6 Dive Lights Compared by Replaceable Battery Type
Battery choice affects what you can replace at the dive site and what you must charge between dives. This guide compares lights using AA, CR123A and rechargeable cylindrical cells. Cell type is only the starting point: approved chemistry, protection and dimensions must match the maker’s requirements.
Updated · Manufacturer specifications and published review evidence
How we chose and ordered these picks
Common primary-cell formats lead, followed by rechargeable-cell designs. This is a trip-logistics order, not a reliability score.
List position is an editorial recommendation, not a review score. The selection uses the documented features and limitations below. We have not personally tested this equipment. Verified publisher scores, where available, are shown separately and link to their evidence. Our catalogue is still being researched; inclusion does not mean a product has a completed scored review.
The shortlist at a glance
Choose a model to jump to its details. Compare the exact configuration before ordering.
The LED ONE is a 400-lumen backup torch built around three AA cells and a narrow 6° beam. Ammonite lists up to seven hours of constant output. The Delrin body and aluminium head use twist activation, keeping the controls simple and the battery choice familiar.
Output
400 lumens
Beam
6°
Battery
Three AA cells
Rated runtime
Up to seven hours
Depth rating
200 m
What to check
The narrow spot is useful for directed illumination but covers little of a camera’s view. Its output is also modest beside the Stingray MKII. The manufacturer accepts AA batteries or rechargeable cells; check the approved cell specification before buying replacements rather than assuming every AA-shaped lithium cell is suitable.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
The AL250 is a basic 250-lumen torch powered by two AA batteries. Its 8° beam concentrates modest output into a small spot, and the package includes a lanyard and spare O-rings. Five colour options make it easier to distinguish one diver’s light from another.
Model
AL250
Output
250 lumens
Beam
8°
Battery
Two AA cells; not included
Included
Lanyard and two spare O-rings
What to check
The AA cells are not included. The manufacturer’s one-pound figure is explicitly package weight, so it should not appear as the torch’s net weight in a comparison. Its lower output is a meaningful limitation beside modern rechargeable primary lights, even though a narrow beam can still be useful for close inspection.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
The current LED ONE MINI is a 400-lumen backup torch using two CR123A batteries. Its 6° beam concentrates the light into a small area, and the twist-operated aluminium head sits on a Delrin body. Ammonite quotes about 5.5 hours of operation and a 200 m depth rating.
Output
400 lumens, current model
Beam
6°
Battery
Two CR123A cells
Rated runtime
About 5.5 hours
Depth rating
200 m
What to check
CR123A availability deserves attention if you travel away from dive shops. The small body also needs to work with your gloves and chosen attachment method. A widely indexed 2017 first-look article covers a 260-lumen Mini, so its performance observations should not be presented as a test of this updated light.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
The hw Backup is a small twist-operated torch using one replaceable 18650 cell. Its 8° beam and 4000 K LED favour a focused view over broad scene lighting. The manufacturer lists at least 350 lumens of measured output, separating that figure from the LED’s higher nominal chip output.
Beam
8°
Measured output claim
At least 350 lm
Colour temperature
4000 K
Battery
One 18650; 3500 mAh cell supplied
Dimensions and weight
30 × 130 mm; 200 g
Stated runtime
2 h constant, then 6 h reduced
Manufacturer depth rating
300 m
What to check
The supplied 3500 mAh cell is listed separately from the optional charger. Stated runtime is two hours at constant brightness followed by six hours at reduced output; that tail is not six more hours at full power. Unterwasserwelt’s reviewer liked handling and communication in poor visibility but found cosmetic wear appeared quickly. Its text gives conflicting weights, so the current manufacturer’s 200 g figure is used.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
The BX2 is a twist-on handheld torch with a focused centre beam and surrounding spill. Its knurled body gives you a substantial gripping surface, while compatibility with Dive Rite’s QRM system provides a route to mounting it on a hand strap. The current package includes a rechargeable 18650 cell, cable, lanyard and case.
LED
CREE XP-L high intensity
Control
Twist activation
Battery
3500 mAh rechargeable 18650; micro-USB charging
Output behaviour
Over one hour at peak, then gradual reduction (manufacturer)
Mounting
QRM compatible
What to check
Dive Rite describes more than an hour at peak output followed by a gradual reduction. That is different from several hours at unchanged brightness. Check the battery supplied with the actual package: older owner accounts describe different charging arrangements. Try the twist control with your usual gloves before deciding how to stow it.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
The NR-1800 is an earlier-generation handheld light with a rechargeable 21700 cell and USB-C charging at the battery. Kraken’s current specification lists 1800 lumens, a 6° beam and 90 minutes at full power. A push button provides brightness selection and a battery-status indicator.
Output
1800 lumens
Beam
6° on current manufacturer page; older listings differ
Battery
21700; USB-C charging
Rated full-power runtime
90 minutes
Weight
249 g land; 70 g underwater
What to check
Some retailer descriptions still quote a 15° beam. Our specification follows the current manufacturer listing, but confirm the actual version if buying older stock. The 249 g land weight and 70 g underwater weight mean that it is not neutrally buoyant, despite loose wording elsewhere in the product description.
No verified independent overall score yet. Compare the specifications and limitations above.
Product research checked 2026-10-03. Specifications can change; confirm the exact model and package.
Before you buy
Use only the battery types approved for the exact light.
Check whether a charger and cells are included.
Plan seal inspection and battery changes using the light’s instructions.
Take two or three suitable models from this list into a comparison, then remove any that fail your fit or compatibility checks. A lower position here can still be the better purchase for your setup. Check the product page for source dates and unresolved details before placing an order.
Can two batteries of the same shape be substituted?
Not automatically. Voltage, chemistry, protection circuits and length can differ. Follow the manufacturer’s approved battery specification.
