Ever been on a dive and had your primary light flicker out just as you’re about to peer into a wreck or a coral crevice? Not fun, right? That’s why I always carry a solid backup dive light—it’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. Whether I’m night diving, checking out a swim-through, or just want peace of mind, having a backup light ensures I’m never left in the dark (literally!).
Right now, I’m diving with the OrcaTorch D720 as my primary light and the D710 as my backup, but I also keep the D580 and D530 as spare lights.
What I Look for in a Backup Dive Light
Before jumping into my recommendations, here’s what I personally consider when choosing a backup light:
- Size & Portability – It should be compact enough to stash in a pocket or clip onto my harness without being annoying.
- Brightness (Lumens) – Backup lights don’t need to be blindingly bright, but 200–1000 lumens is a good range to stay useful in low-light conditions.
- Beam Angle – A narrow beam (spotlight) is great for signaling and cutting through murky water, while a wide beam is better for general visibility.
- Battery Type – I prefer rechargeables for regular use, but having a light that also works with disposable batteries is great for travel or emergencies.
- Depth Rating – No one wants their backup light to flood at 80 feet. I make sure mine is rated deeper than my usual dive depths.
- Durability & Construction – Saltwater and pressure can be brutal. I always look for a rugged, corrosion-resistant design.
- Ease of Use – Twist-on? Push button? Magnetic switch? Whatever it is, it should be glove-friendly and simple to operate.
My Backup Dive Lights
Backup Light: OrcaTorch D710
- Lumens: 3000
- Beam Angle: 6-degree spot
- Battery: Rechargeable 21700
- Depth Rating: 492 ft (150 m)
- Why I Like It: The D710 is my go-to backup light, and honestly, it’s bright enough that it could serve as a primary in a pinch. It’s compact but still packs a serious punch, making it a solid choice for all types of recreational diving.
Spare Backup Lights: OrcaTorch D580 & D530
OrcaTorch D580 (Versatile & Reliable)
- Lumens: 530
- Beam Angle: 6-degree narrow spot
- Battery: 1x 18650 or 3x AAA
- Depth Rating: 492 ft (150 m)
- Why I Like It: This is a great spare light. It’s rugged, reliable, and has a simple twist-on design that makes it easy to use even with thick gloves. Plus, the option to use AAA batteries in a pinch makes it a versatile choice for travel or emergency situations.
OrcaTorch D530 (Brighter & More Focused Beam)
- Lumens: 1300
- Beam Angle: 8-degree spot
- Battery: Rechargeable 18650
- Depth Rating: 492 ft (150 m)
- Why I Like It: A bit brighter than the D580 with a slightly wider beam, the D530 is another solid backup option. It’s well-built, simple to use, and just as reliable as the D580.
Final Thoughts
A backup light isn’t just an extra piece of gear—it’s an insurance policy against a dive going sideways. Whether I’m doing night dives, wreck dives, or just want to be prepared for a buddy with a dead light (it happens more than you’d think), carrying a solid backup is never a bad idea.
If I had to pick just one? My D710 is my current backup light of choice, but the D580 or D530 would be a perfectly acceptable replacement.