Cyba-Lite 5 Watt LUXEON Tactical Torch / Flashlight

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5 Watt LUXEON Star Tactical Torch / Flashlight

Three light settings and an Emergency Flash Mode
Approximate Battery Life:
25% = 30 Lumens = 15 hours
50% = 60 Lumens = 8 hours
100% = 120 Lumens = 4 hours
Flashing = 120 Lumens = 8 hours .

Dimensions of 5 watt - Length 287mm - Width 48mm
Takes 4 x C Cell ALKALINE Batteries (NOT INCLUDED)

for those who want a smaller torch, the 3w version is also available.

Until June 2005, I had a view that Cyba-Lite made torches that were for kids. Not the sort of high power torch an adult would use. You know, fancy colours, cute designs and a total turn off for me.

Then I got a call from Ring, the company who supplies Cyba-Lites. They asked if I was interested in any of their products, and being a fussy I said

"Not unless you have got something that will suit me and my customers. Like a high power LUXEON torch that doesn't look like it belongs in a handbag"

The guy said "As a matter of fact, I have two high power LUXEON torches, both retail under 50 quid, and I can send you the 3 watt torch as a sample to test out. If you like it, keep it. If you don't like it, do what you like with it!."

"Erm.. OK, thanks!" I said.

That was in June 2005, the 3w has been tested, banged about, dropped, driven over, drowned and it is working just as it was new. See Below, thats the one.

The first thing I noticed when I received it, was the packaging. Very nice, told me exactly what was in the container. Though I was skeptical, I couldn't wait to try it out.

I had to use my knife to get the pack open (like Fort Knox), and inside I was surprised to find a high quality, Black Canvas Webbing Holster as part of the package, perfect for a Coppers belt. Cool extra, very useful.

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I was disappointed there was no batteries included, (heck, I got it for free) but I soon had some and fired the torch up. Blimey O'Reilly, it is bright that's for sure. What a narrow beam, I would have to wait till night time to see what the Throw is.

* * THIS IS IMPORTANT - I have found out to my cost that the Batteries used in these Torches, MUST BE ALKALINE - Cheapo batteries do not last 5 minutes in these torches.

USE THE BEST ALKALINE BATTERIES and you will have one AWSOME Torch with a fantastic battery life. That is why batteries are not included, it would bump up the price of the torch and the delivery would cost me extra!* *

How Powerful is the 5w?

Three light settings, 25%, 50% & 100%. Which on the 5 watt torch, equates to 30 Lumens, 60 Lumens and 120 Lumens respectively.

And if I keep the button pressed from on, after three seconds the torch goes into Emergency Mode and Flashes constantly.

What is the Power Consumption?

The Cyba-Lite has a DC-2-DC converter circuit to provide peak light output for the life of the batteries (So they Must be Alkaline, normal batteries and maybe even rechargable batteries are no good).

It has an Advanced, Multi-Surface Reflector (Not too dissimilar to Surefire torches) for improved light output and focusing.

The Bulb (or Rather the Luxeon Star Chip made by Lumileds) will Never need replacing as it is classes a Virtually Indestructible with a Burn time of up to 100,000 Hours.

How Big is the 5w?

Dimensions of 5 watt- Length 287mm - Width 48mm
Takes 4 x C Cell ALKALINE Batteries (NOT INCLUDED)

The Cyba-Lite 5w works perfectly with Rechargables. Thanks to Vaughn Williams for testing them out, he said:

"In answer to the question, I purchased from the USA eight C Cell NiMH batteries rated at 5000mAH for a bit less than the cost of the same sized batteries rated at 3500mAH from UK sources even taking into account the cost of shipping!  I simply couldn’t find batteries to that spec in the UK anywhere.  Where were they made?  China!

They hold up very well in the torch and other devices and at roughly £30 all in for eight they represent a huge saving over disposables."

Now you know. Shame we don't have any, all we could find were the 3500 jobs, but I am sure they will arrive soon.

...So I took the 3w outside when it got dark (this was late as it was middle June) and shone it at the houses at the back of my mine. Fifty meters, lit up like a Christmas tree. The Throw is very good, this is an LED we are taking about here, and it is impressive. (The 5w does even more, obviously)

Most people see LEDs as being these pathetic, blue tinged, feeble lights that work OK if its pitch black.

Not so with the LED torches I use and swear by. Well, now we have a new pair to add to the GlowGadgets.com stable.

Are they as Bright as Xenon bulbs?

They are very different. The LEDs have a very bright, WHITE light, Clinical and Clear. The Xenon is a Much warmer, natural light, Yellowish.

The three torches that I use all the time are (Sep 2005):

Led Lenser v2 Square - Investigation - 35 Lumens - Compact & Solid, Masses of light, unbelievable battery life, Reliable. Always carry it, used all the time.

Surefire 6P - Combat - 65 Lumens - Compact & Solid, Awsome Power, Short battery life but perfect for bright bursts, trusty. Always carry it, used most of the time.

Cyba-Lite 5 watt - Security - 120 Lumens - Solid Hand Torch, takes a good knocking (and gives) Great battery life, amazing throw, narrow beam for long distance. Keep it in my car, used in Emergencies (Like when I need to stop the car for pee in the middle of nowhere). Used when I need to pack a punch.

Xenon bulbs eat batteries for breakfast, and I will get an hour or so from the 2 x CR123A Lithium batteries (depending on how much you pay for them, that could be as little as £3.50 a set, to as much as £9.98 a set) so not cheap for an hour.. An hour of Flamin Hot Light by the way.

The LUXEON Torches can give much more light, for longer on standard alkaline batteries. Plus you don't have to worry about buying new bulbs when they blow (they don't blow), Xenon's do blow, not like Maglite torches that seem to need new bulbs and batteries every week (so sue me), but enough that when it comes to replacing a Xenon bulb (or rather Reflector Assembly) you know you are not going to get much change out of £25!

Any questions, please ask. One thing you can be sure of is, I will be honest with you. You want the Right Torch for your needs, don't you.

Regards

Doc

What You Said

Hi Doc,

I said that I would give you some feedback on the torch I bought through you (Cyba-lite 5w).

It is bloody bright alright!... I haven't exhausted the first set of Duracells I put in it yet so I haven't tried the high capacity NiMH cells yet either...

It is a solid piece of kit and it's like having a piece of the Sun in your hand, make no mistake.

Thanks,
Vaughan.