Nice looking torch, well made. Nice and bright, I'll just have to remember the controls so I don't blind my fellow campers! I especially liked the piece of cardboard to protect the battery – shows real concern about your products. Richard Nelson, Camps Bay

I've been running with my new Cyclops and it's fantastic – thank you so much! Incredible value for money. Sarah Lawrence, Barrydale

I can't even begin to say how thrilled I am with my H05B Cyclops headlamp and its power! This is epic equipment – well done!! Michael Beard, Kuruman

Early days, but I think the new Cyclops is a big torch in a little body! I walked the dog to the coastal path last night using the very low beam. Then, when we got to the seaside, I put it on the bright setting and the whole area was very brightly lit – I don't think I even used the turbo mode. I had better not use the high beam if anybody else is around as I may fry their eyes! Under streetlights it was difficult to tell how powerful the red light is but I'm looking forward to using it in the Kalahari, well away from light pollution. I charged the battery fully before setting out and then topped it up when I got back, and it was full again almost immediately so the Cyclops seems very efficient. If you are right about each step down in brightness doubling the run time, I should be fine in the bush. And I think the half turn of the battery cap to make sure there isn't a vampire charge [parasitic drain] is a great feature! Ian Glenn, Vermont

I purchased a previous headlamp with a red light from Mark as a gift for a friend and on our first field test the advantages of red light in the bush became obvious. The ability to retain your night vision as well as not having mozzies and other creatures following you into your tent was a major win, but it lacked the longer beam of my previous white-only headlamp so it was not very effective for looking at animals. So I returned to the man who knows about these things and, after a very detailed discussion with Mark over a period of weeks, the H05B Cyclops finally arrived in time for my next trip. The first night at my campfire the Cyclops's deep red glow on the lowest setting discreetly lit my surroundings while allowing me to take in the stars, while a two-second press of the control button instantly ramped the red to its full potential so I could investigate the small tributary I was camped next to. The eyes I saw on the other side of the shallow ravine moved silently along, and from their movement I realised it must be a big cat. I froze, and softly tapped the button to "off", but not knowing where the predator was, and whether it was stalking me or something else, I panicked. Knowing I could never outrun a cat, a quick double tap of the button gave me all the white light I needed to try and beat the fastest land animal back to camp, but a crashing sound in the river downstream made me look that way, and then back to where I had seen the cat, only to see a bit of dust settling in the still night air. I hurried back to camp and the next morning my trusted tracker checked out the story that all creatures write in the dust. It seems the wavelength of the red light was spot on, so I went completely unnoticed by a young male leopard which was stalking a buffalo downstream, and it was only when I switched on the white light that was noticed, first by the buffalo and then by the cat. This is by far the best option right now for a really portable red light. Cheers Mark, and thank you for a wonderful experience. Weber Janse van Rensburg, Barrydale

The reviews below refer to my HP300 Cyclops headlamp, while those above relate to the H05B Cyclops (with both red and white beams) that replaced it in late 2023

I was so enjoying my improved night-sight after getting a decent torch from Mark the Torchguy that I decided to replace my dinky head torch, which was a waste of light. Mark introduced me to the Cyclops HP300b... and we are never parting company. We braai together and sleep next to each other – we are in love! My partner developed headlamp envy, and I developed separation anxiety, but Mark is an expert at levelling the playing fields so I bought the new Cyclops H05B and our home is now filled with light and happiness. What more could you want? Cheryl O'Reilly, Cape Town

Just thought I’d let you know I'm very impressed with my new HP300 Cyclops. All too often, new models are not an improvement on the original, and may even be a retrograde step in terms of quality. My old Cyclops is still fully functional after many years but the new one has useful additional features – especially the internal charging – and the "running lights" are nifty. Jeremy Bense, Pretoria

My wife bought a Cyclops, you know,
And she found that it helped her to sew,
I found it was good
For my weaving. I would
Have bought one, but instead we bought two!
Sharon and John Gowland, Rustenberg

Our two Cyclops arrived on Friday. We charged them up on Saturday and briefly tested them last night and we are super impressed! I really like how durable they feel compared to most plastic headlamps, and the way the power button operates is clever – remembering your last used setting is very helpful! The lighting is simply amazing. We’ve been using *** ****** for a while now (they cost about the same) and the Cyclops is on another level entirely. Neither of us like having a spot beam (it’s particularly bad when one has had little sleep – it has an hypnotic effect!) so the light given off by the Cyclops is just wonderful! Josh Hayman, East London

I've received the headlamp, thanks very much! I bought the Cyclops for my daughter and she is super impressed!! It feels and looks great – now to get it charged and then, tonight, neighbours beware, there's a lightshow in town!! :-) Gustav Erasmus, Garsfontein, Pretoria

I received the HP300b Cyclops a week ago. I like the way the USB charge port is hidden under a screw-down cover, preventing it from getting wet or dusty. The headlamp comes with a standard headstrap but I personally prefer the optional sports strap that also goes over the top of the head, preventing the headlamp from slipping, so you don't have to tighten it as much. The on-and-off switch is easily accessible. The Cyclops is everything one requires from a good-quality headlamp. David Swanson, Constantia

