BigBlue 4200 Lumen Wide Beam w/ Blue Light Mode + 1200 Lumen Spot Beam - Black

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 VTL4200PB has a 120 degree wide beam, a narrow beam, a blue mode and a red mode. The wide beam runs at 4200, 2100 or 1050 lumens depending on the level selected, the narrow beam puts out 1300 lumens at 6 degrees and 10 degrees, the blue LED runs at 80, 40 or 20 lumens, and the red LED produces 100 lumens.

Yes. It has an integrated blue LED mode specifically for fluoro-diving, and a removable yellow filter is included in the box. The blue output is 80 lumens at Level III, 40 lumens at Level II and 20 lumens at Level I, so you can dial the excitation light to suit the subject and your camera settings.

Burn time is 1.5 hours at Level IV, 3 hours at Level III, 6 hours at Level II and 15 hours at Level I. Power comes from a rechargeable Li-Ion BATCELL 32650 cell, and a full charge takes 7 to 8 hours with the included USB charger. The complete light weighs 432 g with the battery installed.

Yes. The VTL4200PB ships with both a Goodman glove for hand-held diving and a ball mount for attaching the light to a camera tray or arm system. The package also includes a lanyard, spare o-rings, silicone lube, a dry bag and the manual, along with the 32650 battery and USB charger.