|| |---| | | | Among our 12 Testers' Choice lights, you'll find a beam for every purpose.|
October 2003
Photography by Mitch Mandel
By John Brumm

Dive Lights Reviewed

||| |---|---| | IKELITE PCa Lite IKELITE Super-8 RCD PELICAN MityLite 4AA PRINCETON TEC Shockwave II PRINCETON TEC Tec-40 | PRINCETON TEC Rage & Blast TEKTITE Trek 400 EX 40 LED TEKTITE Trek 6000 UNDERWATER KINETICS Light Cannon 100 UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight SL4 & SL6 |
Dive lights make night dives possible and day dives better. But not all lights are created equal, and finding the one that's right for you requires you to know more than just which one is brightest.

For this light test, we obtained three dozen widely available models of all shapes and sizes. In our darkened facility, we aimed each light at a white screen from a distance of 10 feet. Each light made a hot spot between six inches and two feet in diameter. Using a digital light meter, we measured the maximum intensity at the brightest point of each hot spot.

Next, we measured peripheral illumination, which is the circle of light just outside the hot spot. While appearing relatively uniform to the naked eye, the intensity gradually diminishes the farther it is from the hot spot. Using the same light meter, we took readings at 12 inches outside each hot spot along four axes--up, down, left, right--and averaged the four readings.

We then evaluated the quality of the light pattern; i.e., whether a beam is uniform or mottled. Finally, we loaded and unloaded batteries, tested switches and switch locks, and made note of bulbs, burn times and additional features.

Weather conditions, visibility and water conditions all vary, diving styles differ and every diver's lighting needs are different. What may be a great light to one diver could be extra lead to another.

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TESTERS' CHOICES: Large Pistol-Grip Lights

A: UNDERWATER KINETICS Light Cannon 100 This dive light incorporates HID (high intensity discharge) technology that uses a high-voltage arc instead of a glowing filament to produce illumination. It projects an extremely clean, bright and concentrated hot spot with lots of peripheral illumination. The 10-watt HID is claimed to be as bright as a 25-watt halogen. When you first turn this light on, nothing happens. Then, a dim glow appears, which slowly builds to a brilliant bluish-white light, claimed to penetrate water better than halogen and Xenon bulbs' warmer tones. The Light Cannon 100 is powered by eight C-cells. It has a good locking on/off switch and a comfortable pistol grip. It's also available with a lantern-style handle. A wrist lanyard is included.

B: IKELITE Super-8 RCD Juiced up with eight D-cells, the heftiest lantern in the test group lights up the night with a powerful, medium-sized beam surrounding a large, uniform hot spot. This beam is tops for night diving in clear water, but not quite as good in murky conditions--like your car's high beams in the fog, extremely bright or wide beams tend to cause backscatter and reduce visibility. Replacing batteries is a cinch with a clever flip-up lever that allows you to slip the housing over the battery rack--a very user-friendly system. The Super-8 comes with a lantern grip. The on/off switch can be activated with one finger (a bit easier with the pistol grip) and has an easy-to-use positive lock. The Super-8 RCD is also available in a rechargeable model.

C: TEKTITE Trek 6000 The smallest of the pistol grip lights tested, this torch delivers a wide, scorching hot spot with excellent light uniformity and puts out high-intensity peripheral illumination. It's built around six C-cells and is a great choice for night diving in clear water. It's extremely compact, making it an excellent day light and allowing it to fit into many BC pockets, or you could hang it from a D-ring without knocking yourself out. The on/off switch is a bit small and can be slightly difficult to activate, especially wearing gloves. The switch has a "locking" position, but it's just a slot separated from "off" by a small nub. The light could be accidentally turned on if the switch got snagged on something in your dive bag. The Trek 6000 comes with a spare Xenon bulb.

D: PRINCETON TEC Shockwave II This compact eight C-cell torch packs a lot of punch. It projects a large hot spot, offers bright peripheral illumination and delivers a wide beam with an excellent, mottle-free light pattern. It's made with a dual-filament multi-output bulb that allows you to power up from a light-up-the-night 7.5 watts to a terrify-the-fish 15 watts when you need it. The Shockwave II's primary function is night diving in clear water, but it works well on low power in murky conditions. It's also compact enough to take with you during day dives. Batteries load fairly easily, and the on/off switch can be activated with one finger, and has a lock.

