Looking for a mini torch that will easily fit in my pocket or clip on belt. Mainly for when I'm walking the dog or occasionally jogging.
Really happy with a tiny Thrunite headlamp/torch for the price. The Firefly mode gets used a lot at close quarters. Wouldn’t have one without it now.
Best bit of lighting kit I’ve ever had. So I’d recommend their stuff for reasons that I like it
- ie not IMO overpriced
- neutral/warm colour led
- Firefly mode
- evenly spread beam, slight centre spot
- quality and features seem very good/well thought out
If I wanted a specific hand-torch I’d probably go with something like a Thrunite T1 (although I do like a slimmer torch (like the old Maglight Solitaire) but I find the headtorch combo a better option these days.
Here’s a T1 compared to the Olite S1R Baton II (The Olite may be a better choice if you if like a whiter light with more centre spot and micro USB)
Smaller/keychain and AA? Have a look at the Thrunite Ti3
I've got an Olite H1-R that looks similar to the above but the light output is 90 degrees to the tube, if that makes sense, It makes it a bit more useful when in head torch mode or using the clip to put it on a shirt pocket, etc.
This looks very similar albeit having a built in usb plug for charging. It's lots cheaper so might not be as good but it looks like it wouldn't be too much of a gamble...
I used to have something like an Innova Microlight which lived clipped to a jacket zipper or to the button hole of a smock. Weighed nothing, always to hand, and enough light to read a map, tie your laces, etc with. Great bit of kit, no idea where it is now though.
How much light do you think you'll need? If it not much, that Niteize Inova is perfect, as was a maglite Solitaire I had for years.
For a bit more, and by that I mean a lot more power, i use my Moon Meteor C3 bike light. Usually way too bright for things like dog walking, where you might not want to light up the whole woods and screw your eyes for a bit, but if you think you may need the extra power its pefect. Also has a nifty Morse code SOS mode if you think you might ever need it, like breaking your leg on top of a mountain or something. Battery lasts for ages in a low, though still bright enough, mode, its tough as they come, and I've never had a problem with mine.
I bought a Nitecore TIP SE after reading recommendations on here and it's flippin' brilliant. Tiny enough to go in a pocket, clip on a belt or pop in the rucksack belt pocket, durable enough to run on medium / high for a 2-hour dog walk in the dark and with a boost mode that is astonishingly bright. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Planet X have got some pretty decent lights on offer at the moment. Bought a 700lumen one for less than £20 which doubles as a torch
I bought a Nitecore TIP SE after reading recommendations on here and it’s flippin’ brilliant.
That might have been me, I’ve got one, I use it at work, it’s a replacement for one which I mislaid, and I’m going to buy another one. I particularly like the fact that it’s got a USB-C charging port on the side when you slide the clip back, and the turbo mode is stupidly bright. Not expensive, either. I’ve got more torches than most people would consider reasonable, but the Nitecore TIP SE is the one I use most. I’ve got a headtorch, but it’s not as practical if you’re wearing a hat or a hood in poor weather.
Olight Baton 3
I’ve got a headtorch, but it’s not as practical if you’re wearing a hat or a hood in poor weather.
That’s when I either wear it around neck or take it out of the cradle and use it hand-held. The magnetic tail-cap has proved very useful already in a number of situations when an impromptu worklight has been required. Best use yet though was a rural pub after MTB ride. The beer garden has no lighting at all so I stuck the magnet/torch up high onto the metal pole of the table-shade. All persons, snacks, beers (and gloves, kit etc) were then visible. Survival 101 😎
Only thing it doesn’t have is a pocket-clip/belt-clip, which is annoying as this colour was supposed to come with one. Must write to them/source one as my torch life now feels somehow incomplete.
* My name is P7eaven and I am a lightaholic.
Another vote for an Olight S1R2 Baton (or Baton 3)
1000lm
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Or a Warrior Mini 2 @ 1750lm if you want slightly bigger
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Warrior 3 should be hitting UK soon. Out in merica. Nearly got one of ebay for 90. Orange too. Managed to resist.... So far. But if (when) Thry do a flash sale in Oz I could be tempted.
I have an O-Light Baton S2. It's very good for the size. Magnetic end cap is useful.
