6 Best Dive Rite Backup Lights for Safe Night and Technical Dives

Updated November 2026

A dive rite backup light is the secondary light you carry in case your primary light fails, and it is one of the most useful pieces of safety gear you can add to a night or low-visibility dive. The right backup needs to be bright enough to get you back to the anchor line, compact enough to clip off without snagging, and tough enough to handle repeated rinsing and pressure. This guide compares six backup lights from the Dive Rite line and from other well-regarded makers, using manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback as the basis for each recommendation.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Dive Rite FX40 Handheld Primary Light	Overall use as a primary or backup	Brand-matched build for Dive Rite users
ORCATORCH D580 Compact Backup Dive Light	Small kits and travel	530 lumens in a compact body
Kraken Sports NR-1000 Back Up Dive Light	Long dives and extended runtime	90 minutes at full power
Wurkkos DL30 Dive Light Rechargeable	High-output night diving	3600 lumens with multiple modes
Odepro SD1500 Dive Light	Budget-conscious divers	1500 lumens with power indicator
ORCATORCH D700 Dive Light	Wreck and deep penetration	1700 lumens with narrow beam

Dive Rite FX40 Handheld Primary Light

Best for: Overall use as a primary or backup

This is a good fit for divers who already use Dive Rite equipment and want a backup that matches their setup. Its handheld format also suits divers who prefer to keep a light in hand during night entries and exits.

Key specs

• Handheld primary light format
• Designed for use within the Dive Rite system

Pros

• Brand compatibility with other Dive Rite gear
• Simple handheld operation for quick access
• Suitable as either a primary or a backup light

Cons

• Brand-specific fit may limit mounting options with other systems
• Less compact than small clip-on backups

Bottom line: A strong choice for divers building a Dive Rite kit who want one light they can use as either primary or backup.

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ORCATORCH D580 Compact Backup Dive Light, 530 Lumens

Best for: Small kits and travel

Divers who want a backup that takes up little space in a BCD pocket or a dive bag will find this model appealing. It is aimed at people who dive mostly in clear water or at night on familiar sites.

Key specs

• 530 lumens output
• 6° narrow beam
• IP68 waterproof rating
• 150 m depth rating
• Three AAA batteries included

Pros

• Compact size suits travel kits
• Narrow beam gives good throw down a line
• Batteries included, so it is ready to use

Cons

• AAA power limits total runtime compared with rechargeable models
• Narrow beam can feel tight for general scanning

Bottom line: A practical, low-bulk backup for divers who prioritize packability and a dependable narrow beam.

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Kraken Sports NR-1000 Back Up Dive Light 1000 Lumens

Best for: Long dives and extended runtime

This light is built for divers who spend long periods on a site and want a backup that will last through an extended dive. It suits recreational and technical divers who value a longer burn time over a very compact body.

Key specs

• 1000 lumens output
• 330 ft / 100 m depth rating
• Approximately 90 minutes burn time at full power
• Orange housing for visibility

Pros

• Long stated burn time at full power
• Orange housing is easy to spot in a kit
• Depth rating covers most recreational and many technical dives

Cons

• Larger than the compact backups in this list
• Full-power runtime figures should be verified against your own dive profile

Bottom line: Best for divers who want a dependable backup that can outlast a long dive without frequent battery concerns.

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Wurkkos DL30 Dive Light Rechargeable, 3600 Lumens

Best for: High-output night diving

Divers who regularly night dive in open water or want a backup bright enough to light up a wide area will look at this model. Its high lumen rating makes it suited to scanning and signaling rather than tight penetration work.

Key specs

• 3600 lumens rated output
• Three lighting modes
• IPX-8 waterproof rating
• Rated for 100 m underwater use
• Rechargeable

Pros

• Very high output for open-water visibility
• Multiple modes give flexibility for different tasks
• Rechargeable, which reduces battery swaps

Cons

• High output drains power quickly, so mode choice matters
• Wider beam is less suited to deep penetration in silt

Bottom line: A good match for divers who prioritize brightness for night open-water dives and are comfortable managing modes.

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Odepro SD1500 Dive Light, 1500 Lumens

Best for: Budget-conscious divers

This is a sensible option for divers who want a capable backup without stretching their budget and who do mostly recreational night dives. Owners often describe it as a straightforward light for its class.

Key specs

• 1500 lumens output
• 6.4° narrow beam angle
• Three lighting modes
• Power indicator
• IP68 waterproof rating

Pros

• Power indicator helps you track remaining charge
• Narrow beam angle for focused throw
• Solid output for recreational backup use

Cons

• Build details are less documented than premium brands
• Limited for technical or extended penetration work

Bottom line: A practical budget pick for recreational night divers who want a reliable backup with a clear power indicator.

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ORCATORCH D700 Dive Light, 1700 Lumens

Best for: Wreck and deep penetration

Divers who work in wrecks, caves-adjacent overhead environments or deep sites will find this model’s combination of output and narrow beam useful. The mechanical head twist allows beam adjustment on the fly.

Key specs

• 1700 lumens output
• 6° narrow beam
• Mechanical head twist
• IP68 waterproof rating

Pros

• Narrow beam reaches farther into dark spaces
• Head twist adjusts beam without changing modes
• High output suits deep and low-light sites

Cons

• Narrow beam offers less peripheral view for general scanning
• Larger than compact backups, so it needs a proper mounting plan

Bottom line: Best for divers doing wreck or deep work who need a focused, high-output backup.