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TESTERS' CHOICES: Pocket Lights

E: PELICAN MityLite 4AA The new MityLite 4AA is an upgraded version of Pelican's original MityLite. While not the brightest light in the test group, it still produces a smooth, large hot spot and delivers decent peripheral illumination. The palm-sized light stashes easily in a BC pocket. It uses screw-down activation, which requires two hands and doesn't provide a locking mechanism. The MityLite 4AA is a good backup light for night diving, checking gauges and for deck work. As a day light, it illuminates the shadows. The MityLite 4AA comes with a multi-function mounting clip and lanyard.

F: UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight SL4 & SL6 Both of these concentrated-beam lights produce powerful hot spots and good to very good peripheral illumination. The four C-cell SL4, two inches shorter than the SL6, is compact in the hand and throws a super bright beam similar to the Ikelite PCa. The SL6 uses an additional two Cs to give it more horsepower, pumping out the most intense hot spot of all lights in this test group. Both lights produce a nice uniform light pattern. The SL4 is a great day light or backup night light. The SL6 is too, but it could perform as a night dive light as well, especially in murky water where narrow beams help to minimize backscatter. Both lights have on/off switches that can be activated with one finger, but no switch locks. Lanyards are included.

G: IKELITE PCa Lite This is a great little palm-sized light. Powered by six AA-cells, the concentrated beam delivers a small but fierce hot spot with some of the brightest peripheral illumination among pocket lights. This little fire-breather is super easy to use, even wearing gloves. The on/off switch provides simple finger activation and has a secure locking lever. A unique battery compartment latch allows the O-ring to be pressed on, not screwed in. The only downside to the light is its limited burn time--approximately two hours--the shortest in the test group. We think the convenience of size and high performance is worth having to carry extra batteries. It works best as a primary day light in clear water, but can also be used in the murk thanks to its concentrated beam, or as a small but powerful backup to a larger night light.

H: TEKTITE Trek 400 EX 40 LED This light marries traditional pocket light design and LED (light-emitting diode) technology. LEDs never burn out, offer impressive battery life, and don't break when you drop the light. LEDs produce a "cooler" light than traditional halogen or Xenon bulbs, so a sponge that appears blood-red in a halogen beam might appear purplish in LED light. Compared to traditional lights, they're somewhat dim, generating more of a glow than a beam. LED illumination is a personal taste: some divers love it, others don't. If you like the tone and texture emitted by an LED light, this light is the best of the bunch. The Trek 400 EX 40 packs 40 diodes into its light head, producing a wide hot spot. While not nearly as bright as traditional lights, it still provides a distinctive mottle-free beam with above-average peripheral illumination. It's best used as a primary day light or backup to a larger night diving light. It operates on four C-cells and has a small on/off switch that can be activated with one finger. The locking position, however, doesn't guarantee that the switch won't accidentally click on if snagged on something.

I: PRINCETON TEC Tec-40 The compact Tec-40 has a medium-sized beam with a good light pattern, a hot spot of moderate intensity, and minimal peripheral illumination, which combine to produce the perfect light for poking around in crevices and holes in the reef. It's a dependable backup to your larger night diving light, and for lighting up your station on the boat. Powered by four AA-cells, the Tec-40 is activated by screwing down the light head, requiring two hands. As a general-purpose pocket light, it's easy to store and even easier to use. Comes with an adjustable lanyard.

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TESTERS' CHOICE: Mini-Lights

|| |---| | | J: PRINCETON TEC Rage & Blast The Rage and Blast are a couple of must-have utility lights. The Blast uses two AAA-cells, the Rage, four. The two twist-on lights are nearly identical in shape--the Rage is slightly longer and a bit easier to handle. These two models produce surprisingly good hot spots for such small lights, with the Rage projecting a smoother light pattern. The Blast offers twice the burn time, however, and has a built-in hat clip for hands-free illumination on the boat. Both general-purpose lights are perfect for checking gauges, but you can also use them for poking around reefs. These lights are so small, you can stick one in your BC pocket and forget about it until you need a little illumination.

The Right Tool for the Job

Six different diving situations require six different torches.