The Cyclops packs a serious punch. I haven't been able to drain the battery yet but, based on size and weight, I have no doubt I'll get many hours of use. What I like a lot about the torch is the output settings and the ability to custom tune most of the modes. I bought this headlamp for close-quarters use (camping, packing etc.) so I especially like the little floodlights on the side. All too often these torches have a hot spot when you're working right in front of your nose, but not with the soft flood lights of the Cyclops – which was really one of the main reasons I bought it. Overall build quality and headstrap comfort are good, but if you're planning on doing running/endurance training with the lamp I can see the merit in the sports headstrap – absolutely nothing wrong with the standard strap, but it won't work for running. Gustav Hoehler, Sandton

Excellent customer service from Mark. Clear and informative communication from the start which made selecting the correct headlamp a breeze. The HP300b Cyclops is a simple, no-nonsense headlamp which outperforms most in its class, making it extremely well priced and affordable. Will certainly become a repeat customer. Guy Bladen, Bathurst

My husband loves his headlamp. It's very bright, which helps a lot with his woodwork. It's a nice fit and very light, and he says it is also user friendly. His final words were absolute great value for money and.... I am not allowed to use it 😁! Thank you for your excellent service, we will definitely recommend your business and product. Nicci Smuts, Langebaan

The Cyclops HP300b is a fantastic torch – a bright long beam when you need it, plus various options to tone things down or read comfortably with a diffuse light. My favourite trick is to light up an entire room during load shedding by simply bouncing the beam off a ceiling. I love doing this in front of friends, who are blown away and slightly resentful that they don’t have one of their own yet. Just buy it – it’s a great torch! KE, Van Wyksdorp

I decided recently to upgrade my ageing generic headlamp and immediately thought of the TorchGuy. Mark has always offered very good service and advice, and this time was no different. Mark has a passion for sourcing great products at competitive prices. Obviously I needed to buy two, or there would be trouble at home, so a pair of Cyclops was duly ordered. A couple of days later our load-shedding weapons arrived, well packaged and ready to go once the batteries were charged. They are comfortable to wear, have a good range of intensity and the battery life is great. USB charging makes it easy to keep them ready for the next round of Eishkom nonsense. I’d recommend the Cyclops to anyone who needs a hands-free source of light. PS. A headlamp only helps if it’s on your head. The same evening we received them, we were plunged into darkness. My better half got up to go to the bathroom, left old one-eye on the couch next to her, and promptly walked into a table, breaking a vase. Just goes to show, if you’ve got a torch or headlamp, use it! Mike Wise, Johannesburg

My sewing comes straight from the heart
And I struggled to lighten that part
Where the seams were aligned
But now I don't mind
For my CYCLOPS just brightens the dark.
Sharon Gowland, Rustenburg

I’m afraid I will have to return the Cyclops headlamp. The first time I used it was to clean the inside of my coffee machine. The light is so strong and clear that it revealed accumulated muck that I had been missing for years. Needless to say, after a bollocking from my wife and before I'm asked to check the inside of other kitchen appliances, I will be forced to return the headlamp. Seriously, though, it’s brilliant addition to my growing collection of torches from you. Robin Holton, Sedgefield

I ordered this Cyclops and a Detective pocket torch for my husband Andrew's 40th birthday which is a month away, but we couldn't wait that long so we charged them up and tried them out last Friday. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Andrew say “that’s cool”, “that’s interesting” or just plain “huh” so many times in the space of an hour 😊. The Cyclops has lots of useful settings and is bright enough to be used as a floodlight – dynamite really does come in small packages! Thank you again for your exceptional service and expert advice. Retha Bouwer, Gqeberha/PE

In bush now. Mate loves the HP300 headlamp – I do too! Proper little pocket rocket! Using it camping and around braai here in Ntseri near Hoedspruit. Dr Carl de Coning, Cape Town

Thanks so much for organising my headlight. I am VERY IMPRESSED to say the least – such a small light and such a great beam! The only thing I am sad about is that I didn't know about Torchguy.Com YEARS AGO !!!!!!!!!! Richard Harrison, Umzumbe, KZN

I do fine-scale modelling as a hobby (see www.facebook.com/17may1940/). For work where special magnifying spectacles are needed to achieve a level of detail, the HP300 Cyclops is a tool straight from the model-making gods! The best setting for me is with the two auxiliary LEDs on – usually at half power – but when I need to scratch in the box for that elusive small component, or the tiniest bit goes flying out of the tweezers, the HP300 with all three LEDs on full power helps reduce my frustrated utterings, big time! My wife soon "borrowed" my Cyclops for reading in bed, so I gladly ordered another. Diether Etzel, Scarborough

