Beamshot Comparisons 2008

Beamshot Comparisons 2008 One of our most frequently asked questions is "which torch is best for me?". The answer to that depends on what you want to use it for, and whether the beam it produces is suitable for that purpose. Also for consideration is your preferred type of battery and even the torch size and weight. To give you a better idea of how each torch differs, we've taken a series of comparitive beamshots for 10 flashlights from our current range. Click on any image to see an enlargement and any link for more information.
	The Torches Each of these 10 flashlights (9 pictured) uses a single Cree XR-E (mostly Q5-bin) power-LED. The main differences between them are the type of reflector they use (its size and suface finish, see below), the battery capacity and body size (both influence the amount of current driving the LED [== brightness] given how much metal is available for heatsinking and the desired battery life). The 4 items on the right are to provide an indication of scale. From left to right they are: an 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a AA lithium cell, a matchbox and a CR1223A lithium cell. Addendum: we have added a beamshot for the Fenix TK10. It is approximately the same physical size as the CL1H.
	Reflector Surface Finish On the left is a smooth reflector, on the right a textured reflector.
	Target One The green shed is approximately 25 metres (82 ft) away from the camera. Each torch was in turn mounted in a Fenix Bike Mount on the camera tripod. The tree on the right is just over half way and provides a useful indicator of beam width. In the following photos check the gravel path and objects under the tree for the amount of light coming from the torch that isn't part of the main beam. This is the "spill" and is useful for seeing where you are walking.
	Moonlight The moon was out, but not contributing majorly to the exercise (if you can't see the dim foreground, gravel path, roof and sky through the trees then your monitor may need adjusting for better black levels).
	Dereelight DBS Smooth Reflector (standard). 2 x CR123A cells (6V) or 1 x rechargeable 18650 (3.7V). 225 grams with CR123A batteries. One brightness level. Note in the size comparison photo that the Dereelight DBS has a very deep reflector (front to back dimension). This results in a very tight beam with a bright central spot. Also note that the spill is constrained (bottom left and right of the image). Ideal for spotlighting use.
	Tiablo A9 Smooth Reflector (optional extra). 2 x CR123A cells (6V) or 1 x rechargeable 18650 (3.7V). 185 grams with CR123A batteries. Two brightness levels. Once again a tight central spot but with a wider spill. Good for spotlighting.
	Tiablo A9 Textured Reflector (standard). 2 x CR123A cells (6V) or 1 x rechargeable 18650 (3.7V). 185 grams with CR123A batteries. Two brightness levels. This time the Tiablo has the default textured reflector fitted (also known as "orange peel" finish). This results in a much smoother beam but less throw (beam distance). Excellent for strong general illumination.
	LumaPower MRV Revolution Smooth Reflector (default). 2 x CR123A cells (6V). 225 grams with CR123A batteries. Two brightness levels. The last of the big reflector flashlights in this beamshot test. Though it has a smooth reflector, it provides a slightly larger central spot with no really pronounced rings. Good for spotlighting and general use.
	Tiablo MA6 Smooth Reflector (supplied). 2 x CR123A cells (6V). 165 grams with CR123A batteries. Supports multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS mode. The first of the medium-sized reflector flashlights in the test. Note that both reflectors are supplied with the torch.
	Tiablo MA6 Textured Reflector (supplied). 2 x CR123A cells (6V). 165 grams with CR123A batteries. Supports multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS mode. Note that both reflectors are supplied with the torch.
	Dereelight DL1H Smooth Reflector (supplied). 1 x 18650 rechargeable cell (3.7V) (NOT CR123A). 175 grams with 18650 battery. With this specific model the brightness is adjustable from 5% to 100% (& memorised). Note the darker ring around the core is obvious on the gravel path. It does mean more of the light output is within the central beam.
	Dereelight DL1H Textured Reflector (supplied). 1 x 18650 rechargeable cell (3.7V) (NOT CR123A). 175 grams with 18650 battery. With this specific model the brightness is adjustable from 5% to 100% (& memorised). Once again the textured reflector evens out the whole beam.
	Fenix TK10 Textured Reflector (standard). 2 x CR123A cells (6V). 168 grams with CR123A batteries. Two brightness levels. The new Fenix TK10 has a medium sized textured reflector. NB: this photo was taken approximately a month after the others in the series. You cannot directly compare the beam colors.
	Fenix P3D CE Q5 Textured Reflector (standard). 2 x CR123A cells (6V). 80 grams with CR123A batteries. Includes multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS modes. The first of the small reflector flashlights. Note that with the smaller reflectors the beam size is increased but the reduced body size makes it lightweight and very easy to carry. The reduced body mass dictates that the LED be driven with a lower current, and this increases the battery run time.
	Fenix P2D CE Q5 Textured Reflector (standard). 1 x CR123A cell (3V). 65 grams with CR123A battery. Includes multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS modes. Even smaller body length without a substantial loss in brightness. Ideal for (Every Day Carry (EDC).
	Fenix L2D CE Q5 Textured Reflector (standard). 2 x AA cells (3V). 90 grams with Lithium AA batteries. Includes multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS modes. This is a very popular light with cyclists as it provides great light for its size and weight, and uses readily available AA batteries.
	Fenix L1D CE Q5 Textured Reflector (option). 1 x AA cell (1.5V). 65 grams with Lithium AA battery. Includes multiple brightness levels, strobe and SOS modes. Easy to carry and a surprising amount of light from a single AA cell.
	Target Two The second target, another green shed, is approximately 200m (650ft) distant. Once again the tree in front of it is useful for a beam width indicator and as a measure of the beam brightness at ~70m (230ft). We only tested the 3 largest reflector torches for this task and you can clearly see the correlation between the width of the central spot in the images above and the light level at the target. The camera settings are identical to those used for the other night images. Unfortunately Calvin (bottom right) wouldn't stand still for the night shots. The white horse-trailer behind the tower was removed sometime after this photo was taken.
	Dereelight DBS Smooth reflector. The tree is lit brightly. The shed is visible, as is the small white rectangle on the side (the exit point for the antenna feed line). NB: There was minor camera shake for this shot and unfortunately a lot of dust in the air due to vehicle traffic on a nearby dirt road.
	Tiablo A9 Smooth Reflector. Another reasonable result for a single 3W power LED over a 200m path.
	LumaPower MRV Revolution Smooth Reflector. The MRV has a slightly wider beam and thus reduced light energy at the target. Compare the central spot for the MRV and the Tiablo A9 in the beamshots above.

Beamshot Comparisons 2008

The Torches

Reflector Surface Finish

Target One

Target Two