Lights

It depends on how you will use it. For night diving, a primary light in the 1,000+ lumen range gives you basic light; we suggest 2,000 to 3,000 lumens for a primary. For lobster hunting, a bright, tight beam helps you spot antennae deep in the cracks. Look for a rechargeable light with a depth rating well beyond your planned depth and a comfortable grip or hand mount. A smaller backup light is a must for every night dive.

A spot beam is a narrow, focused beam that reaches farther and is great for looking into holes and cracks, like when hunting lobster. A flood beam is a wide, even beam that lights up a larger area, which is ideal for video, photography, and general night diving. Some lights let you switch between the two. For spearfishing or lobster diving, a spot beam is generally better.

Yes. Lights can fail or flood, and you never want to be left in the dark. Always carry a small backup light, clipped off or stowed.

Rechargeable lights are brighter and cheaper to run over time. Lights that take standard batteries are easy to power up on a dive trip without a charger. Many divers use a rechargeable primary and a battery-powered backup, and some lights give you the option of both.

Yes. Water absorbs color as you go deeper, and a light brings back the reds and oranges. It also lets you look into cracks and under ledges, where lobster and marine life hide.

A little care after every dive keeps your light bright, dry, and working for years.

After every dive:

1. Rinse thoroughly. Soak the light in fresh water, and press the switch or rotate the head several times while it is submerged to flush out salt and sand.
2. Dry it completely. Towel it off and let it air dry fully before opening it. Any water left on the outside can drip inside when you open it.
3. Open it in a dry place. Only open the light indoors or in a dry, clean area, away from spray, wind, and sand. Never open it on the boat deck or at the beach.
4. Charge it dry. Never charge a light that is wet or has moisture inside.

O-ring care:

• Inspect the O-rings every time you open the light, checking for hair, sand, lint, nicks, or cracks. Even one grain of sand or a single hair can cause a flood.
• Keep them clean and lightly greased with silicone grease. A thin coat is all you need; too much grease attracts sand and dirt.
• Replace O-rings any time they look worn, cracked, or flattened, and at least once a year.

Battery care:

• Check the battery contacts for corrosion, and clean them if needed.
• If you are storing the light for a while, remove the battery. For rechargeable lithium batteries, store them partially charged rather than full or empty.

Store your light in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. If you are storing it for a while, remove the battery. For rechargeable lithium batteries, store them partially charged rather than full or empty.

Avoid running your light out of the water for long periods. Many dive lights rely on water to stay cool and can overheat on land.