Dave’s Tech Reviews
Mostly just flashlights
Latest posts
Flashlight parts
From top to bottom, a flashlight is normally made of these parts: 1. Bezel2. Lens3. Reflector (or TIR)4. LED5. MCPCB (board the LED is soldered to)6. Metal heat sink (shelf or pill)7. Driver (makes the LED get the right current and voltage)8. Cell9. Tail cap 1-7 are contained within the head. Number 6 is where …
Measuring lumens without an integrating sphere or calibration source
Some people were asking how to measure lumens without much equipment. I’d recommend making a cheap integrating sphere (or tube) but you can get a rough idea of lumens with just a phone and desk lamp. Get the ceiling bounce app if you have an Android. Or search the app store for something like lux …
Continue reading “Measuring lumens without an integrating sphere or calibration source”
In search of mega throwers and flooders: the world’s furthest distance and brightest handheld flashlights
How would you like to see literally miles away in the dark? Some of these lights have a beam that throws so far that you need binoculars to make the most of them. There’s been a few new massive flashlights recently. Here’s a quick run down. Scroll to the end for a quick overview.
Wurkkos TS30 flashlight review
Introduction Wurkkos are still new in the flashlight world but are starting to get fairly well known due to getting lots of things just right. Members of r/flashlight regularly recommend the Wurkkos FC11 due to its tint, build quality and USB-C charging. From what I understand they’re a separate company to Sofirn but the 2 …
Imalent RT90 flashlight review
1308m throw, 4800 lumens Introduction Imalent are known for their high power and long range flashlights, squeezing in as many lumens and candela as they can. The Imalent RT90 is one of these, designed primarily for high throw, rather than lumens. That said, it still produces almost 5000lm. Imalent released their RT90 flashlight at the …
Convoy M3-C flashlight review
This review was originally written for and appeared on 1lumen. This flashlight was sent to me for review at no cost by Convoy. I have not been paid to review, nor have I been holding back on problems or defects. Introduction Convoy is well known amongst flashlight enthusiasts. Especially for their low cost and easy …
Osram White Flat LEDs
Osram have a few different emitters that they use in flashlights, mainly for high throw. People refer to them in different ways, normally as White Flat. This post aims to clear up the naming and also help me remember which one is which. Bits of the information are based on this long thread on BLF, …
Sofirn SP31UV flashlight review
Here’s another light from Sofirn. This time their SP31UV (or SP31 UV). This is their SP31 light with an ultra violet LED. The physical light What’s in the box The kit version of the SP31 UV comes with: UV flashlight 18650 cell Micro USB charger Micro USB cable 2 spare O-rings Manual Lanyard My sample …
EverBrite 90° Twist UV + white flashlight review
I have an unusual flashlight review today. This is a versatile light that has both white and UV LEDs and you can twist the head to point sideways. The physical light What’s in the box The EverBrite comes with: 18650 cell Pocket clip Micro USB cable Manual Appearance and quality This is quite a big …
Continue reading “EverBrite 90° Twist UV + white flashlight review”
Sofirn SC31 Pro flashlight review
Sofirn have released an upgraded version of the SC31B, called the SC31 Pro. The light now has USB-C, Anduril and a better LED.
Wurkkos HD20 headlamp review
The Wurkkos HD20 flashlight is a right angle headlamp with a 21700 cell and 2 LEDs. The physical light What’s in the box The HD20 comes with: a head strap (with over head band) 21700 cell an adaptor to use 18650 cells Manual USB C (C-A) cable Lanyard Clip 2 spare O-rings The HD20 flashlight …
Sofirn C8F tactical flashlight review
The C8F is a high power tactical light from Sofirn. It has 2 switches for easy operation and throws a reasonable distance.
Playskool flashlight 4000 lumen upgrade
This week I took an original 1980s Playskool plastic flashlight, removed the insides and replaced them with a 4000 lumen flashlight.
Sofirn IF25A review
Another light from Sofirn I’m reviewing is the IF25A. This is a pocketable flashlight with 4 LEDs. The physical light What’s in the box The IF25A comes in a printed cardboard box. I received the “kit” version, which includes the cell and a few extras: Sofirn IF25A flashlight 4000mAh cell (some shop listings show a …
Anduril Thermal Config
Flashlights with the Anduril UI step down the brightness when they get to hot. They do this with a temperature sensor, which may need configuring when you first get it.
A brief history of pocket rockets
Abbreviated history of high power single cell flashlights
Sofirn SD05 3000lm diving light review
Today I’m reviewing the updated version of Sofirn’s SD05 flashlight. This is my first diving light and my first light with a rotating switch. The physical light What’s in the box Sofirn picked a plain cardboard box for the SD05. They seem to use this for their larger packages and have a nicer printed cardboard …
Imalent MS03 flashlight review: The brightest pocket flashlight in the world?
