Best Dive Torches 2026: Kraken NR Series Complete Guide

Choose a Kraken NR dive torch by beam pattern, full-power runtime and battery logistics—not lumens alone. This updated comparison includes the new compact NR-1200 and current NR-2000, while clearly separating earlier generations still listed in the catalog.

Prices and currency: Prices below are USD. Canadian storefront prices convert automatically to CAD. Check the linked product page for current pricing, selected options and availability; taxes and shipping may apply.

Quick Comparison: Current NR Models and Earlier-Generation Stock

All models above are catalog-rated to 100m / 330ft. Runtime figures are listed ratings, not guarantees for your battery age, water temperature or dive profile. Leave a reserve and check the selected option’s stock before ordering.

How Many Lumens Do You Actually Need?

Lumens describe output, not underwater range. A tighter spot concentrates light; a wider beam illuminates more of your immediate surroundings. Visibility, beam aim, battery condition and dive plan matter as much as the headline output. Do not treat a lumen threshold as cave/wreck qualification.

Top Recommendations for Most Divers

Compact Travel / Backup: NR-1000 and New NR-1200

NR-1000 — US$99.00 — is rated at 1000 lumens, 15°, 90 minutes and 165g. The new NR-1200 — US$99.00 — has the same listed 30.5 × 140mm size and 165g weight, with 1200 lumens and a 75-minute full-power runtime. Both use an 18650 rechargeable battery with USB-C charging. More output here comes with a shorter listed burn time, not an unconditional upgrade.

Buy if: you want a compact backup or travel torch. Skip if: your primary-light plan needs more runtime, a canister or a specialised beam. The NR-1200 is marked out of stock in this snapshot; the NR-1000 is listed in stock.

Current All-Around Non-Laser Primary: NR-2000

Current-generation NR-2000 — US$165.00 — delivers 2000 lumens, a 6° beam and 70 minutes at full output. This is the replacement for the NR-1800. The catalog includes a battery and charging cable but does not specify its battery format or charging connector; confirm those details rather than borrowing them from the older NR-2000.

Buy if: you want the current recreational non-laser model. Skip if: you specifically need adjustable beam, buddy laser or a longer rated burn time.

Higher-Output Handheld: NR-2500

NR-2500 — US$199.00 — has 2500 lumens, a 6° core with surrounding halo and an 85-minute full-power rating. It mounts directly to the separately sold Kraken Goodman Handle with included mounting hardware. Land/underwater weights are 400g / 190g. The listed spare is the B-26650.

Buy if: a tight higher-output handheld suits your training and dive plan. Skip if: you need multi-hour full-power burn time; compare the NR-4000. A light purchase does not replace overhead-environment training or independent backups.

Specialty Models Explained

NR-1800L: Buddy Laser Pointer

NR-1800L — US$189.00 — combines an 1800-lumen 6° white dive-torch beam with a separately controlled 5mW green laser. Full-power runtime is listed at 80 minutes. It is not a video or camera-focus light. Never aim at divers, eyes or wildlife; use only safe, brief, pre-agreed indications on unoccupied surfaces. No fixed 15m visibility promise is made.

NR-1800Z: Adjustable Zoom Beam

NR-1800Z — US$189.00 — delivers 1800 lumens with 10–45° adjustable beam and 90-minute full-power rating. This is the current successor to the NR-1500 Zoom / NR-1500Z, not a renamed NR-1800. It is a dive torch, not a substitute for an even wide-angle video light.

NR-LEP01: Dedicated Spot and Flood

NR-LEP01 — US$465.00 — provides an 8W 3° LEP spot and a 2500-lumen 100° LED flood. The catalog lists 120 minutes in LEP spot and 60 minutes in LED flood. Watts and lumens are different measurements; do not add them or compare them as one output number. Choose it for the dual-beam design, not an unverified claim that it is the only LEP dive light available.

NR-4000: Canister for Longer Profiles

NR-4000 Canister Light — US$699.00 — offers 4000 lumens, an 8° beam and three hours at full power. Straight and Sidemount configurations are listed, with a Goodman handle included. Separate canister/head logistics and your redundancy plan matter; do not infer USB-C charging or airline eligibility from the handheld lineup.

NR-800: AAA Alternative

NR-800 — US$74.99 — is rated at 800 lumens with an 18650, a 10° beam and 120 minutes on that battery. The AAA option is useful away from charging, but confirm the supplied battery and charger when selecting your package.

Earlier Generations: Names Do Not Define Compatibility

The compact NR-1200 (ID 98) now listed is the new 1200-lumen design, not the historic NR-1200 referenced in the discontinued NR-1500 description.

The current NR-2000 (ID 11907) replaces NR-1800. The original NR-2000 is a different discontinued model, replaced by NR-2500. The NR-1800 remains listed in stock at US$159.00; describe it as earlier-generation stock, not automatically unavailable. Discontinued NR-1500 Zoom and NR-900 Zoom point to NR-1800Z; NR-700 points to NR-1000.

Do not transfer historic 26800/26650 battery or mount specifications onto the new NR-2000. Match exact product identity and battery SKU before buying a spare.

Common Questions

Can I use my phone charger?

For an explicitly USB-C rechargeable battery, use a suitable cable and power source meeting the supplied instructions. NR-1000, the new NR-1200, NR-1800, NR-1800Z and NR-LEP01 have supporting catalog references. Confirm the exact NR-1800L/NR-2500 supplied cell and new NR-2000 charging setup; do not assume every NR model shares one connector.

Do I need a backup light?

Choose redundancy with your instructor and operator for your environment. A compact NR-1000 or NR-1200 can fill backup duty, but overhead and technical profiles require training-specific independent lights and runtime reserves.

How long does a full charge take?

The supplied catalog does not support a universal three-, four- or five-hour schedule. Charging depends on the exact cell, charger, cable and state of charge. Check the instructions and charge indication; do not promise a full recharge during a short surface interval.

Can I bring these on airplanes?

Battery rules depend on Wh, installation, route and carrier. Check labels and carrier requirements, protect spare terminals and prevent activation. Do not claim that all NR or Kraken packs are airline-approved.

What is the warranty?

Review the current manufacturer policy and contact Kraken for the exact model. Avoid treating returns as unconditional or spare O-rings as an unlimited replacement program.

Flying with lithium batteries: Check the Wh label, your carrier’s rules and the applicable aviation authority before packing. Protect spare-battery terminals individually and carry spares in cabin baggage; prevent accidental activation of installed lights. USB-C is a charging connector, not airline approval. Kraken’s 18K-class 97.92Wh packs and larger 144Wh packs are not interchangeable travel cases: packs above 100Wh commonly need airline approval, and carriers may impose stricter restrictions. Do not assume every Kraken battery is below 100Wh or permitted on your route.

Final Recommendations by Budget

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Catalog review: September 2026. Prepared for editorial review; not published.