From Wreck Exploration to Night Diving: A Diver-to-Diver Guide to Choosing Your Next Dive Light
When you're diving in UK waters or heading off on a tropical liveaboard, a solid dive torch is one of the most essential bits of kit you’ll ever own. Whether you’re peering into a wreck, checking under coral ledges, or navigating back to the boat on a night dive, a reliable dive light isn’t just about illumination — it’s about safety, communication, and seeing the dive world in its full colour.
Here at Mike’s Dive Store, we’ve stocked some of the best dive torches in the game — from ultra-focused spot beams to wide-angle video lights — and after testing and comparing the lot, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the top dive torches for 2025.
Top Dive Torches at Mike’s Dive Store – What to Look For
Before we dive into the top picks, here are the main features that separate a good torch from a truly great one:
- Lumen Output: How bright the light is (higher = brighter)
- Beam Angle: Narrow for distance, wide for area/video lighting
- Battery Type & Runtime: Rechargeable vs disposable, and how long it lasts on a dive
- Build & Durability: Metal vs polycarbonate, pressure valves, waterproof rating
- Modes & Controls: Easy switching, SOS signals, battery indicators
Best All-Round Dive Light: Sealife Sea Dragon Mini 1300S Power Kit
If you want serious power in a compact design, this is it. The Sealife Sea Dragon Mini 1300S is hands-down one of the most impressive all-round torches on the market right now. It punches out an impressive 1300 lumens in an ultra-focused 6° beam — perfect for spotting critters in the dark, signalling your buddy, or slicing through poor visibility.
It’s built like a tank with anodised aluminium housing, depth-rated to 100m, and includes a dual O-ring seal, pressure release valve, and battery level indicator. The 18650 rechargeable battery gives you between 55 minutes to 3.67 hours, depending on your power setting — and you can upgrade to a 3500mAh battery for even longer dives.
Why Choose It:
- Precision 6° beam for distance spotting
- Five useful modes including SOS
- Ideal for night, wreck, and technical diving
Best for Photography & Versatility: Tovatec Fusion 1050 Dive Light
Need one light that does it all? The Tovatec Fusion 1050 is a diver’s dream for flexibility. With an adjustable beam angle from 12° to 100°, it works just as well for focused wreck inspection as it does for wide-angle reef video. Twist the lens to zoom in or out depending on the conditions.
It runs on a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a runtime of around 2 hours at full power (1050 lumens). It also has an integrated pressure safety valve and a handy battery level indicator ring around the power button.
Why Choose It:
- Zoomable beam from spotlight to flood
- Excellent for travel, photo, or multi-purpose diving
- 140° wide beam option with lens removed
Best Compact Technical Torch: Scubapro Nova 850 Dive Torch
For divers pushing into overhead environments, deeper profiles or silty wrecks, the Scubapro Nova 850 is a rugged, narrow-beam torch that just works. It blasts out 850 lumens in a tight 8° beam, making it a great main light for spotting detail and cutting through particulate-rich water.
This torch also features a triple-mode selector (full, half, flash), a battery off-gassing safety valve, and a depth rating of 150m, making it ideal for more demanding dives. You’ll need three C-type batteries, either rechargeable or disposable.
Why Choose It:
- 8° beam for pinpoint accuracy
- Serious depth rating and construction
- Excellent backup or main torch for tec diving
Great Value Performer: Tovatec T1000 Spot Light
Compact, simple, and effective — the Tovatec T1000 Spot offers 1000 lumens and a fixed 12° beam, perfect for recreational divers who want a solid, no-fuss primary torch. It features a USB-rechargeable battery, emergency strobe mode, and comes with everything you need in the box — including O-rings, charging cable, and case.
Why Choose It:
- Great brightness for the price
- USB charging with no battery removal
- 100m depth rating and aluminium housing
Dive Light FAQs for 2025
Q: How many lumens is “enough” for diving?
For recreational night dives, anything 700–1000 lumens is a solid choice. For more technical or dark environment dives, go for 1000+ lumens with a narrow beam.
Q: What’s better — wide beam or narrow beam?
- Narrow beam (6°–12°): Great for distance, signalling, wrecks, and silty water.
- Wide beam (70°–100°): Ideal for video or illuminating large areas.
Q: Can I take these on planes?
Yes! Just make sure your rechargeable batteries are packed in carry-on luggage and ideally in a battery-safe case.
Q: How deep can I go with these lights?
- Most torches here are rated to 100–150m, far beyond recreational limits.
Choosing the Right Dive Torch
You don’t need 10 different torches — just one or two you can rely on. If you want ultimate power and reliability, go for the Sea Dragon Mini 1300S. If versatility is more your thing, you’ll love the Tovatec Fusion 1050. And for a rugged, no-compromise torch with great depth and tight beam control, the Scubapro Nova 850 is a fantastic bet.
Need help picking the right one? Just get in touch — we dive with this gear too, and we’re happy to help you choose the best light for your diving style.
