Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Torch

Walking into the world of modern torch lights can feel overwhelming. With specifications like lumens, candela, colour temperature, and CRI being thrown around, it's easy to feel lost before you've even begun. But here's the good news: choosing a great first torch doesn't require understanding every technical detail.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know into plain English. By the end, you'll understand the key features that actually matter and be ready to choose a torch that fits your needs perfectly.

Understanding What You Actually Need

Before diving into specifications, the most important question is: what will you use this torch for? Different uses have very different requirements, and understanding your primary purpose helps narrow down your options considerably.

Common Torch Use Cases

• Everyday carry (EDC): A compact torch you keep in your pocket or bag for unexpected situations. Prioritise small size, durability, and quick access to light.
• Home emergency: A reliable torch kept in a drawer for power outages. Focus on long runtime, easy operation, and good build quality.
• Camping and hiking: Outdoor use requires weather resistance, decent runtime, and enough output to navigate trails safely.
• Work and trades: Professional use demands reliability, hands-free options (headlamps), and appropriate brightness for the task.
• Security and tactical: High output, strobe modes, and rugged construction for demanding applications.

Brightness: Understanding Lumens

Lumens measure the total amount of light a torch produces. More lumens means more light, but the relationship isn't linear—doubling the lumens doesn't double perceived brightness. Here's a practical guide to what different lumen levels actually mean:

Lumen Level Guide

• 1-50 lumens: Sufficient for reading, close-up tasks, and preserving night vision. Great for checking on sleeping children or finding your way around a dark room without waking others.
• 50-150 lumens: Good for walking paths, general indoor use, and basic camping tasks. Enough for most everyday situations.
• 150-400 lumens: Versatile outdoor brightness. Adequate for hiking trails, garage work, and most practical applications.
• 400-1000 lumens: Powerful output for serious outdoor activities, search tasks, and situations requiring significant illumination.
• 1000+ lumens: High-performance category. Useful for tactical applications, search and rescue, or when you genuinely need to light up large areas.

Battery Types Explained

The battery your torch uses affects everything from brightness to size to ongoing costs. Understanding your options helps you make a choice you'll be happy with long-term.

Disposable Batteries (AAA, AA, CR123A)

Traditional disposable batteries remain popular for their convenience and availability. You can buy them at any supermarket or servo, making them ideal for emergency torches or situations where charging isn't practical.

• Pros: Universally available, long shelf life, no charging required
• Cons: Ongoing cost, less powerful than rechargeable options, environmental impact
• Best for: Emergency kits, backup torches, infrequent use

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (18650, 21700)

Modern high-performance torches typically use rechargeable lithium-ion cells. These provide more power, longer runtime at high outputs, and are more economical over time despite higher initial cost.

• Pros: Higher capacity, better performance, cost-effective long-term
• Cons: Require charging, initial investment, need care in extreme temperatures
• Best for: Regular users, outdoor enthusiasts, anyone who uses their torch frequently

Beam Patterns: Flood vs Throw

How a torch distributes its light is just as important as how much light it produces. Two torches with identical lumen ratings can illuminate very differently based on their beam patterns.

Flood (Wide) Beams

Flood beams spread light over a wide area close to you. They're excellent for illuminating your immediate surroundings, working in enclosed spaces, and tasks where you need to see a broad area.

• Ideal for camping, indoor use, close-range work
• Better peripheral awareness
• Less useful for seeing distant objects

Throw (Focused) Beams

Throw beams concentrate light into a focused spot that projects far into the distance. They're useful for spotting objects far away, search applications, and situations where reach matters more than coverage.

• Ideal for search tasks, spotting wildlife, navigation
• Can see objects hundreds of metres away
• Limited close-range usefulness

Balanced Beams

Many modern torches offer a balanced beam that combines a central hotspot for distance with surrounding spill for peripheral illumination. This versatility makes them excellent choices for beginners who aren't sure exactly how they'll use their torch.

Water and Dust Resistance (IP Ratings)

IP ratings tell you how well a torch is protected against water and dust. The rating consists of two numbers: the first indicates dust protection (0-6), the second indicates water protection (0-8).

• IPX4: Splash-resistant. Fine for light rain and accidental splashes.
• IPX6: Resistant to powerful water jets. Good for serious outdoor use.
• IPX7: Temporary immersion up to 1 metre. Handles dropping in puddles or creeks.
• IPX8: Continuous submersion beyond 1 metre. Suitable for diving and extreme conditions.

For most Australians, IPX7 or higher is recommended. Our unpredictable weather and outdoor lifestyle mean your torch will eventually get wet, and having that peace of mind is worth it.

Size and Portability

Torches range from keychain-sized lights you barely notice to substantial tools that require two hands. Your intended use dictates the appropriate size:

• Keychain (under 60mm): Always with you, limited output, emergency backup
• EDC pocket (60-100mm): Daily carry, moderate output, versatile
• Compact (100-130mm): Good balance of output and portability
• Full-size (130-180mm): Maximum performance, serious outdoor use
• Large format (180mm+): Specialised applications, maximum runtime and output

Budget Considerations

Quality torches span a wide price range. Here's what to expect at different price points in the Australian market:

• Under $30: Basic functionality, limited features, often questionable durability
• $30-70: Entry-level quality brands, decent build quality, basic features
• $70-120: Good all-round performers, established brands, reliable construction
• $120-200: Premium features, excellent build quality, advanced functionality
• $200+: Professional-grade, specialised features, maximum performance

Recommended First Torch Features

If you're buying your first quality torch, look for these features:

• 300-800 lumens maximum output: Versatile brightness for most situations
• Multiple brightness modes: At minimum, high, low, and medium settings
• USB-C rechargeable: Convenient charging without extra equipment
• IPX7 or higher: Weather-resistant for Australian conditions
• Pocket-friendly size: Something you'll actually carry
• Tail switch or side switch: Personal preference, but consistent operation
• Mode memory: Turns on at your last-used brightness level

Taking the Next Step

Armed with this knowledge, you're ready to choose your first quality torch. Remember that no single torch is perfect for every situation—the goal is finding one that matches your primary use case while being versatile enough for occasional other tasks.

If you're still unsure, try our interactive torch finder quiz. Answer a few questions about your intended use, and we'll recommend torches suited to your specific needs.

For more detailed information on specific topics, check out our guides on torch batteries and technical specifications.