The only thing I love more than buying local is a local who goes out of his way to make sure you’re happy – thanks a million for the help, Mark! Our first communication was late on a Sunday, and two days later the HP300 Cyclops headlamp was on my head. I bought it specifically for night-time trail running as there’s no way to catch the sun after work here in Pretoria. I can confirm it's plenty bright for running and definitely a lot more than you need for walking/ hiking or use around the house. I took the sports strap as an extra in case the normal strap was a bit bouncy, but both of the straps work like a charm. I actually prefer the normal strap on the trails as it’s easier to direct the light up or down – the rubber grip of the sports strap is a lot more firm, as it should be, so it takes a few seconds more to get the right angle for an ascent or descent. In the few days I’ve had this lamp I’ve used it quite a bit at home due to load-shedding and it's great! René Morgan, Pretoria

I was on the receiving end of an awesome Christmas prezzie last year. In our family you have to guess what it is before you open the parcel and I really struggled – I was shaking, smelling and almost tasting it to figure out what it was, with no luck. Finally I opened the box to find the HP300 Cyclops headlamp. I had a headlamp on my wish list because my old one was a bit long in the tooth (about 10 years). Fortunately I had a charged battery handy, and I figured out how to open the headlamp and put it in, press the switch and... holy crap this thing is bright!! After the spots had gone from my eyes I managed to switch it off and examine it closely. At first I had a lot of questions – unfortunately I very rarely read instructions but finally I figured it out. It's now almost two months since I got the Cyclops and believe me, it's working hard every day. Whether I'm working under the dashboard of my car, making leather holsters, hand-filing knives fresh out of the forge, or climbing in the roof to check why the geyser is not working, I can now actually see where I want to see. Adjusting the angle of the torch is effective and precise, so I get light exactly where I want it. This is my favourite headlamp of all time. It works well. The construction is solid. The headband is comfortable and adjustments are easy. Battery life is adequate (considering my favourite setting is full power!) and I always have spare batteries charged and ready to go. After (eventually) reading the guidelines you put in the box I understand the torch even better and getting to all the functions is easy. This little torch is now part of me and I will only part with it when I get another one. The only negative thing is that it gets seriously hot at full power but overall it's an awesome headlamp that I would recommend to anyone, anytime. Johan Claassen, Kempton Park

I received my HP300 Cyclops on Friday afternoon. I plugged it in, charged it and it works perfectly. I cannot thank you enough! Your information pamphlet was also very good, so thank you for that. I will be recommending you to anyone and everyone :-) Georgia Carpenter, Randburg

My wife is really pleased with the HP300 Cyclops – she even read the user manual :-) Vast improvement on her previous headlamp, and the two side lights add to the functionality of the headlamp. Francois Peenz, Randburg

Thank you for the super-fast service – I was surprised at how quickly the order got to me. My next surprise was that you'd sent me empty boxes, closely followed by the third surprise that there were indeed two HP300 headlamps inside! Of course mine was instantly opened and tested... excellent! My previous headlamp was the CH10 Cyclops and this is a huge step up – much lighter, no fiddling with the battery cover to turn on/off, easy-access strobe and I think the parking lights are going to be really useful when I need a more diffuse light. I went for the larger 3,500mAh battery on both headlamps and now I just need an extended night ride to see what it can do! Speaking of rides, that's the superpower of these headlamps – I love how they shine where you look, so you can have a handlebar light pointing straight ahead and the HP300 looking "around corners", which is really useful on singletrack at night. The 3,500 Keeppower will give just that much more time compared to the 2,600 batteries I had in my old headlamp, and the strobe will hopefully never be needed but is a very nice-to-have feature. The CH10 was my old go-to, the HP300 is quite a bit better... and my wife can open hers at Xmas time! Richard Watson, Rivonia

Just wanted to let you know that I have received the HP300 Cyclops. Really impressed with the new version of this headlamp, and a little sad I'm giving it away as a gift... Martyn Freemantle, Fish Hoek

The above reviews refer to the HP300 Cyclops – if you would like to read the reviews for the D10 Cyclops which it replaced, read on...

So, we went on a little fastpacking adventure near the Bourke's Luck Potholes, where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet. Bad weather was forecast so we decided to not spend the night on the mountain but to do an easy eight-hour hike... or so we thought! Luckily I packed three essential items "just in case" – a space blanket, a rain jacket, and my D10 Cyclops headlamp. It started off really well, with beautiful scenery and tough hiking. Then the trail disappeared and we got stuck in a forest for four hours, leopard crawling just to move forward. We started worrying because we weren't equipped to spend the night but, with some swearing, digging deep and good old Afrikaner hardegatgeit, we got through the forest, with the promise of ice-cold beer at basecamp keeping us going! Then it got dark, the weather moved in, and we still had a long way to go. Luckily I had my rain jacket, the space blanket for my buddy who brought no such luxuries, and the Cyclops which guided us through 20km of mist, rain, rocks, mountains and shacks, back to camp where we arrived at 22h45, tired, wet, cold and bloody. All in, we did 43 km in 14 hours, after we planned to do 28 km in 8 hours. One thing is for sure – without that headlamp things would have ended differently, maybe even seriously bad. Thanks for the Cyclops, Mark, I use it daily! Emile van der Westhuizen, Hoedspruit.

