Flashlight Fiesta
Unbranded Scuba Torch - (LED LENSER D14 Frogman Clone)
Price: £1.50 free shipping
Manufacturer: Unknown most likely SkyWolfEye
Model: unknown
Power: 3W Cree Q3 diode
Power: 4x AA batteries
Focus Type: fixed
Modes: 1
Description: 80m Scuba Diving Torch - D14 Frogman clone
Vendor: seller via ebay
Shipped From: Hong Kong
First Impressions
I'm not normally known for being into scuba diving or the like, but I had wanted a fully Waterproof diving torch for sometime. The LED LENSER Frogman was the best choice for under £50 but I was in no mood to pay that much so I looked for an alternative.
These cheap versions were flying around ebay every few days so I though it was right to bid on one.
Arriving in a squished retail box it actually looked identical to the good old Frogman. The LED is different of course. Not quite the high end LENSER offering but a good quality Cree Q3 none-the-less.
The body of this torch is made from a very strong plastic material. I would have said polycarbonate but I would be deluded. Feels thick enough to withstand some heavy impacts all the same. It's not likely to crack easily.
The business end is a one piece aluminium affair. quite sturdy with a chrome style finish. The reflector and Lens are also one piece exactly like the D14 Frogmam. At the tail of the torch we find a useful locking lanyard which can be adjusted to fit any wrist size. This type of lanyard is essential to prevent you losing the torch in the sea or something.
When it comes to fitting the batteries the complete head unit and led module need to come off. Then 4x AA can be slid into place. This is a straightforward affair involving the minimum of effort.
Switching this thing on is also really simple. Mounted up top is a swing switch which is designed to be activated quickly and easily underwater. Effectively you get two on positions, left or right from center. Handy if you are wearing gloves for instance.
Waterproofing is taken care of by means of a thick rubber o-ring which sits on main screw threads. Once the led head is screwed down this seal provides adequate protection when venturing underwater.
The LED Head consists of a watertight Lens/reflector piece followed by a sealed LED module. This little silver module is designed to be removed by the user for gaining access to the battery compartment. It can a be a little tricky to line up the contacts when refitting, but it's not a big deal.
The LED itself looks to be genuine Cree Q3 although that is yet to be confirmed.
Overall, a sturdy built torch. No complaints
Simple but effective
The LED Drop-in module is solidly made surprisingly
Heavy duty swing switch and rubber o-ring look promising
Plagiarism - Shenzen Style
This is an original LED LENSER D14 Frogman
It seems that most if not all of LED LENSERs product catalogue has been bootlegged. The D14 Frogman torch was bound to get copied, especially with the high price tag. But at least with this unbranded version they don't pretend to be LED LENSER. They don't ask a stupidly high price for them expecting buyers to fall for it. How much is a knock off worth anyway?
It is what it is....and it's cheap...no lies....just a blatant copy!
So as you can see, this cheap chinese Frogman clone is pretty good and looks identical to the original. The Counterfeiters haven't don't a bad job of it.
For a someone who doesn't do any serious diving and just wants a good waterproof torch then this clone is perfectly adequate for everyday stuff.
Testing:
The first test just had to be in the water so I filled the sink and threw it in. Unsurprisingly it was fully Waterproof and the seals held up well. This torch will float in water so if it happens to fall overboard it should be easy to retrieve again.
Testing the beam was quite interesting. As well as being quite bright the beam travels in a uniform fashion under the water. The best way to describe it is like a tube of light. Very visible.
Overall performance in water was better than expected. After testing the head was removed and checked for any breaches in the waterproofing. Nothing to report. Dry inside. Result!
Outside testing was pretty impressive. The beam is very bright and can be projected over a fair distance. It's fair to say that this torch is a good all rounder - it seems to work well under any conditions. I'm completely sold.
Rating: ✅✅✅✅ ✅5 out of 5
For £1.50 how could this not receive full marks. It works well in or out of water. The beam is strong and bright. It doesn't feel crap.
It's fully Waterproof (of course) and seems reliable and hard wearing.
Although this particular specimen won't be used for any sub marine activities it's nice to know that it will still work if it falls in the canal. Worth the modest price tag for sure.