BigBlue AL1300WP with Hard Case

Lumens measure the total light output, but they say nothing about how that light is shaped, so a tight narrow beam can look far brighter at distance than a higher-lumen wide beam. Beam angle, color temperature, and water clarity affect what you actually see as much as the lumen figure does. Use lumens to compare lights of a similar beam type rather than as a single score of quality.

A primary light is your main light, usually brighter, larger, and with a longer burn time, while a backup is a small, simple light carried in case the primary fails. Any dive where you need a light to exit safely, such as a night dive, calls for carrying at least one backup. Backups are chosen for reliability and simplicity rather than for maximum output.

Burn time and brightness trade directly against each other, so the same battery run at a lower power setting lasts substantially longer. Manufacturers usually quote burn time at each power level, and many lights automatically step down output as the battery drains or the head heats up. Treat quoted figures as fresh-battery, ideal-condition numbers and plan for more burn time than your dive actually needs.

The o-rings sealing the battery compartment are what keep the light from flooding, so inspect them for grit, hair, and nicks every time you open it, and wipe the sealing surfaces clean. Lubricate lightly with the grease type the manufacturer specifies, using a thin film rather than a heavy coat, because excess grease attracts sand. Replace o-rings when they look flattened, cracked, or dry, and do not over-tighten the cap in the hope of sealing a bad o-ring.

Lithium batteries are subject to airline and regulatory limits that vary by cell chemistry, watt-hour rating, and whether the cells are installed or loose. As a general rule lithium cells travel in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage, with terminals protected against short circuit, but you must confirm your airline's current policy and any local rules before you fly. Carrying the manufacturer's battery specification sheet helps if you are questioned at screening.

Rinse it in fresh water after each dive day and work the switch while it is submerged so salt does not crystallize inside it, then dry it before opening. For storage, remove or charge the batteries as the manual directs, and leave the cap loose so the o-ring does not take a permanent set. Never store a light with corroded or leaking cells inside it.

Test it briefly as part of your pre-dive check, but do not leave a powerful light running in air, because many are designed to shed heat into the water and can overheat on the surface. Check the manual, as some lights have thermal protection that dims or shuts them down when they are dry. Testing before you gear up is far better than discovering a dead light at depth.

The bundle includes the AL1300WP light, a rechargeable 18650 battery, a charger, a hard case, removable red and yellow filters, a mounting clip, a lanyard, two spare O-rings, silicone lubricant, and an owner's manual, backed by the manufacturer's 1-year warranty.

Bigblue lists a suggested charge time of 3 to 4 hours for the AL1300WP's rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery. Charge time can vary with the charger used and how depleted the battery is when you start, so plan to top it off before a trip rather than right before a dive.

The Bigblue AL1300WP with Protective Case carries the manufacturer's 1-year warranty. Bigblue also provides U.S.-based customer service out of Clearwater, Florida, for support on the light, battery, charger, and included case and accessories that ship with the bundle.

The included hard case measures 415 x 335 x 180mm on the outside and 388 x 272 x 168mm on the inside, with a total package weight of 3 lbs. The case is designed to store and transport the AL1300WP light along with its battery, charger, and accessories.