Great News! Short and Mid Wave LED torches are now available.
Short Wave: 255nm, Mid Wave: 310nm
Three to four times as many minerals fluoresce under Short Wave UV and Mid Wave as under Long Wave UV. So the arrival of SW and MW torches is a great development for our hobby. SW and MW LEDs are relatively new, and are more expensive and less bright than LW LEDs. However, LED torches are more convenient than tube-based lamps which are larger and more cumbersome. As further development takes place SW and MW torches will become cheaper and brighter. At the moment our FS2 and FS8 torches are the brightest available.
We offer these models:
Short Wave (255 nm)
FS1: Entry level SW torch (takes 2 batteries)
FS1x: Entry level SW torch (takes 1 battery)
FS2: Small SW Torch (takes1 battery)
FS8: Large SW Torch (takes 2 batteries)
FS8x: Large SW Torch (takes 1 battery)
Mid Wave (310 nm)
FM2: Small MW Torch (takes1 battery)
FM8: Large MW Torch (takes 2 batteries)
FM8x: Large MW Torch (takes 1 battery)
A torch that takes 1 battery has the same brightness as the 2-battery version, but doesn’t last for as long before recharging is needed.
Our Short & Mid Wave Kits
FS1 Kit: $180
Torch, four 18650 batteries, charger. (Details & Photo)
FS1x Kit: $160
Torch, two 18650 batteries, charger. (Details & Photo)
FS2 & FM2 Kits: $240
Torch, two 18560 or 21700 batteries, charger, carry pouch. (Details & Photo)
FS8 & FM8 Kits: $560
Torch, four 26650 batteries, charger, carry pouch. (Details & Photo)
FS8x & FM8x Kits: $510
Torch, two 26650 batteries, charger, carry pouch (Details & Photo)
BATTERIES
There is a new way of describing battery size.
18650 batteries are 18mm diameter and 65mm long.
21700 batteries are 21mm diameter and 70mm long.
26650 batteries are 26mm diameter and 65mm long.
etc.
Generally speaking, the larger the battery, the higher the mAH capacity – that is, the longer the torch will run before re-charging is needed.
There are many fake Li-ion batteries on the market. Fakes will work, but they can be dangerous (fire) and they won’t have the mAH that they claim. Genuine 18650s weigh 44-48gm, fakes weigh 30-40gm