Torch recommendations.

[SurfnPics]

I have been doing some research and there is a lot of options. I basically am looking for a torch suitable for general recreational night dives. What brightness and light angle should I be looking for? Rechargeable or alkaline powered?

Thanks

 

[Coconut Divers]

I am using Archon led rechargeable and i am happy with them. A solid metal case with over 600 lumens makes a perfect all around dive light.

 

[Subcooled]

Rechargeable cells are more economic. They also run out of power more abruptly than alkalines, but for recreational diving this is not a problem.

You want a light that leaves your hands free, so take a look at the Oxycheq Universal Light Sock. It really is more fun to dive when one doesn't need to squeeze on on light constantly.


Why do you want a dive light? For communication? For beeing seen? For seeing things? For videography?

I'm trying to guess... and give you something to think about:
You might want a light with 10 degree beam (not much less). Ten degrees is wide enough to give a decent view. Four degree beams are better for communication/light signals, but you won't see a thing. There are many options but these two were given as examples. Wider beams give more backscatter in cloudy water. Then there are also (expensive) floodlights for videography and some adjustable beam lights (HID lights) that have a hideous price tag. You probably don't want to spend money on these ( - yet ).

I've been using a Tektite brand led light with 700 lumen in 10deg angle. Not bad for a cheap light. It even has a hotspot in the beam.

 

[tplyons]

I searched and tried a bunch of lights but the best all around was a SOLA 500 for me.

It's a little expensive, but its hand mounted, rechargeable, and lasts a day of diving for me.

Anything else that I used got in the way when running a reel or shooting a bag. The SOLA 500 on a hand strap is the way for me.

 

[gizmo1972]

i second the SOLA range !!! i have 3 of them 800,1200,nightsea
AWSOME and no Orings to clean and external charging so less flooding likely!!!

 

[tracydr]

I have two of the DRIS 1,000 lumen lights. Excellent quality, heavy duty lights. I also have a can light which I love, an MB Sub 50.
There is a guy on SB making a can light for about $250 that comes highly recommended. I would look into that. I think that would be a really nice starter can light. Or, there's a guy on the cave site that can make hand holders ( I'll let you do the research) with a 3D printer, for a very reasonable price.

 

[Diver0001]

Aside from brands I would recommend rechargeable and LED as key features. There are many to choose from.

That said, I've had quite a few lights over the years but for "general" night-diving, travel compatibility, durability and reliability I would suggest something along the lines of the metalsub XRE 700.

One of our Eastern European brothers recently described the metal sub lamps in another thread as (IIRC) "military quality to the point where if you run out of bullets in your gun you can throw your lamp at your enemy's head".

I have one of these and aside from the fact that it's a great (and compact) dive light, I have no doubt that I could hammer nails into wood with it and it would still work.

R..

 

[freewillie]

I have quite a few lights of different sizes. My biggest light is an Underwater Kinetics C4 LED. Nearly identical lumens to bigger C8 but takes 4 C batteries and is smaller. I don't actually dive with it much but I have one for situations where I might like a lot of light and is a nice "back up" light.

I've found for night dives most smaller lights are more than enough and more convenient especially for travel. My current favorite is the Aeris A4. Has just over 200 lumens and rivals my UK C4 in terms of brightness but in much smaller package. Is more than bright enough for night dives and is great on day dives for peeking in cracks and under rocks. Best of all it takes a standard AAA battery (actually 4 AAA's).

My other two lights are the same Ikelite PCa but different colors. The color doesn't really matter but helps keep one from getting mixed up from the other. It helps keep which one has the fresher batteries from the one with used batteries. They take 6 AA batteries and are also bright enough for any day dive but are also bright enough as a primary light for night diving. I've found that very bright lights for night dives just scares the fish.

I had and Intova at one point but it used a 123 size battery. They are about $7 each since they are a unique size and don't last very long. After a while it felt like I spent more on batteries than I did on the light itself so I gave it to a friend.

I use both standard alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries for the lights. For local dives I make sure to charge the rechargeable batteries before diving so the lights are fully charged. When travelling I typically use the standard alkaline batteries and make sure they are new for the trip. I guess I could bring the charger along as well but to me it's just one more thing to pack and one more thing I could lose and leave behind.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

many kinds of lights are excellent. I has a high powered by very compact rechargeable, and some conventional battery LED lights that I also like. I DO NOT like the large "pistol grip" lights, which are cumbersome, and often are more than you need. I like a smaller light for daytime dives, just to look in nooks and crannies. At night I am now in the habit of carrying three lights, because of past experiences of failure. I also started buying better lights. I like them on retractors, or extension tethers so I don't lose or drop them.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Dr. Lecter]

I suggest getting something simple and that would serve you well as a backup light down the road. I am partial to Light Monkey's 3W LED backup light, which is better built than the Halcyon Scout, with dual orings, a tighter beam, and nearly as bright/white a color temp. It uses 3 C cell batteries and will eat rechargables if you find the cost of disposables prohibative (really, though, the first time you have to replace or service the fancy rechargable battery pack, I think any savings over regular disposable batteries will evaporate). Best of all, it's relatively cheap ($160 or so) and is backed by Light Monkey's awesome customer service.

I've had good results from Gulftex Photon Torpedos and Halcyon Scouts, too, but the LM is my all around favorite.

A very good practice, regardless of what light you get, is to attach a bolt snap to it and clip it securely to your gear. When you're ready to use it, turn it on first, before you touch the snap. If you drop it, you'll at least be able to see where it lands.