Modern torches offer far more than simple on-and-off operation. Multiple brightness levels, special modes, and auxiliary lighting options give you versatility for different situations. Understanding these modes—and knowing when to use each—helps you get the most from your torch while preserving battery life.
This guide explains common torch modes, their practical applications, and how to choose torches with the mode options that suit your needs.
Standard Brightness Levels
Most quality torches offer multiple brightness settings, allowing you to match output to your needs. More levels provide finer control but can complicate operation.
Moonlight / Firefly (0.5-5 lumens)
The lowest setting, often barely visible in daylight. Despite seeming useless, moonlight mode serves important purposes:
- Preserving night vision: Enough to navigate without destroying dark adaptation
- Not disturbing others: Perfect for tent reading or shared spaces
- Emergency runtime: Can run for weeks or even months on a single charge
- Finding items in the dark: Enough to locate dropped gear without blasting everything
Moonlight mode becomes genuinely useful once your eyes adapt. Give yourself 5-10 minutes in darkness before deciding you need more light. You'll often find moonlight perfectly adequate.
Low (10-50 lumens)
Useful everyday brightness for close-range tasks:
- Reading and close work
- Walking familiar paths
- General indoor use during power outages
- Extended runtime when battery conservation matters
Medium (100-300 lumens)
The workhorse setting for most practical situations:
- Walking unfamiliar trails
- General outdoor work
- Camp setup and chores
- Best balance of usefulness and battery life
High (500-1000+ lumens)
Serious output for demanding situations:
- Fast hiking on technical terrain
- Search and spotting tasks
- Work requiring excellent visibility
- Increased battery drain—use when genuinely needed
Turbo (Maximum output)
Full power for brief periods. Most torches cannot sustain turbo mode indefinitely due to heat generation and battery limitations:
- Emergency signalling
- Quick searches of large areas
- Momentary "wow factor" illumination
- Typically limited to 30-90 seconds before thermal step-down
Key Takeaway
- Start low and increase only if needed
- Medium mode handles 80% of situations
- High and turbo are for specific needs, not default settings
- Lower modes dramatically extend battery life
Special Modes
Strobe
Rapidly flashing light, typically at maximum brightness. Strobe serves two primary purposes:
Emergency signalling: Flashing light attracts attention from further away than steady light. Rescuers are trained to look for irregular light patterns.
Defensive use: Strobe directed at an aggressor's eyes causes disorientation and makes it difficult to focus. Controversial but potentially useful in threatening situations.
Don't use strobe around people with epilepsy—it can trigger seizures. Also avoid using strobe unnecessarily at camps or in public spaces; it's extremely annoying and can cause genuine distress.
SOS
Automatic Morse code distress signal (three short, three long, three short flashes). An internationally recognised call for help:
- Activates with minimal user input
- Runs continuously until deactivated
- Visible from considerable distance
- Conserves battery compared to constant high output
Know how to activate SOS mode on your torch before an emergency occurs. Practice in safe conditions so you can do it under stress.
Beacon
Single flash at regular intervals (every few seconds). Uses minimal battery while remaining visible:
- Marking your location for others
- Finding your tent in a campground
- Signalling position without constant attention
- Can run for hundreds of hours
Auxiliary Lighting Modes
Red Light
Red LEDs preserve night vision far better than white light. After exposure to red light, your eyes retain most of their dark adaptation:
- Star gazing and astronomy
- Night photography
- Military and tactical applications
- Not disturbing wildlife
- Reading maps without losing night vision
Red light does reduce colour discrimination, so it's not ideal for tasks requiring colour accuracy.
Green Light
Less common but useful in specific situations:
- Better colour rendering than red while still preserving some night vision
- Hunting applications (some animals don't perceive green well)
- Some users find it more comfortable than red
Blue Light
Specialised applications:
- Tracking blood trails (hunting)
- Detecting scorpions (they fluoresce under UV/blue light)
- Some forensic applications
UV Light
Ultraviolet lighting for specific detection purposes:
- Detecting pet stains and bodily fluids
- Checking currency authenticity
- Finding scorpions and some minerals
- Not general-purpose illumination
User Interface Considerations
Mode Cycling
How you access different modes varies between manufacturers:
- Click cycling: Each click advances to the next mode
- Hold to change: Press and hold to cycle through modes
- Double-click shortcuts: Quick access to specific modes
- Separate switches: Different buttons for different functions
Mode Memory
Does the torch remember your last-used mode? Memory is useful for:
- Returning to your preferred brightness level
- Avoiding blinding turbo activation when you wanted low
- Consistent operation across uses
Some users prefer no memory (always start on a specific mode), particularly for tactical applications where immediate turbo access is desired.
Ramping vs Stepped
Modern torches may offer:
- Stepped: Fixed brightness levels you cycle through
- Ramping: Continuous adjustment by holding the button
- Hybrid: Both options available
Ramping provides precise control; stepped is simpler and faster.
Choosing Modes for Your Needs
Everyday Carry
Look for: Simple UI with 3-4 brightness levels, moonlight mode for close work, quick access to turbo for emergencies.
Camping
Look for: Multiple brightness levels, red light mode, easy operation in the dark, beacon mode optional but useful.
Emergency Preparedness
Look for: SOS mode, simple operation, good low-mode runtime, strobe available.
Security/Tactical
Look for: Instant turbo access, strobe readily available, momentary activation option, simple interface under stress.
Common Mode Issues
Accidental Mode Changes
Complex UIs can lead to accidental mode changes. Features that help:
- Lock-out modes preventing any activation
- Shortcuts requiring deliberate actions (double or triple clicks)
- Physical switches with distinct positions
Hidden Modes
Some torches hide advanced modes behind complicated button sequences. Know your torch's UI before you need it—read the manual and practice.
Conclusion
Understanding your torch's modes transforms it from a simple light source into a versatile tool. Start low to preserve battery and night vision, step up when needed, and know how to access emergency modes before emergencies occur.
The best torch mode is the one that gives you exactly enough light for your current task—no more, no less. Master your torch's interface, and you'll get far more value from your investment.
For more on choosing the right torch, see our beginner's guide or explore options with our torch finder quiz.