This is quite exciting. I got my hands on Imalent’s new MS03 flashlight: this light pumps out 13,000 lumens from a single cell, making it the brightest pocket-sized flashlight in existence. Read on to see what it’s like in real life. Purchasing You can buy the light from ImalentStore.com. It’s currently $129.95. Quick review This …
Continue reading “Imalent MS03 flashlight review: The brightest pocket flashlight in the world?”
Flashlight User Interfaces
A user interface is the way that someone interacts with a device. In the case of flashlights, it’s normally by 1 or more switches that are pressed. A UI can be the different between a flashlight staying on a shelf or being used regularly.
Sofirn SP40 headlamp review
The Sofrin SP40 is a great entry level headlamp that has the quality of lights twice its price. It’s a great all rounder, coming with USB charging, an included cell, head strap and even an extra body tube for shorter cells.
Sofirn SC31b flashlight review
Sofirn have produced a great budget light in the SC31b. The simple user interface, USB charging, included cell and pocket clip make this a great flashlight for all and easy to recommend to others.
Manker MC12 flashlight review
The Manker MC12 is a pocket thrower flashlight that reaches 650m. This is a great light if you want to light things up a long way away but also want something that’s not so heavy that it always gets left at home.
Why Flashlights?
You may have noticed that this blog seems to focus on flashlights (or “torches” in the UK). They’re simple things compared to most technology but their elemental nature makes them almost entrancing.
Manker MC12 intro and exploring an abandoned WW2 building
Here’s a quick preview of the Manker MC12 flashlight, with 650m throw, exploring an abandoned WW2 building. You can read the full Manker MC12 review here.
In search of the best pocket thrower flashlight
I started looking for the best pocketable flashlight that throws its beam a long way. This article documents the rabbit hole I ended up in. In it I’ve compared lights from EagTac, Lumintop, Acebeam and Emisar.
Converting Candela to Throw
Multiply the candela by 4, then square root it to get the throw in meters.
Or square the throw in meters then divide by 4 to get the candela.
Nightwatch NSX3 (NS53A version) Flashlight Review
The Nightwatch NS53A is a single 21700 cell hot rod flashlight that puts out 9900lm. This is one of the brightest lights for its size and is ridiculous.
All posts
- Flashlight partsFrom top to bottom, a flashlight is normally made of these parts: 1. Bezel2. Lens3. Reflector (or TIR)4. LED5. MCPCB (board the LED is soldered to)6. Metal heat sink (shelf or pill)7. Driver (makes the LED get the right current and voltage)8. Cell9. Tail cap 1-7 are contained within the head. Number 6 is where …
- Measuring lumens without an integrating sphere or calibration sourceSome people were asking how to measure lumens without much equipment. I’d recommend making a cheap integrating sphere (or tube) but you can get a rough idea of lumens with just a phone and desk lamp. Get the ceiling bounce app if you have an Android. Or search the app store for something like lux …
Continue reading “Measuring lumens without an integrating sphere or calibration source”
- In search of mega throwers and flooders: the world’s furthest distance and brightest handheld flashlightsHow would you like to see literally miles away in the dark? Some of these lights have a beam that throws so far that you need binoculars to make the most of them. There’s been a few new massive flashlights recently. Here’s a quick run down. Scroll to the end for a quick overview.
- Wurkkos TS30 flashlight reviewIntroduction Wurkkos are still new in the flashlight world but are starting to get fairly well known due to getting lots of things just right. Members of r/flashlight regularly recommend the Wurkkos FC11 due to its tint, build quality and USB-C charging. From what I understand they’re a separate company to Sofirn but the 2 …
- Imalent RT90 flashlight review1308m throw, 4800 lumens Introduction Imalent are known for their high power and long range flashlights, squeezing in as many lumens and candela as they can. The Imalent RT90 is one of these, designed primarily for high throw, rather than lumens. That said, it still produces almost 5000lm. Imalent released their RT90 flashlight at the …
- Convoy M3-C flashlight reviewThis review was originally written for and appeared on 1lumen. This flashlight was sent to me for review at no cost by Convoy. I have not been paid to review, nor have I been holding back on problems or defects. Introduction Convoy is well known amongst flashlight enthusiasts. Especially for their low cost and easy …
- Osram White Flat LEDsOsram have a few different emitters that they use in flashlights, mainly for high throw. People refer to them in different ways, normally as White Flat. This post aims to clear up the naming and also help me remember which one is which. Bits of the information are based on this long thread on BLF, …
- Sofirn SP31UV flashlight reviewHere’s another light from Sofirn. This time their SP31UV (or SP31 UV). This is their SP31 light with an ultra violet LED. The physical light What’s in the box The kit version of the SP31 UV comes with: UV flashlight 18650 cell Micro USB charger Micro USB cable 2 spare O-rings Manual Lanyard My sample …
- EverBrite 90° Twist UV + white flashlight reviewI have an unusual flashlight review today. This is a versatile light that has both white and UV LEDs and you can twist the head to point sideways. The physical light What’s in the box The EverBrite comes with: 18650 cell Pocket clip Micro USB cable Manual Appearance and quality This is quite a big …
Continue reading “EverBrite 90° Twist UV + white flashlight review”
- Sofirn SC31 Pro flashlight reviewSofirn have released an upgraded version of the SC31B, called the SC31 Pro. The light now has USB-C, Anduril and a better LED.
