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Posted: 4/27/2025 3:44:32 PM EDT
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Just ordered a couple new NiMH battery packs for my old Diverite RX10, and was wondering if there are better options. These batteries seem to lose their oomph every year, failing at exactly the wrong time. With the advancements in LED and battery technology, you can get pretty good run times and performance on handheld lights like the Orcatorch D920. Paired with a soft Goodman handle, you wouldn't have to clip it off when not in use. Lightweight, so wouldn't figure into your buoyancy considerations as much, either. A couple small backup handhelds and seems to me that you'd be set for a wide range of conditions. Thoughts? |
| I have a no-name Chinese light similar to the one you mentioned, I think mine takes 4x 18650's. Easy to hold or clip off, no cables getting tangled on stuff. I'm pretty happy with it. Have a couple smaller 1x 18650 powered handhelds I can keep in my BCD or drysuit pockets as backups. If / when the batteries stop holding as much charge they are easy to replace for just a few bucks. |
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I use an OrcaTorch D630. I haven't found a non-canister light that can match it for lumens AND runtime. Battery and LED technology is getting close to being able to match it in a non-canister light, but not yet. When it does and this light gives up the ghost I will switch. OrcaTorch's D920 is getting close, but still can't match the D630 for runtime at the same lumen. If the D920's specs meet your requirements then I would get it. https://www.orcatorch.com/list/technical-diving.html NiMH batteries are old tech. The self-discharge rate is pretty high, they are heavy and they don't last long. Li-ion batteries have replaced NiMH in most applications. They have a much, much lower self-discharge rate, they are lighter, and provide more power. If your light has a Li-ion replacement available make the switch. |
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I like DGX's tech tips, and this is the one for can lights: A new class of lower cost technical dive light has supplanted the corded light head and battery canister form factor of the past. LED technology has advanced to the point where inexpensive backup lights are as bright or brighter than previous generation primary lights. With reliability and energy capacity advancements in rechargeable battery technology even the form factor of the large canister is being questioned. Today this means the main operational difference between a backup and primary light is the burn time, with many divers including penetration divers forgoing the traditional canister primary and two handheld backups in favor of three modern handhelds that can each serve as primary. The multiple handheld primary approach is much lower cost with better reliability and redundancy. However, for extreme environments that demand the maximum burn time with maximum lumen output the newest generation canister lights seem to still be the preferred choice of exploration divers. Interesting. I am taking the TDI full cave certification later this year, but I have no intent of extreme environments or expedition-style cave penetration. Just exploration of well-mapped and fun caves like Jackson Blue and deeper wrecks like the Oriskany and United States. That said, I am still leaning toward replacing my DR can light. Just got new battery packs for it, and the light output is really poor and yellow. I'll probably just plop down the dough for a Lightmonkey can. |
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Welp, I guess I answered my own question. This just came in the mail: Attached File |
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