Recreational dive light recommendations

[seaseadee]

All
I need a dive light for night dives for an upcoming trip. I’m hoping for some recommendations based on these criteria:

1. I don’t really need a tech type light with many hours of burn time, however I’d like to have something with at least an hour.
   
2. Lumens and beam angle are up for discussion as I see so many options.
3. I’d like something that can be used with a Goodman handle (either that comes with the light or purchased separately)
   
4. I already have a light and motion 3800 lumen Video light for my camera rig. I don’t suppose that would work as a dive light since it has a wide angle?

 

[Caveeagle]

Dive Rite CX-1

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

For a primary light for night diving, please take a look at out 1000 lumen rechargeable light. It comes with a soft glove mount which functions like a goodman handle - maybe it is more comfortable?

https://www.makospearguns.com/1000-Lumen-Dive-Light-p/m1000dl.htm

 

[lowwall]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LZLWZWT or the DGX 600 BUTTON Handheld Light Kit | Dive Gear Express®

I have both. They are the essentially the same light - same factory, size, battery, bulb - with slightly different features. I like the extra low brightness option on the Volador. I can't see a need for more power in decent conditions at least. I found the highest power option to be too bright for night dives. Good for looking into crevices in daylight though.

There is a wrist mount for these.

Video lights are not a good alternative, the range is too short and you can't really use it effectively for signaling.

 

[lowwall]

Mako replied while I was writing my post. That's the same light. The factory in China will put your company name and let you choose from among a few options if you make a large enough order.

There is an advantage to ordering it from Mako or DGX compared to AliExpress for example in case you need customer service. Whoever is behind Volador on Amazon seems to do a decent job based on the reviews. But who knows how long they will be around.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I'm a dgx600 and 800 fan. I have 4 of them. I think 2 are 5 years old, 2 are 3 years old. Still on the original,batteries and getting 90 minute run times on them. They are twist on/off and only have one setting. Plenty bright for everything I do.

DGX 600 Handheld Light | Dive Gear Express®

Looks like they have a button model now too.

That being said....Dano sells good stuff. The multiple settings should add burn time and less light can be a better thing at times. I'm not a fan of magnetic switches so pick your poison- multiple settings or no switch to fail. Not to mention....with a speargun mount, you could make your spear gun TACTICAL. I don't even have a speargun, but if I did it would have to be Tactical. All kidding aside, the price point is close enough that I'd be willing to try a Mako if I needed another light. Their customer service is great and no bulls#it guarantee is well...no bullsh#t.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

With Christmas coming, I suddenly feel like I will lose my mancard if I don't have a high capacity, black, semi auto, laser sighted, silenced, bumpstocked, speargun...with an acog thermal nightscope and Mako tactical light!!

Merry Christmas, good luck with your search!

Jay

 

[Caveeagle]

Just a little more info from a write up I did a few months back.

New Dive Rite CX1: First Impressions and reflections..

 

[broncobowsher]

I'll add the DRIS light. I have the 3 C-cell version but they also make a shorty. I've considered it a nice recreational light that has survived into my tech diving as well. It looks like I have used it as a hammer, and maybe I have. It has been bounced around and carelessly tossed in with gear, like a pile of tanks. I kinda want this light to die so I can have a better reason to upgrade. But it just works, has a good beam, runs forever on cheap C-cell duracells.

 

[GJC]

All
I need a dive light for night dives for an upcoming trip. I’m hoping for some recommendations based on these criteria:

1. I don’t really need a tech type light with many hours of burn time, however I’d like to have something with at least an hour.
   
2. Lumens and beam angle are up for discussion as I see so many options.
3. I’d like something that can be used with a Goodman handle (either that comes with the light or purchased separately)
   
4. I already have a light and motion 3800 lumen Video light for my camera rig. I don’t suppose that would work as a dive light since it has a wide angle?

1 -You will probably be happy with any of the above. You have to decide if you like button or twist on, and just on/off or multi power levels.

2 -Most people agree that you want 1000 lumen max. Some like less as more light tends to scare away some sea life.

3 -You can use a Goodman glove with all the above lights.

4 -Use your video light for video. It has too wide a beam to get good penetration that you want in a dive light.

Also consider getting an additional red light. It won't scare away any of the sea life. Makes you very stealthy.

*New Model* Aquatec (Red Lens) Mini LED 1720R Scuba Mask Light torch diving | eBay

 

[spoolin01]

I like broad beam lights like video lights or the C4/C8/D4/D8 pistol styles, for clear water night diving if I'm more scanning around for anything to be seen than following a path or hunting for something specific. If you buy one of these lower powered throwers, it would be interesting to compare your wide angle 3800 lm light for night use.