Torches & Searchlights

Choosing a Torch or Searchlight: Reach, Runtime and Durability

There is no single "best" torch: the right product for camping may be the wrong one for a car boot or for technical service work. The decision is made across three variables — light output, reach and runtime. Our collection holds 6 products.

Light Output or Reach?

A high light output lights a wide area but may not carry far; a narrow-beam searchlight reaches much further with less light. On a campsite and for close work a wide beam is preferred, in the field and for search work a narrow one. On some models the beam width is adjustable; for anyone who wants one product to do both jobs, that is the most practical answer.

Runtime

The stated runtime generally applies to the lowest level. The runtime at full power is far shorter. If light is needed for a long time, models with several levels and the option of a spare battery matter. On rechargeable models the charging method is also a criterion: a product that charges from a common cable is always more useful in the field.

Durability

Resistance to being dropped and to water can matter more than light output for a product used in the field. Aluminium bodies stand up to impact but get warm; plastic bodies are light. Models with a strap, a magnet or a hook leave the hands free — in technical work that single feature can decide the choice.

Price Information

Because the price of the products in this section is set per quantity, the page shows the option "Request a quote" instead of a figure. You can get a price by sharing your requirement through Live Support.

Levels and Habits of Use

A multi-level torch does useful work for longer than a single-level one: hours at the low level, minutes at full power. In practice the most-used level is the middle one; full power is needed only when looking into the distance. The flashing (strobe) level is there to attract attention in an emergency and should not be entered by accident in daily use — which is why the order in which the levels follow one another matters. On products managed with a single button, learn that order before you buy.