The two light monsters from Nextorch not only boast light outputs of 15,000 lumens and beam ranges of over 500 meters (Saint Torch 30C) and 10,000 lumens and around 380 meters (TA31), but also many clever technical features.
Nextorch Saint Torch 30C technical details
The Nextorch Saint Torch 30C is the significantly more powerful successor to the Saint Torch 30 and 30 V2.0, which appeared on the market around six years ago. Weighing almost 790 grams with the battery, the Saint Torch 30C is made of light metal with a surface finish and has a diameter of 82 mm at the head and 50 mm at the tube body. Two metal operating buttons are located on the tubular body just before the transition to the impressive reflector. The front, smaller momentary light switch activates the turbo mode, so that the searchlight shines with an almost brutal, maximum 15,000 lumens of light. The rear, larger control activates the continuous light at the highest level (10,000 lumens, 415 m beam range, 2.45 hours runtime), medium level (5,000 lumens, 290 m, 3.45 hours), low level (1,000 lumens, 135 m, 6.30 hours) and in economical economy mode (90 lumens, 35 m, 52 hours) by pressing the thumb down firmly. In continuous light mode, an SOS signal with 1,000 lumens can also be activated by pressing the switch for at least three seconds. The strobing effect with 1,000 lumens and automatically varying frequency, which is unusual for a searchlight, can be used to confuse and ward off any aggressors. Unfortunately, rescue workers are increasingly confronted with problems of this kind in the field. Sensitive thumb pressure switches to momentary light until the switch is released again. Four small LEDs have been placed directly next to the operating buttons so that they are clearly visible and indicate the charge status of the battery pack with their blue light. Finally, the searchlight also has a manual safety device to ensure that light discipline is maintained and to prevent any possible self-glare during activities of all kinds. The lock is activated by pressing the front switch twice, which is confirmed by an LED that lights up red. Double-clicking the same control again switches the Saint Torch 30C back to standby mode and cancels the lock, which is again clearly indicated by the LED flashing blue three times.
The battery of the Nextorch Saint Torch 30C also serves as a power bank
The light monster is powered by a battery pack that is two-thirds the length of the flashlight handle and houses three 4800 mAh battery cells. When fully discharged, it can be quickly recharged with 45 W USB-C and is fully operational again after just 01:45 hours. Smart features: the battery can be used as an alternative power bank and therefore other devices with USB-A and USB-C can also be charged with 45 W power. To prevent leakage current, extend the storage time and maintain full operational readiness, the battery pack can be deactivated using a switch.
Hot stuff: how does the Nextorch Saint Torch 30C deal with high temperatures at this light output?
With its high-performance LED trio in the flashlight head, the Saint Torch 30C from Nextorch not only develops extreme luminosity but also a corresponding, unavoidable temperature. The cooling fins – described by the manufacturer as a unique Lotus-design heat sink – ensure efficient heat dissipation to reduce or eliminate the risk of overheating. There is also a smart temperature control system that automatically regulates the brightness and surface temperature of the searchlight depending on the operating conditions. A sensor reduces the light intensity if an obstacle is detected within a radius of thirty centimeters. Finally, the Saint Torch 30C can produce so much heat that objects could also be ignited. In this respect, responsible and careful handling of this tool is of course also advisable. The new Nextorch Saint Torch 30C, water resistant to one meter in accordance with IPX 7, is supplied with a practical nylon case, metal carabiner carrying sling, USB and USB-C charging cable for a price of €399.95.
Compact searchlight: Nextorch TA31
Even at first glance, the new Nextorch TA31 stands out from the countless tube-shaped flashlights with its special, angular housing contour. At 425 grams including battery and with dimensions (length x width) of 156x53/49 mm (flashlight head / body), it is significantly more compact than the Saint Torch 30C described above, but can hardly be classed as an EDC torch for day-to-day use in a trouser pocket. Stowed on a duty belt or within easy reach in a jacket or rucksack, however, it is ideally placed and its overall design and performance parameters are impressive. The large number of LEDs produce a sharply defined cone of light that is highly focussed. The two high-performance lights presented here, on the other hand, illuminate a large area with a wide spread and enormous light intensity. Made from anodised 6061 aluminium, the Nextorch TA31, like all models in the TA series, has a rotary switch for mode selection in combination with a push button at the rear. The three modes are clearly engraved on the housing. In "Lock" mode, the flashlight is completely deactivated by blocking the limit switch to maintain light discipline. Four light intensity settings can be selected in the center "Duty" position: "Eco" mode (20 lumens, 15 m range, runtime 170 hours), low mode (320 lumens, 65 m, 15 hours), medium mode (1,500 lumens, 145 m, 5 hours) and high mode (6,000 lumens, 290 m, 3.30 hours). If you turn the selector to the "Tac" position, a continuous light with the power of 10,000 lumens lights up when the rear switch is pressed lightly, which turns into a dazzling, disorientating strobe when the button is pressed.
Rotate and charge: operating concept of the Nextorch TA31
The USB-C port for charging the two built-in 4800 mAh Li-ion batteries is revealed when the head is partially unscrewed from the housing thread. This design is dustproof and IPX8 waterproof up to a depth of two meters. If you turn the selector to lock mode, the LED ring in the rear push-button mentioned above indicates the charge status of the battery pack: blue steady light (75 to 100%), blue flashing light (50 to 75%), red steady light (50 to 25%), red flashing light (25 to 0%: please charge!). The Nextorch TA31 also has a sophisticated safety concept due to the potentially high temperature development at maximum output. The smart temperature control system ensures that no flashlight surface reaches 50 degrees Celsius and a sensor regulates the light intensity when an object is 15 cm in front of the lens. The TA31 is protected against falls from a height of up to two meters and is equipped with a metal carrying clip and nano-ceramic beads in the light bezel that can be used as glass breakers. It is supplied with a lanyard and charging cable at a price of 239.90 euros. Both models presented here are ideal for the military, law enforcement, fire brigade, security personnel, civil protection/SAR as well as, for example, hunting ground owners and outdoor adventurers.
