Small torches

We tried 5 small torches: 2 were solar, 2 dynamo and 1 a solar/dynamo combo. All 5 used light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source and did an acceptable job when we took them for an hour-long evening walk.

The strongest light was provided by an unbranded solar torch with 10 LEDs from Jaycar Electronics. The other models each had 3 LEDs.

We also tried a torch that’s powered by shaking it: the shaking causes an internal magnet to pass through a coil of wire and create electricity, which powers the single LED. The torch worked: a few good shakes lit up the LED. However, you could get tired of having to shake it every time the light started to dim.

Products compared

Benex

• Retailer: Dick Smith
• Price: $19.99
• Description: dynamo LED torch (3 LEDs)
• Extra features: n/a
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 135 x 40 x 60 

Unbranded

• Retailer: Jaycar Electronics
• Price: $35.90
• Description: solar/dynamo LED torch (3 LEDs)
• Extra features: n/a
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 150 x 30 x 50 

Unbranded

• Retailer: Jaycar Electronics
• Price: $17.90
• Description: solar powered flashlight (10 LEDs)
• Extra features: n/a
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 210 x 45 x 45  

Supertiger

• Retailer: Mitre 10 Mega
• Price: $18.97
• Description: dynamo flashlight (3 LEDs)
• Extra features: mobile-phone charger
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 135 x 45 x 55 

Unbranded

• Retailer: NZ Nature
• Price: $34.95
• Description: solar tri-panel torch (3 LEDs)
• Extra features: mobile-phone charger
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 160 x 30 x 55 

Unbranded

• Retailer: Repco
• Price: $4.75
• Description: shaking flashlight (1 LED)
• Extra features: n/a
• Dimensions L x H x D (mm): 180 x 35 x 35 

Guide to the product listings

Products were selected from retail stores and online. Other brands/models are available.

• Price is what we paid in September 2009.
• Description shows the details of the product taken from the packaging.
• Dimensions show approximate size.