How to Pick the Best Underwater Torch Light (So You Can Enjoy Your Dives Even More)

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Probably one of the biggest and most intriguing yet to be discovered mysteries of today is the underwater world. With about 228 000 known species and about 2 million unknown ones, diving in the ever-changing underwater environment remains the ultimate challenge for curious adventure seekers.

Diving is a rather challenging activity, and besides the necessary training to get a diving license or permission, one should also be brave enough to go into the unknown deep, be strong mentally for what awaits down there and most importantly, not panic. Of course, you’d also need a suitable diving equipment, mainly comprising of a diving suit, an oxygen tank and breathing system, diving mask and an underwater torch light – if you decide to go scuba diving at night, which is a particularly amazing experience.

Whether you take an underwater torch light with you or not, depends largely on the depths you’ll be diving in, and whether you’re going at night or during the day. At bigger depths, sunlight simply doesn’t penetrate the deep waters and down there is as dark as it gets, which means you’ll definitely need some light if you actually want to see something. On the other hand, some dive sights and species are especially beautiful to see at night, which again, you won’t be able to do so without a flash light. And finally, diving at night is much better for experiencing underwater colours, as you won’t have the Sun stealing them away. Bottom line, as a diver, you need to own an underwater torch light to provide you the opportunity to really experience the colours and shapes of the underwater world during night. So, how do you pick it?

First, what exactly do you need

You actually need two torches: one which you’ll be using from the start, and one which will be a backup light source. The first one should be bigger and much brighter. The criteria depends on how deep of waters will you be diving in, as well as your personal preference. Some divers don’t like to carry too much of a burden when they dive while others don’t mind it at all. Decide by the hand grip: how does it feel in your hand? The other torch is your reserve, and it should provide enough light to allow you to get back home safely. If it comes to using your backup torch, it’s time to end your dive.

Handles

Many dive torches come with a handle that allows you to attach your light to your wrist so you don’t lose it. A wrist strap is important if you’re particularly sloppy with stuff and you might lose your torch. Beware, once your underwater torch falls in the water, chances are you’ve lost if for good as these are quite heavy and do not float back to the surface.

Rechargeable or disposable?

Rechargeable underwater torches are preferred by most divers, since they work on batteries that cost a little less than other types and are environmentally friendly. They provide more power, thus are a-must for torches that produce over 10 watts of light. They do go bad eventually though, which is why using disposable batteries before you start your dive is a much better idea.