Compare Primary Dive Lights

The best way to compare lights is test them side by side on a demo dive. High quality dive shops will have an assortment of demo lights to try out for comparison. Whether you choose ours or another manufacturer’s lights, we hope this blog helps you make the best choice for you.

Our lights have a proven reputation for incredible light output, however that is not the only thing that matters. Our lights carefully balance battery burn time, size, weight, and functionality against light output. Similarly beam pattern and angle are balanced between penetration (for signaling) and coverage (for peripheral vision/target illumination). Our power settings settings allow further adjustment of light output to suit varied water conditions and visibility.

Comparing apples to apples is key when comparing various products. Don’t be fooled by competitor products with carefully constructed model names; a common marketing technique used to confuse and mislead. We use lumen output to establish our models names, with other manufacturers using a variety of ways to determine their model numbers, most of them having nothing to do with light output.

Earlier we discussed the difference between Lumen and Lux, as well as why we don’t publish Lux figures. Below is a step by step process of how to compare primary lights.

• Light Output – identify lumen output using product specifications. Be suspicious and determine whether this is exaggerated; if it’s sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Beam Angle – if possible test this in water, comparing lights on the same dive side by side. We use custom optics designed for in water use (others do not), so beam angle gets tighter underwater. Personal preference is king – so decide for yourself!
• Power Consumption (Watt Rating) – a watt is a unit of power consumption, so watt rating is the amount of power consumed by a given light. It’s often quoted as a measure of output, but these days just serves to confuse. Watt rating tells you how much power a light consumes, so less is better given equivalent light output.
• Battery Capacity – a unit of measure called watt hour is a standard way to compare batteries. It’s a measure of absolute stored power (bigger battery = higher watt hour rating), calculated as Volts * Amp Hour = Watt Hours. Watch out though, as 100% efficiency is never achieved, so the quality of the battery cells and electronics are critical (reputation can guide you here).
• Other Factors – consider the following additional factors:
  • Size & Weight – is the size of the light head and battery canister appropriate? Remember, a small unit doesn’t necessarily mean small output.
  • Functionality – having one light that can perform multiple roles, fit the conditions, adapt burn time, etc… what’s important to you?
  • Innovation – look for features increase functionality, simplify usage, eliminate flooding and offer flexibility.

Here’s a list of key features of our primary lights you should consider for yourself!