The Essentials that You Need From a Good Torch

The Essentials that You Need From a Good Torch

In every house, there are a few emergency items that everyone needs to keep on standby. These include some reliable batteries, a few easy-access non-perishable meals and, of course, a good torch. And torches aren’t just for emergencies. They’re just as important to keep on hand for those pesky hunts into the airing cupboard, late-night strolls and any sort of undercarriage work you’re doing on a home vehicle, among other tasks.

But what separates high-performance LED torches from the corner shop models that run out after a few uses? This article will highlight (pun intended) what you should look for when shopping for torches, ensuring you get maximum utility, whatever it’s for. 

What ‘kind’ of light to look for

One of the most important steps in picking good torches is understanding the nature of the light emitted by your options. There are a few elements that everyone should be aware of before making a purchase.

• Candela. This is the measurement of beam distance and intensity. This means a higher candela indicates a tight, long-range beam, while a low candela can flood an area with light (with decent lumens).
• Lumens. The measurement of the actual brightness/light emitted by the torch. Anything between 300 to 1,000 lumens is perfect for general household uses. 
• Colour Rendering Index. Higher CRI figures mean that the torch is more likely to represent colours accurately, which is essential for electrical tasks and sign recognition. 
• Colour temperature. Measured in Kelvins, 5000K-6000K is cool white, meaning brighter light that can wash out details, 3000K-4500K is a neutral warm white, which is better for fog and easier on the eyes.

Think about what you’re actually going to be doing with the torch. Are you gonna need to use it for lighting up a campsite? If that’s the case, choose good LED torches with a warm temperature, a high CRI and a low candela to flood the area with light. Apply this logic to any choices. 

Signs of quality in good torches

There are a few different elements that you should consider when seeking out a good torch to ensure that you’re buying a product that’s going to last. 

• IP rating (Ingress Protection). This is how far a good torch can be submerged in water, with IPX7 being submersible in 1 metre of water for 30 minutes.
• Impact resistance. Measurement of whether a torch can handle being dropped, looking for ratings of around 1 to 2 metres.
• Material. Type III hard-anodised aluminium is the standard, as it’s scratch-resistant and helps to dissipate heat generated by powerful LEDs.
• User interface settings. Torches should come with different levels, an easy-to-use button and lockout modes to ensure they don’t turn on or off at inopportune times.
• Thermal management. Good torches may have cooling fins near the head, while even higher-quality torches have sensors that reduce brightness if the light gets too hot. 

These aren’t necessarily essentials, as a good small torch might not require the same degree of user interface applications or thermal management.

Power source & charging

When looking for the best rechargeable torch options for outdoor activities or home tasks, they can generally be powered by household systems. 

• USB-C charging has become a standard, allowing people to charge their devices from standard wall sockets, power banks, car charger or laptops.
• Torches that use 18650 or 21700 rechargeable Li-ion batteries offer higher power density and longer runtimes.
• Regulated output drivers stay at consistent brightness until the battery is nearly dead, rather than slowly dimming as the battery drains. 

These are elements that will dictate how long you can use your torch and how easily it can get back on the go. 

With all of these elements, it’s important to remember that paying a good price is more likely to result in a quality torch. Don’t think that your £10 supermarket torch is going to last you for years or get you out of a tight spot. Invest a little more in a torch with a good reputation and you’ll be much better off. 

By Jenny Jones.