Wurkkos DL70 Dive Light 13000 Lumen

The Wurkkos DL70 throws an absurd amount of light for its price, making it one of the most compelling budget dive torches on the market if raw output is what you are after.

Thirteen thousand lumens from a sub-$110 dive light is the kind of specification that would have been laughable five years ago. The DL70 delivers that output from four LEDs in a canister-style body, with multiple brightness modes and USB-C rechargeable batteries. It is clearly aimed at divers who want a big primary light without spending $500 or more on established brands like Light & Motion or BigBlue. The catch, as with most budget Chinese-manufactured dive torches, is that the build quality and quality control are a step behind the premium players. But for recreational diving in Australian waters — particularly night dives on the Great Barrier Reef or exploring dark overhangs at Julian Rocks — the DL70 puts a lot of light in the water for very little money.

## Overview

The DL70 uses four high-output LEDs to produce its claimed 13,000 lumens across a wide flood beam. The light runs on a pair of rechargeable 26650 lithium-ion batteries, charged via a USB-C port sealed behind a rubber cover. Multiple brightness modes let you dial back the output for close-range work or run full power when you need to light up a wide area. The body is aluminium with a black anodised finish, and the switch is a rear-mounted rotary type. IPX8 waterproof rating covers recreational diving depths. Compared to the ORCATORCH D710 at roughly double the price, the DL70 delivers over four times the lumen output but in a larger, heavier package. Against premium lights like the BigBlue VL15000P, the DL70 offers similar output at a fraction of the cost, though the BigBlue wins convincingly on build quality, beam consistency, and brand reliability. For Australian conditions, the wide beam works well in the generally moderate visibility of temperate waters off NSW and Victoria, where a flood pattern illuminates more of the scene than a tight spot beam.

## Key Features

- 13,000-lumen maximum output from four LEDs - Multiple brightness modes including low, medium, high, and turbo - USB-C rechargeable dual 26650 battery system - Aluminium alloy body with black anodised finish - IPX8 waterproof rating for recreational diving depths - Wide flood beam pattern - Rear rotary switch for mode selection - Weight approximately 650 g with batteries - Runtime approximately 2.5 hours on medium, shorter on turbo - Includes lanyard attachment point and spare O-rings

## The Good

- The raw output is staggering for the price. At full power, the DL70 lights up a reef wall like a car headlight. Night dives at the Navy Pier in Exmouth become a different experience when you can illuminate an area the size of a small room. It is also excellent for video lighting if you are shooting wide-angle footage. - USB-C charging is convenient. You do not need a separate charger or proprietary cables — the same cable you use for your phone charges the torch. For travelling divers, this simplifies your cable bag considerably. - The flood beam pattern suits recreational diving well. Rather than a tight spot that you have to aim precisely, the wide spread covers a broad area, which is more practical for general exploration and buddy communication. - Multiple brightness modes mean you are not stuck blinding everything in sight. Dialling back to low or medium output extends battery life significantly and is more appropriate for close-up marine life encounters where full power would bleach out colours. - At $105, it costs less than many single-LED dive torches from established brands. For divers on a budget who want a capable primary light, the value proposition is hard to beat. - The included spare O-rings and lanyard are thoughtful inclusions that save you a trip to the dive shop.

## The Bad

- Build quality is functional but not refined. The anodising on the body can show wear marks quickly, the threads are not as smooth as premium lights, and the O-ring seats require careful inspection before each dive. This is a torch that demands a bit more attention to maintenance than a BigBlue or Light & Motion. - The rotary switch can be stiff with gloves, particularly thick 5 mm neoprene. Switching modes mid-dive in cold Victorian water requires deliberate effort. A push-button or magnetic switch would be easier to operate with gloved hands. - Heat management at full power is a concern on the surface. The torch gets noticeably warm within a few minutes at turbo output when not submerged. Underwater, the water dissipates heat, but be cautious about running it at full power above the surface. - Quality control can be inconsistent. Reports from other divers suggest occasional units with flickering LEDs or faulty seals out of the box. Thoroughly testing your unit in a pool or bathtub before an ocean dive is strongly recommended.

## Verdict

The Wurkkos DL70 is the dive torch equivalent of a budget airline: it gets you there with impressive performance, but the fit and finish remind you of what you saved. If you want a powerful primary light for night dives, video work, or exploring dark spaces in Australian waters and you do not want to spend $400 or more, the DL70 delivers exceptional value. Just be prepared to maintain it carefully, inspect your seals diligently, and accept that it will not match the polish of premium brands. For divers who treat their gear with respect and test before they trust, it is a lot of torch for the money.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)