I love the Cyclops headlamp – couldn’t wait to get home yesterday and try it out! It's comfortable to wear, easy to operate and gives perfect light! I like that it starts at half power, rather than maximum or minimum – it saves time cycling through the different settings. I think this little chap is going to be more than useful and I highly recommend it! Keith Burger, Gqeberha/PE

I received the parcel in good order. The D10 was the correct choice I am very pleased with its performance vs my *********. There is just no comparison between them. Henk Gelderblom, Randburg

My Cyclops headlamp arrived on time as expected, nicely packaged with a well-written manual. If I compare it to my trusty old ******** the Cyclops clearly has it beat in terms of output, but this may be because of the beam profile with a central spot and surrounding spill-beam while my old headlamp is pure flood, more suited to indoor stuff. Both have a pleasing tint although, to my eyes, the Cyclops seems to show colours better – things like grass look more natural. The Cyclops is much lighter but both are comfortable to wear and I would rate their user interfaces as equal. My old headlamp would cost much more to replace today and does have a premium feel to it... so is the Cyclops badly built? No. If I look at what you can buy at the major retailers for the same money it's a no-brainer… just get a Cyclops. Walter Smit, Kuils River, CT

I took advantage of the recent long weekend to treat the family to a stay at a Lowveld B&B. We arrived after dark – and I am talking PITCH DARK here! We were met by our host who had a big torch emitting a paltry light which any self-respecting glow worm would have sneered at. He tried to show us the way to our unit but we couldn't see much so I hauled out my trusty Cyclops headlamp and switched it on. Suddenly our way forward was clearly revealed, much to the admiration of mine host. It's amazing how versatile and effective these headlamps are. Tony Newell, Bedford View, Jhb

I'm using my D10 Cyclops most days. I love the fact that the first click is where I use it most, and I don't have to click again unless I need even more light. Your service and zest for your business precedes you! Calvin Smit, Gqeberha

Hi Mark, I live in Durban North and have patrolled and stood sentry at checkpoints all week (July 2021) often into the small hours. My trusty D10 Cyclops headlamp and torch have proved invaluable and lit up the surroundings, making it a better place to be. I was very happy to have them and to put them to good use. Ian Shaw, Mount Edgecombe

Fantaaaaastic torch, the D10ii Cyclops!! All that power in such a little body! Wonderful. Completely blown away by the brightness and the distance. And I love the classy finish. My only quibble is the colour of the headband – I’d happily pay a little more for something prettier – but I really appreciate your foresight in supplying a replacement headband (the headbands of two of my last torches died long before the torch itself started showing its age). KE, Van Wyksdorp

I recently purchased the D10ii Cyclops headlamp. I had my doubts on how it would feel compared to my old CH10, but after using it for fishing and braaing at my home-away-from-home in Richards Bay. I am blown away!! I love the USB charging function and the simple head strap supplied with the headlamp as a spare. The fact that I don't have to open the torch every night to charge the battery really excites me – [I just connect it to a USB port/cellphone charger] and my headlamp is ready for fishing the next night. I really love headlamps although I'm not sure that I need any more – I already have four and only one head! Grant Wittstock, Durban

My headlamp arrived fine and the upgraded D10 is fantastic thanks. Dave Hensman, Mount Edgecombe

It is a sheer pleasure to handle and use my D10 Cyclops headlamp. I'm amazed at the brilliance of this light every time I switch it on! I brag about it everywhere I go and I'm quite sure some sales will come to you from my jealous friends! Jaco van Niekerk, Somerset West

I received my new D10 Cyclops today and I've just finished putting it to the test. My immediate reaction is – WOW!! Oh, all right, I'll go into a bit more detail... The first thing that stands out is that it is a lot lighter than the original CH10 Cyclops and is therefore much more comfortable to wear. It's also a lot more user-friendly in its operation – there is just one button to press for on/off and all the various functions, instead of the wheel-like on/off switch on the old Cyclops which I never found that easy to use. The powerful beam combined with four more brightness levels makes this a real winner of a headlamp and I can't wait to show it off to my hiking buddies. The only problem is that my wife has taken an instant liking to it and I am therefore left with no choice but to place an order for a second D10 in the interests of marital harmony. Tony Newell, Bedfordview, Jhb

When people pray in tongues it’s usually because they just don’t have the words. Well I need to talk about the new D10ii Cyclops in tongues because I just don't have the words to express what I really want to say! Amazing, outstanding, surprising, insane, are what comes to mind, but is that enough? I was gobsmacked when compared to my old one – sorry, but there is actually no comparison, the two are like chalk and cheese! The head strap is very comfortable and secure. The size of the torch is perfect and the performance is outstanding. I'm amazed by every torch I have bought from you, but this one was the biggest surprise of all. Insane!! Sally Klem, Port Elizabeth

I've received my D10 headlamp – thank you once again. I must say it's very nice – quite a step up from the old CH10.  I just removed the standard strap and fitted the high-performance headstrap and it works very well. Very very happy! Thanks again for your excellent after-sales service – you don't get that often. Pieter Vermeulen, Panorama, Cape Town

I received my D10 Cyclops yesterday. I tested it last night and I think it was money well spent. Solid product! Robert du Preez, De Doorns

