.

 

[scarfell]

Most recharable torches come with a built in lithium battery, removing the need to buy more (lithiums are higher capacity and voltage, so you can operate brighter torches for longer)

 

[bearbait]

Many thanks for all your comments and suggestions, and the checklist!

Time, now, for some research before spending my beer tokens on the new torch.

In answer to santaman2000 re the warranty: one of the non-rechargeable batteries leaked inside the torch and I had to damage the butt end to get the batteries out. I was aware of the lifetime warranty but when I checked out the batteries they were 4 years out of life, although the torch was still working when I tested it a couple of months ago - but then not working just a few days ago! I think any warranty claim would be tenuous. Thanks anyway...

 

[Nice65]

If they were Duracell, then it would be worth sending them an email, they replace items damaged by leakage. It's pretty much a no quibble process.

Another +1 for Eneloops. A Sanyo charger and 4 Pro xx batteries will set you back about £28, it's a good investment long term. The 7Dayshop green batteries are good also, but ignore the white ones that claim higher MaH capacity.

Do do look at torches that have brightness modes. A burst on high will be blinding if your eyes are light adjusted, a moonlight mode is really useful. A mid mode is very handy for all round use and gives good battery life.

 

[santaman2000]

Many thanks for all your comments and suggestions, and the checklist!

Time, now, for some research before spending my beer tokens on the new torch.

In answer to santaman2000 re the warranty: one of the non-rechargeable batteries leaked inside the torch and I had to damage the butt end to get the batteries out. I was aware of the lifetime warranty but when I checked out the batteries they were 4 years out of life, although the torch was still working when I tested it a couple of months ago - but then not working just a few days ago! I think any warranty claim would be tenuous. Thanks anyway...

Tenuous? Well, sort of. That was exactly what happened to mine (battery damage with the battery still stuck inside) I thought as you did but when I called Mag about it they asked, "What brand was the battery?" It appears that they have an agreement with some of the major battery manufacturers to repair or replace the lights and the battery manufacturer (who is really the one at fault, as Nice65 suggested) reimburses them. Or at least that's how it was back then; might be different now.

Obviously a small torch isn't worth arguing with them over (neither Mag nor the battery manufacturer) but it couldn't hurt to give them both a call.

 

[bearbait]

FWIW, after due consideration, I went for an Led Lenser P5E - offered at a good discount from Cotswold at the moment. It included a battery and a spare battery, pouch and lanyard.

Ta for all your input...