2024: view for primary/backup torches, and dive knife

[L2m]

I've been using rechargeable back up lights since I started cave diving.

I charge my lights twice a year, and they are at about 80% on the lights on my rig that I test weekly and about 90% on the light that sit in my bin in case one of my rig lights break. So IMO if you keep the same six months to a year charging period that is recommended for alkaline replacement you are fine.

I'm actually surprised that people use half a year as a cycle to change backup batteries. Is that only for consideration regarding the lifespan of alkaline battery? To me it sounds like in order to ensure maximum safety you shall just change them everytime after use?

 

[L2m]

Folks, I just realized that the op, @L2m, is in China. While LM, Halcyon, Diverite, and the likes are popular in NA market, if I lived in China, I'd be OrcaTorch or XTRA or something local. It is simple - like it or not, a lot of our gear comes from South East Asia.

thanks mate but I currently live and dive in UK haha, and yeah... back in China 50% guys in my local club has a fancy focus 2.0 that shines like a lightsaber underwater. that said, I'm surprised to find a HUGE market coverage of orcatorch in the UK, despite I personally find their marketing a little too "extensive".

 

[Manatee Diver]

I'm actually surprised that people use half a year as a cycle to change backup batteries. Is that only for consideration regarding the lifespan of alkaline battery? To me it sounds like in order to ensure maximum safety you shall just change them everytime after use?

I used to charge every time, but I noticed I was doing all that work for a few mah of charge. The self discharge rate just isn't that high.

It extended it out, until I figured twice a year is fine. I combine it with my twice yearly MX cycles. Testing the batteries for overall capacity at the first of the year, recycling any that are less than 90% of the rated capacity.

 

[mr_v]

thanks mate but I currently live and dive in UK haha, and yeah... back in China 50% guys in my local club has a fancy focus 2.0 that shines like a lightsaber underwater. that said, I'm surprised to find a HUGE market coverage of orcatorch in the UK, despite I personally find their marketing a little too "extensive".

Have you considered Gralmarine, Ammonite, or TecLine? In the US, brands like Halcyon, DiveRite, and Light Monkey dominate due to better service and warranty options. European brands aren’t as represented here.

Most cheap lights, made in China or Southeast Asia, are marked up due to shipping and distribution costs. The key difference is service: DiveRite, for example, replaces faulty lights quickly, while cheaper brands may leave you waiting for days. Treat cheap lights as disposable.

Brands like Halcyon Scout, Heser, and Light Monkey offer durable backup light options with spare parts and upgrades, running on easy-to-find alkaline batteries. Switch quality is what separates premium from budget lights. In demanding environments, a reliable switch is critical—button switches on backups can turn on accidentally, which is why some divers avoid them. Twist on switches may fail too - my DiveRite BX2 turned on in a cave by accident - but Halcyon, Heser, and LM seem to have durable twist switches and that's why I prefer those brands.

 

[kensuf]

I'm actually surprised that people use half a year as a cycle to change backup batteries. Is that only for consideration regarding the lifespan of alkaline battery? To me it sounds like in order to ensure maximum safety you shall just change them everytime after use?

You should change your backup light battery out anytime you use it if it uses disposable batteries. If it is rechargeable, you should recharge it after you use it. I also replace my disposable batteries once or twice a year, depending (alkaline get twice a year, lithium once).

You should never use your backup light, unless your primary light has died. It is a backup light not a primary light. If you are using your backup light on every dive you are in need of a new primary light.

 

[L2m]

You should change your backup light battery out anytime you use it if it uses disposable batteries. If it is rechargeable, you should recharge it after you use it. I also replace my disposable batteries once or twice a year, depending (alkaline get twice a year, lithium once).

You should never use your backup light, unless your primary light has died. It is a backup light not a primary light. If you are using your backup light on every dive you are in need of a new primary light.

I see, that makes sense

 

[JrobC]

I have been diving with two Orca Torches for the past year and a half and have had zero problems. Always have one strapped off to my harness on every dive and have done a dozen night dives or so with them. I have the orca torch 710. It’s bright, has three settings, and is easy to use and the batteries have lasted so far. I do wish the button was. It larger so it is easier to find with gloves on.

All my dives are recreational 20-100 feet. If any problems ever pop up, I will post but so far they have been great.

 

[gschaut]

On the subject of switches, my training was to test all backups once, then leave off until needed. The primary light is turned on at the surface immediately before diving and left on for the duration. For drills/activities requiring darkness, the light is covered by your hand or body, but never shut off.

On batteries, ONLY the primary light is allowed rechargeable batteries. all backups must be alkaline disposable batteries. Disposables are changed every 6 month, OR immediately after the backup is used.

 

[lostsheep]

~80% ocean / ~20% fresh.

The switch (see image below) that you're referring to, a piece of Delrin containing a magnet (which activates the Hall effect sensor - light on/off), is a consumable and called out as such;

Called out where?

 

[mr_v]

On batteries, ONLY the primary light is allowed rechargeable batteries. all backups must be alkaline disposable batteries. Disposables are changed every 6 month, OR immediately after the backup is used.

The info referenced above may be outdated. Li-Ion batteries with quality core (i.e., NOT the economy Chinesium) are okay. One of my backup lights has rechargeables; the other has standard, non-rechargeable batteries. Both perform equally well when tested. There is a lot of fud about rechargeable batteries that has some merit when it comes to the bottom of the barrel cheapest tech you can find. But if you use batteries with quality cores and good chargers, you should not have any issues.