With so many dive light brands on the market today, selecting the best dive light can be quite a challenge, especially to the novice. Choosing the right dive light involves a comparative analysis of different types and brands of torches. With the right tips, however, choosing the most appropriate dive light can be quite easy.
Test them side by side
As much as possible, ensure you test the dive lights side by side. This will give you a real-time comparison of the features and performance of the different lights. Many reputable dive shops provide an assortment of lights for buyers to compare. Remember, there are two basic categories of dive lights: primary and secondary dive lights.
Quality of light
It is important to determine and compare the light output of each of the lights. This is measured in lumens and is part of the specifications of the torch. To do this, light the torches and compare them under the same conditions and see how each one performs. Remember, an ultra-bright light isn’t always better – bright lights tend to cause a white-out, so ensure the dive light you select has a majority of its output in the center of the beam.
The beam angle is another aspect of lighting that you should compare. It refers to the angle of the light produced by the dive light. Identify the most appropriate beam angle for your diving needs and then compare the torches to see which one meets your expectations.
Battery capacity
The watt-hour is the standard measure of battery capacity and refers to the amount of power stored in the battery. Most dive light manufacturers include a burn time for each mode, telling consumers exactly how long they can expect to go between charges or battery replacements.
Watt rating / Power Consumption
Since watt rating indicates how much power the light consumes, fewer watt-hours are better given the output is equivalent between two or more dive lights.
Depth rating
This determines how much water pressure a dive torch can withstand without getting damaged. It is normally expressed in feet and meters as measured from the surface of the water. The higher the depth rating the deeper you can dive with your torch.
