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 — 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.