With the dark winter mornings approaching and potholes unfixed during lockdown, I asked Mark to recommend a torch to mount on my bicycles. As per his recommendation I purchased two D10 Cyclops. Well, he was spot on, these little guys light up the whole road, showing oncoming vehicles we are there and preventing the Mrs and me from disappearing into potholes. They burn at full power (without overheating) with the more powerful 3500mAh batteries for the entire ride, anything from 30 to 150 minutes, and when the sun comes up we keep them flashing for visibility. Russell Laing, Umhlanga

I wanted to say thanks for the absolutely fantastic Cyclops D10 that I recently bought from you. The purchase process and delivery was very efficient and I was amazed at the power from such a little torch. It's very nifty as a handheld for the braai or a headlamp for a cycle or a jaunt in the ceiling. I'm converted... bigger is not always better!! Alan Bosch, Durban

My thoughts on the Cyclops – I am very impressed to say the least! The first click (half power) already puts my cheap ********* headlamp to shame! The Cyclops is very versatile with all the settings, and varying levels of brightness for long distance and close up. And the charging port is a cool upgrade. No regrets! Daniel Chupp, Alexandria

My impressions of the Cyclops? Honestly? I loooooove this light! On full power my backyard looks like sunrise! Amazing for such a small light! Really like the fact that when you switch it on, it's always on half power and it's easy to change the brightness settings. The lowest setting is perfect for reading and the built-in charger is a stroke of genius! I wish I had a reason to buy another one! Louw Burger, Albertinia

This is without doubt one of THE best torches I've ever owned. Of course it's not the brightest compared to the big boys but it’s plenty bright enough for my needs – mountain- and road-biking, keeping an eye on the braai, slipping into my luggage for a weekend away etc., etc. Its fairly unusual shape is a game-changer, making it really easy to handle and to stand on its end or side. The plug-in charging is really neat and saves the need to take the battery out every time (I charge it after every bike ride). I can't recommend it highly enough! James Baber, Cape TownFirstly I would like to say thank you for the headlamps and for your advice. I received the Cyclopses late Friday evening and they are just brilliant! The handle bar mounts fit perfectly over the stem which allows the light to be mounted in the middle of the bike, and the light doesn't move around at all, which is another plus point. I rode with one early Saturday morning and now I can't wait for the night ride on the public holiday on Wednesday. PS: They are great for bird watching – I spotted an eagle owl catch and feed on a swallow last night, and used the light on low to identify him and get a photo. Fred Aslett, Johannesburg

The Cyclops have arrived. Thanks again for your usual prompt response and delivery. The Cyclops certainly are lighter than the predecessor (the CH10) which is great as they will be used especially for evening trail runs. Added bonus of course is the USB charging. Packaging and instructions are complete and intuitive, as we have come to expect from the TorchGuy. Helmut Niebuhr, Kempton Park

I had a couple of the original Cyclops CH10 headlamps for years, and gave several to friends who all loved them. Recently I bought a new D10 and was pleasantly surprised to find it was an improvement in just about every way despite costing less. It's lighter than the old one, which helps when you wear it for a long time, and it is even brighter. But the real improvement, for me, is the new on/off switch – it's easy to operate and avoids having to unscrew the end cap to turn the headlamp off fully. The other particularly useful change is the new USB charging socket – ideal for travelling. Really, at this price there is no competition! Chris de Villiers, Somerset West

I've gone through at least five headlamps over the years but the D10 Cyclops has become my go-to light. It's small, relatively light and has different brightness levels (quite frankly the lowest level is enough for a braai!) I've used the torch on the Orange River and did not have to change or charge the battery for the whole trip. I found two downsides to my setup: although I really like the option of removing the light from the strap, I would like a slightly sturdier clip to hold it in place – I've knocked the torch out by accident once or twice. Secondly, although the built-in charging port is extremely convenient, if you remove the battery to charge it, it's difficult to remember which end should go in first (both ends have a spring), so a little "+" or "-" mark on the ends of the torch would be good. Overall this is a very neat torch – I would highly recommend it to someone who wants a headlamp. Chris Trauernicht, Cape Town

Having been a Torchguy fan for years, I was recently asked by my new daughter-in-law to help her as she’s doing her internship at Addington Hospital where there’s often poor lighting or no lighting at all! I bought her the Cyclops D10 headlamp, and it has changed her life and caused my son to be extremely envious. It lasts for absolutely ages and delivers an incredible punch of light. I have one of these headlamps and cannot recommend them highly enough. Craig Campbel-Gillies, Berea, Durban

My D10 Cyclops stays much cooler compared to my other headlamp – I've even used it to light up the ceiling. The USB charging option is a first for me. It replaced the old headlamp. Anton Ingram, Springs

I like to use my Cyclops headlamp for reading in bed before nodding off, especially when we're in a BnB as the reading lights in most places are appalling. On one occasion I was reading (Cyclops assisted) when I heard a rustling noise coming from one of the roof rafters above me. I switched my Cyclops on to full beam and found, perched on the rafter above the bed, a little mouse (which I later identified as a Spectacled Dormouse ) peering down at me, apparently transfixed by the brightness of the Cyclops beam. He was a cute little fellow, a sentiment not shared by my wife, and I quickly switched the Cyclops off in the twin interests of the mouse’s eyesight and marital harmony. Talk about game watching from the bed!! Tony Newell, Bedford View, Jhb