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Buying Guide

Lumen Output and Beam Type

Lumen rating tells you how much light the lamp produces, but beam angle determines how that light is used. A narrow beam, such as 6°, gives greater throw and is useful for following a line or looking into openings. A wider beam is better for lighting your surroundings and checking your buddy. For most backup roles, a moderate output with a beam that suits your typical site is a sound choice.

Good picks for this: ORCATORCH D580 Compact Backup Dive Light, ORCATORCH D700 Dive Light

Runtime and Power Source

Check the stated burn time at the output you expect to use. Manufacturer runtime figures are usually measured at specific settings, so plan for shorter real-world times at full power. Rechargeable lights reduce the need to carry spare batteries, while AAA-powered models are easy to replace on a trip. Always carry a spare power source for longer dives.

Good picks for this: Kraken Sports NR-1000 Back Up Dive Light, Wurkkos DL30 Dive Light Rechargeable

Depth Rating and Waterproofing

Look for an IP68 or similar rating and a stated depth rating that exceeds your maximum planned depth. Check that the rating applies to the light as sold, including any battery compartment. Seals and O-rings should be inspected and lubricated as the manufacturer directs.

Good picks for this: Kraken Sports NR-1000 Back Up Dive Light, ORCATORCH D580 Compact Backup Dive Light

Size, Weight and Mounting

A backup light should clip or mount without interfering with your primary light, gauges or inflator. Measure the space on your BCD or harness before buying. Compact models fit small pockets and travel kits, while larger lights may need a dedicated bracket or lanyard. Test that the light stays put when you move, but releases easily when you need it.

Good picks for this: ORCATORCH D580 Compact Backup Dive Light, Dive Rite FX40 Handheld Primary Light

Use Case: Recreational, Night or Technical Diving

Match the light to the diving you do most. Recreational night dives generally need reliable output and easy operation. Technical or penetration dives call for a focused beam, higher output and a robust build. Think about whether you will be using the light as a primary, a backup or both.

Good picks for this: ORCATORCH D700 Dive Light, Odepro SD1500 Dive Light

Durability and Materials

Salt water, rinsing and repeated pressure cycles take a toll on lights. Look for corrosion-resistant housings and clear documentation of materials. Owners often report that lights with simple, sealed designs are easier to maintain over time than complex designs with many small parts.

Good picks for this: Dive Rite FX40 Handheld Primary Light, Kraken Sports NR-1000 Back Up Dive Light

Care and Maintenance

Rinse your light in fresh water after every dive, dry it fully, and inspect O-rings and seals regularly. Store batteries separately and remove them if the light will sit unused for a long time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance intervals and consider having a dive shop check your gear periodically.

Good picks for this: Odepro SD1500 Dive Light, Wurkkos DL30 Dive Light Rechargeable

FAQ

What is a dive rite backup light used for?

A backup light is a secondary light carried in case your primary light fails. It lets you complete the dive safely, check your gauges, signal your buddy and find your way back to the exit or anchor line.

How many lumens do I need for a backup light?

For recreational night diving, many divers use a backup in the range of several hundred to around 1000 lumens. Higher output helps in open water, while a narrow beam can be useful for penetration. Choose based on your site conditions rather than the highest number alone.

Should my backup light be the same brand as my primary?

It is not required, but matching brands can simplify mounting and battery management. The more important factor is that the backup works independently of the primary, so a failure in one does not affect the other.

How long should a backup light run?

Your backup should last longer than your planned dive plus a safety margin. Check the manufacturer’s stated runtime at the output you plan to use, and carry a spare power source for longer or repeated dives.

Do I need a backup light for daytime diving?

Daytime diving usually requires less light, but a small backup is still useful in murky water, caves, wrecks or overhead environments. Many divers carry one as a standard part of their kit.

How do I maintain a backup dive light?

Rinse it in fresh water after each dive, dry it completely, inspect seals and O-rings, and store batteries separately. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and have a qualified technician check the unit if you notice water ingress or damage.

Is a rechargeable or battery-powered backup better?

Rechargeable lights reduce battery waste and avoid carrying spares, but battery-powered models are easy to replace in the field. Choose the option that matches your routine and carry a spare if you rely on one type.

Conclusion

For most divers, the Dive Rite FX40 is a sensible starting point, especially if you already use Dive Rite gear. Divers who need a compact, low-bulk backup should look at the ORCATORCH D580. If long runtime is your priority, the Kraken Sports NR-1000 deserves a close look. Night divers who want high output will find the Wurkkos DL30 suited to open water, while the Odepro SD1500 offers a practical budget option for recreational use. For wreck and deep penetration, the ORCATORCH D700 is the most focused choice here. Whatever you choose, match the light to your typical dives, verify runtime and depth ratings against your own plans, and carry a spare power source.

Sources

• Guidance on underwater safety and equipment for park-based diving activities (nps.gov)
• Information on underwater conditions, visibility and diving environments (noaa.gov)
• Standards and training resources for recreational and technical diving safety

Related reading

• Dive Rite Canister Light: How to Choose and Use One (Step-by-Step)
• Dive Light 1000 Lumens: 5 Best Picks for Night and Backup Diving (2026)
• Wrist Mounted Dive Light: 7 Tips for Choosing and Using One Safely
• What Is a Water Activated Dive Marker Light and How Does It Work?
• What Is a Sea Life Dive Light and Do You Need One?

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