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Underwater Flashlight for Diving

To provide illumination at night, you need at least one dive light as a primary light source. During the day, you can use an underwater torch to look into cracks and crevices.

This guide explains what kind of lights scuba divers use and the key styles and features to look for when choosing the best dive light for your budget.

Standard Features of the Best Diving Light

Divers use a light to explore inside wrecks and in underwater caverns and caves. A good dive light for a new diver should have:

Pro Tip: There are two basic styles of dive lights with different options for rechargeable or disposable batteries, and the type of bulb that it uses.

Reasons Why Divers use a Dive Light

Flashlights range from small, compact lights used during the day or as backups for night, wreck and cave diving, to large lantern-style lights that are primary light sources when diving in the dark.

However canister lights are used primarily by wreck and cave divers. Canister lights supply a compact light via wire with power from a battery in a canister carried on your waist.

Canister lights are usually much brighter (though this is changing as lighting technology advances make smaller lights more powerful), so this makes carrying the larger batteries more convenient.

Underwater Torches: Batteries and Bulbs

In general, the initial outlay for a rechargeable system will cost more. But, they tend to be the preferred option for divers who use them a lot.

Remember, bulb and battery power will have an affect on the brightness. Even so, a torch with disposable batteries should be ideal for occasional diving.

Some of the main differences between the halogen, xenon, LED (light-emitting diode), and high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs for underwater torches include:

Beginners will find it easier to carry a dive light in their hand if it has a good sturdy grip and handle.

Nonetheless, you can buy small lights that mount the wrist, on a mask, regulator hose, or on underwater camera strobes.

You can also improve battery power usage if you buy a dive light that features a multiple power mode. If you enjoy night diving, you may also get to use chemical glow sticks and safety marker lights.

Pro Tip: Never mix fresh and partially used batteries, and never mix different types of batteries, even if the light accepts all the types. Always use the same type of batteries in a single fresh set.

Best Underwater Torch for Beginners

OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light Review

The D710 is a rechargeable scuba diving torch made from high-strength A6061-T6 anodized aluminium. It has a maximum output of three thousand (3,000) lumens.

Having a triple O-ring seal in the centre means its waterproof depth rating is one hundred and fifty (150) metres (492 feet).

The hand-held OrcaTorch D710 may not be the brightest dive torch available on the market. But, the body is strong, solid without any obvious rattles, and weighs only 223 grams (including the battery).

OrcaTorch D710 Dive Torch ReviewSpecifications and Features

  • Single Luminus LED (max 3000 lumens) with 21700 Li-ion battery and indicator light
    • Length: 154.9 millimetres
    • Head: 36 millimetres (tube: 27 mm)
  • 6° spotlight beam angle illuminating a large bright corona and generous spillover
  • Easy push button operation using a side titanium alloy push-button switch
  • Safe lock function prevents misoperation during a dive and it also has "Over-Heat" protection
  • Water pressure resistant construction and built-in battery indicator and USB C cable over-discharge protection function
  • Reverse polarity protection helps to protect underwater flashlights from improper battery installation
  • Exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green, and Blue
  • Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and extra corrosion resistance. Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water

Note: The main section contains a list of best scuba accessories with a range of must-have essential add-ons and extras to increase your comfort level.


T-60 Apollo Dive Light Review

There is no substitute for a good dive light when scuba diving in low light conditions. So, if you're into cave diving, wreck diving, or night diving, you need a good underwater torch to help keep you safe.

T-60 Apollo Dive Light ReviewThe T-60 Apollo LED torch (made by IST Sports) is sleek and extremely versatile.

It measures thirteen centimetres long (5.2 inches), and the 1200 Lumens compact dive light is equipped with a sliding shade and removable light diffuser.

The magnetic power switch cycles through five (5) individual brightness settings (high, mid, low, SOS flash, and off).

Thanks to the slender aluminium housing, this illumination device is rugged and lightweight .

Furthermore, the manufacturers say it is waterproof rated to one hundred (100) metres (328 feet).

Key Features

  • Brightness 1200 Lumens
  • Buoyancy Negative
  • Dimension 13.2cm x Ø2.6cm (5.20" x Ø1.02")
  • Patented built-in sliding light diffuser
  • Lightweight 6061-T6 aluminium material (dry) 116g / 0.26lb (without battery)
  • Burn Time: 2 - 10 hours (depending on operation mode)
  • Bulb Type: CREE LED XM-L2 U3 life 50,000+ hours
  • Dimensions: 13.2 cm x 2.6 cm (5.20” x 1.02”)
  • Battery type: 18650 rechargeable Li-ion x 1 (recommend) or CR123A primary lithium batteries x 2 (batteries not included)

Note: Another section contains a comprehensive list of scuba dive equipment and accessories. It is a useful resource guide for anyone looking to buy cheap scuba gear.


Related Information and Help Guides

Pro Tip: The short video tutorial [6:41 seconds] presented by Tactical Empire reviews some of the best scuba torches for beginners.

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