What torch do you use?

[The H]

My company supplies torches, however, I'm thinking of getting my own for my next trip. Any recommendations? I am looking at a Fenix Tk12 R5.

[Ganner]

Im looking at a torch for Dartmoor and the fenix ones look like fantastic quality (plus red filters) and I think once you buy one you wont need another ever so worth the extra cost. However as you have allready done what I need to what would you reccomend torch wise?

[Ducki52]

Christ, thats expensive for a bloody torch! Is it intrinsicly safe though?. For the record, I use Tesco head torches as they give out a pretty good amount of light, and they're cheap which means I dont get drastically upset when I leave them on a training area/ship (hopefully) or they get eaten by the turret monster. And also, I find head torches more useful than hand torches.

[GuinnessMan]

If your working on ships then your torches generally need to be intrinsic for when you go crawling tanks (even container folks have to go into their tanks every so often), although it is slightly more important for tankers where pockets of gas can gather and go bang bippity bang....

I personally used to use maglights before tankers, but now use one of the below as it's intrinsic and waterproof (so it will still work if you're a tit like me who managed to drop his nice shiny maglight into a bilge well....)

[jc173]

If your working on ships then your torches generally need to be intrinsic for when you go crawling tanks (even container folks have to go into their tanks every so often), although it is slightly more important for tankers where pockets of gas can gather and go bang bippity bang....

I personally used to use maglights before tankers, but now use one of the below as it's intrinsic and waterproof (so it will still work if you're a tit like me who managed to drop his nice shiny maglight into a bilge well....)

I have a Peli torch, got my maglite with me but can't use it (as on a tanker)

[Steve]

I like. Very tacticool.

The right angled torches usually found on the bridge, DC lockers, battle bags etc. are utter ****, but I guess you mean the little black pocket ones as the "supplied torches"? They are not so bad.

Are you sure that something rubber armoured and more waterproof (though I note the tacticool torches claim waterproofing) would not be better for surviving ER bilges and whatnot?

I've actually just ordered a similar torch with the same LED, but for bridge and deck use. I wouldn't take it anywhere near a dirty engine room or cargo tank. On the intrinsically safe point, the issue yellow bardics are not too bad for the occasional foray into a tank.


Aimed at Ganner and Ducki rather than The H, for a deck officer there are far more important points than intrinsic safety. I considered a head torch for my recent acquisition, but actually having the torch follow every time you turn your head is not such a good idea on the bridge, I can see lots of people having their night vision ruined by a torch in the face, and you wouldn't even be able to glance out the window for the reflections, so I think handheld is a must for bridge work. Red light is also strongly recommended for maximum Das Bootiness. With a red filter and on the lowest light output, something like that Fenix ought to be the ideal bridge torch, though I'm sure an acceptable substitute could be found at a lower price level for those on a tighter budget.

[Steve]

A warning. Torches like the TK12 have a crenelated bezel. This is great for seeing if you've left the light on when you put it head down on a flat surface. It's also apparently great for bashing people's heads with. Considering our crappy laws on weapons, anyone acquiring such a torch might think about removing the crenelated bezel (they tend to be designed to be easily removable) before wandering around the UK with it.

Now that you have been duly warned, do not blame/sue OfficerCadet if you get lifted by plod for carrying an offensive torch.

[Ganner]

The sad thing is that you are probably closer to the truth than not in this country! I went sailing the other day and I was scared carrying my knife to and from the boat incase for some reason I was stop n searched!

[Steve]

The sad thing is that you are probably closer to the truth than not in this country! I went sailing the other day and I was scared carrying my knife to and from the boat incase for some reason I was stop n searched!

In those circumstances you'd have been OK. "I'm going sailing" is a lawful excuse (I think that's the legal terminology/mumbo-jumbo), and you'd probably have other sailing accoutrements to back that up.

The bezel is an interesting one, but since some companies advertise them as a 'combat enhancement' (Fenix don't), I think you'd struggle to beat an 'offensive weapon in a public place' rap. Since the Fenix isn't advertised that way, it makes it a little more difficult for the prosecution to prove intent, since you consider the purpose of the crenelated bezel to be #1: seeing if the light is still on.

If you want to play it safe(r) take the crenelated bezel off your tacticool torch.