Best torch ever!

Latest LED reflector technology

Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favorite torch because it was solid and reliable and didn't fall apart when just when you needed it 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 with the times and new technology bulbs and reflectors now enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer!

The torch shown right is the latest hi tech torch and is designed for the Police to use. It is only  5 inches long and weights 148g but is bright enough to dazzle a crim at 100 yards. For the tech-heads this torch gives out 105 Lumens!

It also runs of 3 normal AAA batteries, held in a secure cartridge that fits perfectly inside the torch.

This is easily the best torch I have used in my 48 years on this planet!

The Led Lenser Police Tech torch can be focused by twisting the end and comes in a range of colours.

Gold plated connectors on  the battery cassette ensure total reliability from the 3 AAA batteries.

I have used this torch for 4 years now and it is something I would not want to lose. If you are looking for a practical present for someone look no further!

You wont see one of these in a charity shop along with the foot spas, electric steamers and other tat.

Use the link opposite to get an unbeatable price or the link below to compare prices if you don't believe me!

 check prices and see different coloured Police tech torches

COMING SOON

LED LENSER VERSES THE NEW CHALLENGER ICON LED TORCHES!

The shiny green torch at the top of the page is an Icon It also runs of 2 normal AA batteries and produces 100 Lumens from its LED bulb.

It is extremely bright and is beautiful to look at too. For more details on this and other LED torches see my new page

NEW MODEL  EVEN MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POLICE TECH!

The image above shows the new Led Lenser T7 tactical torch which is only slightly bigger than the police tech focus but is almost twice as bright!

This incredible torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give 200 Lumens and also has a very useful one handed sliding focus feature.

If you want the best LED torch then i think this is the one and I absolutely love it. It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. I think using 4 AAA batteries instead of 3 is a great idea as they tend to come in packs of 4 anyway. Use the links opposite to buy the best LED torch available and also help my work testing products.

USE THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE EVEN MORE POWERFUL T7 TACTICAL TORCH

Check price of Lenser T7 Torch at another Fredshed partner

Head Torches

Being a keen gardener, DIYer and a wheelchair user I use a headtorch a lot as it keeps my hands free to push the wheelchair, use my tools and crucially - hunt snails at night!

For so many jobs a head torch is more useful than a normal hand torch and you don't have the problem of dropping it.

Over the years I have tried many makes and types of head torch and so far my favourite is my Led Lenser Head Fire because it is comfortable to wear, bright, easy to adjust and the batteries last ages. It has 3 LED bulbs and runs off 3 AAA batteries that are securely held in a watertight rubber box at the back of the headband. It has a simple, easy to access on/off switch and the lamp can be tilted up or down to throw the light beam exactly where you need it.

Many cheaper, (and some more expensive) head torches are as powerful but are either uncomfortable to wear or difficult to adjust.

Best DIY Headtorch - new Pixa model from Petzl

Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof - Fredproof?

I am currently testing the new super tough models from Petzl

Wind Up  Head Torch with  no batteries required!

This headtorch  is charged up by connecting the small wind up generator that also has a Nokia type connector. 1 minute of winding gives up to 20 minutes of bright light from its 3 super efficient LED bulbs.

The wind up part has a long enough lead to be kept in  a pocket and quickly accessed. I even managed to put some charge into my Nokia phone but you would need to do lot of winding to charge a phone properly. The wind up headtorch is in my opinion not the best if you use it on a regular basis but is more suited for occasional or emergency work for someone who would otherwise leave the torch and long time unused and risk the batteries going flat.

Ideal for electricians when the power has to be off!

My favourite Headfire torch

The innovative Draper wind up Head Light

Nextorch - Programmable Smart torch

MyTorch - tested Feb 2012

This new breakthrough in  LED torch technology means that you can program your torch to respond exactly how you want it to, when you click it on.

You can adjust the brightness of the beam and also its frequency if you want it to flash or strobe.

You can make it a single click torch , or multiple click.

For example, you can make it use full strength with one click of the on/off switch, half strength with 2 clicks and strobe or flash on the 3rd click.

The model I am testing uses 3 AAA batteries and is a similar price and size to my favourite LED Lenser police tech focus.

However it is brighter ,is water resistant and shock resistant and has a glow in the dark switch.

The only downside is that it has no focusing feature and is slightly bigger.

The obvious difference is the programming feature, which could be very useful for people with specific needs.

To program your MyTorch and customise your settings you connect it to your PC with the micro USB cable supplied and download the software from the MyTorch Website.

New In 2012

Best Key Ring Torch for Car keys

Having a little torch on your key ring is so useful but most of them will only just about light up a keyhole.

