Best Dive Torches 2026: Kraken NR Series Complete Guide
Best Dive Torches 2026: Kraken NR Series Complete Guide
8 dive torches. Prices from $75-$700. How do you choose?
This guide cuts through the specs and tells you which Kraken NR torch actually fits your diving. No fluff – just honest recommendations based on how you dive.
Quick Comparison: All 8 NR Models
| Model | Price | Lumens | Special Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR-800 | $75 | 800 | AAA battery option | Extreme budget |
| NR-1000 | $99 | 1000 | Bottle opener, USB-C | Backup/travel (BEST VALUE) |
| NR-1800 | $159 | 1800 | 5 colors, USB-C | Night diving |
| NR-1800L | $189 | 1800 | Green laser pointer | Guides/instructors |
| NR-1800Z | $189 | 1800 | Zoom beam (wide-narrow) | Variable conditions |
| NR-2500 | $199 | 2500 | Goodman glove mount | Cave/wreck/tech |
| NR-LEP01 | $460 | 2500 flood + 8W spot | LEP spotlight (only one) | Spearfishing |
| NR-4000 | ~$700 | 4000 | Canister setup | Technical diving |
How Many Lumens Do You Actually Need?
| Your Diving | Lumens Needed | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|
| Backup/safety light | 500-1000 | NR-1000 ($99) |
| Night diving (clear water) | 1000-1800 | NR-1800 ($159) |
| Dive guiding | 1800 | NR-1800L ($189 – laser) |
| Variable visibility | 1800 | NR-1800Z ($189 – zoom) |
| Cave/wreck penetration | 2500+ | NR-2500 ($199) |
| Spearfishing/hunting | Spotlight | NR-LEP01 ($460) |
Top 3 Recommendations (Most Divers)
Best Value: NR-1000 ($99)
1000 lumens | USB-C rechargeable | Bottle opener | 6 colors | 90min runtime
Buy if: Need backup light, travel frequently, dive mostly day with occasional night dives, want quality without spending $200+.
Skip if: Primarily cave/wreck diving, need laser pointer, shoot underwater photography.
Best All-Around: NR-1800 ($159)
1800 lumens | USB-C rechargeable | 5 colors | 90min runtime
Buy if: Night dive regularly (monthly+), want one torch for 90% of diving, need reliable power without specialty features.
Skip if: Need laser (+$30 for NR-1800L), shoot photos (+$30 for NR-1800Z zoom), dive caves (+$40 for NR-2500).
Best for Serious Divers: NR-2500 ($199)
2500 lumens | 6° tight beam | USB-C rechargeable | Goodman glove mount | 85min runtime
Buy if: Penetrate wrecks beyond swim-throughs, dive caves, face low-visibility regularly, need maximum range.
Skip if: Dive clear-water reefs mostly (NR-1800 saves $40 and works fine).
Specialty Models Explained
NR-1800L: Laser Pointer for Guides ($189)
Same as NR-1800 + green laser pointer
Worth the $30 upgrade if you guide dives, teach courses, or dive in groups regularly. Laser visible 15+ meters for precise marine life pointing.
NR-1800Z: Adjustable Zoom Beam ($189)
Same as NR-1800 + twist zoom (wide flood ↔ narrow spot)
Perfect for divers facing variable conditions – zoom to spot for murky water, wide flood for clear reef. Same price as NR-1800L.
NR-LEP01: Spearfisher’s Spotlight ($460)
2500 lumen flood + 8W LEP ultra-narrow spotlight | ONLY LEP dive light on market
3° spotlight cuts through water like nothing else – spot targets 20+ meters away. For spearfishers, hunters, critter spotters who need extreme distance. Not for general diving.
NR-4000: Canister for Technical Divers (~$700)
4000 lumens | Canister battery pack | Extended runtime | Hands-free Goodman setup
For tech divers doing deco stops, cave exploration, wreck penetration needing multi-hour runtime. If you’re asking if you need it, you don’t – stick with NR-2500.
NR-800: Extreme Budget Option ($75)
800 lumens | AAA battery option | The original Kraken torch
Honest assessment: NR-1000 is only $24 more and gets you 200 extra lumens + USB-C charging + 6 colors. (Plus all NR models except NR-800 have the same bottle opener design.) Unless $75 is your absolute max, stretch to NR-1000.
When NR-800 makes sense: Need AAA battery compatibility, already own 18650 batteries + charger, want simplest torch possible.
Common Questions
USB-C charging: Can I use my phone charger?
Yes. All NR models with USB-C (1000, 1800 series, 2500) charge from any USB-C cable. Phone charger, laptop, car adapter, power bank – all work.
Do I need a backup light?
Depends:
- Day diving: No (unless overhead environments)
- Night diving: Recommended
- Wreck/cave: Mandatory (one is none, two is one)
- Technical diving: Multiple backups required
Best backup: NR-1000 ($99) – compact, reliable, affordable.
How long does a full charge take?
- NR-1000 (18650): ~3 hours
- NR-1800 series (21700): ~4 hours
- NR-2500 (26650): ~5 hours
Charge overnight, dive all day.
Can I bring these on airplanes?
Yes, with standard lithium battery rules:
- Carry-on only (not checked)
- Remove battery and pack separately
- All NR batteries under 100Wh limit
What’s the warranty?
- 1-year warranty (manufacturing defects)
- 30-day returns (no questions)
- Free O-ring kit included
- North American support (Canada-based)
Final Recommendations by Budget
| Under $100 | NR-1000 ($99) – Best value entry. USB-C, 1000 lumens. NR-800 ($75) only if you need AAA compatibility. |
| $150-200 | NR-1800 ($159) – Night diving workhorse. NR-1800L ($189) – Add laser for guiding. NR-1800Z ($189) – Add zoom for variable conditions. NR-2500 ($199) – Maximum recreational power. |
| $400-500 | NR-LEP01 ($460) – Only LEP dive light available. Spearfishing/hunting specialist. |
| $700+ | NR-4000 (~$700) – Professional canister setup for tech diving. |
🛡️ Every NR Torch Includes
- 1-Year Warranty
- Flood-tested to 330ft/100m
- 30-Day Returns
- Free O-ring Replacement Kit
- North American Support
Last updated: March 2026
