Diving into Handheld Primary Dive Lights
This review only compares the Orcatorch D920 and the Shark Artemis Handheld, which have similar constructs and functionality. For the sake of this comparison, we’ve left out the UK-manufactured Apeks Luna and Apeks Luna Adv (at around the same price point) as well as the more expensive yet favourite for serious technical divers, the US-brand Halcyon Focus 2.0 (and its sibling, the Handheld Flare EXP) to be covered in a future review.
So here we go!...
Top Specs
If you’re looking for a strong and reliable primary dive light with a spot beam but want to avoid a cable connection between the battery canister and the light head, let's compare these hand-mounted devices and see how they can help you light up your next underwater adventure!
According to manufacturer specs, the Orcatorch D920 boasts a maximum output of 5000 lumens with a focused 9° beam, whereas the Shark Artemis offers a maximum of 6000 lumens and a 10° beam. Like the Artemis, the Orcatorch D920 uses a single LED for light output.
Although the manufacturer's referenced beam angles via the cone lens may vary slightly, both lights are seemingly tight-beam, powerful, capable of slicing through silty conditions, and can reach significant distances we'll cover below.
A frontal view of both light heads reveals a notable difference. In the case of the Artemis, the lens is reinforced, as stated by the manufacturer. Six screws can be seen spaced equally on the lens lid, providing additional strength against ambient pressure changes.
It’s worth mentioning here that, regarding depth rating (although most divers won’t be descending to such depths), the Artemis boasts a rating of 200 metres, while the D920 has a rating of 150 metres.
The depth rating difference between 15 and 20 atmospheres doesn't matter much for most divers because both indicate how water-resistant and robust a torch is, even at more reasonable recreational depths.
Power, Lumen & Burn Times
The D920, with its 74Wh rechargeable Li-ion battery, has 4 power settings covering 350 lumens with 35 hours of burntime, 850 lumens for over 10h, 2400 lumens for just under 4.5h and a turbo max power mode of 5000 lumens for 1.5 hours. The 2400 lumens of the torch is plenty enough for most conditions.
With its 48.6Wh battery pack, the Shark Artemis has 3 power settings, offering burn times of 8 hours at 15% setting, 2.3 hours at 50%, and 70 minutes at 6000 lumens 100%. Again, the regular operation of the torch would be at around 3000lm.
Regarding surface-testing, we can see two differences between the two beams. (1) The light output of the D920 is bluer while that of the Artemis is slightly warmer. (2) Even though both are referred to as having spot beams, the beam of the Artemis is far more intense despite being listed as 10º and that of the 9º D920 is wider both at closer and longer range distances.
Orcatorch D920
Battery: 74Wh
350lm = 35 hours
850lm = 10+ hours
2400lm = 4.5 hours
5000lm = 1.5 hours
Shark Artemis
Battery: 48.6Wh
15% (avg. 900lm) = 8 hours
50% (avg. 3000lm) = 2.3 hours
100% (Max 6000lm) = 1 hour 10 mins
That said, it’s important to remember that the burn times provided by manufacturers are typically based on ideal testing conditions. Factors such as ambient temperature, charge level, battery age and health, and usage/charge cycles can lead to shorter burn times for the same lumen output.
According to the manufacturer's description, the D920 seems to be a winner, featuring a more powerful battery pack, a bluer (though not necessarily tighter) beam, a variety of power settings, and impressive burn times.
ORCATORCH D920 REVIEWED
SHARK ARTEMIS REVIEWED
Switches
Both the Orcatorch D920 and Shark Artemis Handheld use "push-button-type” magnetic switches.
The distinction lies in the switch's placement: The D920 switch is located at the tail end of the body within a recessed section, whereas the Artemis switch is prominently situated on top of the body. Both switches are operable with thick or dry gloves, but the D920's location makes it more difficult to switch off accidentally during a dive.
The D920 switch system has a Mode Memory Function that returns the torch to its chosen power setting after it is switched off. It also has a tail-end LED power indicator that clearly indicates the battery's charge state. If you miss the warning blinking red light, power protection will automatically kick in at 5% charge, reducing the torch to 350 lumens for approximately 2 more hours of burn time.
In this respect, the D920 switch is much more protected, positioned to the right of the light’s magnetic charge point, and has even more functionality, making the D920 a winner.
Charging & Flexibility
One significant advantage of the D920 is that it supports magnetic charging. This means that, as a user, you don’t have to (in fact, you should not attempt to) separate the light head from the body; the whole torch is made to be one solid unit on the user end.
