GETTING THE RIGHT BEAM
Narrow or Wide?
A torch beam can be narrow or wide.
A narrow beam shines further, so is usually better for fluorescent mineral hunting.
A wide beam doesn’t shine as far, but lights a bigger area. A wide beam is better for showing off your minerals.
Our FL9 has a very wide beam. You can use it to show your SW minerals without needing a cabinet. People with an Opal mine like it. All our other torches have a narrow beam (except FL0).
Sharp or Fuzzy?
There are two types of torch reflectors and they make different beams. One (SMO) has a SMOoth surface. The other’s surface is like Orange Peel (OP).
The SMO reflector makes a small, bright spot. The OP reflector makes a more spread out fuzzy area.
In the Kits for our larger torches (FL8, FL8A, FL20, FS2+, FS8, FS12, FM8) WE GIVE YOU BOTH TYPES so you can choose and use the one you like. Personally I prefer and use the OP reflector.
Trying Your Reflectors
Make sure you have tried the torch and know and remember what the installed reflector’s beam is like.
- Unscrew and remove the ring holding the filter in place. Try to keep the filter in place. Do this step over a table so the filter doesn’t fall to the floor (and break!)
- Remove the installed reflector and insert the other one. IMPORTANT: Make sure the hole at the bottom sits properly over the LED.
- Replace the filter ring. Make sure the filter is sitting nicely in place. If the filter ring doesn’t want to screw on, don’t try to force it. Keep trying until the threads line up and screwing it back is smooth and easy. Tighten, but not too tight.
- Compare the beams and go with the one you like.
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