Dive Light buying guide

Exploring the underwater world is an exceptional experience. To unravel the profound mysteries in the ocean's depths, you have to counter the extreme darkness. A suitable dive light presents a simple solution and comes handy to experience the underwater world.

Whether you are an expert diver or just a newbie in the deep-diving sport, you must understand the significance of the dive light. The dive lights allow you to witness the marvelous beauty of the underworld flora and fauna.

However, selecting a suitable light for your expedition is crucial. There are many factors to deem about while purchasing the best option. This task can be tiresome and take your valuable time.

To ease this process and let you select the best product, we have designed an extensive buying guide. The guide contains all the necessary information on all its characteristics that allow you to get all the details under one roof.

Before starting with the guide, let us give a quick glance at the product.

What are Dive Lights? Why do you need them?

A dive light is the best source for light under the water. They are perfect for scuba divers or any other person who desires to find the mysteries under the sea.

These lights are vitally needed, especially if you are diving during the night. Defining an object under the water is pretty complicated and sometimes impossible. Due to such reasons, using an appropriate diving light is very beneficial as it helps under such dark circumstances.

Difficulties of darkness can be faced under any water surface like murky or clear water. It is hard to see under the sea even during the day. Also, carrying a dive light is easy as these lights are highly portable, with compact size and lightweight.

Why is it necessary to read a buying guide before selecting a product?

An efficient dive light can act as multi-functional equipment and can save your day in challenging situations too. Referring to a buying guide before selecting a suitable option saves you from being duped and investing your money in the poor-quality product.

Let us get into the immense pool of information on critical performance altering factors of the product.

Types of Dive Light

You must know about the types of dive lights to make the best purchase according to your needs. There are six types of diving lights. All of them are explained in detail with the help of the following points.

1. Primary Dive Light

Primary light is one of the most basic of its kind. It is held through hands and provides bright light, suitable for both day and night usages. These types of lights have a gun-type design that ensures proper grip.

They are equipped with HID bulbs that are five times more powerful than the ordinary ones. They are perfect for deep water dives and are highly durable. These lights have rechargeable or disposable batteries.

2. Secondary Dive Light

The secondary lights are more suitable for daytime dive as they produce extra illumination during such hours. They are small in size and are held through hands. You can also keep it in your pocket.

However, since they are smaller in size, they offer a narrower light beam compared to other options. They can also be used as backup lights. These lights are often available in a very affordable price range.

3. Mounted Dive Light

They are usually held through a band attached to the head. So, if you want hands free diving, then this dive light is perfect for you.

They can also be used for exploring caves or treasure hunting purposes. They allow more flexibility as your hands are free with them. Both rechargeable and disposable batteries are small in size; they offer bright light.

4. Canister Dive Light

The canister dive light is the most suitable for exploring caves and wrecks. Technical divers mostly prefer them.

They offer a much brighter light and extensive coverage. It has a separate canister to contain the battery pack and another wiring essential. You can easily attach it to your wrist or waist or any other comfortable body part.

5. Photography/Videography Dive Light

The name says it all. These lights are mostly used for underwater photography and videography. The best part is that they offer a massive set of bright lights. They are very consistent and can cover a wide range.

They can be adjusted according to need and will surely help you get the perfect underwater shots or video clips.

6. Marker Dive Light

The market dive lights are suitable more in very low visibility water where your primary or secondary light cannot reach. They may appear to be a glowstick at first glance but are much more than that.

They are affordable and are available in varieties of colors. You can easily tape a marker dive light to your snorkel or tank valve.

Things to deem about while selecting an appropriate Dive Light

Materials

Material is an essential aspect of choosing a dive light. After all, the stronger the material will be, the more durable the product will come out to be. A diving light is available in three basic types. They are Xenon (incandescent), LED (light-emitting diode), and HID (high-intensity discharge).

1. Xenon

Xenon is the one available in the cheapest price range. It is not very durable and is not suitable for serious divers if there is no other backup. They give very warm and vibrant colors because of which they are preferred for photos and video making.

2. LED

LED lights are more durable. They are efficient in terms of energy and robust. They are a bright and comprehensive source of light. They are mighty and suitable for knowing the deepest and the darkest mysteries of the sea. LED lights work both night and daylight.

3. HID

The HID lights also offer a long battery life. While HID stands for high-intensity discharge, they are the previous generation of LED lights. So, they are not as strong and durable as LEDs but are a good option for diving in the dark waters.