I totally fell in love with the old CH10 Cyclops headlamp, so much so that I ended up with a few of them. So when the D10 came out I had to get one, and I found that "good" had become even better! It's lighter, more compact, and the in-device charging makes it a winner for me. The only thing better than your torches, Mark, is your service. Ivor Smith, Gordon's Bay

The D10 Cyclops headlamp is awesome, whether I'm starting a hike in the dark or mucking about at a cabin in the Cederberg when the sun drops below the horizon and suddenly it's pitch dark. The Cyclops is the best headlamp I have ever owned and very comfortable to wear – it's not nearly as heavy as it looks – with the added bonus that it can be a very good pocket torch by unclipping it from the headband. Thanks for your brilliant service. CWB, Pinelands, CT

Having spent many frustrating evenings as the Eskom giant slowly ran out of power and "loadshedding" became the buzzword among us light-deprived South Africans, we decided to take the proverbial bull by the horns and try the D20 Cyclops head torch supplied by Mark Loudon – fondly known as The Torch Guy. Mark proudly says ‘he saw the light’ many years ago and, in the pukka South African spirit, has shown us the way (so to speak) to obviate the many frustrations of living in the murky glow of third-world illumination devices. We purchased the D20 mainly for reading at night when the lights get switched off at prime time, before the old bod is quite ready for doodoobyes. This little chap is super easy and comfortable to use, complete with an onboard USB charging facility – it's a no brainer for everyone to own this little beast! Do yourself a favour and check out Mark’s comprehensive range of torches and experience his great service – it's BETTER than world class, and a surprising rarity in good old South Africa! Grant Wood, Umzumbe, Hibberdene

My headlamp has arrived and been unpacked and first impressions are very good. The zoom on the D20 is far more useful than I thought it would be – being able to change the spread of the beam for use indoors and outdoors is fantastic. Overall a really fantastic little light! Glen Dowie, Lone Hill, Jhb

I've just bought two D10 Cyclops headlights – they are amazing, and so superior to the store-bought variety. They also make living through load shedding semi tolerable. I have a camping-mad son who is jaundiced about my ravings about the quality of my TorchGuy torches, so I gave the second of my headlamps to his delightful girlfriend with the proviso that he is not allowed to use it when they go camping this weekend. At his first glimpse of the beam strength he started to turn green – when they get back I suspect he'll be looking like Shrek unless she capitulates and allows him to test it. Love does silly things to people, but maybe camping with a grumpy headlampless boyfriend is worth sharing a torch for! Your customer for life, Rose Poultney, Linden, Jhb

I bought my D10 Cyclops last year and it is truly a gift that keeps on giving! Thanks again for the AWESOME service and quality. Tehan Botha, Centurion

Thanks Mark, the Cyclopses were received in good order and they work great! As always your passion for what you do and your confidence in your product sets you apart. Brent Fairlie, Parkwood

Picked up my parcel today wow that was fast delivery. ******** should learn a thing or two from you. On paper the Cyclops D10 might not look that impressive but it performs way above its weight class. It really surprised me! I love the old Cyclops CH10 but the new D10 Cyclops will probably replace it and go into my braai bag because it's just so much lighter with the same performance. Great little torch for when you need both hands to braai that perfect steak. Jaco van Wyk, Rustenburg

The D10 Cyclops head-torch is a real success – it is so much more user-friendly than the older (CH10) version. I think a big plus is that it can be switched on using one hand (two fingers actually) and the variety of functions are perfectly adequate for my purposes – I use it every day! GB, Kloof

Over the years I've acquired a few torches from Mark. His quality and service have made me come back every time, despite other attractive offers out there. A headlamp cannot give you the power a handheld torch can but, even though I have a few headlamps and torches, the D10 Cyclops is my most practical and most used light. I highly recommend it, and highly recommend the service provider! Ivor Smith, Gordon's Bay

I go out on my mountain bike before five in the morning when there's limited visibility and I seem to be the target for all taxis coming from Tembisa township. Even lights I bought from the supposed specialist, a cycling shop, did not solve my problem – I found they could not strap onto my bike safely (it's an extra small ‘S’ shaped frame) and those that were bright enough bounced around on rough ground so I spent a lot of time adjusting and re-attaching them. However the D10 Cyclops headlamp is amazing both as a regular headlamp and cycling light. I now have one on the handlebar, one as a rear warning light (with a "traffic wand") and one on my helmet. Their brightness is easily adjustable while cycling, so I feel safe on the road and do not blind oncoming cars and pedestrians. I love the concept of USB-rechargeable lights which you can charge from a powerbank or cellphone charger. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries initially cost a lot but in the long run they work out cheaper and give more runtime. With a click of the button I can choose between five light intensities and the Cyclops even has an SOS and "find me" feature for emergencies. The D10 doubles as a practical torch, slips easily into a pocket, handbag or car cubbyhole so it's always handy, and can even be turned into a lantern with a white plastic bottle. I'm really enjoying the lantern feature as I rent a cottage which shares a window with the owners' bedroom – with me getting up at four in the morning to go cycling I'm sure they appreciate me not putting on my bedroom light! And now I can offer a whole lot of lights from cycling shops – going cheap, very cheap! Julie Horvitch, Midrand

