12v Lighting. Evakool or Versalite?

Submitted: Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 08:27
ThreadID: 76800 Views:6522 Replies:8 FollowUps:1
This Thread has been Archived
Just after some advice from those with a bit more experience.

The Evakool Torpedo is supposed to consume 0.45Ah and the Versalite 1.0 Ah. Both are supposed to be very bright. I know the Versalite is great from personal experience camping with others.

The Torpedo is $10.00 cheaper.

The Torpedo is claimed to be as bright as a 100w globe, the Versalite as bright as a 75w globe.

Replacement globes are available for both.

I can get a holder for the Versalite so I can place it horizontally on a pole, but not sure if I can do this with the Torpedo?

If there are other brands, same price and performance as these 2, please let me know.

All help greatly appreciated.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Rangiephil - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 11:59

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 11:59
Arlec sell a 12v 12watt light using the same tube as a Versalite for $49 at Supercheap.

Only problem is that it does not have a switch. I bought an in cable switch for $7 and spliced it in. (I bought a bedside lamp cord with switch)

So far have used it for a year or so with no problems and less that 1/2 cost .
Regards Philip A
AnswerID: 408551

Follow Up By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 12:35

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 12:35
I don't think Supercheap still sell the Arlec light - I've been looking for one for the camper. But they do sell one with their own brand - SCA - for $29.99 and it has a switch as well.

Peter
0
FollowupID: 678489

Reply By: Member -Dodger - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:43

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:43
Mate don't be cheap, go the Versa Light you won't regret it.
I have had 2 since 1995 and never had a problem. You can even purchase the yellow insert that stops most of the bug attraction.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Cheers Dodg.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 408565

Reply By: Tadooch - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:41

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:41
Hi Siringo,

I agree with dodger. I have 3 Versalites, all still going strong... 1 since '94 and 2 since '97. If household bulbs were this reliable I'd certainly pay the price for them!

Cheers.
AnswerID: 408614

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:43

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:43
I have both and they are both great lights.

The Torpedo comes with a hook to suspend it from and is quite small, having a compact fluro inside. Light output is very good indeed.

The versalite accessory bracket is very good as it fits around a tent pole and holds the light out at an angle. The bracket can be slid up or down the pole.
I have a yellow filter in the versalite to limit the attraction of insects and the light output is reduced somewhat. This light I use at the cooking end of the Camper annex.

The Torpedo hangs at the other end where insects are not a problem and illuminates the general area.

Whichever one you choose, you wont be disappointed.


Bill.

Bill


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 408615

Reply By: Member - shane (SA) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:53

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 21:53
either are good lights, I have had the versalite for over ten years and still going strong. Dont buy cheap.
Easter is coming up so some of the camping stores should have some discounts on.

Shane.
AnswerID: 408625

Reply By: Barra-2 - Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 14:23

Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 14:23
I have 2 of the ARB version of the Versa, other friends have bought them as well. $50 at the Caravan & Camping Show.

AnswerID: 408658

Reply By: Siringo - Friday, Mar 19, 2010 at 18:32

Friday, Mar 19, 2010 at 18:32
Walked into the local disposals and camping shop today and lo behold they had both lights. However the Torpedo was the old version without the inline switch. The Versa lite is actually the Primus version with a canvas bag, so I got it.

It's nice when you only have to drive 20km's to get something instead of the usual 100+ :-)
AnswerID: 409513

Reply By: Member - Flynnie (NSW) - Friday, Mar 19, 2010 at 21:17

Friday, Mar 19, 2010 at 21:17
Have just got a Versalite fluorescent light. I got the hybrid version with the 240 volt to 12 volt adaptor.

Most pleased with it. Also got the optional magnetic clamp. It works!

To me the price was not a great concern. Performance and reliability were all that mattered.

Have not seen any reason to look for other brands so cannot comment on how it compares with Evakool Torpedo.

Flynnie
AnswerID: 409530

Sponsored Links