Batteries

Batteries are another important factor that supports the functioning, durability, and reliability of the dive light. It is crucial to choose the best kinds of batteries for light to get the best performance results. Making the wrong choice in cells can lead to a critical situation.

The manufacturers decide for lamp use. What you need to focus on are the batteries you add. Make sure to keep an extra pack of batteries with you while diving and check it along with the dive light to ensure its proper functioning.

1. Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are a more convenient option in terms of the environment as they don't create waste. They are also very efficient and durable. However, they are more expensive than disposable batteries.

2. Disposable batteries

Disposable batteries are also so good at functioning and are durable. Their price range is also somewhat easily affordable. But they are not biodegradable and therefore not good for the environment.

3. Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries perform excellently in their functions. They are highly durable and also eco-friendly. The perfect part is that you can recycle them after use. However, these batteries are often difficult to load on a plane and can cause travel issues.

4. Traditional Alkaline Batteries

The traditional alkaline batteries are the most common type of batteries that can be easily found anywhere. They are also pretty inexpensive. However, they are not as good as others when it comes to performance and durability.

Depth Rating

The depth rating is another crucial point to consider when purchasing a dive light. One doesn't want its source of light to stop functioning when he or she is in the sea's deeper and darker aspects.

To avoid confronting such a situation, it is better to make a good deal beforehand and consider the depth rating. Make sure to first confirm how much deeper you are planning to dive, whether it will be a little deep or deep as in around 100 feet. Then buy accordingly.

If you purchase a light with less depth rating and go deeper into the water, it may malfunction and create problems. So first, do proper planning and then make a purchase.

Styles

There is a wide range of styles available for lights. The style you will choose depends on the circumstances you are planning to use the light in.

If you have planned to use it in cold waters with primary light, then the meatier style will probably be the most suitable one for you.

In case you are looking for backup light and have planned the trip in the tropical areas, then a slightly smaller and less powerful light may do the job.

Style options are also available in terms of the light and the color it reflects. If you are going to dive, click photographs or videos, and then look for more bright, vibrant, and warm color lights. In the end, the styling option depends on you and your requirements.

Angle of Beam

Considering the angle of the beam is also vital when buying a dive light. You must pay attention to how the beam of the light interacts with the environment.

For example, if you are going to explore the small caves and other areas under the sea, then maybe a narrow light beam angle will be suitable for you. It is because it will reach the short cuts and parts where the other lights may not be able to.

On the other hand, a light with a broader beam angle will provide the widest view of the scene. Both wide and narrow angles are highly efficient and beneficial for their purposes and usages. A narrow, angled beam will provide sharper lights in the dark, whereas a wide-angled being will provide light and shine on everything.

Again, you need to decide on what purpose you will be using the dive light and then consider the angle of the beam accordingly.

Steady Beams and Strobe lights

A steady beam of light is significant if your purpose for diving is to point the light on the sharp and short objects hidden in the sea's deeper depths where the other lights may not reach.

A steady beam will allow you to see into cracks, crannies, and the nooks that are frequently found in the sea's deeper regions. A steady beam with a narrow-angle will probably be more efficient and suitable for this purpose.

On the other hand, if you just want a clear view under the water, then a steady beam with a broad light angle will be needed or more preferable.

Strobe is essential for safety purposes under the water. They are usually attached around the tank. They can help you find your partner in diving when your view is not bright and dark. It is indeed a must to have strobe when diving more in-depth in the sea.

Handles

Handles are a crucial factor that defines the efficiency and simplicity in using the dive lights. If you are purchasing a hand handled torch, then make sure it has a lanyard with it. You can easily tie it around your wrist and prevent it from falling with the presence of a lanyard.

There are dive lights that are attached to your head with the help of a band. They are also very efficient and allow more flexibility in terms of working as both your hands are free. Ensure that the band perfectly fits on your head if you decide to purchase this one.

Consider the measurements and dimensions if you are making the purchase online. Also, make sure to cross-check the reviews in such a case.

Functionality

Another thing to consider is the functionality of the dive light. It is better if you can use the unit with and without gloves, so look for such components in it. Also, consider what kind of batteries are used for it and whether they can be changed.

Along with these capabilities, you can also look for the brightness and width options as some models allow you to change them according to your requirements. Also, ensure that the switches cannot be accidentally turned on, and the batteries don't require to twist the barrel.