I have just returned from a 23-day St Alban's College Journey across 480km of our country from Pretoria to Machadodorp. We traveled through mielie fields, mountains, rivers and some of the most beautiful wilderness areas our country has to offer. Our first two days merged into one as we cycled through the whole night, had a quick breakfast, then put on our backpacks and started a 20km hike, arriving at Camp 2 at 8pm. Luckily I had my new D10 Cyclops headlamp! After cycling and walking through the entire first night I still used my headlamp to pitch tent, cook meals and pack up early in the morning for the next four days. On day six I replaced the 2600mAh battery and my headlamp lasted for the remaining 17 days, using it every night for pitching my tent, cooking, reading, packing up and cooking again, as well as a few visits to the "lavor-tree". What an excellent product! Mel de Kock, St Albans College, Pretoria

I love the D10 Cyclops – there are some substantial improvements over the old model, and I particularly like the new charging system. When I'm in Botswana I just plug it into my cellphone charger and off we go. I am not as excited about the new headstrap and in particular the holder. It seems a bit flimsy and I have found that it's too easy to accidentally knock the torch out – I may just put the new torch in the old head strap. Once again thank you for your tremendous service. Jan Arkert, Uniondale

As you say – the D10 Cyclops is built to a price point. I bought a lot as gifts and will probably give them all away rather than keep one for myself as originally planned. For the price it's a great torch as a gift but unfortunately overshadowed in terms of quality by the more expensive torches in your range. Matt Archer, Sandton

The D10 Cyclops has arrived in good order and is working very well as always. I particularly like the USB facility, so you can charge the battery without having to remove it. The friend to whom this is going will appreciate this feature as he hates all the different chargers and gismos – he is always ranting about the electronics industry not standardising so he will be delighted to find this comes with a standard USB cable. The headlamp as a unit is impressive. I like the switch on the side and rank it right next to my Cyclops as far as quality and performance are concerned. The reduction in weight is also noticeable. All in all I think it is a good product and I will certainly recommend it to my friends in future. Bazil du Preez, Pretoria

My Cyclops headlamps are exceeding my expectations! I use them every morning while getting ready for work, and most evenings to either read or do household chores. I am really happy. Maximillian Nebe, Cape Town

I apologise for taking so long to get back to you but I've now had some time to test out the D10. It arrived on time and all in order. I recently climbed and summited Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe route and had the Cyclops with me the whole way. I used it every night, including the summit night, where I had it on from 11pm till 7am the next day. Although I had a spare battery I didn't need to use it. I am very impressed and happy with my purchase. Thank you for a great product! Murray Church, Pretoria

I’ve just spent the last 20 mins playing with the D10. Very nice headlamp indeed! It has one of the nicest tints I have seen on any flashlight – I love neutral tints and this little beauty gets four thumbs up. The different modes have just the right output levels and are very well configured for all purposes. The balance between flood and distance is simply outstanding. This is really a fantastic all rounder! José Murta, Kempton Park

I received a Cyclops D10 headlamp for my 83rd birthday. It is fantastic! When not camping I use it to read in bed at night. Really a brilliant birthday gift. Muriel Williamson, Port Elizabeth

I recently upgraded from the Cyclops CH10 to the D10 and use it mainly for cycling. The new version of the Cyclops is noticeably smaller than the old one, so fits more cleanly onto my bikes, and it weighs quite a bit less which is always a bonus. In terms of price it’s an absolute steal compared to most cycling lights, and it doesn’t have the external battery and annoying cables that go with them. Despite the price it performs like a beast! The on/off switch is better placed, larger and easier to use – a major improvement. Charging is also much improved – no need to take the battery out and charge it in an external charger, just plug a mini-USB cable right into the torch! All-in-all I’m delighted, and highly recommend either upgrading or treating yourself to a decent headlamp-slash-cycling light for the first time. James Baber, Higgovale

The D10 Cyclops won't break the proverbial bank but the cost-savings do show in some areas. The housing is built from lightweight aluminium with a fairly coarse square thread, but the weight saving is an advantage and I've not had any problems with cross-threading. I found the user interface to be intuitive and functional although a mode memory would be useful. Having onboard charging (at this price!) is a brilliant feature – it tends to slightly short-charge the battery but this doesn't seem to affect the run-time and actually serves to extend the battery life. I've also found the onboard charger allows you to use the light while it's connected to a USB source even if there's no battery fitted – a great feature during power-cuts. The fact that the Cyclops uses an 18650 battery gives it an outstanding run-times, which is the primary reason I bought it. During the recent Jaguar Simola Hill-Climb event in Knysna I used it for extended periods from the Thursday to the Monday, both day and night, on the mid-setting and not once did I need to re-charge the 3400mAh battery. Just amazing!! The beam is a fairly floody neutral white with a noticeable hot-spot. Sitting at a desk the brightest part of the beam is around 20cm across, which is ideal for repair-type activities, while using it outdoors at a braai is perfect in all respects. The tilt system offered by the D10's bracket is stunning – it's easily adjusted with one hand in small increments – but the head-strap itself will probably show signs of wear after limited use. The nylon adjustment-restraints offer limited resistance but I found that by re-positioning the bracket to where the strap is doubled (after adjusting it to the size of my head) solved this problem. Overall, if you require a great all-round headlamp without taking a loan from your bank manager, this should be your first choice! Brian Turner, Port Elizabeth

