[devonlad]

We get through torches at a ridiculous rate. Maybe we're jinxed but you can guarantee that when we need the reassurance of a good sturdy light the latest blooming thing has packed up. any tips for what is the most reliable, sturdy, hardwearing torch out there. Christmas is coming and i'm sure the OH would prefer this to that necklace she's been banging on about all year.

[paddy1200]

Without a doubt Mag Lite.
Come in all shapes and sizes, variable beam width, Made from aluminium, strong and reliable.
Only problem is that i'm not sure if they do a rechargeable version, however the batteries do last well.
I've had mine for 15 years, use it regularly and only changed the bulb once.

[sss]

We have a variety of led lenses torches. From the keyring to the head torch. Found them very good so far

[Womble]

^ Ditto re LED Lenser hand held torches. However, I had less luck with the headtorch version which broke after less than a year and was replaced under warranty. The warranty replacement also broke after 6 months.

[bazzais]

My makita torch never lets me down.  18v lion battery.  compatible with all most my tools. 

Plus when I give it to my misses I always treat it as a tool - so go fetch it after its chucked in the hedge after her use.

[bazzais]

Its like Oakleys - if its cost your £100 - you tend to look after them.

[hughesy]

I've got a couple of LED Lenser head torches. Couldn't manage without them and never had any trouble with them. I never even think of hand held torches anymore.

[Talana]

I have an led cyclists headtorch got it as xmas present, it is fantastic would'nt be without it although it only lasts a few days when using it every night and the light starts to dim but plug in to recharger, you musn't let it go completely out o charge or that's the end of it apparently. The beam is as bright as a car headlight. I do prefer the yellow light of traditional torches but they always run out of power fast as well and they always end up broken you never have enough hands. Headtorch all the way.

[Anke]

Some of the LED head torches are a pain if you are wearing glasses... the beam from them reflects in your glasses and you see bugger all.... I have an older head torch (not as flat and with the battery pack still at the back of the head, so a bit clunkier) but it works by directing the beam further away. Wouldn't be without it...

[Hellybee]

Ahem, I've never left the Makita in the hedge........


I like a head torch.

[Penninehillbilly]

Another vote for head torches when feeding up, and small jobs outside,
But we also have a 'stick torch', about £25, screw fix or toolstation,  not sure which,
21 led, used upright, hook on top & magnet on back. Sticks to the side of the freezer by the door so we know where it is. Rechargable and so far battery lasts well. Seems robust as well, rubber covering, been dropped a couple of times onto hard flooring .

[pgkevet]

Just as hand held torches I bought a 100 led one off ebay years ago.. still works. We have a few of those stick led thingies for power cuts. For my few pet sheep I'd just drive over with a 4x4 and use it;s headights (or the quad). It woudn;t take much ingenuity to rewire one of those led solar power flood lights to a portable.. or even just stick one where the stock is. I have one down by the far barn where i park my car and while the pir range isn't very good the illumination is pretty decent from one large surface mount led.

[JEP]

we use the Rechargeable LED Work Light 10w & 5w cost £20 & £25from screwfix

[Penninehillbilly]

Thought 21 led sounded wrong, 28 led in our torch stick

[Badger Nadgers]

A few of the "cheap" supermarkets are doing LEDs with magnetic and hook options built in.

I use lots of these.  Some pounds shops do them - the best design seems to be the black circular one. 

The only pain is that they're usually a small screw to replace the batteries and thus you need to change them back home rather than outside, so hence having enough to "rotate".  Hook works well in clothing, magnetic bit is okay on metal sheds.

I have a head torch knocking around for when I need two hands but I can't get on with it normally - the elastic never seems to stay attached or tensioned properly.