These ‘Nano’ rechargeable (lithium) torches are quite amazing. I thought I would try the A1X (weight 16.8 grams = 650 lumens) just to see how it turned out and I must say I am delighted. I will probably buy a three pack now of the A5Xs to go in my hiking pack as my go-to torches on the trail.
These tiny spotlights weigh in at only 14.8 grams and are glow in the dark which s a useful feature when sleeping in a dark tent. Annoyingly their website does not give all the exact specifications for the different torches, for example the A5 (A$57.99) must have a lower (1 lumen) setting as it apparently has a maximum runtime of 66 hours.
The A1 (cheapest at A$ 47.99) is 60.5mm long, diameter 15.6 mm. It has four level of brightness: 2 lumens (30 hours), 20 lumens (8 hours) 360 lumens (95 minutes) and 650 lumens (75 minutes). This is really bright! It also has an emergency strobe on the brightest setting and a momentary ability (by holding the button down) also at the brightest setting. The torches are all is IP66 waterproof and impact resistant to 1.5 metres and come with a 2 year guarantee. They all have a maximum beam length of 109 metres.
The A3Pro (A$59.99) has a slightly brighter maximum (at 700 lumens), is 4 grams heavier and has a slightly larger battery giving nearly 30% longer run-times (40 hours max)
As I said, I think I may replace my trusty 9 gram Nitecore Tubes (at least some of them) with these A5s even though I realise this will add (a whole) 17.4 grams to my pack weight (if I carried three). FirstI will try the one I bought out. I have been finding the 48 lumens of the Tube enough as a lantern in my tent. When I don’t need to see much I often drop it right back to its 1 lumen setting. The 48 lumen setting (worn as a head torch) is also adequate for most chores around the tent.
These silicon light diffusers (from Countycomm) fit the torches and convert them very well to lanterns. I particularly like the first (glow in the dark one) and have used it on my Maratac torch ofr years. I hang the torch inside my tent with the diffuser fitted so I can see everything I want to do.
See Also:
11 Gram Rechargeable Head Torch
