Torch beam angle and brightness

[Leander]

I'm looking for some advice on torches as it seems there are hardly any articles and forum topics about dive torches, and if there are it's all about scuba's quest for ultimate brightness.

When it comes to spearfishing and hole hunting in clear water, what would be the most useful?
Is a narrow beam still the best, even now the lumens tripled compared to the old bulbs? How narrow is narrow? Some lights I see have a 16° or even 20° angle, others have a 5-8° beam, which will even be smaller under water. Both are listed as narrow, tight, or focussed. And is there such thing as 'too bright'?

 

[Kodama]

https://www.apneapassion.com/equipment/ap-super-test/all-about-best-underwater-torches/

The above article is pretty good and gives you some idea about the difference options out there at this time.

I personally use the Sporasub Eyelight and I am very happy with it. It has a narrow very bright center beam and a less bright corona that is perfect for illuminating holes if you don’t want to scare the fish with too much light.

 

[Mr. X]

I have one that I like but I don't use it much. Relatively cheap via Amazon. Led, rechargeable. The strength/ robustness of the lanyard/wrist-loopis prob. More important than beam angle. I just have mine for looking under rocks ( either of those mentioned should manage that) and in case of emergency.

If you plan to night dive, your needs will likely be greater. I also bought a little mask torch but I find it too much of a faff to bother with normally.

I lost my first dive torch while collecting scallops I think cheapness is a key feature for spearing gear, because it is easily lost and you need to be willing to let it go in extremis.