LED Torches and Solar Lamps
The latest and best torches tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed
LED torch technology is racing ahead and here at Fredshed I have been testing the best torches since 1999.
Recent developments are Chip on Board (COB) Led panels and super powerful mini torches with rechargeable batteries.
The latest development is auto focusing torches that adapt from map reading to search mode without any fiddling about. I will be testing one soon.
Prices have fallen as a result of technological improvements but many of the “bargain torches” are VERY low quality.
I will attempt to show you the best of the best and some acceptable quality alternatives.
Best LED Torch Reviews
Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches
Also Known as Tactical Torches
Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favourite torch because it was solid, reliable and didn’t fall apart like many plastic torches. The other attractive thing about the Maglite was its “geek appeal”. It felt hi-tech and cutting edge.
Sadly Maglite didn’t move with the times and other companies developed the new technology bulbs and reflectors that enable torches to be significantly brighter AND the last longer!
German company LED Lenser introduced the LED Police Tech Torch. It was only 5 inches long and 148g but is bright enough to dazzle a mugger. It gave out 115 Lumens which was quite a lot back then for a small torch.
I have used my Police tech torch for more than 10 years and it has been 100% reliable. It has been replaced with the more powerful P7 model, that I also have and totally love.
Led Lenser torches to make fantastic gifts and you never see one in a charity shop along with the foot spas, electric steamers and other unwanted gifts.
If you are a fan of the BBC’s Silent Witness forensics drama you may notice that Jack uses a P7 torch.
If you register your torch with Led Lenser you will get a 7-year guarantee, (from a company likely to still be around in 7 years).
The image above shows the Led Lenser P7 tactical torch and the Police tech model that preceded it.
The P7 is only slightly larger than my old Police Tech torch but twice as bright!
This incredible torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give 320 Lumens.
It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. I think using 4 AAA batteries instead of 3 is a great idea as they tend to come in packs of 4 anyway. Use the links below to buy this tried and tested LED torch and also help my work testing products.
The battery cartridges use gold connectors that will not rust and cannot corrode.
There are similar, cheaper torches like the one from Blukar that comes with rechargeable batteries and accessories.
Whilst these cheaper torches often have a higher spec than the Led Lenser and Olight torches that I test, their spec, in terms of Lumens is highly exaggerated.
Despite this I love my 20 quid Blukar torch as it has many features not seen on very expensive torches.
The digital readout of battery strength, choice of 3 AAA’s or recharbeable battery, power bank facility to charge your phone and its superb finish make this torch a total bargain.
Most torches are now made in China and many of the cheap ones fail after a few months.
My Blukar torches seem well made and have performed well and has lasted a year so far with no issues.
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Latest and Best Small Torches - With Rechargeable Batteries
The Olight Baton’s on/off switch lights up to show you the level of battery power.
The Baton torch is waterproof at 2 metres and only weighs 51g!
It is top quality and has a 5-year warranty.
The Olight Baton4 is available in 4 colours and limited edition modes are sometimes available.
A carry case with built in battery is also available for extended use and for extra protection.
This superb Olight Baton is a 3-inch Torch powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery.
The IMR16340 battery is charged using a magnetic clip and USB port for extra convenience.
The 4th generation of this amazing torch is IXP 8 rated waterproof and throws its light up to 170m.
The new Baton 4 Long Range Turbo version has a stuninng 510m beam!
Baton torches have 4 levels of power and the brightest (turbo mode) gives 1300 Lumens and lights my garden and houses in the street behind as if they were in daylight!
Use the links below for the standard Black version and the new kit version with charging/storage case.
Breaking News – Baton Ultra – longer version with 1800 Lumens
Multi-Function, Police and Military Tactical Torches
Olight Freyr – 1750 Lumens and Colour Signalling Functions.
Tactical torches are typically 6 inches long and powered by 5000ma 3.6v Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
Choices come down to beam range and shape, brightness and charging options.
The Olight Freyr was my favourite tactical torch but has been discontinued.
I am now testing the similar size and style Zweibruder ZB6T torch.
Zweibruder is run by the 2 German brothers who previously owned Led Lensor and this torch is the first to have an auto focus function.
The new auto-focussing Zweibruder tactical torch has 2 levels of red light and for white light a choice of several strength and beam shapes.
This torch has 3000 Lumens of power coming from a huge USB C rechargeable battery.
A range of tactical torches
A new and unique feature of the Zweibruder ZB6T is the auto-focus that switches power and beam size depending on where you point it.
The end cap switch also has a green light system to show you the battery charge level.
The front slide switch does the red colour and 3 white light modes
The end cap switch selects on/off and light levels for the spotlight setting.
This is a top-quality torch with an IP67 rating for water resistance
It is powered by a 3.6v 5000ma Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Olight Seeker models
I tested the Olight Seeker 3 Pro when it came out and loved its incredible power and ease of use.
It has now been replaced with the even more powerful Seeker 4 Pro
The new Seeker4 Pro can generate 4800 Lumens and a 260m max beam.
The new Zweibruder 6 can generate 3000 Lumens and a max 300m beam.