Advances in battery and bulb technology now mean that you can have a proper torch measuring just 2 !/2 inches on your keyring and the great thing is the batteries will last ages.

I have been using this LED Lenser V8 photon pump for over 2 years on the same batteries and absolutely love this handy torch.

Now a new smaller brother is available which has 24 carat gold connections and the option of flashing mode.

This incredible torch weighs only 17gms, and is about the size of a little finger.

Buying  the new Led Lenser V2 nano keyring torch could be the best tenner you ever spent!

Do you lose your keys all the time?     Find your keys in the dark - every time

Being over 40 and slightly erratic I often forget where I put my keys and cant find them. If you frequently hear the words, "bollocks! where are my keys?

Then you need the amazing tritium filled Nite Glow keyring. I own  4 of these and have bought them as presents for many people too.

I have tried all 3 colours and my advice is only buy the green ones as they are the brightest. Blue and Pink just don't give out enough light.  The Tritium gives out a powerful glow and lasts up to 10 years. There are no batteries and if you cant find your keys at night just turn the lights off and look for the green glow! My Nite Glow has stopped me losing my keys on numerous occasions.

 simples!

p.s I also bought one of those voice activated keyfinders - what a load of rubbish.

See in the dark and never lose your keys with the Photon pump torch and Nite Glow keyring.

Rechargeable Torch for Car Lighter Socket

LED Lenser Automotive Rechargeable Torch 

This little torch makes good use of your lighter socket if you are not a smoker and was wondering what to do with it.

There are some bad reviews of this product on the internet but I believe they are for the first version which I also had and threw away as it blew the fuses in my car and did not fit the socket properly.

The new version I have fits the sockets in both my cars and works very well.  In charging mode it shows cute little blue lights on the side which go out when it is fully charged.

If you need to use the torch just pull it out of the lighter socket and twist the head. The beam is fine for most emergency jobs but do be aware that it does have small batteries so wont last too long

Glows Blue when charging

I also have the cheaper Rolson one which works just as well but

without the cute blue charge-up lights

Best Multi-tool? Gerber or Leatherman?

I tried the Gerber Legend but much preferred the cheaper Gerber 600 as it was simpler to use and has the option to take normal screwdriver and hex bits to suit your needs.

If you want a smaller lighter multitool the 600's baby brother the Gerber 400 is the same but lacks the saw, file and does not come with the extra screwdriver bits although you could make up your own.

Having owned a multitool for many years one thing I don't like about them is the price. As I have lost a few and only use them occasionally I like to have a cheap one that I dont have to worry about. The Draper 21 function tool fits this job and for just over a tenner the quality is surprisingly good and perfect for occasionally use.

Gerber 600 Deluxe 

There are so many multi-tools to choose from now. I have tried quite a few and often swap with friends for a while to find the ultimate multi tool..

I always end up back with this one, the Gerber 600 Deluxe. It is a  medium size  multi-tool  with a great combination of tools and can even accommodate different screwdriver and socket bits, (6 included). There are bigger more expensive ones but I find them cumbersome to carry.

Super for many jobs in the garden and maintaining equipment. The ultimate present for the woman (or man) who has everything.

I don't have one yet but my gadget addicted friends assure me the Leatherman Skeletool is the latest AND best Multitool.

In my kitchen I use a 15 year old Sabatier kitchen knife which cuts better than anything else I have tried and will probably last longer than I will.

The secret to fast, easy, cutting and making your kitchen knife last as long as possible is careful sharpening.

On the TV you see the chefs wavy around furiously with a big steel rod and hear lots of grating and gnashing sounds. Whilst this makes good TV it is not really necessary and can be dangerous if you slip.

A modern alternative is this specially designed "wipe twice" tungsten carbide knife sharpener that has a V shaped blade to give you the correct angle.

This is the original, top quality, American made Tungsten carbide knife sharpener and not one of the many cheap and nasty Chinese copies that may ruin your knives. Another great knofe sharpener that uses the same tungsten blades is the Anysharp Global which sticks itself down on your worktop by suction. It claims to be the worlds best knife sharpener - I would say it's pretty good.

The small tungsten blade in the USA made Accusharp is reversible and replaceable. So I think its better than the Anysharp.

Sabatier knives are made in France and refer to a family of knife makers from one area and not a specific company.

Buy a good quality Sabatier knife and you will grow to love it.

Sharpening Knives

V shaped safety sharpeners

My Fishmonger loved the sharpener

I like this simple sharpener that you slide along the blade. It has V shaped tungsten carbide teeth that create the perfect sharpening angle. The finger guard makes it extra safe and quick to use. (10 seconds)