If you've never had a high-quality torch, then you're not familiar with the world of technology packed into these small, seemingly simple devices. Some top models can cost hundreds of dollars but are meant to last a lifetime. Innovation is key in the field of flashlights, so you can expert more and more.
When it comes to what makes a good torch, I believe it should have the following characteristics:
- Delivers on its promises
- It safe to use
- Is user-friendly
- It should last for years
Spotting a good flashlight is easier when you know what to look for. I'll help you to distinguish between the good and the bad by focusing on the main features of torches.
Rechargeable Batteries
For many users, having a good-quality rechargeable battery is a must. Improvements in lithium-ion batteries explain why modern flashlights are so bright. Battery capacity and discharge rates are continuing to improve every day. And these batteries last a long time, typically between 300 and 500 charges. After that, they can be recycled.
When shopping for rechargeable batteries, look for a good-quality lithium-ion battery designed to power your specific flashlight. Watch out for fake batteries. There are tons of forger batteries available online. If they're a too-good-to-be-true deal, it's likely forger. So, buy it from a reliable torch Australia dealer.
Lumens
How many lumens do you need? Visit a torch Australia retailer and you will find many lights pumping out unrealistic numbers like 25,000 lumens or more. And while many of the lights you find available on the market don't make anywhere close the lumens they're claiming, you almost certainly don't need that many lumens for proper brightness.
As a rule of thumb, consider looking for a flashlight that can shine 800 to 1,200 lumens at its highest output. Of course, exceptions to this would be for those like search-and-rescue pros who need to light up objects far away. But for the average user, it's the lower power setting that matter the most. Lower modes are used more frequently than high, so you must get those right.
Low-Light Modes
Many torches available on the market today have a setting called "Moonlight Mode". This setting creates just a few lumens that are ideal for use inside a tent or when looking at close objects. Low power modes also don't impact your night vision, so they are great when you want just a little light to clarify the scene.
Torches featuring 100 to 200 lumens offer plenty of light to illuminate a campsite or a trail while walking. At this rate, most torches will have many hours of run time. Higher settings are better suited for fast activities like cycling on trails or spotting far-off objects.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI)
What makes a high-quality torch stand out from a low-quality one is its light colour and quality. Cheap lights often have a very blue hue, with a colour temperature of 7,000 or 8,000 Kelvin. This bluish is easy to make bright with cheap LEDs, which saves money in manufacturing. But the thing is, your eye won't like them. These LEDs will barely allow you to distinguish one colour from another. A lower colour temperature (between 3,000 to 5,000 Kelvin) will produce a more useful and appealing light.
Colour Rendering Index describes how closely the colours you see when using a flashlight compare to how they appear in natural sunlight. A good CRI of 80-90 is pretty close to sunlight. Lower numbers may not show colour well. Using high-quality LEDs that help your eye render colour will result in a much better user experience.
LEDs
Modern, quality flashlights (even affordable ones) use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Quality LEDs make all the difference in light quality, colour and efficiency. Reputable brands often use CREE or Nichia LEDs in their products. Like with batteries, watch out for counterfeits and shop from reliable retailers.
Interface
How many modes does the light have? How do you manage them? When it comes to interface, simple is likely the better. I also suggest you choose a mechanical switch over an electronic one, because electronic switches slowly drain the battery, even when the flashlight isn't in use.
Lens
This feature is often forgotten when choosing a touch, but it can greatly affect the performance if you aren't careful. You'll want to choose a model with a high quality tempered or sapphire glass lens as these are stronger and more scratch-resistant than regular glass lenses. Also, consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating as these will allow maximum light transference through the lens. Stay away from plastic lenses altogether as they scratch very easily and this can result in imperfections in the bean called artefacts.
Size/Weight
The overall size of your torch is another important consideration. If you only need something to use occasionally whilst camping or everyday use at work, then a more compact model that fits your pocket may be enough. You also won't want to do too heavy or over-sized when mounting a torch on a rifle as this could affect your shot.
