Ant Hill > Torches / Flashlights & Accessories |
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FLASHLIGHT GUIDE |
We only state the info supplied by the manufacturer and add anything we are able to test. If you are not happy with any purchase it can be returned for a full refund. |
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BULBS |
INCANDESCENTS Traditional bulbs with high-light output from heated filaments in either an empty vacuum or one filled with a gas for increased output and longer life. Ranging from Krypton at the cheaper end to Halogen and then Xenon at the higher end. |
Bi-Pin | - | Simple glass capsule with protruding pins, small enough for spare bulbs to be carried in the torch. Used in mini Mag-Lights. |
PR Based | - | The commonest bulbs, with glass domes fixed to a metal base. |
Bulb Assembly | - | The most secure of fittings as found in many top end flashlights like Surefire and including our weapon light range. |
LEDs Increased battery life by up to 10x that of incandescent bulbs. Will not blow if dropped like incandescents do. |
3 & 5mm LEDs | - | Cheap to produces, often grouped together for higher output. |
Luxeon | - | High-powered LEDs. |
Cree & Seoul | - | New high-powered LEDs (used on many of our torches). |
LUX GUIDE |
| 0.0001 lux | - | Overcast night |
0.001 lux | - | Starlight |
| 0.01 lux | - | Quarter moon |
| 0.1 lux | - | Full moon |
| 0.1 lux | - | Deep twilight |
| 10 lux | - | Twilight |
| 100 lux | - | Very dark day |
| 1000 lux | - | Overcast day |
| 10000 lux | - | Full daylight |
| 100000 lux | - | Sunlight |
REFLECTORS |
Designed to force forward otherwise wasted light. |
Smooth | - | Used for a far reaching beam. |
Textured | - | Produces a shorter but higher quality beam. |
SWITCHES |
Bezel Twist | - | One of the most common as it offers good water resistances and little can go wrong. Requires two hands free to twist on/off. |
Slide Switch | - | Fairly common alternative for one handed on/off. Used on many economy torches. Hard to waterproof. |
Side Click | - | Found on larger Mag-Lites with a waterproof rubber seal. |
Tailcap Click | - | Used on most of our torches. On/Off by thumb pressure. Good choice for tactical torches and often allows for the fitting of a pressure pad tail. |
BATTERIES |
SIZES |
Lithium Coin Cells | - | Very small batteries found in many keychain torches and lasers. |
Lithium CR123a | - | High output batteries each providing 3 volts. |
AAA | - | Most effective in keychain lights and used in batches in headlamps and some pocket torches. |
AA | - | The most common and widely available format in all types of torch. |
D | - | Used in large and heavy torches for long run times. |
CHEMISTRY |
Alkaline | - | The most common widely available battery type. |
Rechargable NiMH | - | Reduced running costs in place of Alkaline batteries. However lower output and run times. |
Lithium | - | Used for high-drain devices. Light-weight and cope well with low temperatures. AA&CR123a format. 10 year shelf life. |
Rechargable Lithium Ion | - | Reduced running costs. RCR123a and many more. |