OrcaTorch D630v2 Canister Light Review
A budget canister light that functions reliably but underwhelms in output and long-term design. It’s a passable entry point for new divers curious about canister setups, but most will outgrow it quickly or find better performance in compact handhelds. I retired mine after realizing it didn’t fill any real gap in my kit.
Overall Score: 6.6 / 10 (Acceptable)
Last updated: July 2025
I picked up the OrcaTorch D630v2 as my first canister light because I wanted hands-free primary lighting for quarry dives and night dives without spending $1,000+. I've only used it a couple times in freshwater, but it mounted cleanly to my right hip D-ring and performed reliably during basic recreational dives.
Yes, but just barely. Compared to modern handhelds or premium canister lights, it feels underpowered. The beam has no focus adjustability and isn’t tight enough for strong signaling or punch-through in bad viz. It’s “enough” light, not impressive light.
I mount the canister on my right waist strap, threaded through. The cable routes cleanly up the arm with no stiffness or interference. It stays out of the way and doesn’t tangle or float annoyingly.
It's a push-button switch, not rotary. It works fine with dry gloves or thick wetsuit gloves and has been reliable so far. There's no confusion underwater and no accidental activation issues.
Yes. You have to unscrew the head of the canister to charge the battery, which will eventually wear down the O-rings even if you're careful. It’s not failed on me yet, but it’s a questionable long-term design choice.
Maybe. It works fine and does everything it says it will. But if someone is willing to spend more, they’ll likely get a much brighter, more refined product. For new divers wanting their first canister light on a tight budget, it’s an okay choice.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable for a canister-style primary | Not especially bright |
| Solid battery life | No beam focus or angle adjustment |
| Simple to mount and route | Charging requires opening the sealed head |
| Push-button switch is glove-friendly | Feels bulky for the output |
| Included Goodman handle is usable |
Why I Chose OrcaTorch D630v2 Canister Light
I wanted a hands-free primary light setup for night diving and low-vis quarry dives, but I didn’t want to spend Halcyon money just to experiment. The D630v2 was the cheapest canister light I could find that had decent reviews and a usable handle. It solved the immediate problem of lighting dives without relying on wrist-mounted spares or renting gear.
Verdict
I no longer use the D630v2 because it doesn’t fit a need I can’t fill more elegantly with a good handheld. If I ever need a proper canister light again, I’ll invest in the Halcyon option. The D630v2 works, but it’s not something I trust long-term or value highly enough to keep in my kit.
Would I buy it again? No — I’d skip the budget route and buy once, cry once with a higher-end model.
Who OrcaTorch D630v2 Canister Light Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers looking for their first canister light
- Recreational divers who want hands-free light without breaking the bank
- People doing simple night or quarry dives in relatively good visibility
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers who need high output for signaling or murky water
- Anyone expecting high-end build quality or modularity
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Fair | 6.0 | 30% | 1.80 |
| Ease of Use | Strong | 8.0 | 20% | 1.60 |
| Versatility | Weak | 5.0 | 15% | 0.75 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Good | 7.0 | 15% | 1.05 |
| Value | Exceptional | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Weak | 5.0 | 10% | 0.50 |
| Total | 6.60 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 6.6 / 10 — Acceptable
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 6: It works, but the brightness and beam quality aren’t standout. Still, it’s enough to complete most recreational dives safely.
- Ease of Use – 8: Setup is simple. Push switch is intuitive and mounting is clean. No surprises.
- Versatility – 5: Not adaptable across different dive types. Beam can’t be adjusted. Better for simple dives only.
- Durability & Build Quality – 7: Feels sturdy, but long-term charging wear on O-rings is a concern. No problems yet.
- Value – 9: For the price, it delivers. You’ll struggle to find a cheaper functional canister light.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 5: OrcaTorch isn’t known for long-term support, but the product delivered as described.
My Custom Setup or Configuration
I ran the canister on my right hip belt strap and routed the cable cleanly up to the Goodman handle. I used the included hard handle without modification.
- Mount location: Right waist strap, threaded through
- Handle used: Stock Goodman handle
The setup was stable and didn't interfere with trim or movement, but in hindsight it was overkill for the environments I dive in. A handheld was easier to stow, deploy, and travel with.
Performance in the Water
- Beam Pattern: Wide and slightly soft — not ideal for signaling
- Output: Acceptable, but not competitive with modern handhelds
- Switch Access: Positive feel, easy to locate and activate
- Cable Management: Clean routing with no stiffness or snagging