Why are LED torches so expensive?

[rik_uk3]

I'm with you minotaur in that I've never had a cheap LED fail yet. I always have more than one light source with me anyway.

That said when I'm camping I don't need much more than a light source to read or cook by maybe to find somewhere to use as a toilet, or indeed the toilet block.

We all spend on what we fancy I guess, I would not spend more than £50 on a Ventile anorak, but I'd spend £250 on a Gortex one, just depends on a persons point of view.

[spamel]

I have one of the tesco torches in AA, I also have a CMG Infinity which is a single led torch that runs off of one AA. I had the drop in LED for a maglight, but it has since fell apart as the twisting motion of adjusting the beam ripped the LED from the base board mount. The tail cap clicky stopped working even sooner, so I advise against that if people go for it as an option. So, I opted for this torch from Deal Extreme for 10 USD:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1993

Good throw, not as bright as the Tesco, but again on AA batteries and ample brightness to negotiate a dark wood and be able to see a good twenty metres ahead. I hear the Alpkit head torch runs on AA batteries too, I'd rather have one type of bettery in all of my appliances than a mish mash of CR123, AAA, AA, etc!

[rik_uk3]

That cree torch is a little cracker Spamel, I've also got one, (had one, my lad nicked it).

[jimford]

As I've mentioned on another thread, the torches sold by 7dayshop at £1.99 for 2 are amazing value. I guarantee you won't be disapointed!

Jim

[FGYT]

sall right my dive torch (18w HID) used to retail at £1000 i got it second hand for £500 (not to happy as i blew the bulb last season and they are £120 )
the back up one is £125 . I had the £6 Lidles ones they where fine but broke completely after one season after a time of not turning on after a certain depth Not something you want from a back up torch on a serious dive but oks for a bimble round a pier they did however have one usful feature not found on most dive torches (though adds compexity that could increase faliure ) in that you had to screw the front off to get it on so you had less chance of turning it the wrong way under pressure and the top coming of in your hand ( ie un screwing )
I would have another but not for diving

i generally just use a Tikka head torch again Had a down the Market one looks similer but £2.50 never worked from the start

and have a SureFire built into a guns stock for lamping with the remote switch

ATB

Duncan