Best and Brightest: Ikelite Gamma

Dive lights make night dives possible, and they can really ratchet up the fun quotient of a day dive by allowing you to probe darker recesses in the reefs. Whether you prefer a mini light that lives in a BC pocket (until you need it), a powerful primary light that can lay down some serious illumination on a tropical night dive, or a compact canister light that you wear on your wrist, there are myriad models to choose from ranging in size, burn time, power and price.

›› 10-degree beam angle offers a concentrated burst of light
›› Constructed of high-grade aluminum, anodized for superior corrosion protection
›› Depth rated to 300 feet to satisfy all recreational-diving needs

The Gamma’s slim body is easy to hold and is sized to fit virtually any BC pocket. Its 220-lumen beam is bright from center to periphery, and can be accessorized with diffusers and filters for photo uses. We chose the Gamma as our Editor's Pick: "Ikelite's Gamma is an über-cool mini torch with a sleek, anodized-aluminum body, a smooth 220 lumen beam and convenient thumb-button activation. The designers were definitely operating in high gear on this one."

220 Lumens; 10 hours on 2 CR-123 batteries

Contact: ikelite.com

Sport Diver Staff Photographer

Best and Brightest: PELICAN NEMO 2010 LED, Seasoft RayGun-R, PRINCETON TEC LEAGUE 100

›› Lightweight ABS resin body is submersible to 328 feet
›› Photo luminescent polymer shroud glows in the dark
›› Twist on/off lens shroud eliminates accidental discharge

Pelican’s flagship LED flashlight-style torch, the Nemo 2010’s 8-inch-long body offers a large belt clip and a lanyard on a split ring for multiple mounting options. It is available in blue, black and yellow.

109 Lumens; 32 hours on 3 C batteries

CONTACT: pelican.com
MSRP: $80.95

SEASOFT RAYGUN-R

›› Two batteries are provided so one can be recharging while the other is being used
›› Fully loaded, it weighs in at a featherweight 6.5 ounces
›› Double O-rings protect the battery compartment from leakage

The 6-inch-long RayGun-R’s polycarbonate body is textured with a nonslip finish, and uses a twist on/off light switch with rubber shroud for easy gripping. It comes with a lanyard in black or yellow.

300 Lumens; 8-10 hours on a full charge

CONTACT: seasoftscuba.com
MSRP: $149.99

PRINCETON TEC LEAGUE 100

›› Angled light head lets you direct the beam without torqueing the wrist
›› Molded finger grip allows for easy handling at depth, even wearing gloves
›› A single Maxbright LED pumps out bright-white illumination

Its compact size (6 inches long), unique shape and budget price make the League 100 the perfect all-purpose dive light. The locking light switch can be easily activated one-handed. A wrist lanyard is included.

210 Lumens; 10 hours on 4 AA batteries

CONTACT: princetontec.com
MSRP: $49.99

Sport Diver Staff Photographer

Best and Brightest: AQUA LUNG ALU TRIO, MARES EOS 5, TEKTITE EXPEDITION LS5

›› Self-locking magnetic slide switch offers easy one- handed operation
›› Finger indents in the metal casing improve the grip
›› Can be powered by eight AA batteries on full power or four AA s at half power

The Alu Trio’s elliptically shaped aluminum housing is not only eye-catching, but it also is easy to hold and operate. Triple LED bulbs produce a total of 780 lumens, powerful for a light this size. What’s more, the Alu Trio is depth rated to 1,000 feet.

780 Lumens Uses 8 AA batteries

CONTCT: aqualung.com MSRP: $359

MARES EOS 5

›› Aluminum body is corrosion resistant for extended saltwater use
›› Twist on/off light head is fitted with a nonslip rubber half-shroud
›› It weighs in at just under one pound, fully loaded Depth rated to 393 feet, this powerful torch is 9 inches long and delivers some high-intensity light with a mottle-free center beam. The battery casing is double- O-ring protected. A lanyard is included.

