OV9

Mundane but you lot usually have some good suggestions. I need a new small torch for misc jobs, dog walking, etc.

Pocket sized
Adjustable beam
Doesn't have a dark spot in the middle of the beam
Plastic body preferred for safety


I had a Ledlenser for ages that was OK but failed #3 about the dark spot and it always bothered me.

aka paging @Mito Man

Although.... I got a wide-angle head torch a couple of years back that has almost completely replaced my "tactical flashlight" (torch) for the vast majority of jobs. You might look like a right nob, but the "strip" is fabulous for both walking the dogs on dark roads, and working on the car or in tight spaces as it gives a very even light. Unlike the one I link below - mine has a separate point-source (for times you want a point-source) that is in the centre of your forehead, and is adjustable for direction and beam "focus".

Unfortunately I can't currently locate one like mine for sale, but it's this kinda thingy

I really like a red light on a head torch - for night hiking and also when using my camera at night - after a lifetime of Petzl ownership, I bought a £30 rechargeable one in B&Q and I can't fault it

Mik uses the head torch of correctness. All of us service engineers have them as they just work really well and tolerate oil and dirt.

I don’t know if any quality plastic flashlights but I do like Nebo flashlights.

Dave!

BigClive seems to like these, haven't tried one myself though.

I have no idea on small plastic torches. When you get to the smaller stuff just make sure it has a regular sized lithium battery so that it’s replaceable a few years down the line rather than a random pouch battery that has been stuck in with epoxy.

Thanks all - I already have a head torch, this is specifically a handheld requirement.

Nebo looks OK, one like this fits the bill (apart from not being plastic):

https://www.screwfix.com/p/nebo-newton- ... 00lm/235kw

Plastic less likely to damage paint or short circuit electrics.

iPhone torch can be adjusted for spread and brightness.. good enough for most jobs

Sundayjumper wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 12:23 pm Thanks all - I already have a head torch, this is specifically a handheld requirement.

Nebo looks OK, one like this fits the bill (apart from not being plastic):

https://www.screwfix.com/p/nebo-newton- ... 00lm/235kw

Plastic less likely to damage paint or short circuit electrics.

I've had a Nebo Davinci 1000 for several years now and it's a great torch (I'm no expert or "EDC" weirdo)

It's rechargeable (minor annoyance is it's microUSB)

very well made too

Project Farm and Torque Test Channel have some some decent tests on torches the last couple of years (TTCs do a decent job of trying to fckin' break the things too) so they're worth a look.

Search their channels for 'torch' or 'flashlight'. For example:

IanF wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 2:52 pm iPhone torch can be adjusted for spread and brightness.. good enough for most jobs

WTF? I knew you could adjust the brightness but have just gone in and found the spread function. Cheers Ian, I didn't have a clue!

I ended up with a NEBO Tac Slyde. Seems alright for £15. Magnetic base & side work light should make it versatile.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124941286509