I cant seem to find the torch thread and the search also hasnt been working for me here on stw for the last week so I thought I'd better post up.

Led Lenser seem like the best bet but they range from £35 – £50 on ebay the cheaper claiming 170 lumens and the more expensive 200 lumens but the adds kind of cross mingle and they contradict themselves as the specs of the torch are the same so im wondering if its all a bit of bullshizzle and there trying to get an extra £15… eitherway advice would be greatful, its not particularly for riding I just dont want to feel like im getting ripped off!

oops and whist here what are the batterys that come with them, do i need to buy some good recharable aaa's (also advice please)

I shall copy and paste from an email I sent to some riding friends who, last week, were well impressed with my torch set-up.

your shopping list

torch: 900 lumens, 5 mode, digitally regulated, claimed 2.5 hrs on 1 battery
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22567

bike mount. 2x quick release. v good.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15342

2 batteries (total 4-5 hours runtime maybe?)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790

charger
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105

plug converter for 2-pin charger
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2709

total $50.58

OR

DX 'bastid' light
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/that-50-quid-dx-bike-light-dissed-disected-oh-sod-it-its-not-good-news
search singletrackworld for 'bastid' for more results.

total $79.81

p.s. as you can see, the batteries are NOT AA or AAA. they are a larger size Li-ion type and are loads better than NiMH or Alkaline batteries

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12060 – torch

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26123 – batteries

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26251 – charger

also u need handlebar mountg and/ or headmount

Just ignore LED Lenser, not the best by a long way for this sort of thing.

thanks guys i did jons list with jabbas torch instead as it had more diggs and reviews 🙂 ill see what shes like!

The DX P7 torches are absolutely the way to go. Ignore all the outdoor shop products. If you just want a small torch for commutes and the odd sustrans path ride then the infamous Tesco torch is worth looking at, takes two AA's, costs £10. Tried searching for the 'P7' tag, but search isn't picking up anything at all, which is odd.

I've got the one which jabba links to, except 3-mode. Couldnt see the need for all that clicking through modes personally.

One tip – when it arrives, unscrew the head unit and check the heatsink is screwed in tightly, they tend to be assembled rather quickly and can come loose.

Otherwise quality is excellent, mines lasted 6 months so far including a direct head plant which broke my collar bone and suspected broken neck!