Not all lights are created equal. And that's good, because not all lights are suitable for all diving situations. While most lights can be used in a variety of conditions, there tend to be specific conditions where some really shine.

SITUATION 1: Night diving in clear water > You want maximum illumination--the brighter and wider the beam, the farther you'll see, and the more cool stuff you'll illuminate.

SITUATION 2: Night diving in murky water > Resist the urge for more power--super bright lights with wide beams work against you by creating backscatter that reduces your visibility. Opt for a light with moderate intensity and a medium to narrow beam. Note: Some lights with bright wide beams offer reflectors that snap onto the lens to focus the light.

SITUATION 3: Day diving in clear water > When you're cruising a reef or wall, a medium to wide beam with a bright hot spot brings out the vibrant colors that are lost at depth. A narrower beam will light up dark nooks and crannies, revealing reef life you didn't know was there.

SITUATION 4: Day diving in murky water > When the vis goes south, no light will save the big picture. But you can save the dive by adjusting your underwater focus and moving in close. A small light of moderate intensity and a narrow beam will help you make the most of a muck dive.

SITUATION 5: Checking gear and gauges > Here's where a small light without a lot of intensity works best. Too much light can bounce off gauges and produce glare. A small light has a soft beam that's easy to handle, can be clipped onto a BC and will illuminate your gauges and computer.

SITUATION 6: Topside pre/post-dive needs > This is when burn time is crucial. Lights that milk batteries for all they're worth let you prepare for night dives without using all their juice before you really need it.

OTHER LIGHTS TESTED: Pistol Grip Lights

IKELITE C-Light 8
Test notes > "Medium beam ... brighter hot spot than the Light Cannon 100 ... minimal peripheral illumination ... very good light pattern ... good one-hand switch with effective lock system." Good for > Night diving in clear and murky water.

IKELITE RCD-H
Test notes > "Medium beam ... not as bright or compact as the C-Light 8 ... very good light pattern ... powered by four D-cells ... good one-handed locking switch once you get the hang of it." Good for > Night diving in both clear and murky waters.

PELICAN PRODUCTS Nemo 4C & 8C
Test notes > "Space-age design ... both lights have relatively concentrated beams ... the larger 8C has much better peripheral illumination and a smoother light pattern ... the smaller 4C will fit in many BC pockets ... external switches with sliding locks are easy to operate ... lanyard included." Good for > Night diving in clear and murky water; 4C is compact enough to stash in a pocket and be used as a day light.

PRINCETON TEC Miniwave II
Test notes > "Wide beam, moderate intensity, good peripheral illumination, very good light pattern ... dual-filament bulb allows you to power up from 3 to 5.8 watts ... one-handed on/off switch has good lock system." Good for > Night diving in clear water; compact size makes it a good day light, too.

UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight D4 & D8
Test notes > "Moderate-intensity wide beams with very good peripheral illumination ... the D8 projects a hotter spot and cleaner light pattern ... dual bulb systems let you switch to a backup bulb under water ... good on/off switches with efficient locks ... lanyards included ... both lights can be outfitted with lantern grips." Good for > Night diving in clear water.

UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight C4 & C8
Test notes > "Medium beam lights ... larger C8 has a slightly wider hot spot, higher intensity beam, better peripheral illumination and better light pattern--to be expected from a light with twice the power ... dual bulb systems let you switch to the backup bulb under water ... both lights have same efficient locking switches and lanyards as UK's D series." Good for > Night diving in clear water; the smaller C4 is easier to handle and makes a versatile day light.

OTHER LIGHTS TESTED: Pocket Lights

AERIS Vision 4C
Test notes > "Concentrated beam ... moderate intensity ... minimal peripheral illumination ... good light pattern ... one-handed switch with secure locking tab." Good for > Day diving in clear or murky water.

IKELITE Mini-C
Test notes > "Concentrated beam ... high-intensity hot spot ... good peripheral illumination ... good light pattern ... one-handed light switch with effective lock ... comes with stainless steel belt clip." Good for > Day diving in clear or murky water.

IKELITE PC Light
Test notes > "Concentrated beam ... similar to Vision 4C, but with twice the hot spot intensity and peripheral illumination ... on/off switch activated with finger or thumb and armed with locking tab ... unique battery compartment latch." Good for > Day diving in clear or murky water.

