Diving into Handheld Primary Dive Lights
This review solely compares the Orcatorch D920 and the Shark Artemis Handheld, which possess similar designs and functionalities. For this comparison, we have excluded the UK-manufactured Apeks Luna and Apeks Luna Adv (priced similarly) as well as the more expensive yet popular choice among serious technical divers, the US brand Halcyon Focus 2.0 (along with its counterpart, the Handheld Flare EXP), which will be addressed in a future review.
Top Specs: Shark Artemis Vs. Orcatorch D920
If you’re seeking a robust and dependable primary dive light with a spot beam but wish to avoid a cable connection between the battery canister and the light head, let’s compare these hand-mounted devices and explore how they can illuminate your next underwater adventure!
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Orcatorch D920 boasts a maximum output of 5000 lumens with a focused 9° beam, while the Shark Artemis Handheld offers a maximum of 6000 lumens and a 10° beam. Like the Artemis, the Orcatorch D920 employs a single LED for illumination.
Although the manufacturer’s referenced beam angles via the cone lens may vary slightly, both lights appear to be tight-beam, powerful, capable of cutting through silty conditions, and they can reach considerable distances that we’ll cover below.
A frontal view of both light heads reveals a significant difference. In the case of the Artemis, the lens is reinforced, as stated by the manufacturer. Six screws are evenly spaced on the lens lid, providing added strength against ambient pressure changes.
It’s worth noting that, concerning 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 difference in depth rating between 15 and 20 atmospheres is not significant for most divers, as both levels indicate how water-resistant and robust a torch is, even at more reasonable recreational depths.
D920 – Artemis Power, Lumen & Burn Times
The D920, featuring a 74Wh rechargeable Li-ion battery, offers 4 power settings: 350 lumens with a burn time of 35 hours, 850 lumens for over 10 hours, 2400 lumens for just under 4.5 hours, and a turbo max power mode of 5000 lumens for 1.5 hours. The 2400 lumens from the torch is ample for most conditions.
With a 48.6Wh battery pack, the Shark Artemis presents 3 power settings, providing burn times of 8 hours at the 15% setting, 2.3 hours at 50%, and 70 minutes at 6000 lumens at 100%. Typically, the torch operates around 3000 lumens.
In terms of surface-testing, we can observe two differences between the beams. (1) The light output of the D920 has a bluer tone, while the Artemis emits a slightly warmer light. (2) Although both are described as having spot beams, the beam from the Artemis is significantly more intense despite being listed as 10º, whilst the 9º beam of the D920 is wider at both close and long-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 manufacturers provide 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 REVIEW > READ MORE | SHARK ARTEMIS REVIEW > READ MORE
Artemis Handheld & D920 Switches
Both the Orcatorch D920 and Shark Artemis Handheld use “push-button-type” magnetic switches.
The distinction lies in the placement of the switches: The D920 switch is positioned at the tail end of the bodyed section, whereas the Artemis switch is prominently located on top of the body. Both switches can be operated with thick or dry gloves, but the location of the D920 makes it more difficult to switch off accidentally during a dive. within a recess
The D920 switch system features a Mode Memory Function that returns the torch to its selected power setting after being switched off. It also includes a tail-end LED power indicator that clearly displays the battery’s charge status. If you overlook the warning of the blinking red light, power protection will automatically activate at 5% charge, reducing the torch’s output to 350 lumens for approximately 2 more hours of burn time.
In this regard, the D920 switch is significantly more secure, positioned to the right of the light’s magnetic charge point, and offers even greater functionality, making the D920 a standout choice.
Charging & Flexibility
One significant advantage of the D920 is that it supports magnetic charging. This means that, as a user, you need not attempt to separate the light head from the body; the entire torch is designed to function as a single solid unit for the user.
This ease of charging removes the risk of user-induced accidental leaks or flooding. It is akin to the Apeks Luna series, a collection of underwater dive lights that users do not need to disassemble for charging.
In contrast, the Shark Artemis is more of a classic handheld primary, where the light head screws onto the canister and can be detached; in fact, it needs to be detached for charging. This requires more care to prevent accidental leaks and flooding. However, most of us divers are accustomed to that.
This design gives the Artemis an advantage on two fronts: You can charge a separate battery for the next dive and switch to that within a minute instead of recharging your torch. On the other hand, the D920’s 2.5-hour full charge time is negligible.
Additionally, 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’ll obtain the Shark Artemis Umbilical Dive Light or the Artemis Sidemount version, in addition to the original handheld.
This one’s a draw, as much depends on personal preference and what you expect from a handheld, hand-mounted dive light.
What are the pros and cons? The mobility of the Shark Artemis facilitates using a future canister torch and a second battery for longer excursions.
However, it may be easier to inadvertently create 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!).
That said, if you’re considering the “canister torch” route in the future, you’d be better off investing in that, as we have many options available.
Which is better for you? This aspect is subjective, as choosing between options depends on personal preference, your expectations from a handheld, hand-mounted dive light, or whether you should opt for the canister alternative.
Excellent Construction: D920 Vs. Artemis
The exterior feel of the sturdy aluminium construction of both torches is quite similar. They feel good, look appealing, and are as robust as one would expect from either company.
Both bodies are crafted from 6061 aluminium featuring an anodised surface finish. Although we are not alloy experts, manufacturer specifications identify the 6061 of the Artemis as T6061, whereas D920 is specified as A6061-T6, with the T6 signifying a high-strength construction.
Front and Back
We have already discussed the front. Each torch also varies in its tail end. The Artemis has a mushroom lip with an approximate diameter of 30mm and a height of 7.5mm, clearly designed for the cave line and clip mounting.
Unlike the Orcatorch, the Artemis lacks a visible LED power indicator at the back. In contrast, the D920 features two holes on the side of its approximately 10 mm-deep recess, which is rather 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 it’s 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.
Manufacturing and similarities
Although the brand names vary, these torches, like many other dive lights, are manufactured 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 Umbilical dive light. The Artemis is a Shark product with Reel Diving backing as a 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 Handheld are excellent choices for serious recreational and technical divers alike.
Both torches are backed by 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 rigorous testing in demanding diving conditions.
Although the D920 is new to the market, it comes from a lineage of tried-and-true underwater lighting systems manufactured by a leading company for many years.
No matter which of these two lights you choose, the Orcatorch D920 and Shark Artemis provide exceptional performance and features to illuminate your underwater explorations.
Consider your diving needs and preferences to select the champion that will light up your next aquatic adventure!