The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Scuba Diving Torch

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Underwater Dive Light

When the sun sets or the reef dips into deeper waters, visibility becomes a diver’s biggest challenge. That’s where a scuba diving torch becomes your best underwater companion. Whether you're exploring local dive sites in Singapore or planning a liveaboard in Raja Ampat, the right underwater torch can completely transform your experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to choose the right dive torch, what features to prioritize, and introduce you to one of the most trusted brands among recreational and professional divers — X-Adventurer.

Why Every Diver Needs a Scuba Diving Torch

Even in daylight, the ocean swallows colour and contrast as you descend. A dive torch:

• Restores natural colours to coral and marine life

• Helps you see clearly in wrecks, caves, or silty waters

• Enhances safety and communication during low-visibility dives

• Allows you to spot nocturnal creatures during night dives

Whether you're a beginner or rescue diver, a quality dive torch for scuba diving is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity.

How to Choose the Right Dive Torch

✅ 1. Brightness (Measured in Lumens)

• 1000–1500 lumens: Great for general recreational dives and night diving.

• 1800+ lumens: Ideal for wreck diving, deep water, or photography.

💡Tip: Brightness isn’t everything. Optics and beam focus matter just as much!

✅ 2. Beam Angle

• Narrow Beam (10°–15°): Penetrates further — great for signalling and searching.

• Wide Beam (60°–120°): Floods the area — perfect for videos and group dives.

A versatile torch typically offers a 12°–15° beam for multi-purpose use.

✅ 3. Burn Time

Look for:

• Minimum 60–90 minutes on full power

• Multiple brightness modes for longer usage

• Battery level indicators to prevent surprises

  
  

✅ 4. Build and Depth Rating

A good scuba diving light should be:

• Rated for 100m+ depth

• Made of anodized aluminum or durable polymers

• Fully sealed and corrosion-resistant

If you plan to dive frequently, invest in one that’s both rugged and reliable.

✅ 5. Battery and Charging

• Opt for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

• Look for USB charging ports — ideal for travel

• Avoid disposable AA lights for environmental and performance reasons

  
  

✅ 6. Size and Weight

Compact models are perfect for travel, but make sure they don’t sacrifice brightness or battery life.

Best Features to Look for in Scuba Dive Torches

🔹 Waterproof magnetic switch (easy to operate in gloves)🔹 O-ring sealed body for leak protection🔹 Optional wrist mounts or video arm compatibility🔹 Built-in battery indicators🔹 Aircraft-grade aluminum housing

Choosing Based on Dive Type

Diver Profile	Recommended Torch Features
Open Water / Casual	1000–1500 lumens, narrow beam, USB charging
Night Diver	1500+ lumens, long burn time, durable shell
Wreck or Cave Diver	1800+ lumens, narrow beam, strong battery, backup torch required
Underwater Photographer	Wide beam (60°+), stable colour temperature, mount-compatible

Review: X-Adventurer M1500 & M1800 Dive Torches

🔦 X-Adventurer M1500 — Best Entry-Level Dive Torch

Specs:

• 1500 lumens brightness

• 15° beam angle

• 90-minute burn time

• Rechargeable Li-ion battery

• Magnetic rotary switch

Why we love it:This is an ideal scuba dive torch for beginners. It’s compact, bright, and easy to operate. The narrow beam is perfect for highlighting marine life without spooking it, and its travel-friendly design makes it great for your next Tioman or Anilao trip.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Tough, bright, and reliable. Great value for the price. Used it in Hantu and Bali — perfect for beginners!” – Jason L., SSI Advanced Adventurer

🔦 X-Adventurer M1800 — Versatile Torch for Serious Divers

Specs:

• 1800 lumens brightness

• 12° beam angle

• Over 100m depth rating

• Rotary switch with battery indicator

• Can double as a video light with mount adapters

Why we love it:This is the best dive torch for multi-purpose use. Whether you're navigating a shipwreck or recording your dives, the M1800 offers excellent lighting with long-lasting power. The brightness-to-size ratio is perfect for travel and local diving in Singapore’s darker waters.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Took it to Lembeh and Hantu. From night dives to hunting for critters in low viz, this light didn’t disappoint!” – Cheryl N., Rescue Diver

Final Thoughts: Illuminate Your Dives, Safely and Smartly

A scuba diving torch is one of the most underrated — yet most important — pieces of equipment you’ll own. Choosing the right one depends on your diving goals, conditions, and experience level.

Both the X-Adventurer M1500 and M1800 hit the sweet spot between performance, value, and durability — making them strong choices whether you’re buying your first light or upgrading to something more powerful.

💬 Need help choosing your next torch? Drop by Cuddlefish Divers to see our torch selection, or join us on our next night dive to try one out in action.

🔦 Light up your underwater world — and never miss a moment again.