Torch Light Buying Guide

Whether you are hillwalking, camping, or just taking your dog out for a stroll, once the sun goes down, you will be in need of a light source. A portable handheld electric lamp, known as a torch, will come in handy in many different situations.

Torches come in a variety of shapes and sizes - from bright pocket torches that truck into the smallest of spaces to monster bright beams that when in full power can illuminate an entire football pitch. In this article, we are going to discuss the key features that you should bear in mind when choosing your torch.

When looking for a practical rechargeable torch light, you will find various models and sizes. Regardless of the model you choose, one is the same for all rechargeable flashlights - they all feature a lithium-ion battery and can be charged once the battery is flat. They are recharged through a USB connection from a computer, solar panel, or AC or DC power outlet. An indicator light on the casing shows when it should be charged. A rechargeable torch reduces the cost of buying batteries. Following this, rechargeable torches are also more environmentally friendly.

A rechargeable torch light is an ideal choice for those who are always on the go or those who tend to use it more often. This torch often provides more light when compared to a battery-powered torch.

Non-rechargeable torch light is a torch that is powered by regular alkaline batteries. The type of alkaline battery you will need will depend on the size of the torch you have chosen. The brightness and run time also depend on the type of battery used. For instance, large spotlight torch lights often use D batteries, while smaller or head torches usually use AA or AAA batteries. If you chose a non-rechargeable torch for your extended trip, it's recommended to fit new batteries before you go and always take spares.

When choosing a torch light also bear in mind when and where you're going to use the torch. If you plan to go camping, hiking or any place that is likely to be very cold, you should know that alkaline batteries will perform poorly in such conditions, i.e. they will have reduced power and runtime. Therefore, a torch light powered by lithium batteries might be the better choice.

The light output is measured in lumens, which indicate how bright it is. The more lumens a torch produces, the brighter the light will be. For instance, a flashlight that has an output od 1000 lumens is going to be brighter and have a further beam distance than a torch with say 180 lumens.

How many lumens is good for a torch? - you may ask. In most cases, a luminosity of around 100-150 is pretty adequate. However, it still depends on what are you going to use the torch for. There are flashlights that deliver light of 3000+ lumens.

When it comes to the type of bulb used, LED (light-emitting diode) lights are usually the preferred choice. They offer greater energy efficiency, better battery consumption, more brightness, and better impact resistance than other types of bulb.

Most models of flashlights offer 2-4 modes - low, medium, high and turbo or boost. You may rarely all use the modes, but having the option to throw an extra-strong beam on demand can be useful in certain situations. However, know that the brighter the mode is, the shorter the runtime of the battery will be.

The main housing of the torch should be strong, durable, light and water-resistant. Generally, they are made of metal, plastic or rubber. There are many modern metal torches made from an aluminium alloy. More expansive models might be made from titanium which is both light and strong.

Plastic torches, on the other hand, are lighter and cheaper than their metal counterparts, but they're far less robust. If you decide to go for a plastic torch, it's recommended to choose one made of a touch shock-resistant plastic, which shouldn't break if it is dropped or accidentally stepped on.

The beam distance of a device is measured in metres, and it refers to how far the light will be able to reach before diminishing to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. The lens reflector that surrounds the bulb has an influence on how the light is dispersed. So, there are 2 main option - flood (or fixed) beam and spot (or focused) beam.

The flood beam is a single beamwidth. It is good for lighting up some wider areas more evenly, but they don't obtain the longer distances that spot beams do. Typically, this beam is good for general tasks in camp or while walking.

The spot beam is a single beam that is condensed into a spotlight to penetrate a long distance. As they're good to see at a distance or probe a specific location, they are used for route-finding or while doing other fast-paced activities.

There are also torches that have both types of the beam. They are great to use when trail running in the dark, biking at night, and similar. You'll be able to see the changes in terrain in front of you and what's further ahead.