Can the KickAss Multi-Function Torches hack camping life?
Mark purchased a pair of KickAss torches over a year ago and was reserved as to how good and how long they’d last. Here's his verdict.
Published on: 14 March 2023
The KickAss LED Rechargeable Torch lights the way
I admit to being a sucker for all things torches. But, unfortunately, I’ve lost count of how many “super” torches I’ve bought, many of which don’t last, don’t perform and get turfed into the bin.
I purchased this pair of KickAss torches over a year ago with high expectations but, perhaps, a little reserved as to how good and how long they’d last… like so many others.
Eating my words
Fast forward the year and many camping and night tie jaunts. I’m happy to eat my words and stoked to say these KickAss torches have outperformed all my expectations. I keep the smaller version in the glove box and reach for it regularly while out camping and around the yard at home. Mainly utilising the beam to see where I’m going and searching out objects at night. It fits into my jacket pocket and is a great handy size. The larger KickAss torch is relegated to the camping gear in the back of the Troopy. It has been used more around the campsite with its larger fluoro light, brilliant three-intensity settings, and amber output to help reduce the insects attracted to it.
Both lights have handy magnets, but I generally only use the longer light’s magnets attached to the side of the Troopy at camp. The choice of the fluoro intensity settings provides enough to cook, eat and slouch around camp and lasts seemingly an age. I tend to recharge every few days during drive time before either torch ever gets flat. And I don’t keep track of the number of hours either unit lasts.
I’ve not had the need for the flashing red and blue lights. Nor have I used either torch’s ability to be used as a power bank to recharge my phone. But both torches can do.
The same goes for the glass breaker on the end of each torch; other than in an emergency, I’m not keen on belting my torch into a window to test it!
I accidentally dropped the smaller light into water… A long story, but not only did it handle the drop onto the rocks, but the foot-deep puddle didn’t faze the workings of the light. Thank goodness!
Of note, the larger torch is not more powerful. Nor does it emit more light than the smaller version. Nope, it’s the larger capacity battery that takes up the extra length to allow for longer run times between charges and provides a larger bank should you use it to recharge a device. Having said that, I find the larger unit emits more light when using the fluoro mode, as it’s a larger surface area.
Dimensions and specifications
Each torch is rechargeable and has eight light modes: low, medium, high, torch, amber, blue, red and SOS. In addition, the lithium cell can charge a phone or device from a USB port and come with a USB-C cable.
Large LED Torch Specifications
Rated Power: 3W
Battery: Lithium 18650 Built-in
Battery Capacity: 3900mAH
LED type: SMD aluminium + ABS
Material: Resin + silicone decorative ring + PC transparent tube
Luminance: 800LM
Charging mode: USB
Dimensions: 292mm *34mmΦ
Input/output: 5V/2A
Small LED Torch Specifications
Rated Power: 3W
Battery: Lithium 18650 Built-in
Battery Capacity: 1300mAH
LED type: SMD aluminium + ABS
Material: Resin + silicone decorative ring + PC transparent tube
Luminance: 800LM
Charging Mode: USB
Dimensions: 164mm *34mmΦ
Input/output: 5V/2A
The verdict
All up, I’m a happy camper with these two torches to the point I’d buy more if needed. Most likely the smaller unit, given it’s a more handy size to fit into the glovebox and jacket pockets. And offers the same brightness as the larger version. Even to use around camp for cooking and eating, I’d reckon two smaller fluorous would be better than the one larger output. You can never have too many torches, eh?
For more information, check out www.kickassproducts.com.au or call (07) 3063 4211.
