Torches and Strobes

Light is what turns a murky UK dive into a memorable one. This range covers primary torches, compact backup and focus lights, umbilical canister systems, a head torch and marker beacons, from Ammonite System, Apeks, Aqualung, Aquatec, Divepro, DynamicNord, Halcyon, Shark, Tovatec and XTAR. Output, burn time, beam angle and depth rating vary widely between models, so check the manufacturer specification for the light you are considering, or talk to us and we will help you match one to your diving.

Two divers diving at night with light generated by powerful torches

Expert advice
Talk to divers who use the kit we sell.
Servicing and repairs
Regulators, cylinders, drysuits, BCDs and computer batteries.
Rutland dive centre
A real shop in Oakham, with training and pool sessions.
UK delivery
Posted across the UK. Ask about lead times on special orders.

What is in this range

The lights here fall into a few broad groups: primary torches meant to be your main source of illumination, compact backup and focus lights, umbilical canister systems that separate the battery from the light head, a head torch for hands-free work, and marker beacons and strobes used for signalling and for being seen.

The brands stocked in this collection are Ammonite System, Apeks, Aqualung, Aquatec, Divepro, DynamicNord, Halcyon, Shark, Tovatec and XTAR.

Matching a light to your diving

An inland site in the Midlands, a boat dive off the south coast and clear tropical water all ask different things of a light. As a broad steer, a wider beam lights more of what is around you and suits filming and general awareness, while a tighter beam throws further and is easier for a buddy to pick out as a signal. Many divers end up carrying one of each.

Beyond that broad distinction, output, beam angle, burn time, battery type and depth rating differ from model to model. We deliberately do not publish a single figure covering the range, because it would be wrong for most of it. Check the manufacturer specification on the product page for the light you are considering.

Primary, backup and signalling lights

Plenty of divers carry more than one light, so that a failure is an inconvenience rather than the end of the dive. A backup is simply a second, independent source of light, usually smaller and carried stowed until it is wanted.

Whether any particular light is suitable as a primary or as a backup for your diving, and especially for anything in an overhead environment such as a wreck, cave or mine, depends on the light, on your training and on your dive plan. We will not offer a blanket rule on that. Check the manufacturer specification, and talk to us or to your instructor.

Looking after your lights

Rinse in fresh water after every dive, paying attention to the switch, the lanyard attachment and any charging contacts, then let the light dry properly before you store it. Keep o-rings and their grooves clean, and lubricate them as the manufacturer instructs. Charging, battery care and storage differ between models, so follow the instructions supplied with your specific light.

Read the full guide Show less

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the dive. Many divers carry a primary light plus at least one compact backup, so that a single failure does not end the dive. Overhead environments such as wrecks, caves and mines carry their own requirements, and those come from your training agency and your dive plan rather than from us. Tell us how and where you dive and we will help you work out a sensible set-up.

These vary enormously across the range, and often between variants of the same model, so we do not quote a single figure for the collection. Check the manufacturer specification on the individual product page for the light you are considering, and ask us if anything is unclear.

A handheld torch keeps the battery and the light head in one unit. An umbilical system separates them: the battery canister is worn on your harness and a cable runs to a separate light head, which moves the weight off your hand and lets you keep the head on a Goodman-style handle. Which suits you depends on your kit configuration and the kind of diving you do, so come and talk to us.

A strobe or marker beacon is used to make you easier to see and to find, whether that is on the surface waiting for pick-up, at a shot line, or keeping track of each other in a group. Whether you need one depends on the site, the conditions and how you are diving. Ask us and we will talk it through.