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TorchNova is a tactical-style smart flashlight that aims to replace a stack of gadgets in your pack with one CNC machined torch. It mixes high output with built-in measuring tools, UV inspection and a display, which suits everything from camping and working on the ute to putting together a blackout kit at home.
The project is live on Kickstarter, with 901 backers having pledged US$107,338 so far. If you want to see how TorchNova is tracking in real time, the campaign page lays out the features, stretch goals and delivery plans in detail.
What Is the TorchNova?
TorchNova is a compact tactical flashlight that combines a 1,500 lumen white light with laser ranging, angle sensing, UV inspection and a built-in display. It targets people who want one everyday carry torch that can cover night walks, camp duties, basic measuring jobs and emergency use without swapping tools.
The campaign pitches TorchNova as an all in one smart flashlight for everyday carry and outdoor use, with a 30 metre laser measurement range, 365 nm UV LED and a magnetic tail for hands free work. Everything runs through a rotary dial and tactical tail switch, with the circular display showing brightness, runtime and battery details. You can see the full breakdown of what TorchNova: A Smarter Tactical Flashlight offers on the Kickstarter page.
TorchNova Design and Build
The makers say TorchNova is CNC machined from a solid block of AL6061 aluminium then hard anodised, so it should feel more like a workshop tool than a plastic torch. The unibody design is meant to cut down on weak points, with the housing protecting the light, laser module, sensors, battery and display as one solid piece. A deep carry pocket clip lets you run it on a pocket, belt or pack strap without it sticking out or catching.
There’s a magnetic tail cap for sticking the light to a bonnet, tool chest or other metal surface, which helps if you’re wrenching on the car or cooking at camp and need both hands. The circular screen sits near the head, framed into the body, so you can glance at power or mode instead of decoding tiny status LEDs. For a closer look at the machining and finish you can scroll through the photos on the TorchNova Kickstarter campaign.
How the TorchNova Works
TorchNova runs as a standard white light torch with up to 1,500 lumens, activated with a tactical tail switch. A rotary dial then handles brightness and mode changes, which the brand positions as a simpler alternative to multi click button sequences. The circular display shows brightness level, battery percentage and estimated runtime so you can set the output you need without guessing how much charge is left.
Beyond lighting, an integrated laser module gives you distance readings out to 30 metres and works with an internal angle sensor for slope and level checks. A 365 nm UV LED handles inspection work like checking materials or markings, while the built in battery can double as a compact 12 W power bank. Recharging is via 12 W fast charging, with the campaign claiming a full charge in about 50 minutes. You can see the feature list and diagrams for TorchNova on the Kickstarter page.
TorchNova Technical Specifications
Here are the key TorchNova details the Kickstarter campaign lists, pulled together in one place before you dive into the TorchNova tactical flashlight page.
- Platform: Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign
- Backers: 901 backers at time of writing
- Funding pledged: US$107,338 pledged so far
- Maximum white light output: Up to 1,500 lumens
- Laser measuring range: Up to 30 metres
- UV LED wavelength: 365 nm ultraviolet LED
TorchNova Pros and Cons
On paper TorchNova packs a lot into one body, but like any crowdfunded gadget there are trade offs to weigh before you put money behind TorchNova.
What We Like
- Combines white light, laser rangefinder, inclinometer and UV in one EDC torch
- 1,500 lumen output with near instant high brightness according to the campaign
- Rotary dial plus tactical tail switch for simpler one handed control
- 365 nm UV LED for clearer inspection compared to cheaper 395 nm LEDs
- Magnetic tail cap and deep carry clip support hands free and everyday use
What to Keep in Mind
- Kickstarter project so final hardware and timelines are not proven yet
- 30 m laser measuring range may not suit longer distance surveying
- Additional electronics and display add complexity compared to a basic torch
- Campaign only shows an aluminium finish, limited customisation options
What to Consider Before You Pledge
If you’re shopping for a tactical style flashlight, decide whether you want a simple bombproof light or a Swiss army style multi tool like TorchNova. Extra tech such as displays, laser ranging and UV can be useful, but they also add more to power and more potential failure points. Think about how you actually use a torch, from home emergencies to 4WD trips, and whether a multi function unit like TorchNova genuinely replaces other gear in your kit.
Kickstarter is crowdfunding, not a retail store. You’re pledging to support the development of TorchNova, not buying a finished product off the shelf, and delivery timelines on crowdfunding projects can slip. Check the risk section, delivery estimates and updates on the TorchNova Kickstarter campaign before you decide if you’re comfortable with the wait and the usual uncertainties.
Man of Many’s Verdict
TorchNova looks set to suit gear heads, outdoor types and tradies who like packing one tool that can do the work of a torch, basic rangefinder, inclinometer and UV light. If you prefer a dead simple, bombproof light with no screens or sensors, or you’re not keen on waiting out a crowdfunding build, you’re probably better off with a proven production torch and keeping an eye on how TorchNova performs once it ships to early backers.
Where to Buy TorchNova
TorchNova is available exclusively through its live Kickstarter campaign titled “TorchNova: A Smarter Tactical Flashlight”. To secure one you’ll need to choose a pledge tier on the campaign page, which outlines different reward options that range from a single flashlight through to multi unit bundles and accessories. Pricing and exact inclusions are listed only on Kickstarter, so check the current TorchNova pledge tiers for the latest details before you commit.
TorchNova FAQs
TorchNova is a tactical style smart flashlight currently funding on Kickstarter that combines a 1,500 lumen white light with a 30 metre laser rangefinder, angle sensor, 365 nm UV LED, magnetic tail and a built in display for status readouts.
TorchNova is made by Godyga, a Hong Kong based company that specialises in precision instruments like laser rangefinders, inclinometers and levels. You can find the full brand story and background on the TorchNova Kickstarter campaign.
Backing TorchNova on Kickstarter gets you a reward tied to the pledge tier you choose, typically the flashlight itself and in some tiers extra units or accessories. You’re supporting the project’s development rather than making a standard retail purchase, so check the reward descriptions on the TorchNova campaign page for exact inclusions.
The campaign lists estimated delivery windows for TorchNova on its Kickstarter page, but like any crowdfunded hardware those timelines can shift. Before you back, read the schedule and risk sections on the TorchNova Kickstarter to understand the latest estimates.
The campaign materials focus on onboard controls like the rotary dial, tactical tail switch and built in display, and don’t mention any app or Bluetooth connection. TorchNova appears to be a self contained device you operate directly on the body.
If you like the idea of condensing your torch, basic measuring tools and UV light into a single EDC unit, it’s worth scrolling through the full TorchNova: A Smarter Tactical Flashlight campaign to see if the feature set lines up with how you actually use your gear.
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