Other tactical torches may have a longer range but shorter running time
Seeker 4 Pro has a maximum throw of 260m which I can believe from my use on the beach.
The body is wrapped in silicone for extra grip which is a good feature on such an expensive torch.
The Seeker 4 torch comes with a superb holster
The performance of this small torch is fantastic and is so well made.
It can be charged by USB C or the superb Olight magnetic charging lead.
Olight make many other tactical torches including weapon lights with laser guiding.
The Seeker 4 Pro is available in several colours.
The Zweibruder ZB6T is only available in black but is about 40% cheaper than the Olight Seeker 4 Pro and has the red light option and auto focus.
The choice of a tactical torch comes down to your budget and then what functions you value.
Maximum Lumens sounds great but will reduce run time and hence require more frequent charging.
Of these two Olight tactical torches I slightly prefer the Zweibruder due to its price and red colour options.
The Zweibruder ZB6T and Seeker 4 Pro both have 3.6v 5000ma batteries.
Use this link for more info on Zweibruder Torches
Best Key Ring Torch
Having a little torch on your keyring is so useful but most of them will only just about light up a keyhole and often fall apart after a few knocks.
I used a LED Lenser K3 for over 3 years but found it a little bit large at 7cm.
I have now moved on to the much smaller and brighter new Olight 1R2 EOS.
The new model is 4cms long, weighs only 12gms, and has a rechargeable Li-ion battery.
The battery is charged in the torch by a USB cable so no more fiddling about with those little button batteries.
Another great mini torch is the Coast model powered by 1 AAA battery.
Coming Soon - Headlamp with hand wave on/off function!
Best Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
This clever torch shows up all hidden organic substances and some artificial ones too.
I showed this to a real forensic scientist who was amazed at its performance and low price.
It’s 51 LEDs powered by 3 AAA’s makes this torch is powerful enough to show everything!
It is scary to use this in your kitchen and even more so when staying in hotel rooms.
Now available – mixed-function LED torch with UV option!
This superb rechargeable torch has 7 functions all controlled by a top switch that illuminates green.
It has a zoomable head and the side of the torch has a bank of COB LEDs that will light a room.
The end of the torch is magnetic so ideal for sticking to broken down cars.
The 4th click of the switch activates the Purple UV bulb which is very good for detecting organic matter.
Head Torches
Being a keen gardener, DIYer and a wheelchair user I use a head torch a lot as it keeps my hands free to push the wheelchair, use my tools and crucially – hunt snails at night!
For so many jobs a head torch is more useful than a normal hand torch and you don’t have to worry about dropping it.
Petzl is one of the leading brands and its Pixa model was designed to survive explosions!
Over the years I have tried many makes head torch, which thanks to LED bulbs are now much brighter.
The latest development is handwave control for the different brightness levels
I tested the Olight Array 2S, a ground breaking head torch that was controlled by hand waves.
The battery was recharged by a USB C cable and housed in the watertight box at the back of the headband.
The whole lot weighs only 131g and the build quality is exceptional
Olight has discontinued this model but a similar ( and cheaper) one is available from Blukar.
Once the lamp is on you can change the brightness by waving your hand up for bright and down for dimmer.
Best Lantern Torch - Great For Cars and Camping
This moderately priced lantern torch is ideal to keep in your car or bedside table.
It has a standard end beam from an LED bulb and a separate lantern beam on the side from a COB LED panel.
The torch is 6 1/2 inches long and made from tough plastic.
It runs off 3 AAA batteries and has a pocket clip and a magnetic base to hold it to your car.
I bought a couple of these in March 2019 and I use them frequently and they both work very well.
It looks like they have been replaced with a new 7 function model that also has a purple UV option!
I purchased 4 of these to try (shown left) and am TOTALLY Impressed.
Improvements on the previous model are a USB rechargeable battery and an illuminated switch.
The new model is more robust, brighter (1200 lumens) and has Zoom focus!
For the money this is easily the best torch I can find and packed with features.
Best Lantern Torch - Great For Cars and Camping
This new solar lamp uses 96 LED bulbs to create the very real effect of flickering flames.
It is charged by the sun and automatically comes on as darkness falls. I have been testing solar garden lamps for around 15 years for this website and this is one of the most effective and impressive lamps I have ever seen, just check some of the reviews to see what people say.
LATEST LED CAMPING LANTERN - WITH FLICKERING FLAME OPTION
If you would like a non-solar powered lamp with the effect of flickering flames, then the Olantern from Olight is superb.
It charges by magnetic USB like most Olight torches and is robust and waterproof.
It can be used in warm white tone flickering flame mode or you can switch the bulb to cold white for brighter modes.
The flickering flame is fantastic in a room or tent but not bright enough outside to do much apart from looking pretty.
If you switch to the other bulb you have 3 brightness settings for 30, 120 and 360 lumens!
The 360 lumen setting is bright enough to light my medium size garden.
I also really like the motion sensor that illuminates the on/off switch as soon as you touch the lamp.
The Oantern is solid and has a heavy base and hanging hook and is available in 3 colours.
I like the flickering flame effect so much I use it in my bedroom as a night light!
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Thanks – Fred
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