The availability of power is as important to your torch as the availability of Oxygen is to you. No power = no torch. Power comes from either a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Choice of battery will be determined by several factors including when and how you use your torch, ease of carrying replacements(123A lithium batteries are small and easy to carry), rechargeable are more economical but require an outside power source (usually mains electricity) which may not always be available to you, depending on what you need to torch for.

The time taken to replenish power once it is drained is one of the three main considerations for battery choice. 123A lithium are quickly replaced whereas recharging batteries is slower.

If you need light now, you need a torch with 123A Lithium batteries, or a rechargeable torch with multiple batteries and an ongoing ability to recharge them.

The next item on the list is how long can power be stored, ie battery shelf life. Rechargeables will self-discharge over time, whereas 123A Lithiums will hold their full charge for up to 10 years.

If you need light sometime in the future, you need a torch with 123A Lithium batteries. You absolutely DO NOT want rechargeable batteries for this under any circumstance.

The cost to replace drained power is an important consideration. 123A Lithium batteries are relatively cheap in low to medium use situations, however, in a heavy use scenario a rechargeable battery will be a much more economical choice.

If you need light at a low cost, you need a torch with a rechargeable battery, unless you only require a low beam device in which case 123A Lithium batteries will suffice.

So that's the basics dealt with, if you now feel ready to browse the range and pick your torch go ahead, or if you are still feeling a bit confused continue reading the rest of the Mind Your Fingers Surefire Buyers Guide.

Click 'Next' below to go the next section of the Buyers Guide - I Need a Torch for Work - Aviation