PRINCETON TEC 400
Test notes > "Narrow beam with one of the brightest hot spots in the test group ... good peripheral illumination ... slightly mottled hot spot ... one-handed light switch ... no switch lock ... comes with lanyard." Good for > Day diving, including murky conditions.

PRINCETON TEC Surge
Test notes > "Bright, wide beam can be diffused by rotating lens cap ... innovative battery rack lets you power the light with only four AA-cells, although this reduces burn time ... switch locks are plastic nubs--effective, but more difficult to use than other locking systems." Good for > Day diving and as a backup night light.

TEKTITE Trek 2 & 4 LED
Test notes > "Faint, nearly indistinguishable hot spots when compared to traditional lights ... indistinct light patterns ... strengths lie in extremely long burn times." Good for > Checking gauges and rummaging through dive bags.

TEKTITE Expedition 300, 1400 & 1900
Test notes > "The 300 with seven LEDs offers a relatively wide but dim beam ... with the 14 and 19 LEDs in the 1400 and 1900, brightness increases substantially--though still nowhere close to traditional lights ... light patterns are good ... burn times excellent." Good for > Day diving; doing close work in clear water.

TEKTITE Expedition Star
Test notes > "This new light uses Luxeon Star LED with specialized narrow beam optics ... much brighter than standard LED lights, but still falls short of traditional torches in terms of light intensity ... light pattern is very good ... burn times excellent." Good for > Day diving doing close work in clear water, and as a general-purpose gear-up light.

TEKTITE Trek 400
Test notes > "Narrow beam ... the same basic design as Tec 400 (but not as bright) and Mini-C (but with a more mottled hot spot) ... one-handed switch with a so-so lock ... comes with lanyard and spare Xenon bulb." Good for > Day diving in clear water.

UNDERWATER KINETICS Mini Q40
Test notes > "Narrow beam ... powerful hot spot for such a small light ... good peripheral illumination ... light pattern a bit mottled ... twist-on activation ... comes with mask-strap attachment." Good for > Day diving, poking around reef nooks and crannies.

OTHER LIGHTS TESTED: Mini-Lights

IKELITE Tank Lite
Test notes > "Key chain light that can also be hung from your BC." Good for > Reading gauges at night or checking photo equipment.

PRINCETON TEC Impact II
Test notes > "Dim but surprisingly wide hot spot that holds its shape ... this LED light gives you more than 75 hours of burn time." Good for > Close work under water and for pre- and post-dive lighting needs.

UNDERWATER KINETICS 2AAA Mini Pocket Light
Test notes > "Good for more than 20 hours between battery changes ... hat clip attaches to baseball cap visors." Good for > Locating lost items at night in your bunk, rummaging through your dive bag on the boat.

