Torches

[Daryl]

My unit currently uses the Survivor 2 Torch by Streamlight.

It is a rechargable torch the same that US Firefighters use.

What do other people use? Rechargeable or batteries?

[Braveheartuk0]

Depends on what you are doing, I use both, it is not always suitable to carry around a big heavy rechargeable torch. there are a lot of very powerful small torches on the market. The other thing you need to consider is that the more light you use the longer it takes for your night vision to become aclimatised, so torches can hinder as well as help.

[Daryl]

Thats a good point!

Our team mainly operates in the wooded and rural areas where our dogs range quite some distance away from us.

I tend to use a torch for navigation - a low powered LED Torch would probably do for this. But occasionally I would not a short burst of a high powered spot that would allow me to identify the dog or object to be searched at a distance.

[Braveheartuk0]

Spot on, do you use Bells and lights on the dogs as a way of keeping track of them

[Daryl]

I do yes - We tend to use auroralite collars - although we are looking for a cheaper alternative. We used to use cookesport indicator lights on their jackets however we used to keep snapping them!!! Thats Springer Spaniels for you

I use a falcon bell and also recommend them to the rest of the team, however some people have the opinion that they distract the dog or that they are 'gay'. I personally find bells very useful!

[Gunther]

In our rescue dog group we use MAGLITE (quite powerful, price is about 20 pounds or 34 Euros). What do you think about that one?

[Pete]

Have used the MagLite considerably, they are the torch of choice by many rescue groups, Police and the Armed Forces around the world.

The only problem I found with them is if you use them on wide beam then you will get a dark spot in the centre of the beam. I have found that although they rarely have the range LED lamps do not have this dark spot and the batteries often last much longer.

Pete.

[Daryl]

The other thing that I don't lik about maglite is the fact that in order to get a powerful enough torch that lasts long enough - its not only huge but also heavy!!

[Daz]

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[Daz]

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