A UV flashlight makes certain things glow that you cannot see in normal light, which is why people use one to check banknotes and documents, find stains and leaks, and spot scorpions at night. The number on the torch is its wavelength in nanometres, and it affects how clean the result looks. Here are three UV torches we stock and what each does best.
Checking banknotes and documents
The most common use in Kenya is checking money. Under UV light, security markings on notes and documents show up, so a UV torch is a quick first check before you accept a large note. The same torch also works on other documents that carry UV markings.
For that job you want a torch whose beam is clean, which leads straight to the wavelength question.
365nm or 395nm: what the number means
The Superfire vZ16 and the Convoy S2+ both use a true 365nm UV-A LED. The Superfire has a filtered beam that cuts the purple spill weaker blacklights let through, and the Convoy uses a Nichia 365nm LED. The PEETPEN L13 uses 12 LEDs at 395nm.
Actual photos of the product we stock
Other jobs a UV light does
- Leaks: finding AC and coolant leaks in a garage.
- Pet stains and mould: checking at home.
- Scorpions: spotting them outdoors at night.
- Minerals: finding fluorescent minerals outdoors.
The budget option
The PEETPEN L13 is a rechargeable UV torch with 12 LEDs at 395nm, for pet stains, checking currency and documents, and scorpions. It charges over Micro USB and its battery is sold separately, so check what is included before you order.
| Feature | Superfire vZ16 UV Blacklight Torch | Convoy S2+ 365nm UV Flashlight | PEETPEN L13 UV Flashlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | |||
| Price | KSh 4,500 | KSh 5,600 Sold out | KSh 3,500 Sold out |
| Brightness Memory | No (always starts at default brightness) | Yes (remembers last used brightness) | No (always starts at default brightness) |
| Range | 50 meters | 100 meters (highest) | 50 meters |
| Runtime | 6 hours | 3 hours | 8 hours (highest) |
| Battery | 2600mAh, size 21700 | 3000mAh | 2600mAh |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 - Handles light splashes | IP65 - Dust tight and water jet resistant | IPX4 - Handles light splashes |
| Rechargeable | Yes | No | Yes |
| Stands out | Highest range | Highest runtime | |
| Link | View & Buy | View & Buy | View & Buy |
How to use a UV light well
Use it in a dim room so the glow stands out, and hold it a short distance from what you are checking. Do not shine it into anyone's eyes.
Which one to choose
For the cleanest 365nm beam, the Superfire vZ16 runs up to 6 hours on its included 21700 battery with Type-C charging. For a simple UV tool, the Convoy S2+ is IP65 rated. For a budget 395nm lamp, choose the PEETPEN L13.
Other options worth a look
- SUPERFIRE A20-X Flashlight, 1580 Lumens, 205m BeamKSh 3,000
- OSRAM 1KM Zoomable Flashlight, 1000m Beam, RechargeableKSh 4,000
- Klarus XT21X PRO Flashlight, 4400 Lumens, 336m Beam, USB-CKSh 19,500
- Klarus XT12GT Pro 1600 Lumens, 850m Long Range Tactical LED Flashlight USB-C Rechargeable Waterproof TorchKSh 13,500
- Klarus A3 Zoomable Flashlight, 2200 Lumens, 750 m Beam, USB-C RechargeableKSh 7,500
- WUBEN E19 Medical Penlight, 200 Lumens High CRI, IP68KSh 4,500
- SUPERFIRE Y20 Long Range Zoomable Flashlight, 1300 Lumens, 700 m Beam, IPX4KSh 4,100
- SUPERFIRE TN02 Magnetic EDC Flashlight, 1800 Lumens, 265m BeamKSh 3,000
Decide the main job you will use it for, then open the card to check price and stock.
Check the Superfire vZ16 UV torchKSh 4,500 · In stock
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Superfire vZ16 UV Blacklight Torch if
- You want a clean 365nm beam with a filter
- You want Type-C charging and a battery included
Pick the Convoy S2+ 365nm UV Flashlight if
- You want a Nichia 365nm UV LED
- You want an IP65 rating
Pick the PEETPEN L13 UV Flashlight if
- You want a budget rechargeable UV torch
- You are happy with 395nm
Where you would use it
- Checking cash Look for the UV security marks on a note before you accept it.
- Garage leak checks UV light reveals AC and coolant leaks that are hard to see normally.
- Night outdoors Scan the ground around camp to spot scorpions.
Things people who use the Superfire vZ16 UV Blacklight Torch often keep alongside it:
Goes well with it
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Under UV light the security markings on notes and documents show, which makes it a quick first check.
It is the wavelength of the UV light in nanometres. The Superfire vZ16 and the Convoy S2+ use true 365nm UV-A LEDs, while the PEETPEN L13 uses 395nm.
Yes. All three are listed for spotting scorpions outdoors at night.
It runs up to 6 hours on the included 21700 battery and charges over Type-C.
