Three quite different outstanding spearfishing torches have reached the finals of the Best Choice by Apneapassion prize in their category, the Mares EOS Beam, the Salvimar Galactika and the Cressi Lumia+. Considering that the use of the torch is very specific, any of the finalists could have aspired to the final vitory. But it is the Cressi Lumia+, in our opinion, to deserve to win the Best Choice 2023 prize. Let’s see why.
The best qualities of the Cressi Lumia+
Even though honestly not the best looking among the finalists, with the Mares EOS Beam beautifully machined from a solid aluminium block, the Cressi Lumia+ has important design qualities that make it the best spearfishing torch on the market according to Apneapassion.
The anatomical design
First of all the Cressi Lumia+ has a very user friendly anatomical design which permits to take hold correctly (with the thumb on the switch) of the torch in the water without even looking at it, as the shape indicates to the hand and the spearo the position of the torch. This action is done so many times during a spearfishing session, that it evidently si key. To additionally help this phase, the elastic band of the Cressi Lumia+ is designed so that the torch is actually already correctly positioned in relation to the palm of the hand.
To this, another key element is the soft rubber cover of the central part of the body of the Cressi Lumia+, which is key to avoid the torch from slipping away from our hands, especially using gloves.
A great switch
Once held, the switch is another beautiful, one of the key elements, of the Cressi Lumia+. It is perfectly perceivable with the thumb, and the three positions available, off, on unlocked, and on locked in position, are adjustable with extreme ease.
Penetrating beam
Finally the key element of a torch, the beam. Now it is not only the power to make the difference, as there are more powerful spearfishing torches on the market. What is key is the penetration capacity of the beam. And in this case the Cressi Lumia+ is unbeatable. There is not torch beam on the market, among the ones we have tested, that can go so deep in a crack of the rocks, with the light reaching the very depth of it. There is no fish that can escape the beam of the Cressi lumia+, whatever the depth of the hole in the rocks.
Conclusions
For the above qualities the Cressi Lumia+ deserves to win the Best Choice by Apneapassion price in its category. Improvements are always possible, as it could be made a little cooler aesthetically and maybe a rechargeable option would be nice with a more up-to-date solution.
For alternative uses, the Mares EOS Beam, with its small small body, is excellent for putting it on the arm using an elastic band. The rechargeable system with USB type C cable means you can use any Android mobile phone cable to recharge it…wow! On the other hand, the Salvimar Galactika is an amazing product also with anatomical shape and well perceivable switch, even though not at the level of the Lumia+. The Salvimar Galactika has brought to market a new concept, with the torch completely sealed for an unbeatable water resistant solution. Also, the rechargeable system is great, with no risk at all of water infiltration, even though never forget its dedicated charging cable with magnet. Without it, you will not be able to recharge your beautiful Salvimar Galactika.
The Best Choice by Apneapassion prize evaluation
“Apneapassion underlines that the Best Choice is a fully independent prize, assigned after deep testing by the 9 athletes of the Apneapassion International Official team. The result of the Best Choice does not want to be an indisputable evaluation, as personal preferences and adaptations to each product can determine different opinions and likes. Still, the use of a large number of independent athletes (who’s sponsor is only Apneapassion) permits to give spearfishing and freediving enthusiasts our best possible evaluation of each winner. We are open to any company who would want to participate with its most competitive products to the Best Choice by Apneapassion yearly prize. For any additional information contact carlo.forni@apneapassion.com.“
