Best Freediving Torch of 2023: (no drag for faster finning speeds)

Dark-green waters with freediver shining torch through the darkness from the surface.
This post will help you buy the best freediving torch - so you don't end up with one that isn't correct for freedivers.

Curious what the best freediving torch of 2022 is? Read below to find out.

If you’re serious about spearfishing and/or freediving, you’ll need to invest in a good, reliable freediving torch to help shed light on your underwater world.

The problem (that an astounding number of freedivers are unaware of) is the vast majority of diving torches are too big and clunky for freedivers.

They slow you down, add too much resistance and kill your total bottom time.

You need to invest in a freediving torch that is built for freediving and will actually HELP you hit top speeds in the water. ๐Ÿ˜‰

The best freediving torch is still the Orca Torch D520 Diving Flashlight. The reason freedivers love it so much is because it’s ultra light weight and has a very smooth hydrodynamic design that eliminates drag & water resistance. Despite it’s small design, the Orca Torch still packs a VERY bright light, making it perfect for hunting cray, other prey or lighting up dark caves. Click here to check the Orca Torch’s price on Amazon.

Why the Orca Torch D520 is the best freediving torch ever

  • Short, compact, hydrodynamic design: There’s nothing worse than carrying a big, bulky torch when freediving. All they do is add resistance and slow you down in the water. However, the Orca Torch is small (fits in the palm of your hand) and has a smooth, sleek design that glides through the water with you, without slowing your speed.
  • Bright light: The Orca Torch is like an underwater lightsabre ๐Ÿ™‚ …it pierces through dark cracks, caves and uncovers all hard-to-find underwater prey hiding out in corals and rocks. The Orca Torch is VERY powerful for its size with a massive 1000 lumens!
  • Wrist strap: Very handy for if you’re tunnel-vision focused on something like chasing a crayfish but then you accidentally drop your torch. Without a wrist strap, the torch would sink, never to be seen again. However, the Orca Torch comes with an adjustable wrist strap to save your torch so you don’t lose it.
  • Tough Air-Craft grade aluminium casing: makes the Orca Torch much more durable than your average dive torch. It really is a torch that will last a lifetime, so you get your full money’s worth out of it. It can endure being dropped from heights on unstable, rocking boats and can tough out hot sun rays & cold water temperatures.

  • Lightweight: the Orca Torch weighs about 4 ounces (113.5 grams) – without batteries. I’d say this is because it’s made out of aluminium, which is a very light, yet durable metal. You won’t have to worry about this light weight torch weighing you down during deep dives!
  • Comes with 2 x batteries (rechargeable) with a charger as well…use the torch during your dives then recharge it while you sleep ๐Ÿ˜‰
  • Wide Beam: Shines out 72 degrees – I think this is wide enough for any spearfisher and most wreck / cave diving. Only if you’re advanced spearo/wreck diver should you need a wider beam than this.
  • 50,000 hours LED bulb run-time: The Orca Torch bulbs lasts a VERY long time so you don’t have to worry about spending your free time running around replacing hard to find bulbs (been there, done that!).
  • 150 meters (492 feet+) maximum depth

Why the Orca Torch D520 is still the leading freediving torch on the market

First and foremost reason why the Orca Torch is still the best on the market…the sheer strength vs size ratio of it.

Most freediving torches on the market have about ~250 lumens of light.

The Orca Torch has a whopping 1000 lumens of light! That’s the strength many industrial, heavy-duty underwater lights start at. But they aren’t as compact and sleek as the Orca Torch.

To illustrate my point, take a look at the below video of the Orca Torch D520 in action in the Orchid Island’s Blue Hole.

(skip to 1 minute in to see how powerful the beam is)

Video Credit: to ‘Freediver HD’ channel on Youtube.

That level of strength from a freediving / spearfishing torch…at this low price point is almost unheard of (which is probably why the Orca Torch has so many killer 5 star reviews on amazon).

Most freediving torches on the market will set you back $125 – $225.

But the Orca Torch?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that it comes in way below this. Great quality at an affordable price….
Click here to see the Orca Torch D520’s price on Amazon.

About the Author Gerrie van Niekerk - Apnealogy

Gerrie is a passionate Freediver, Spearfisher, Digital Marketer, and author for the Apnealogy website. Gerrie is an SSI Level 1 certified Freediver who loves geeking out about freediving and spearfishing gear and lives for his family and adventure.

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