Bushnell HD Torch Square-Beam Flashlight

February 27, 2009 By Nick Mokey

Whether you consider it a necessity or novelty, this flashlight?s beam is certainly unique.

Whether you consider it a necessity or novelty, this flashlight’s beam is certainly unique.

As anyone who’s ever used a cheap flashlight knows, the beam from your typical $3 supermarket flashlight looks more like a speckled disc than a uniform slate of light. Outdoor gear manufacturer Bushnell hopes to even things out a bit with the HD Torch light, which it claims is the first to project a beam of light that’s actually square.

The anodized aluminum barrel looks like any other, but Bushnell’s custom optics give the front glass a frosted look that diffuses light from a single ultra-bright LED into its unique spread. It also throws an impressive 165 lumens and runs for 1.5 hours on two 3-volt lithium batteries (a unique type of battery that’s mostly used in heavy-duty LED lights).

Bushnell HD Torch Square-Beam Flashlight

Why a square beam? Besides the obvious unique factor, Bushnell says the beam can light up an entire wall evenly without sweeping the light back and forth, and that the four-sided pattern makes it easier to break up the ground into quadrants if you’re looking for something you’ve lost.

Other features include strobe mode for using the light to attract attention in an emergency, and a glowing B on the back that indicates battery life and helps you find the light in the dark.

The HD Torch is on sale immediately with a suggested retail price of $80. More information can be found in Bushnell’s press release.

Showing 1 comment

Ed at 4:20pm 11th February 2010 The Bushnell HD Square-beam Torch sounds like a winner, but I wish there was a rechargeable model. Spending $5 to $8 on 2 batteries with a 1.5 hour life seems a bit pricey except for govt agencies that can pass costs on to taxpayers.
I found references to a Delkin RCR-123A Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery 2-Pack w/Charger, but as they seem linked to cameras, I wonder about compatibility/functionality in continuous use, high drain situations.
FWIW, I'm still using my almost 40-year old 4 D-cell Streamlight. (I remember when I could get 4 D-cells for what 1 goes for now.) That rugged thing has outlasted a dozen other flashlights - from the $3 plastic dreck sold in supermarkets to several very reliable First Alert rechargeables to a Dorcy hi-intensity spot that failed in its first year.