The Ten Best: Torches
1. Surefire G2 Nitrolon, £35
Compact and weatherproof, this miniature marvel pumps out four times the light of a big two D-cell torch - or double that again with an optional high intensity lamp (£20).
www.surefire.com
2. Ixion, £35
This waterproof rechargeable torch uses a clever wireless induction system to power up its (10-hour) battery pack. It's slim, stylish and throws a very bright beam.
www.tangogroup.co.uk; 08706 091 541
3. Night-Ops Gladius, £185
This "handheld tactical illumination tool" has variable light levels, up to 400 hours run-time, strobe function and an ultra-tough aircraft-aluminium shell. As used by the SAS.
www.nightgear.co.uk
4. Solar Wind-up Radio and Torch, £20
A solar-powered torch isn't as silly as it sounds, although you might need to boost it with wrist power (or AA batteries) if you want to use the built-in AM/FM radio.
www.millets.co.uk; 0800 389 5861
5. Maglite Charger, £150
The iconic work torch is now available in a powerful rechargeable system, giving two hours of 40,000 candlepower halogen light from each charge.
www.burton-mccall.co.uk; 0116 234 0800
6. Freeplay Sherpa X-Ray, £30
A wind-up torch that's bright enough to rival conventional rivals: just 30 seconds winding gives eight minutes of illumination. Also has a AC adaptor for mains charging.
www.johnlewis.com; 08456 049 049
7. Duracell Voyager, £7
No bells, no whistles - just a basic torch that's tough enough to bounce and rubbery enough to shrug off the British drizzle. Good value, too - it comes with Duracell batteries.
www.duracell.com/uk
8. Oval LED Flashlight, £39
This award-winning torch has two sets of LEDs - one to illuminate the ground before you, the other shining forward. Its ergonomic handle is designed for extended carrying.
www.paulsmith.co.uk; 020-7257 8942
9. Mini Maglite AA, £15
Small and perfectly formed, the Mini Maglite is perfect for odd jobs in the house or car, and is fully waterproof for camping trips. Available in a range of colours.
www.burton-mccall.co.uk; 0116 234 0800
10. Eurohike Wind-up, £10
Three minutes' winding of this bright spark gives a splash of light or a few minutes' talk time for most Nokia, Motorola, Sony and Samsung mobile phones.
www.millets.co.uk; 0800 389 5861
Published: 04 January 2007
© 2006 Independent News and Media Limited
1. Surefire G2 Nitrolon, £35
Compact and weatherproof, this miniature marvel pumps out four times the light of a big two D-cell torch - or double that again with an optional high intensity lamp (£20).
www.surefire.com
2. Ixion, £35
This waterproof rechargeable torch uses a clever wireless induction system to power up its (10-hour) battery pack. It's slim, stylish and throws a very bright beam.
www.tangogroup.co.uk; 08706 091 541
3. Night-Ops Gladius, £185
This "handheld tactical illumination tool" has variable light levels, up to 400 hours run-time, strobe function and an ultra-tough aircraft-aluminium shell. As used by the SAS.
www.nightgear.co.uk
4. Solar Wind-up Radio and Torch, £20
A solar-powered torch isn't as silly as it sounds, although you might need to boost it with wrist power (or AA batteries) if you want to use the built-in AM/FM radio.
www.millets.co.uk; 0800 389 5861
5. Maglite Charger, £150
The iconic work torch is now available in a powerful rechargeable system, giving two hours of 40,000 candlepower halogen light from each charge.
www.burton-mccall.co.uk; 0116 234 0800
6. Freeplay Sherpa X-Ray, £30
A wind-up torch that's bright enough to rival conventional rivals: just 30 seconds winding gives eight minutes of illumination. Also has a AC adaptor for mains charging.
www.johnlewis.com; 08456 049 049
7. Duracell Voyager, £7
No bells, no whistles - just a basic torch that's tough enough to bounce and rubbery enough to shrug off the British drizzle. Good value, too - it comes with Duracell batteries.
www.duracell.com/uk
8. Oval LED Flashlight, £39
This award-winning torch has two sets of LEDs - one to illuminate the ground before you, the other shining forward. Its ergonomic handle is designed for extended carrying.
www.paulsmith.co.uk; 020-7257 8942
9. Mini Maglite AA, £15
Small and perfectly formed, the Mini Maglite is perfect for odd jobs in the house or car, and is fully waterproof for camping trips. Available in a range of colours.
www.burton-mccall.co.uk; 0116 234 0800
10. Eurohike Wind-up, £10
Three minutes' winding of this bright spark gives a splash of light or a few minutes' talk time for most Nokia, Motorola, Sony and Samsung mobile phones.
www.millets.co.uk; 0800 389 5861
Published: 04 January 2007
© 2006 Independent News and Media Limited
