Is a dual beam flashlight better than a narrow beam

[DreadnoughtNH]

One other note on lights. As you get more lights, camera strobes, etc you start to collect a variety of battery types, some of which use proprietary chargers. In the last couple of years, I've moved to standardize on devices that use 21700 type batteries. I still have a few torches that use 18650s, but I moved those to backup. I won't buy anything that uses a proprietary charger/battery if I can at all avoid it.

THIS. It only occurred to me on my last dive trip that I had a 'bag of snakes' for the different charging apparatus. I look for common batteries types that also have the built in USB-C or Micro USB charging port. One charging cable to rule them all!

 

[davehicks]

THIS. It only occurred to me on my last dive trip that I had a 'bag of snakes' for the different charging apparatus. I look for common batteries types that also have the built in USB-C or Micro USB charging port. One charging cable to rule them all!

Yep. I have a 65W charging block with 2 usb-c and 2 usb-a outputs. My chargers are all USB-C powered. Except that damn Teric charger which is micro-usb. Does anyone know if they updated that, or have a usb-c charger that works with the Teric?

My Venture Heated vest uses an AC charger and proprietary batteries, fortunately the charger is not very bulky. I'll forgive their batteries as they need to work submerged.

 

[Wibble]

Another tip: if you're buying an umbilical torch, do make sure that the cable is user replaceable, cables break and sending it back for repair is a serious PITA -- looking at you Light-for-Me.

 

[Damselfish]

One other note on lights. As you get more lights, camera strobes, etc you start to collect a variety of battery types, some of which use proprietary chargers. In the last couple of years, I've moved to standardize on devices that use 21700 type batteries. I still have a few torches that use 18650s, but I moved those to backup. I won't buy anything that uses a proprietary charger/battery if I can at all avoid it.

I try to do that. But you do realize as soon as you accomplish that there will be a new "standard."

 

[lucca brassi]

Currently i use oceanex diving lamp with my tank. From narrow to wide is simple to unfocus lamp or remove reflector . New: Oceanex Morph Black Edition diving lamp head with WAM E/O - Cord

 

[datattack]

Here are a few photos, if you see a red arrow, that is pointing to a light with a tighter beam. The larger evenly lit circle of light is the video light(which may have a blue arrow). Hope this helps give you an idea of the difference between a wide angle and tighter beam light.



This photo shows the video light illuminating the lobster and the red arrows marks where the tighter beam lights are pointing at near the circle of the video light.

Video light(blue arrow) creating a larger circle of even lighting and then the red arrows are the tighter beam lights creating the "hot spots"

Tight beam light at the top of the photo and the video light is illuminating the fish

 

[LivedExperienceExpert]

Would a dual beam flashlight be better for night diving versus a narrow spotlight type
Has anyone used the newer underwater kinetics C4 dive light? I’ve used them many years ago, but would like to upgrade.

For night diving, I’d go with a dual beam, the wide beam helps with situational awareness, and the narrow beam’s great for signaling or focusing in when needed

 

[andersorp]

I love my orcatorch zd710 mk2. The versatility in beam is better than expected.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

Narrow beam if I’m just kicking around especially if the vis isn’t great, wide if I’m taking pictures/video.