BigBlue 1300 Lumen Narrow Beam Dive Light

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 manufacturer lists a 5 degree beam angle, which is a true spotlight pattern rather than a flood. The manufacturer lists a 5 degree beam angle, concentrating the 1300 lumen output into a narrow spotlight cone rather than a flood pattern, and is useful for signaling, looking into crevices and lighting subjects at distance. The AL1300NP body also accepts other BigBlue light heads, such as the LH-AL1300WP, if you need a different beam pattern.

The included rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery takes 3 to 4 hours with the supplied charger. Burn time then depends on the level you select: about 2 hours at 1300 lumens, 4 hours at 650 lumens, 8 hours at 325 lumens and 20 hours at 130 lumens. The push-button switch includes a battery level indicator so you can check charge state before a dive.

Yes. The AL1300NP body is compatible with several BigBlue light heads, including the LH-AL1300STROBE, LH-AL1300WP, LH-AL1300XWP, LH-AL1200RAFO and LH-RGBWhite. That lets you switch between the narrow beam and other patterns or functions using the same body, battery and charger. Contact us at 888-701-4017 if you want help confirming which head fits your plans.

It is rated waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet), and BigBlue states the light is tested to 150 meters. The housing is anodized aluminum alloy, and the kit ships with two spare o-rings plus silicone lube so you can service the battery compartment seal yourself. The light carries a 12-month limited warranty from the manufacturer.