How to choose the right torch

[D_Fresh]

i would stay away from tiki torches for the time being.

Yeah, I find the citronella fuel just doesn't work too well underwater......

 

[lowwall]

Just a reminder that the Volador 1000 has the same specs as the D26 1100 except a tail switch and is $50 at amazon including a battery and charger and one or two day shipping. There are other versions from various sellers on Amazon as well as from Mako and DGX for around the same price. No need to deal with shipping to China if there are issues.

 

[stuartv]

Wild!! I originally tried to order the D26 Whale based on reviews here especially from StuartV...but...I could not find a new one...and rolled the dice on the D26 1600. Wow, if I knew the D26 1100 was the same output [the ratings have the be taken with a grain of salt, as we all know, right??] but had a better switch, I would have certainly chosen it.

So, when these D26 1600s blow up....hopefully not literally...I will seek the D26 1100s

I'm not saying they are the same brightness. I do think the 1600 is a little brighter. If it had the same on/off switch as the 1100, I would always take the 1600. I'm just saying the difference is small, in practical terms, and definitely not enough (to ME) to make up for turning on by accident all the time.

Just a reminder that the Volador 1000 has the same specs as the D26 1100

The same light output specs, maybe. But, it only takes 1 x 18650 battery. The D26 takes a 26650. It's the difference between something like 3300mAh and 5500mAh. I would take the extra burn time that you get from a 26650 battery every time (for a primary light).

The DGX 600 Button is directly comparable to that Volador, and only $9 more.

DGX 600 BUTTON Handheld Light

I would pay the extra to buy it from DGX simply because you still get free shipping and the DGX Return Policy is lifetime. If you buy the DGX light and it EVER craps out, you could return it for full price credit and buy another one.

Return & Refund

 

[lowwall]

The same light output specs, maybe. But, it only takes 1 x 18650 battery. The D26 takes a 26650. It's the difference between something like 3300mAh and 5500mAh. I would take the extra burn time that you get from a 26650 battery every time (for a primary light).

Good point. I missed the battery difference.

For my purposes, the 18650 gives enough burn time so I'll take the other advantages of lower price, smaller size and US distribution.

Re, the Volador vs. DGX button versions. I own both. I prefer the DGX button over the Volador tail switch for handheld use. It also clips on a little more nicely because the lanyard hole is centered on the tail.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

Great info guys!! Thanks!!

Now, I just need a time machine to go back and make different choices...or...just get a second job

 

[Sbiriguda]

Soon the lockdown will be over (hopefully) and I will start diving again. After I placed my quite low offer of 45 USD for an XTAR and received no answer I will try again with a better offer this time
In the meanwhile I noticed some posts on a similar XTAR called XTAR D06

I like the D06 light from XTAR. It has a slider for controlling the light level and for turning the light off. It's a compact light that runs on the 18650 battery and it fits into an Oxycheq light glove (a soft Goodman handle).

The advantage when doing video is you can quickly shut this light off and on when filming. With button lights you have to run through a sequence when you turn on or off.

Their newest version is rated at 1600 lumens, which is probably an exaggeration but it's still a bright light. The light needs a good battery to deliver the amperage without shutting down.

The price of the 2 flashlights is very similar few cents of difference. On lightmalls.com D26 is $69

Buy Xtar D26 1600 diving torch Cree XHP35 HI led Max 1600 lumen flashlight 100 meter diving depth , from for $99.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

While again on lightmalls.com the D06 is 69,95$
Buy New XTAR D06 1600 Diving flashlight Cree XHP35 D4 Max 1600 lumen Magnetic switch torch , from for $69.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Soon the lockdown will be over (hopefully) and I will start diving again. After I placed my quite low offer of 45 USD for an XTAR and received no answer I will try again with a better offer this time
In the meanwhile I noticed some posts on a similar XTAR called XTAR D06



The price of the 2 flashlights is very similar few cents of difference. On lightmalls.com D26 is $69

Buy Xtar D26 1600 diving torch Cree XHP35 HI led Max 1600 lumen flashlight 100 meter diving depth , from for $99.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

While again on lightmalls.com the D06 is 69,95$
Buy New XTAR D06 1600 Diving flashlight Cree XHP35 D4 Max 1600 lumen Magnetic switch torch , from for $69.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

Depends on your diving I think. The slider might get grit / sand / much in it? I'm not sure...I think my diving would destroy that.

I would keep at Ebay...cheapest I have found.

 

[stuartv]

Soon the lockdown will be over (hopefully) and I will start diving again. After I placed my quite low offer of 45 USD for an XTAR and received no answer I will try again with a better offer this time
In the meanwhile I noticed some posts on a similar XTAR called XTAR D06



The price of the 2 flashlights is very similar few cents of difference. On lightmalls.com D26 is $69

Buy Xtar D26 1600 diving torch Cree XHP35 HI led Max 1600 lumen flashlight 100 meter diving depth , from for $99.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

While again on lightmalls.com the D06 is 69,95$
Buy New XTAR D06 1600 Diving flashlight Cree XHP35 D4 Max 1600 lumen Magnetic switch torch , from for $69.95 only in English. Worldwide Fast Free Shipping!

I have one light with a slider switch. I used it once or twice. I think the slider is a terrible idea on a dive light. It would get turned on by accident all the time.

I have 2 of the D26 1600. I would not really recommend that one, either. The way it "locks" to prevent accidental on/off is also terrible. It will turn on from "locked" by accident way too easily.

The regular D26 - the Whale - which is 1100 lumens (rated) is my favorite cordless light. It is almost as bright as the 1600 (in practice) and the on/off lock is mechanical. It's a quarter turn on the on/off knob to lock or unlock. The lock on that one has been reliable for me.

 

[Sbiriguda]

Ok guys so based on your advice I am going to get this one
NUOVO XTAR D26 BALENA CREE XM-L2 U3 1100 lumen led luce Immersione Immersioni Torcia Elettrica | eBay

XTAR D26 WHALE CREE XM-L2 U3 1100

The price is officially $69,95 will try to make an offer for less

 

[D_Fresh]

Ok guys so based on your advice I am going to get this one
NUOVO XTAR D26 BALENA CREE XM-L2 U3 1100 lumen led luce Immersione Immersioni Torcia Elettrica | eBay

XTAR D26 WHALE CREE XM-L2 U3 1100

The price is officially $69,95 will try to make an offer for less

If it helps ya, I also have a D26, the "Whale" version, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. My only complaint could be the body diameter for the 26650 battery, but I'm also not as worried about forgetting my charger...Beyond that, so far, so good.