Waterproof torches

dodger · 14 May 2015, 11:24 am

I know there's already a thread on torches but I thought I'd start a separate one for this.

But I'm just wondering if anyone uses a waterproof torch? And if so, what would you recommend?

I've recently dropped a headtorch in some water (it seems to still work) but it has just made me think about getting one. Given what we do, it's not hard to see why a waterproof torch would be useful!

I've had a quick google but a lot of the diving torches seem to be a lot dimmer (and more expensive) than their non-waterproof counterparts.

Crispex · 14 May 2015, 11:31 am

A few of the smaller LED torches I have (you know, the ones with the 3 AAA cartridge inside) have rubber seals throughout so theoretically are somewhat water resistant... I probably have enough to chuck in the sink and test haha.

Aydun · 14 May 2015, 11:40 am

$10 mini dolphin at Coles.

Uses a single AA, pretty not bright, but small and waterproof and I like it.

No+Pro · 14 May 2015, 3:59 pm

Someone up this way dropped a zebralight in ~10m deep water, came back the next day and fished it out with a magnet, still works

Barnz · 14 May 2015, 11:01 pm

China cree torches.
"Look kids it works under water"

3 week wait. Killed in a minute

DFEX · 15 May 2015, 6:29 am

aydun wrote:$10 mini dolphin at Coles.

Uses a single AA, pretty not bright, but small and waterproof and I like it.

This torch is my best friend. Small enough that I carry it on me at all times just incase an improtu explore presents itself. As aydun said its not too bright but it is enough to see where you are going if you have nothing else. I can guarantee its waterproof - Last drain I went in I dropped it and had to chase it as the water pushed it downstream lol I'm not letting $10 go down the drain

phytrix · 15 May 2015, 10:26 am

My Coast HP7 is supposed to be water-resistant, but it has started to die on me recently, presumably because of water damage or because of a drop. Will need to buy a new one soon, it's too inconsistent to rely on as a primary torch.

But yes, the term water-proof or water-resistant should be taken lightly. It's kind of like those "based on a true story" plots, which in reality is complete bs

Light Knight · 15 May 2015, 10:54 am

The term waterproof is a bit variable, and it would be worth finding out the torches' IP rating.

Some of the cheapish plastic Eveready (Dolphin brand) and Energizer torches are waterproof, though brightness is not great on some models. You want around 100-250 lumens for draining. My Energizer 3 in 1 has been dunked many a time and still works as new.

Most of the professional brands such as LED Lenser, Fenix, Nitecore, Klarus, etc, have torches that are waterproof to at least IPX-8 (2m). My trusty LED Lenser P7QC has survived many immersions and drops.

phytrix · 15 May 2015, 1:27 pm

Light Knight wrote:The term waterproof is a bit variable, and it would be worth finding out the torches' IP rating.

Some of the cheapish plastic Eveready (Dolphin brand) and Energizer torches are waterproof, though brightness is not great on some models. You want around 100-250 lumens for draining. My Energizer 3 in 1 has been dunked many a time and still works as new.

Most of the professional brands such as LED Lenser, Fenix, Nitecore, Klarus, etc, have torches that are waterproof to at least IPX-8 (2m). My trusty LED Lenser P7QC has survived many immersions and drops.

Any idea where I can get one of those relatively cheap, or is the $90 on eBay the best option? Really need a multi-colour torch and that one seems very reliable

Midget · 15 May 2015, 3:25 pm

While I haven't researched or tested my torch, I usually wash it under running water after an explore...

Light Knight · 16 May 2015, 7:47 am

phytrix wrote:
Light Knight wrote:The term waterproof is a bit variable, and it would be worth finding out the torches' IP rating.

Some of the cheapish plastic Eveready (Dolphin brand) and Energizer torches are waterproof, though brightness is not great on some models. You want around 100-250 lumens for draining. My Energizer 3 in 1 has been dunked many a time and still works as new.

Most of the professional brands such as LED Lenser, Fenix, Nitecore, Klarus, etc, have torches that are waterproof to at least IPX-8 (2m). My trusty LED Lenser P7QC has survived many immersions and drops.
Any idea where I can get one of those relatively cheap, or is the $90 on eBay the best option? Really need a multi-colour torch and that one seems very reliable

I bought mine from Schmidts Tools online. http://schmidtstools.com.au/ The P7QC is currently $88.99.
If you see it much cheaper, then it'll probably be a fake!

phytrix · 20 May 2015, 11:23 am

I am now a proud owner of a Led Lenser P7QC.

#totallynotcopyinglightknight

dodger · 20 May 2015, 11:37 am

Nice! Where did you end up getting it and how much did you pay for it?

phytrix · 20 May 2015, 11:39 am

d0dg3r wrote:Nice! Where did you end up getting it and how much did you pay for it?

I just used eBay as I needed fast postage. Set me back about $90 (plus or minus a few bucks). Will take it out for a spin tonight, weather-depending

Midget · 20 May 2015, 6:41 pm

phytrix wrote:I just used eBay as I needed fast postage. Set me back about $90 (plus or minus a few bucks). Will take it out for a spin tonight, weather-depending

Pix pl0x. I wonder if I should jump on the bandwagon and get one too. A multi-coloured torch sounds fun to play with.

Crispex · 20 May 2015, 6:50 pm

Midget wrote:
phytrix wrote:I just used eBay as I needed fast postage. Set me back about $90 (plus or minus a few bucks). Will take it out for a spin tonight, weather-depending
Pix pl0x. I wonder if I should jump on the bandwagon and get one too. A multi-coloured torch sounds fun to play with.

Needs moar lumens

Midget · 20 May 2015, 6:56 pm

Crispex wrote:Needs moar lumens

I have all the lumens I need in my other torch.

phytrix · 20 May 2015, 7:20 pm

Crispex wrote:Needs moar lumens

My 400 blinds people, will be nice to have something softer at times

Midget · 20 May 2015, 8:54 pm

phytrix wrote:
Crispex wrote:Needs moar lumens
My 400 blinds people, will be nice to have something softer at times

I think I have retina damage from my torch...

phytrix · 21 May 2015, 12:05 am

Midget wrote:
phytrix wrote:
Crispex wrote:Needs moar lumens
My 400 blinds people, will be nice to have something softer at times
I think I have retina damage from my torch...

#worth?

mindraped · 29 Jun 2015, 7:13 am

Led lenser f1 pay a lil more for it but its a great little torch! Light to