- Wurkkos HD20 headlamp reviewThe Wurkkos HD20 flashlight is a right angle headlamp with a 21700 cell and 2 LEDs. The physical light What’s in the box The HD20 comes with: a head strap (with over head band) 21700 cell an adaptor to use 18650 cells Manual USB C (C-A) cable Lanyard Clip 2 spare O-rings The HD20 flashlight …
- Sofirn C8F tactical flashlight reviewThe C8F is a high power tactical light from Sofirn. It has 2 switches for easy operation and throws a reasonable distance.
- Playskool flashlight 4000 lumen upgradeThis week I took an original 1980s Playskool plastic flashlight, removed the insides and replaced them with a 4000 lumen flashlight.
- Sofirn IF25A reviewAnother light from Sofirn I’m reviewing is the IF25A. This is a pocketable flashlight with 4 LEDs. The physical light What’s in the box The IF25A comes in a printed cardboard box. I received the “kit” version, which includes the cell and a few extras: Sofirn IF25A flashlight 4000mAh cell (some shop listings show a …
- Anduril Thermal ConfigFlashlights with the Anduril UI step down the brightness when they get to hot. They do this with a temperature sensor, which may need configuring when you first get it.
- A brief history of pocket rocketsAbbreviated history of high power single cell flashlights
- Sofirn SD05 3000lm diving light reviewToday I’m reviewing the updated version of Sofirn’s SD05 flashlight. This is my first diving light and my first light with a rotating switch. The physical light What’s in the box Sofirn picked a plain cardboard box for the SD05. They seem to use this for their larger packages and have a nicer printed cardboard …
- Imalent MS03 flashlight review: The brightest pocket flashlight in the world?This is quite exciting. I got my hands on Imalent’s new MS03 flashlight: this light pumps out 13,000 lumens from a single cell, making it the brightest pocket-sized flashlight in existence. Read on to see what it’s like in real life. Purchasing You can buy the light from ImalentStore.com. It’s currently $129.95. Quick review This …
Continue reading “Imalent MS03 flashlight review: The brightest pocket flashlight in the world?”
- Flashlight User InterfacesA user interface is the way that someone interacts with a device. In the case of flashlights, it’s normally by 1 or more switches that are pressed. A UI can be the different between a flashlight staying on a shelf or being used regularly.
- Sofirn SP40 headlamp reviewThe Sofrin SP40 is a great entry level headlamp that has the quality of lights twice its price. It’s a great all rounder, coming with USB charging, an included cell, head strap and even an extra body tube for shorter cells.
- Sofirn SC31b flashlight reviewSofirn have produced a great budget light in the SC31b. The simple user interface, USB charging, included cell and pocket clip make this a great flashlight for all and easy to recommend to others.
- Manker MC12 flashlight reviewThe Manker MC12 is a pocket thrower flashlight that reaches 650m. This is a great light if you want to light things up a long way away but also want something that’s not so heavy that it always gets left at home.
- Why Flashlights?You may have noticed that this blog seems to focus on flashlights (or “torches” in the UK). They’re simple things compared to most technology but their elemental nature makes them almost entrancing.
- Manker MC12 intro and exploring an abandoned WW2 buildingHere’s a quick preview of the Manker MC12 flashlight, with 650m throw, exploring an abandoned WW2 building. You can read the full Manker MC12 review here.
- In search of the best pocket thrower flashlightI started looking for the best pocketable flashlight that throws its beam a long way. This article documents the rabbit hole I ended up in. In it I’ve compared lights from EagTac, Lumintop, Acebeam and Emisar.
- Converting Candela to ThrowMultiply the candela by 4, then square root it to get the throw in meters. Or square the throw in meters then divide by 4 to get the candela.
- Nightwatch NSX3 (NS53A version) Flashlight ReviewThe Nightwatch NS53A is a single 21700 cell hot rod flashlight that puts out 9900lm. This is one of the brightest lights for its size and is ridiculous.
Latest comments
Hi Dave ! One Question – is the Manker MC12 realy only 86 gr. without battery ? It would to…
[…] Manker MC12 […]
[…] SC31 review. Despite sharing lots with Sofirn, Wurkkos are definitely doing their own thing. I reviewed the Wurkkos HD20…
[…] fascilities. You can see some similarities between the Wurkkos and Sofirn flashlights in my Sofirn SC31 review. Despite sharing…
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Yup. Just measured it again. 86g for the light. Clip is 4g extra. Cell is 45g extra. Lanyard is 2g…