I've had reliability issues with Fenix.
What happened to LED-Lenser? No good any more?
🤷♂️
I like Led Lenser. Their after-sales care is superlative. But they're a spendier option than some I suppose, Olight are killing it in bang-for-your-buck stakes.
Seems that Olight do bike lights as well. Seems pretty good bang for your buck. Anyone tried them?
Olight bike lights are rebranded Magicshine I believe
The Olight bike light posted above by jeffl is the same as the Magicshine Monteer 3500, but cheaper.
https://magicshineuk.com/product/magicshine-monteer-3500-mtb-headlight/
Apart from its size, the thing I particularly like about the little Nitecore TIP SE is just how easy it is to recharge it. No having to take the battery out and put it into a charger, it charges easily from a powerpack with a USB-C cable, and can be done while it’s in a pocket or bag.
Just slide the pocket clip back and the charging port is accessible.
Do you think that headtorch would work chest mounted, the strap over your shoulder and tucked under the opposite?
Consider a head torch instead OP.
Great for running, dog walking (keeping both hands free to collect poop) and working on the bike at night.
Can't recommend a specific model. I have a half price Black Diamond which takes 4x AAAs - and if buying again I'd look for a rechargeable one.
If you wear caps you can easily clip a little torch onto the peak. Works pretty well as a head torch.
@Merak. I tried yr suggestion last night (bandolier style?) with the strap fully extended but I’m a big (wide-chested and wide-shouldered plus overweight) fella. 😂
It was easy to angle the light (the cradle allows stepless 180deg adjustment) but sort of wobbled suspended between my portly pecs as strap was so taught. YMMV
It would theoretically work swapped to a proprietary chest-strap as the beam-pattern is fairly wide and even, so you wouldn’t get that strobe effect of more narrow/punchy torches when running.
Consider a head torch instead OP.
Great for running, dog walking (keeping both hands free to collect poop) and working on the bike at night.
This.
**** running with a torch.
@Merak Yr welcome. Good idea pls share the results I might be interested in doing similar. I have gone running with it as a headtorch and it’s pretty lightweight and solidly placed. No issues at all. I used medium or high depending on terrain. Turbo rarely used, maybe on v steep rocky descents but I’m OK (at my speed) on high.
Talking of the Thrunite (it’s still a novelty to me after many months) Mrs P this week found our old and much-prized LedLenser V² power chip torch in the cupboard (after years of having misplaced) Back in the early 2Ks it was the most I’d ever spent on a hand-torch (still is) and so was excited to re-use it.
So we treated it to three fresh batteries and I took it out in the garden to compare with the little Thrunite head/hand-torch. (Pics taken with smartphone)
It wasn’t a fair fight of course, but I was still gobsmacked considering I used to be impressed with the Lenser back in the day. Now for a third of the price I get a tiny rechargeable unit, IPX8 rated, magnetic, with four power modes plus firefly and SOS! For less than half what the Lenser cost. The lenser wins for impromptu self-defense though. It is a solid chunk. Anyway, pics.
(Taken approx 20 feet from the tree)
Brightest pics are the Thrunite BSS H01 on med, high and turbo
The dim tunnel is the LED Lenser V²
Quoted figures:
LedLenser V²
CREE Power LED Light Ch
MAX LUMENS: 110
BEAM DISTANCE: 180m
BATTERY TYPE: 3 x AAA
WEIGHT: 101 g
LENGTH: 116 mm
Price paid in 2005ish: £55
Thrunite BSS H01
CREE XP-G3 LED
MAX LUMENS: 687
BEAM DISTANCE: 91m
INTENSITY: 2,080cd
BATTERY TYPE: 1 x 16340/RCR123 (Included) rechargeable via USB
IMPACT RESISTANCE: 1.5m
IPX RATING: IPX-8 (Submersible up to 2 meters)
WEIGHT: 2.76oz / 78.5g
LENGTH: 66mm
Price paid in 2021: £23
With all else said and done, we surely live in great times for both bikes and lights!
Now for a third of the priceless than half…
Correction. (Thinks) Another thread maybe, but I really think that such quality products are too inexpensive these days, encouraging a disposable culture? This headtorch/torch should last 20yrs+ before the emitter needs replacing.