This ease of charging eliminates the possibility of user-induced accidental leaks or flooding. It is similar to the Apeks Luna series, a line of underwater dive lights users do not have to disassemble to charge.
In contrast, the Shark Artemis is more of a classic handheld primary where the light head screws to the canister and can be detached, in fact needing to be detached to charge. This means more care is required to prevent accidental leaks and flooding. But most of us divers are used to that.
This design gives the Artemis an advantage on two fronts: You can charge a separate battery for the next dive spree and change to that within a minute instead of recharging your torch. On the other hand, the D920's 2.5-hour full charge time is nothing to worry about.
Also, in the case of the Artemis handheld, you can adapt it to an umbilical canister torch for extended burn times if you need to go the extra mile. All you need to do is purchase the canister and cord - and you get the Shark Artemis Umbilical Dive Light or the Artemis Sidemount version, plus the original handheld.
This one’s a draw, as a lot depends on personal preference and what you expect from a handheld, hand-mounted dive light.
What are the pros and cons? The Artemis allows for the use of a future canister torch and a second battery for longer excursions.
But, it may be easier to inadvertently cause a leak or flood in the Artemis, whereas users can't do so with the D920. Like the Apeks Luna series, any leak or flooding issues will unlikely be your fault unless the torch is broken or its lens is cracked (or you force a factory-sealed body apart!).
With all that said, if you're planning to go the "canister torch" route in the future, you'd be better off financially investing in that, and we have many options to choose from.
Which is better for you? This aspect is subjective, as choosing between options depends on personal preference, what you expect from a handheld, hand-mounted dive light, or whether you should just go the canister way.
Construct: D920 Vs. Artemis
The outer feel of the strong aluminium construct of both torches is quite similar. They feel good, look good, and are as robust as you’d expect from either company.
Both bodies are made out of 6061 aluminium with an anodised surface finish. While we’re not alloy experts, manufacturer specs identify the 6061 of the Artemis as T6061, while the D920 is stated to be A6061-T6, the T6 referring to a high-strength construct.
We have already covered the front. Each torch also differs in its tail end. The Artemis features a mushroom lip with an approximate diameter of 30mm and a height of 7.5mm, clearly intended for the cave line and clip mounting.
Unlike the Orcatorch, the Artemis has no visible LED power indicator at the back. On the other hand, the D920 has two holes on the side of its approximately 10 mm-deep recess, which is somewhat inconveniently close to the light switch.
In our view, both the holes and the light mounting screw threads for a handle could have been positioned better – but its not a deal breaker. Looking to the back end on a Goodman handle mounting, the D920 has the magnetic charge point at 11 o’clock, the LED power light at 2 o’clock and the switch (and holes) at 5 o’clock.
Although the brand names differ, these torches, like many other dive lights, are made in China. Orcatorch is a reputable name for dive lights of various sizes and power, ranging from the smaller but powerful D700 and D710 handhelds to the most popular canister dive light, the wonderfully reliable best-seller Orcatorch D630 Canister dive light. The Artemis is a Shark product with Reel Diving backing as producer and global distributor.
Both torches boast Goodman handles, which are not identical in appearance. However, each is adjustable in height and width and can fold down on the lens to protect it from damage during transport.
The Artemis handle and adjustment knob does look more classy than than D920 but that’s about the only difference. The D920 also comes with a grip handle which adds value if you want to hold the torch instead of hand-mounting it.
What's Included?
Both dive lights come in a rugged nylon case with a protective foam insert and side zippers. They come with home chargers and cables, one Goodman handle each and a set of spare O-rings. Included in the Orcatorch package are also 1 x Magnetic Charging Cable and 1 x handheld grip (to optionally carry the torch in hand).
Conclusion
The Orcatorch D920 and Shark Artemis are excellent choices for serious recreational and technical divers alike.
Both torches are supported with reliable after-service for any eventuality. The Orcatorch is distributed by Sea&Sea in the UK while the Artemis has been designed by and is distributed by Reel Diving based in Sweden (subject to vigorous testing in demanding diving conditions).
Even though the D920 is new in the game, it comes from a background of tried-and-true underwater light systems manufactured by a leading company for years.
No matter which of these two lights you choose, the Orcatorch D920 and Shark Artemis offer exceptional performance and features to illuminate your underwater explorations.
Consider your diving needs and preferences to select the champion to light up your next aquatic adventure!