My wife tested her Cyclops D10 by seeing if she could read music with the house lights off while sitting at the piano – a situation that does happen when she is trying to teach pupils during load shedding – and the Cyclops passed! Thank you for including your own instruction leaflet which is informative, practical and not all technical jargon. I am always astounded at how an advanced nation like the Chinese can make such wonderful appliances and then provide a set of badly-written instructions in print so small I literally have to use a magnifying glass to read it! Stewart Paterson, Edenburg, Johannesburg

Well, well, well. I got home and charged the battery on the D10. What a surprise! This headlamp outperforms the ******** ***** by a fair margin and is on a par with the old CH10 Cyclops, except that the ******** costs 4 x more than the D10, and the CH10 was about double! What makes the D10 one of the best buys currently is the battery life, which is over three hours at full power! This is everything for night work! Where else in SA can you buy a quality headlamp with that kind of battery life for R395? Derick Welgemoed, Beaufort West

My Cyclops D20s are perfect! The flood is exactly what I wanted – together with the dimming they are ideal for cooking, reading and other close work, while the high beam is okay for walking. They have passed the darkest camp test - all round very happy! De Waal Fourie, Midrand

I received my D10 Cyclops headlamp and tested it against the old CH10 – the new one is far better and I like the neutral white light – very nice! Thank you as always for the fast delivery and a quality product. Mike Blyth, Howick

I have just received the Cyclops D10 headlamp and used it for a trail run and a braai. I am impressed! The torch and strap are robustly built – the black aluminium casing is strong and appears to be able to withstand the rigours of use that I attend to put it through while camping and trail running. This is my first headlamp which I can recharge just by plugging in my cell charger, which is so much easier than having to remove AAA batteries and put them in a charger. The 600 or so lumens that it puts out are more than enough for trail running, and all obstacles can be seen with ease. At the braai this weekend the lower brightness setting was more than adequate to determine the state of my rump steak! A big thumbs up for this torch so far. Dave Hensman, Umhlanga

Have a laugh. While playing with the settings on my new Cyclops D10 l looked at the low beam... and then turned it on to high. That was 20mins ago and I'm still seeing stars!! It's a great headlamp. More feedback when l return from a motorbike trip to Lesotho in May. Kim Selwood, Assagay

The build quality, light output and beam colour of the D10 are all good – even very good at the price. The USB charging is a real joy, and the user interface seems dead right to me. The beacon and strobes are a nice touch even though they may be of limited usefulness. The new Cyclops delivers a good light output on max but does get hot and does not step down. The medium output when you turn on is ok I guess, but the lowest setting is brighter than I would choose – I'd like to see it turning on at the last-used level, and the lowest setting to be one lumen or less. Apart from those reservations I'd say that this is the best value that one can get in a torch! Andre Wessels, Bryanston

During a recent fishing expedition to a classified location (which every fisherman in Cape Town seems to have heard about, judging by the number of anglers on the beach) I had an opportunity to test my new Cyclops D10 headlamp. It's a compact headlamp with a solid metal housing and rechargeable battery. I challenge you to go to any store countrywide and ask about lumens and lux to test the salesperson's knowledge. Well, I did exactly that with Mark the Torch Guy – and did I get a lesson and a half! I was impressed beyond my wildest expectations, not only with his knowledge (and good banter) but also by a superb product that really speaks for itself. The lighting modes are in a league of their own, with five brightness levels, strobe, SOS and a "bliksem mode" (you think it's off, so you look at the lens...). It's well designed, solidly built and comfortable to wear, with a glow-in-the-dark green button and rubber o-rings to seal the two screw caps. The output of the LED is the best part – in fact I got a few questions regarding this on the beach. It's brighter than any headlamp or torch that I have ever owned. The cons: the different modes take a bit of getting used to. Standing waist-high in water in the dark with waves crashing around you may not be the best place to try it out for the first time. On the other hand, by the end of the night I had the modes REALLY figured out. The weight of the headlamp is heavier than some but I was wearing a beanie and the strap provided is excellent – I didn’t feel the weight at all, and my head didn't feel like it was in a vice. I bought the D10 with the optional high-capacity 3500mAh battery for longer runtimes and I’m not sorry at all. Another two features of this little gem are the price and the backup service you get. So how was the fishing? Well, I landed a barrow load of kelp... Kevin Gardner, Cape Town