ORCATORCH ORCA 7 | SRP: $119
Mark Evans: OrcaTorch has been dropping quality dive lights the past couple of years, and their latest, the Orca 7, continues that trend. It is described by OrcaTorch as being a ‘primary compact torch or back-up light’, and having taken it into the depths of a British quarry in January, I can tell you it definitely ticks both those boxes.
When I first opened the padded, zippered case – a staple of OrcaTorch products, and a neat feature to keep your light safe during storage and travel – I admired the usual top-quality finish of the anodised aluminum torch, which looked resplendent in so-called Orca Orange (it is also available in Graphite Gray, Champagne Gold, Lava Red, and Space Silver).
My first thoughts were that it would make a fine back-up torch for cold-water diving, as its compact size means you can easily tuck it into a drysuit pocket, and it is there if the proverbial hits the fan with your main dive light. As with many of these smaller torches, they are perfectly adequate as a primary light in the tropics, when you do not need to cart some big unit with you, and you are not having to penetrate through floating detritus and gloom like you do in the UK and other similar places, but usually cannot cut the mustard as a main torch in those same conditions.
Well, was I wrong! The Orca 7, which has a tight, 6-degree ultra-focused beam, can pump out 3,000 lumens on full power, and I was amazed how well it shone in the depths of Capernwray on a dull January day.
Within some of the shipping containers, the bright beam sliced through the dark with ease, but even when swimming in open water and shining the torch towards the walls of the quarry some 25 feet away, the beam’s ‘hotspot’ was clear to see. Incredible performance for something so small. Even on the lower power setting it was still very bright. Don’t get me wrong, it is never going to light up an area like a larger primary torch, such as OrcaTorch’s ZD710 MK2, which has a wider beam, but for its size, it defies expectations. The Orca 7 also has an SOS function for emergencies.
Despite its compact size, it is easy to operate even with drygloves on, and it sits nicely in a gloved hand. But this comes into its own as a dinky travel companion – it is lightweight, small enough to pop into a BCD or tech short pocket, and would be ideal for looking into nooks and crannies for critters on your next foreign jaunt.
It is supplied as standard in the case with a lanyard, charging cable, spare O-rings and two 21700 USB-C batteries, so you can have both charged up when you go diving and do a quick change-over as-and-when needed before you have to get the charging cable out. As we’ve said before, we find it handy to be able to just plug the cable directly into these batteries, there is no need to drag a charging station with you.
FAQ
How bright is the OrcaTorch Orca 7?
The OrcaTorch Orca 7 emits 3,000 lumens on full power, providing a bright and focused beam.
What is the beam angle of the OrcaTorch Orca 7?
The OrcaTorch Orca 7 features a tight, 6-degree ultra-focused beam, ideal for slicing through dark water.
Can the OrcaTorch Orca 7 be used with gloves?
Yes, the compact design makes it easy to operate even with drygloves on.
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This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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