SeaLife Sea Dragon Mini 1300S

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.

It runs on either one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two single-use CR123 lithium batteries, both sold separately. Any 18650 used must be a button-top cell with integrated protected circuitry, a minimum of 2600mAh capacity, and a minimum 3.5A discharge current. Do not use rechargeable CR123 batteries, since their voltage and amp specs can damage the battery or the light.

The box includes the Sea Dragon Mini 1300S light, a wrist lanyard with a BCD clip, two spare O-rings, and O-ring lubricant. Batteries are not included and must be purchased separately.

The beam angle is 8° in air and narrows to about 6° underwater, making it an ultra-narrow spot beam. This narrow spot is useful for long-range viewing, pointing out sea creatures at a distance, and getting a dive buddy's attention from farther away.

Yes, the light measures 1.8 inches in diameter by 6.2 inches long and weighs 6.1 ounces without a battery, small enough to slip into a BCD pocket. The included wrist lanyard with a BCD clip also lets you secure it to your wrist or clip it to a BCD D-ring.