Best LED Torch Reviews
Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches
Also Known as Tactical Torches
Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favorite 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 fast enough and other companies developed the new technology bulbs and reflectors that enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer!
Maglite are still around and have caught up a bit now, use the link below for a good example
Mini Maglite Torch Powered by 2 AA Batteries
The big improvement started when German company LED Lenser introduced the LED Police Tech Torch. It was only 5 inches long and 148g but was bright enough to dazzle a mugger. It gave out 115 Lumens which was quite a lot back then for a small torch.
Use this link for the latest verson of the Led Lenser Police Tech Torch
Led Lenser torches never claim the highest lumens but you can be sure that the lumens they produce are, genuine, and perfectly focused.
I have used my Police tech torch for more than 10 years and it has been 100% reliable. It is the benchmark torch that I compare all the torches that I test.
Led Lenser are constantly improving each model and the latest police tech version has a handy hexagonal rubber ring around the end to stop it rolling off of flat surfaces.
Apart from the classic Police torch most Led Lenser torches are in their extensive P range.
Led Lenser torches 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 register your torch with Led Lenser you will get a 7 year guarantee, (from a company likely to still be around in 7 years).
Other premium brands may cost less but often are not zoomable , because to work well this requires complex optics and electronics.
The image above shows the Led Lenser P7 tactical torch and the Police tech model that preceded it.
The P7 is only slightly larger but twice as bright!
This classic torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give a genuine 450 Lumens .
It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. A rechargeable version with a fancy magnetic charger is also available but around 40% more expensive.
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.
Ledlenser P7 Professional LED Torch
Led lenser P7R - rechargeable P7 Torch
LATEST TORCH RELEASE - OLIGHT OCLIP PRO S
If you want a robust, powerful rechargeable torch with all the light options in a compact size, here it is.
About the size of a human thumb, this state of the art torch covers many uses.
This latest multi-function clip on-torch from brand leader Olight is only 57mm tall, but puts out 600 Lumens!
As well as 5 levels of white light it has RGB colour options and a high quality UV light for forensic use.
The Oclip Pro S is the top of the popular Oclip range and is highly water and impact resistant.
I am so impressed with this versatile torch that is charged by a USB C cable the same as my Iphone.
The image below shows how the UV light detected splashes of cooking fat on my kitchen wall.
The wall looked clean to the naked eye so I will be having a word with my cleaner.
I also like the RGB options including the "disco" option that cycles and flashed through all 3 colours!
If you are a cyclist red light can be used as a back up rear light.
Or the 5 level white light is ideal for the front facing cycle lamp.
The clip mechanism is very strong and the torch is also magnetic for more mounting options.
Oclip Pro S Multi-function rechargeable torch
If you want a cheap, simple but bright and reliable torch I have been testing this Blukar model.
It recharges using a USB c cable and has 4 modes, all operated from its end switch.
The Aluminum case is very well made and the brightness is astonishing for the price.
The image below shows its most focused setting, lighting up the beach from my balcony.
Best Value Small Rechargeable Torch
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Latest and Best Small Torches - With Rechargeable Batteries
This is my superb Olight S1R Baton 11
This is one of my favourite and most used torches due to its handy size and high spec.
The on/off switch also lights up to show you the level of battery power.
This torch is waterproof at 2 metres and only weights 51g
Olight rapidly develop their products and the latest version is the Baton 4.
It has more power and a 5 year warranty.
My Orange coloured torch shown is a limited edition model which may not always be available.
The standard model is black, but the latest Baton 4 version has 4 colour options.
These small Baton 3 inch Torches are all powered by a 3.7v 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.
I am so impressed with this torch that I am happy to call it SIR Baton!
With 4 levels of power and the brightest (turbo mode) giving 1300 Lumens. It lights my garden and houses in the next street as if they were in daylight!
I compared my S1R to the slightly larger, top quality Fenix E12 but it was no-where near as bright or easy to operate.
Fenix make great torches and the E12 is probably the best torch powered by just one AA battery.
It has 3 light levels, operated from the end switch or by twisting the torch head.
It also stands on its end and can light an average sized room for several hours depending on which of the 3 settings you chose.
AA Powered Fenix E12 Mini Torch (8cm long and 200 Lumens)
The link above is for the new V3 model with more lumens and a magnetic end cap.
The Baton 4 is now available with a protective case that has a backup battery than can charge the torch or act as a powerbank.
Best Olight, Police and Military Tactical Torches Compared
Olight Seeker 3 Pro and Warrior X3 Tactical Torches tested and reviewed
Olight Warrior X3 - Single LED, 2500 Lumens and 560m range.
Olight Seeker 3 Pro - Four LEDS, 4200 Lumens and 250m range
These two excellent torches use the same 3.6v 5000ma rechargeable battery but function in very different ways.
The Warrior has an end switch (useful with rifles) and 2 light levels.
The Olight Seeker Pro has a clever top switch and 5 light levels.
Both of these Olight models have the superb magnetic USB charging system as shown above with the S1R baton model.
The Warrior has the beam range but the Seeker has the floodlight effect.
Olight Warrior X3 Police and Military Tactical Torch
The Warrior x4 now has a maximum throw of 630m which is probably further than your eye can see.
The Warrior will vibrate to let you know when the battery is getting low.
Accessories included are a superb holster with a magnetic catch and an o ring for improved grip.
The Warrior X4 is IPX8 waterproof and drop proof to 3 metres.
I am not keen on end switches and find it hard to use the correct force on this one.
If you want a rugged torch with the best range then the Olight Warrior is worth a look.
The X3 has been replaced by the X4 with 2600 lumens and now dual charging ability.
Buy the Warrior X4 - (buying via this link will provide a small commission for this site)
Olight Seeker 3 Pro, Police and Military Tactical Torch
If you prefer a similar size torch with a wider beam the Olight Seeker 3 Pro has a max 250m throw but 4600 Lumens!
This means it will light up the area in front of you like a soccer pitch when the floodlights come on!
It has 4 LED's and a side button with small green lights that tell you the battery level and power settings.
The body has a rubber grip and on the turbo setting the torch will automatically dim if you come close to an object.
The Beam angle is wider than the Warrior and the new Seeker4 Pro model now has dual charging and larger button.
This means you can use a USB C lead or the supplied magnetic charger.
The Worlds First Auto-Focus Tactical Torch.
This is the lens of the unique Zweibruder ZB6T torch.
Zweibruder is a new German brand from the former owners of Led Lensor.
This torch is a similar size and uses the same 3.6v 5000ma battery as the Olight torches above.
The Auto-Focus technology means that you can move from long range high beam to close up work without switching modes.
The torch takes a second or 2 to adjust itself and is a unique feature.
This is an example of how 3000 lumens can light a distant tree.
The torch has 4 modes including 2 levels of red light.
The 3rd mode is for floodlight and the 4th for reading light.
The 4 modes are activated by a rotary slider on the body and the on/off is on the end cap.
The rotary slider to select the modes.
This is a good alternative to the Olight Warrior or Seeker and costs quite a lot less.
This superb torch is made in Germany and arrives with a holster and USB C charging cable.
Buy the Unique Zweibruder ZB6T
Link to official Zweibruder UK website
Best Key Ring Torch
Olight EOS Pro Keychain Torch -180 Lumens
Having a little torch on your key ring 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 need to fiddle about with those little button batteries.
There are 2 versions, the pro model has 180 Lumens against 150 for the standard model.
Another great mini torch is the Coast model powered by 1 AAA battery and its clear beam is shown below.
Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch, Black
Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch
Olight
i1R 2 EOS Rechargeable LED Keychain Torch 180 Lumens
