Goodman Handles: Hard vs Soft

How to choose the right handle for your dive light and why I prefer a soft Goodman for recreational diving.

Goodman handles are a staple for divers who carry a primary light. But not all Goodman handles are the same and the choice between hard and soft designs can affect your comfort, control, and overall diving experience.

I've owned and used both types. These days, I almost exclusively dive with a soft Goodman handle for recreational diving. I only switch to a hard Goodman handle when using a canister light. Which for me, is almost never.

Here’s how the two compare, and why I prefer the soft option for most dives.

Hard Goodman Handles

Hard Goodman handles are usually made from aluminum or Delrin and have a rigid, fixed shape. They often feature adjustable bars to fine-tune the fit over your glove or hand.

Advantages:

• Extremely secure once adjusted properly
• Ideal for technical diving where light stability is critical
• Some models allow quick adjustment even underwater
• Provides a rigid, predictable light position

Potential Drawbacks:

• Bulky for packing and travel
• Hard edges can catch on gear or lines
• Fit may be less forgiving when switching between gloves or bare hands
• Takes a little more fine-tuning to get comfortable

Hard handles are a great match for environments where consistency and security matter more than flexibility like wrecks, caves, or deep technical dives. But for the type of diving I usually do, they’re more gear than I really need.

Soft Goodman Handles

Soft Goodman handles typically use heavy-duty webbing or neoprene material to wrap around your hand, secured by Velcro or a buckle.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and flexible
• Conforms easily to different hand sizes and gloves
• More forgiving fit and no adjustments needed between dives
• Packs flat and takes up almost no space in a bag
• Quick to slip on and off without fiddling

Potential Drawbacks:

• Slightly less stable than a hard handle under heavy current or extreme conditions
• Velcro or straps can wear out over time
• Some divers find them less "solid" feeling compared to hard handles

For recreational diving, the soft handle just makes life easier. I personally use the Oxycheq Raider III Light Sock, and it fits perfectly with the OrcaTorch D710 and D720 lights I dive with.

With a boltsnap clipped to the back of the light and a bungeed compass on my left wrist, I can clip the light to the compass band and it stays ultra-secure across my hand without feeling restrictive.

A Quick Warning About Soft Handles

Not all soft Goodman handles are created equal. There are a lot of cheap versions sold online, especially on Amazon, that simply aren't built to last. Thin webbing, weak stitching, flimsy Velcro, and bad buckles are all common problems. In some cases, these knockoffs can start falling apart after just a few dives.

A good soft handle should feel durable in your hand. Look for:

• Heavy-duty webbing or thick neoprene
• Strong, reinforced stitching
• Reliable, wide Velcro or a sturdy buckle
• Compatibility with your light without excessive slop or play

The Oxycheq Raider III is a great example of a properly made soft Goodman handle. It’s simple, rugged, and stays put exactly what you want when you're underwater.

If you're buying a soft Goodman handle, invest in quality. It’s not worth saving a few dollars just to have it fail mid-dive.

How to Choose

If you're diving locally with thick gloves, running a reel, or navigating inside structures, a hard Goodman handle is probably the right tool.

If you're mostly doing open water dives...especially warm water, travel, or changing gloves frequently...a soft handle like the Oxycheq Raider III is tough to beat.