365nm vs 395nm UV Torch: Which Wavelength Do You Need?

A 365nm UV torch is the better choice when you need to see stains, scorpions or security marks clearly, because its shorter wavelength produces less visible purple haze than a 395nm blacklight. This guide is for anyone in Kenya shopping for a UV torch and trying to decide between the Convoy S2+, the PEETPEN L13 and the Superfire vZ16. It explains what each wavelength reveals, how the three torches differ, and which one fits your job, so you can pick with confidence.

What is the real difference between 365nm and 395nm UV light?

The main difference is how much visible purple light comes out with the UV. A 395nm torch sits closer to the visible spectrum, so it throws a purple wash that can mask faint fluorescence. A 365nm torch emits a shorter UV-A wavelength, so stains and marks glow more clearly against a darker background.

In practice that means a 365nm beam is dimmer to the eye, but the things you are looking for glow brighter by comparison. On a 395nm torch the floor or note itself looks purple, which makes a faint stain or mark harder to pick out.

The Superfire vZ16 adds a filter in front of the emitter, which cuts down the purple spill even further. That makes it easier to see exactly where a stain or leak is, rather than guessing through a haze.

Which UV torch is best for pet stains and mould checks?

For pet urine and mould, a 365nm torch gives the clearest reveal because the fluorescence stands out with less purple background. The Convoy S2+ uses a Nichia 365nm UV LED and is built for exactly this: showing pet stains, scorpions and forensic evidence that are invisible under normal light.

The Superfire vZ16 also works well for pet stain and mould checks at home, and its filtered beam helps you see the edges of a stain more sharply.

Which UV torch suits currency and document checks?

Both wavelengths can reveal security features on banknotes and official documents, but a 395nm blacklight is the common choice for quick checks. The PEETPEN L13 uses 12 LEDs at 395nm and is listed for verifying currency and documents.

The Superfire vZ16 at 365nm also works for security marking verification on notes and documents, and its cleaner beam can make fine marks easier to see.

For a shop, a moneychanger or anyone handling a lot of cash, the wider spread of the 12-LED PEETPEN covers a whole note quickly. For fine details, the filtered beam of a 365nm torch can be easier on the eyes.

Which UV torch is right for spotting scorpions outdoors?

Scorpions fluoresce under UV light, and both 365nm and 395nm torches can reveal them at night. A 365nm torch gives a brighter, more distinct glow with less purple wash, which helps when you are scanning grass or rocks.

That matters on a farm, a campsite or a night patrol around a compound, where the ground is full of leaves, stones and dry grass that all reflect some purple light. The cleaner glow of a 365nm torch helps you separate a real animal from background clutter.

The Convoy S2+ is listed for spotting scorpions at night, and the PEETPEN L13 is also listed for spotting scorpions outdoors. The Superfire vZ16 is listed for spotting scorpions or fluorescent minerals outdoors.

How do the three torches compare on runtime and charging?

Runtime and charging differ enough to matter for how you will use the torch. The Convoy S2+ runs for 3 hours on a 3000mAh 18650 battery and is not rechargeable, so you need a separate charger. The PEETPEN L13 runs for 8 hours on a 2600mAh battery and charges over Micro-USB, but the battery and cable are sold separately. The Superfire vZ16 runs for up to 6 hours on an included 2600mAh 21700 battery and charges over Type-C with the cable included.

All three are rated IPX4 or IP65 for water resistance, and none are zoomable. The Convoy S2+ has brightness memory, while the other two always start at default brightness.

Torch	Wavelength	Range	Runtime	Charging	Brightness memory	Water resistance
Convoy S2+	365nm Nichia	100 metres	3 hours	18650 cell, separate charger	Yes	IPX4 or IP65 rated
PEETPEN L13	395nm, 12 LEDs	50 metres	8 hours	Micro-USB	No	IPX4 or IP65 rated
Superfire vZ16	365nm UV-A, filtered	50 metres	Up to 6 hours	Type-C	No	IPX4

What should you check before buying a UV torch?

Before you buy, confirm the wavelength matches your main task. If you need to see faint stains or scorpions clearly, choose 365nm. If you mainly check banknotes or documents, 395nm is common and works.

• Check whether the battery and charging cable are included; the Convoy S2+ and PEETPEN L13 need extra items.
• Check the water resistance rating if you will use it outdoors in damp conditions.
• Check the runtime and whether the torch has brightness memory.
• Check the beam range against how far away you expect to look, from a sofa cushion at arm's length to a rock five metres away on a night walk.

Once you know your main job, the wavelength choice becomes simple.

Who a UV torch is not for

A UV torch is a specialist tool, not a general light. It is not for walking a path, lighting a room or fixing a car at night, because the beam is dim by design and the glow only shows fluorescent things. If you need everyday light, look at a normal white torch instead.

It is also not an instant answer for every stain. Some cleaning products and dyes leave their own glow, and old marks can be very faint. Use the torch as one piece of evidence, not a final verdict.

Which one should you pick?

Where you would use it

Other options worth a look if your first choice is unavailable.

For a closer look at the Superfire vZ16, see our full review.

Related guide · 5 min readSuperfire vZ16 Review: A UV Torch That Shows What Hides →

Ultraviolet Flashlights

Whichever wavelength you choose, the key is to match the torch to the task. If you want a true 365nm beam with a filtered glow for stains or scorpions, the Superfire vZ16 is in stock and ready to go.

Check the Superfire vZ16KSh 4,500 · In stock

Frequently asked questions