Lumens

Lumens are essential as they measure and contribute to the amount of light you get from the torch. A dive light with more lumens will provide more bright, powerful, and wide lightning. Whereas on the other hand, a flashlight with fewer lumens may not be that effective with the light it gives. Therefore, it is best to buy products with more lumens present in it.

There are also some models with which you can change the level of brightness according to your own needs. So, make a purchase accordingly. Ensure that the number of lumens is also in a perfectly balanced and helpful amount along with the other required functions.

Look at the description of the product given along with reviews and feedback if you are making the purchase online to know about lumens.

Sealing Design

The sealing design also matters a lot. It should be waterproof for more efficiency in terms of performance. A water-resistant ceiling design can stop the water for some time but fails once it is fully absorbed. Whereas, a waterproof sealing design will protect for whatever time period you stay inside the water.

If it is waterproof, then it will not be submerged. Check for the sealing on the unit and see if it opens or not. Make sure that it does not open and is tightly sealed, or else your things inside it will be ruined under the water.

Size and Shape

Size and shape are also two critical factors that must be considered before making a final purchase of a dive light. Some people prefer the big lights while for some the small lights are more suitable.

Suppose you want a portable one that can be easily used for traveling, then a small-sized one is more recommended. The small ones are usually more light weighted and, therefore, more comfortable to carry. Some of the small models also provide very bright and ample light.

As for the shape, make sure that the grip is tight and comfortable if you are choosing one that is to be held in hand. And if it is to be attached somewhere, then also ensure it's fitting and comfortable as well.

In the end, the choice is yours. Plan the purchase with the size and shape according to your needs and requirements. Though, you do have to ensure if it is comfortable or not.

Other Accessories

The more functions a dive light can provide, the better it will be considered. Other than the factors already mentioned, it is essential to cross-check the additional accessories and functions the product is offering. These accessories can be batteries and chargers, light bulbs, and lanyards.

1. Batteries and chargers

Always make sure to keep an extra set of batteries with you whenever you plan to go on diving under the water. You never know when the batteries betray you and stop functioning. Carrying an extra set can be highly beneficial and life-saving in such a scenario. Also, it will be better to carry that extra battery set in a waterproof container.

2. Light bulbs

Just like batteries, having a stable and efficient bulb is essential, and if possible, keep an extra pair for the light bulb as well. In case the light bulb burns out, and you don't have any other option, then no batteries or whatsoever will save you from the critical situation. So, considering the efficiency and keeping an extra pair for the light bulbs is essential as well.

3. Lanyards

Lanyard is another prominent feature to have while diving. It offers extra safety and protection with the dive light. You can easily tie the dive light around your wrist or any other comfortable body part with the help of a lanyard. So, you will not drop and lose the light under the water if you have a lanyard with yourself.

Budget

Budget is a very crucial and critical factor for deciding to purchase the dive light. If you happen to like a product and make a decision to buy it but then find out that it is not suitable for your budget, then all your efforts go in vain.

Therefore, you must plan a budget and look for products that fall into your budget line and are suitable for your pocket. Make sure to neither overly spend on a particularly expensive product and nor fall for a very cheap one.

It is always best to create a balance between the two. Also, ensure to check the product beforehand so that your money does not go waste. In case if the purchase is online, then check the reviews and feedback.

FAQs

1. What is the best type of bulb used in dive lights?

LEDs are super-reliable and eco-friendly with the brightest bulbs of all other options. Moreover, they are known to have a greatly extended lifetime owing to their minimal heat generation. Thus, they serve as the best option for dive lights.

2. How do you know that your diving light is water-resistant or waterproof?

A waterproof diving light is better than a water-resistant one. It is because while the water-resistant one can get damaged in deep water, a waterproof one will stay in a working condition for as long as you stay in the water. Thus, a water-resistant light can be tested as it will get ruined once you go deeper. However, the waterproof one will stay uptight.

3. Is it possible to get adjustable brightness?

Yes, there are many diving lights that come with adjustable brightness, which means, their brightness can be increased from 100 lumens to an easy 500 lumens and so on.

4. Can you change the batteries while diving?

No, You need to come out of the water and then change it. It is because the batteries are packed in a waterproof case, and thus, opening the case underwater is not right.

Final Verdict

With all this information under your possession, what are you waiting for? Evaluate all the characteristics and funnel down the best product according to your needs.

Arm yourself with a suitable dive light and explore the mesmerizing beauty of the underwater world.