Antares, the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius, is so bright that it shines 10,000 times more than the Sun. There could hardly be a more fitting name for this Salvimar-made dive light, a model that combines high-quality materials, design, functionality, ergonomics, powerful illumination, and an intelligent rechargeable system with a charge indicator. It is a complete solution in every single detail. Its IPX8 waterproof rating guarantees operation down to a depth of 60 metres, while the manufacturer claims a battery life of 120 minutes.

I received the Antares at the beginning of July. The packaging is eco-friendly. The dive light is housed in a black cardboard box, with a large green Salvimar logo and a real image of the torch on the top flap, just above the Antares name. The main features are listed on the outside of the box; the QR code, which opens the user manual when scanned, is located on the bottom of the package to ensure correct use and maintenance of the torch. Inside, I find the torch body, a wrist lanyard, a USB-C cable, a 21700/5000mAh Li-ion battery, and two replacement O-rings.

The Antares is made of thick anodised aluminium. The result is extremely attractive, with a genuinely high perceived quality. The reflector is made from a special smooth aluminium alloy. This allows it to reflect light efficiently and deliver maximum luminous output. The weight without the battery is 263 grams, while the complete unit weighs 338 grams.

The shape is elongated, with the “head” and the rear section slightly diverging from the lines of the main body and becoming wider. The ergonomic design prevents the torch from slipping out of the hand thanks to the rear section resting against the palm, allowing for a consistently firm grip.

The head features “gills” on both sides which, besides their aesthetic function, are necessary to dissipate the heat generated by the powerful LED, assisted by the water in which we are immersed. Consequently, the manufacturer recommends using the dive light exclusively underwater.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the bezel securing the lens is acid green, as are the power button and the housing around it. The power-button area is flat (the Antares name is printed here) and is positioned between the head and the body, interrupting the cylindrical design. On the main body, in the area where the hand grips the torch, the Salvimar logo is printed in white, while the rest of the light is black.

The Antares features a powerful SST40 LED (maximum 1,800 lumens) and a colour temperature of 6,500 K. This temperature reproduces natural daylight, helping to bring out every detail in dark environments such as crevices and fish holes. The beam is concentrated into a 16-degree hotspot.

The external button mechanically activates the internal switch. A certain amount of pressure is required both to turn the torch on and to switch it off. A LED indicator shows the battery charge level. When the charge is above 50%, the indicator remains solid green; between 50% and 30%, it remains solid red; below 30%, it flashes red.

The 21700/5000mAh Li-ion battery must be installed by the user in the battery compartment, located inside the central aluminium tube that forms the body of the torch. There is no need to worry if the battery is accidentally inserted with the polarity reversed. The Antares is equipped with reverse-polarity protection. Installing the battery is quite simple. First unscrew the rear cap, then the internal USB cap, insert the battery and screw both caps back into place.

It is essential not to overtighten them in order to avoid damaging the O-rings. Another important precaution is to lubricate the threads and the O-ring groove with silicone grease to ensure proper waterproofing.

To recharge the battery, simply unscrew the rear cap and use the supplied USB-C cable to connect the torch to a suitable power source (adapter). A practical and clever solution is the way the rear cap is attached by an internal elastic cord to the area where the USB-C port is located. During charging, the LED indicator associated with the USB-C port shows a solid red light, which turns green once the battery is fully charged. It is important to recharge the battery after every use, or at least once a month, to prevent it from becoming excessively discharged and losing capacity.

The lanyard is made of strong yet flexible fabric and features a clip for adjusting its length once it has been placed around the wrist. It also has a rubber sleeve approximately 10 centimetres long, which makes positioning and handling easier while increasing resistance to abrasion.

The dimensions of the Antares are nevertheless fairly compact: 172 mm in length x 42.5 mm.

At Sea

Finally, it is July and, as usual during this season, we head out on the RIB to visit some spots that I have not explored since last summer. I am with my friend Francesco, who has already been using the Antares for some time and has spoken positively about it. For me, however, this is the first time!

I decide to keep the lanyard secured near my forearm. Given its generous length, this allows the torch to reach my hand precisely when needed. In my opinion, the most practical and convenient solution is the classic elastic cord, cut and tied to fit the wrist. It is much more comfortable and easier to use during the different stages of spearfishing.

We take turns making a few exploratory dives in search of suitable water conditions for the beautiful summer season, but without success. Finally, at around 25 metres, we find a series of grotto outcrops over a muddy bottom, characterised by good visibility.

Duck dive and down we go. After about ten metres, I spot two brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) above the rocky structure. I descend in freefall and take one of them, weighing about 1.5 kg, only after making sure there are no groupers nearby. I follow the other fish with my eyes to see where it will hole up; it heads into a vertical crack.

I drop the weight and ascend. Once back down with the short gun fitted with a four-prong tip, I swim towards the hole, locate the button and illuminate the crevice. I release the button and the light remains on. The beam shows no cloudiness and cuts powerfully through the particles stirred up by the fish's movement.

To avoid frightening the fish, it is necessary to illuminate from the side, allowing the light to spread effectively through the hole. The brown meagre seems to have disappeared, but I want to check more carefully. I move towards the end of the crack and point the Antares into a corner hidden behind a small rocky outcrop.

Daylight!

I spot the unmistakable fin — it's her! I line up the 50 cm speargun and shoot her through the centre of the body. I press the button again to switch off the light during the ascent.

When wearing 3 mm gloves, the button is not immediately easy to locate at first, especially when using the fabric lanyard, which allows the torch body to move more and changes its position relative to the hand. This does not happen with an elastic cord cut to the correct length, which keeps the torch constantly within reach.

But there is no need to worry: after just one or two dives, you get used to it and this initial gap disappears. When using the torch with summer gloves, there is nothing to complain about.

To make the torch easier to spot in the event of accidental loss, I wrapped several turns of white electrical tape around the head — which also helps cushion any impacts — and around the rear section near the end cap.

The Antares accompanied me for more than a month on several outings, and I was very satisfied with it. The only aspects that could be improved concern the supplied lanyard. This, however, is a minor issue compared with everything positive the torch demonstrated: stable, crisp illumination with no flickering. The beam performs incredibly well, enclosed in a robust, ergonomic body designed and developed by Salvimar.

SCORES

BUILD QUALITY — 9/10

It is always the details that make the difference: the heat-dissipation fins, the switch with the battery-status LED both on the button and associated with the USB-C port, and the materials used. It deserves almost the highest possible score.

ERGONOMICS — 8/10

Its shape prevents the torch from slipping out of the hand, thanks to the rear section resting against the palm and allowing for a light yet secure grip.

HANDLING — 7/10

The Antares is easy and comfortable to use, although the supplied lanyard could be improved. The button is very easy to operate with thin gloves, while some familiarisation is initially required when using neoprene gloves.

BATTERY LIFE — 9/10

120 minutes of continuous illumination is more than enough to handle even more than one spearfishing session.

PERFORMANCE — 9/10

The beam is impressive! It is powerful and concentrated, reproduces natural daylight, has no peripheral halo and cuts through suspended particles with ease.

VALUE FOR MONEY — 8/10

It is available on the market for around €100. An excellent price considering the quality of the product.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• USB-C charging: integrated
• LED: SST40 (max. 1,800 lumens)
• Colour temperature: 6,500 K
• Battery life: 120 min
• Reflector: smooth-surface aluminium
• Beam angle: 16° hotspot
• Surface treatment: anodised
• Battery: 21700/5000mAh Li-ion
• Waterproofing: up to 60 metres
• Dimensions: 172 mm (length) x 42.5 mm (max. head diameter)
• Net weight: 263 g (without battery)