620 Lumens 14-16 hrs on 3 C Batteries

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $190

TEKTITE EXPEDITION LS5

›› Batteries and LED high-power emitter are protected by a double- O-ring seal
›› Specialized optics produce an ultratight 10-degree beam pattern
›› Light head is shrouded in rubber that acts as a glare guard

A flat-black body with textured grip machined from a solid bar of anodized aluminum and a 2,000-foot depth rating make this a serious dive light for serious divers. It comes with a cushioned wrist lanyard.

750 Lumens 2.5+ hrs on 3 C batteries

CONTACT: tek-tite.com MSRP: $289.95

Sport Diver Staff Photographer

Best and Brightest: SCUBAPRO Nova 230, MARES EOS 2C, AQUA LUNG ALU SOLO

›› Rugged aluminum casing is designed for both recreational and technical diving
›› Super-fine threads and double O -rings protect from water intrusion
›› An accordion strap has clips for securing to your wrist or BC

The Nova 230’s attractively machined aluminum body measures just under 9 inches. The twist on/off light head has a textured rubber half-shroud for gripping. It is depth rated to 393 feet.

230 Lumens 14-18 hrs on 3 C batteries

CONTACT: scubapro.com MSRP: $129

MARES EOS 2C

›› Single LED offers a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours
›› Twist on/off light head is fitted with a half-shroud for easy gripping with wet hands
›› Fully loaded, it tips the scales at just 8 ounces

This is a more compact version of the EOS 5. It’s only 6 inches long, stowing easily in a pocket. Batteries load into a canister that slides into an aluminum casing protected by double O-rings.

240 Lumens 5-6 hrs on 3 AA Batteries

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $95

AQUA LUNG ALU SOLO

›› Anodized-aluminum alloy body is rugged and resists corrosion
›› Single LED light head produces a very usable 20-degree beam angle
›› Adjustable wrist lanyard and belt clip provide multiple security options

This Italian-made underwater light measures 9 inches long and offers a maximum operating depth of 1,000 feet. Powered by easy-to-get C cells, it pumps out enough illumination to light up the darkest night dive.

260 Lumens uses 3 c N/A Batteries

CONTACT: aqualung.com MSRP: $199

Sport Diver Staff Photographer

Best and Brightest: SCUBAPRO Nova 230, MARES EOS 2C, AQUA LUNG ALU SOLO

›› Circular battery canister lets you load batteries quickly and easily
›› Click-on thumb switch makes for easy one-handed operation
›› Its mini size allows you to stow it in the smallest pocket

With its ultracompact, 5.5-inch polished-aluminum body and powerful single LED, the new Nova 200 is an easy-to-stow go-anywhere light, ideal for backup illumination or for travel. An end hole is provided for installing a lanyard, providing extra security. 200 Lumens

Up to 8 hours on 3 AAA batteries
CONTACT: scubapro.com MSRP: $102

WATERSHOT STRYKR SL 40M

›› Four light modes — high, medium, low and strobe — offer maximum versatility
›› Reflector produces a 10-degree hot-spot beam for focused light
›› Mode control and battery-level indicators make it easy to track status

A versatile mini canister light: You can select light output and corresponding burn time as well as beam pattern and mounting configurations. Depth rated to 120 feet, the kit includes light head, battery, cord, mount and charger.

3-30 hours per recharge

CONTACT: watershot.com MSRP: $499

IST SPORTS T120 MINI SOL RECHARGEABLE LED DIVE LIGHT

›› Machined from a solid block of marine-grade aluminum for durability
›› 10-watt LED is powered by a custom-made lithium-ion battery
›› Battery compartment is double-Oring sealed to keep water out

The T-120 is small in size but delivers a heck of a punch when it comes to illumination. Turn it on and get ready for a blast of white-hot light from a body that’s easy to grip. A tiny torch, the T120 is nevertheless depth rated to 328 feet.

750 Lumens

70 minutes on a full charge

CONTACT: istsports.com MSRP: $250

Carrie Garcia