For More Information

AERIS
www.diveaeris.com

IKELITE
www.ikelite.com

PELICAN PRODUCTS
www.pelican.com

PRINCETON TEC
www.princetontec.com

TEKTITE
www.tek-tite.com

UNDERWATER KINETICS
www.uwkinetics.com

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|MANUFACTURER PRODUCT NAME| PRICE| WARRANTY| DIMENSIONS (INCHES)| BATTERIES| BULB| WATTS| BURN TIME*| ONE-HAND SWITCH| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | PISTOL GRIP LIGHTS| | | | | | | | | | IKELITE Super-8 RCD| $90| 1 Year| 8.5x4| 8 D| Halogen| 14| 6 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | IKELITE C-Light 8RCD| $70| 1 Year| 6.5x2.75| 8 C| Halogen| 14| 3-5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | IKELITE RCD, Clear| $70| 1 Year| 6x4| 4 D| Halogen| 7.5| 5-6 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | PELICAN PRODUCTS Nemo 8C| $59.95| Uncond. Lifetime| 6x4| 8 C| Xenon| 13.8| 3.5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | PELICAN PRODUCTS Nemo 4C| $49.95| Uncond. Lifetime| 5x3| 4 C| Xenon| 6.9| 3.5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | PRINCETON TEC Miniwave II| $55.95| Lifetime| 4.75x3| 4 C| Xenon| 3/5.8| 4-5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | PRINCETON TEC Shockwave II| $71.99| Lifetime| 6.5x3| 8 C| Xenon| 7.5/15| 4-10 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | TEKTITE Trek 6000 Pistol| $49.95| Lifetime| 6x2.75| 6 C| Xenon| 7.65| 4 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Light Cannon 100| $280| Limited Lifetime| 8x3| 8 C| HID| 25 equiv.| 3-4 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight D8| $85| Limited Lifetime| 8.5x4| 8 D| Xenon| 14| 7-10 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight D4| $68| Limited Lifetime| 6x3.5| 4 D| Xenon| 5.8| 7-10 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight C4| $52| Limited Lifetime| 5x2.5| 4 C| Xenon| 6.6| 3.5-4.5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight C8| $72| Limited Lifetime| 7x2.5| 8 C| Xenon| 13.2| 3.5-4.5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | POCKET LIGHTS| | | | | | | | | | AERIS Vision 4C| $34.95| 2 Years| 6.5x2| 4 C| Halogen| 7.5| 3-4 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | IKELITE Mini-C| $34| Limited Lifetime| 6x3| 4 C| Halogen| 7.5| 3-4 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | IKELITE PCa, Clear| $30| Limited Lifetime| 4.5x2.5| 6 AA| Halogen| 7.2| 2 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | IKELITE PC Lite| $36| Limited Lifetime| 6.5x2.5| 4 C| Halogen| 7.5| 3-4 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | PELICAN PRODUCTS MityLite 4AA| $22.95| Uncond. Lifetime| 6x1.5| 4 AA| Xenon| 3.66| 3.5 hrs.| No| | PRINCETON TEC Tec 400| $34.99| Lifetime| 6x2.5| 4 C| Halogen| 4.9| 4-5 hrs.| Yes| | PRINCETON TEC Tec 40| $18.99| Lifetime| 6x1.75| 4 AA| Halogen| 4.0| 3-5 hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Trek 2 LED| $26.95| Lifetime| 7x1| 3 AA| 2 LEDs| N/A| 40+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Trek 4 LED| $39.95| Lifetime| 7x1| 3 AA| 4 LEDs| N/A| 20+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Expedition 300| $65.95| Lifetime| 7.5x2| 3 C| 7 LEDs| N/A| 40+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Expedition 1400| $94.95| Lifetime| 7.5x2| 3 C| 14 LEDs| N/A| 20+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Expedition 1900| $115.95| Lifetime| 7.5x2| 3 C| 19 LEDs| N/A| 12+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Expedition Star LED| $79.95| Lifetime| 7.5x2| 3 C| Luxeon| N/A| 15+ hrs.| No| | TEKTITE Trek 400 EX40 LED| $199.95| Lifetime| 6x2.5| 4 C| 40 LEDs| N/A| 4-5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | TEKTITE Trek 400| $37.95| Lifetime| 6x2.5| 4 C| Xenon| 5.2| 5 hrs.| Yes, w/lock| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight SL6| $52| Limited Lifetime| 8x2| 6 C| Xenon| 8| 4-5 hrs.| Yes| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Sunlight SL4| $39| Limited Lifetime| 6x2| 4 C| Xenon| 5.5| 4-5 hrs.| Yes| | UNDERWATER KINETICS Mini Q40| $26| Limited Lifetime| 6x1.5| 4 AA| Xenon| 2.1| 4-5 hrs.| No| | MINI-LIGHTS| | | | | | | | | | IKELITE Tank Lite| $10| 1 Year| 3x1| 1 AAA| Xenon| N/A| 2 hrs.| No| | PRINCETON TEC Impact II| $24.99| Lifetime| 5x1| 4 AAA| LED| N/A| 75+ hrs.| No| | PRINCETON TEC Blast| $9.99| Lifetime| 3x1| 2 AAA| Xenon| 1.2| 2-3 hrs.| No| | PRINCETON TEC Rage| $12.99| Lifetime| 5x1| 4 AAA| Xenon| 2.6| 1.25 hrs.| No| | UNDERWATER KINETICS UK2AAA MPL| $14| Limited Lifetime| 3x.75| 2 AAA| LED| 0.2| 20+ hrs.| No| | * According to manufacturer.|