How to chose the right torch for your needs [Archive]

MudRunnerTD

26th February 2014, 07:42 PM

See if this works??? From the link above incase its gone later

How to Choose the Best Flashlight for Camping

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16 September 2013 844 Is this guide helpful? Report
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LED Flashlight

Flashlight Keyring

Pelican Flashlight

Arriving later than planned at a campsite or chosen camping spot poses difficulties for even the most seasoned campers, as the tent will need to be erected in complete darkness. This is where having a bright, durable flashlight or two to hand can really help. It is important that a flashlight is bright enough for the task concerned, so by purchasing a flashlight specifically designed for outdoor activities such as camping, it is easy to ensure that the beam is bright enough.

By shopping online on websites such as eBay camping flashlights can be found for a very reasonable price, and it is easy to search for a specific type of flashlight, such as a Maglite.

Types of Flashlight Available
When it comes to choosing a flashlight for camping, the variety available can be somewhat confusing. There are many different types of flashlight, each with their own individual features. Here are some of the types of flashlight available to buy on websites such as eBay:

Aluminum flashlights
Keyring flashlights
LED flashlights
2-in-1 flashlights (that can also be used as a lantern)
Adjustable beam flashlights
Most of these types of flashlights can be found for affordable prices on eBay, and it is possible to find some flashlights that incorporate more than one of these features, for example a graphite keyring flashlight. The type of flashlight chosen will depend upon the buyer’s budget and desired specifications – for example, for a camping trip in a remote location, a bright LED flashlight would be best.

What are Lumens?
The amount of visible light a flashlight generates is referred to as ‘lumens’. Most flashlights designed for outdoor use and camping have adjustable settings so that the amount of lumens can be varied. The higher the number of lumens the bulb gives off, the brighter the light will be. Most flashlights for outdoor use range from between 6 lumens to 150 lumens on high setting, although it is possible to find more powerful flashlights that offer up to 8500 lumens. Bear in mind that the higher the lumens, the quicker the flashlight will use up battery power – so on a high setting the batteries may only last for a couple of hours at most.

For camping, a flashlight with variable settings is best, and seasoned campers should look for a light that can provide up to 150 lumens on a high setting. eBay has a wide range of flashlights offering varying degrees of lumens for sale, and it is possible to find a great deal by browsing the flashlight category.

Flashlight Features to Look out For
When shopping for a flashlight for camping, there are a number of features that are worth having, and by shopping on eBay it is easy to search for specific features. Here are some useful flashlight features which will benefit campers:

Adjustable beam
Durable, scratch resistant casing
Water resistant
Self-standing (so the flashlight can be used as a lantern)
Adjustable focus – so the flashlight can be used as a broad light source or to pinpoint a specific area
LED lighting – LED bulbs can last for up to 50,000 hours, much longer than a traditional bulb
Shockproof and crushproof
Windup rechargeable ability – this is useful for a backup flashlight should batteries die
Head mounted – an ideal choice for campers as it leaves the hands free to erect the tent, whilst still having directional light
When choosing a flashlight, the most important features are its durability, battery power and the amount of light it provides. Portability is also an issue, and it is recommended that campers take two flashlights – a small, lightweight option and a larger flashlight that offers a stronger beam. It is possible to find both types of flashlight on eBay at affordable prices.

Best Brands of Flashlight
When it comes to shopping for a camping flashlight, brand could be more important than some people may think. The most famous brands such as Maglite and Streamlight offer the best features for outdoor use and are durable as well as reliable. Here are some of the most popular brands of flashlight, all of which can be found online, on websites such as eBay.

Brand

Features

Example Models

Maglite

Manufactured in the US, these flashlights use LED bulbs and were used by the police force for many years thanks to their durability, adjustable focus, and output.

Mini-Maglite 2-Cell AAA, Maglite PRO LED 2-CELL D

Streamlight

Popular for outdoor use and with the emergency services, their LED flashlights come with a lifetime warranty – a wide range of models are available, most of which can be found on eBay.

Stinger LED, Stylus, Key Chain Light Series

Pelican

One of the world’s leading flashlight manufacturers, Pelican products are popular with emergency services and outdoors enthusiasts. Their flashlights use LED or Xenon bulbs and come in a range of materials – the most popular models are made from aluminum.

1910 LED Flashlight, Peli Lite 1800 Flashlight

Surefire

Surefire flashlights are ideal for outdoor use and offer single or dual LED. Most models are made from aluminum and some feature extra defensive features for personal safety.

E2D LED Defender, G2X Pro

Inova

Their range of high-performance LED flashlights are made from rugged anodized aluminum and available in a range of brightness choices for individual needs.

BOLT 3A, T1, T3R

Should you Buy a New or Used Flashlight for Camping?
Whether to buy a used or new flashlight will largely depend upon budget and individual choice. For those who go camping infrequently, purchasing a used flashlight at a discounted price on eBay is a great way to save money. Buying a used flashlight is also a chance to try out a specific brand before investing in a new model. Flashlights such as Maglite and Inova can often be found online at discounted prices, whether buying used or new, so it is a personal decision as to which condition is best.

When buying used flashlights for camping, it is important to always read the product description carefully. On eBay any defaults with the item will be listed here, so it is easy to see what condition the flashlight is in before deciding to purchase.

How to Choose the Best Flashlight for Your Needs
There are a number of factors it is important to consider when choosing the best flashlight. Here are some factors that should be considered in more detail:

Size – does the flashlight need to be portable?
Dual function – is a 2-in-1 model that can also function as a lantern required?
Durability – a shockproof, water resistant and scratchproof flashlight is best
Defensive options - there are flashlights available that offer defensive features, which are ideal for those concerned about personal safety whilst camping
Lumens – how much light does the flashlight put out and is the beam adjustable to offer a pinpointed or broad light source?
Type of bulb – LED bulbs last longer than traditional bulbs
What type of batteries does the flashlight use and how much do these cost?
How Buy the Best Flashlight for Camping on eBay
eBay is the perfect place to visit for those looking for great deals on flashlights for camping at an affordable price. Just click on the drop-down menu ‘Shop by Category’ at the top left of the page. A category list will open up - click on Sports & Recreation. This will bring up a list of all the available categories, so scroll down to Sporting Goods and click on ‘more’. From here select Camping & Hiking. From the left-hand menu, select Lamps, Torches. Then click on Flashlights in the left-hand Categories menu.

A search can be narrowed using a certain term, if looking for something specific. Just type the words related to the search, such as ‘Black Maglite’ into the search bar, and a list of available items will appear.

Conclusion
Nobody can afford to go camping without a reliable light source, and an LED flashlight is the perfect choice. With such a wide range of brands available to choose from, all offering different features, shopping for a flashlight can be a tricky process. It is best to choose a flashlight which is portable yet offers adjustable light for all situations – this means that it can be used as a pinpointed light source when putting up a tent, but also as a wide beam light source if exploring at night.

eBay has a wide range of flashlights to choose from to suit all budgets, from sturdy 320 lumens Maglite flashlights to Inova keychain flashlights, which are ideal as a portable mini light source. It is easy to find both used and new flashlights for a great price on eBay.

Tags: camping flashlight, Aluminum flashlights, LED flashlights, Keyring flashlights