X Adventurer DS160 Pro Strobe Review
Underwater filmmaker and photographer Jacob Guy puts the X Adventurer DS160 Pro strobes through their paces to see how they perform across both photo and video setups.
Overview
Over the past few months, I have been using the X Adventurer DS160 Pro strobes across a range of dives, shooting both stills and video. They have quickly proven themselves as capable and versatile tools for hybrid shooters who want the flexibility to capture both photo and video on a single dive.
The DS160 Pros strike a strong balance between performance and affordability. The video light output is more than adequate for most macro work and some close wide angle scenes, while the flash delivers clean, even illumination across a variety of shooting styles. What impressed me most were the excellent battery life and the clear rear display, which makes it easy to check remaining power, mode selection, and output levels at a glance.
They are not without their limitations, but overall, the DS160 Pros feel like a well considered option for underwater photographers and filmmakers who want reliability without the premium price tag.
Pros
Battery Life
Battery performance is outstanding. Even after two 90 minute dives with heavy photo shooting, I never came close to running out of power. This gives you the confidence to shoot freely without worrying about conserving battery life. The strobes are rated for around 600 full power flashes, which feels realistic for about three dives for most shooters which is more than enough for a morning of diving. I would recommend however to change your battery after two dives to make sure there’s no chance of running out on the rest of the days diving. The video light also provides plenty of burn time for casual use across two dives.
Underwater Weight
On land, the DS160s feel solid and slightly heavier than average, but once underwater that changes. With the neoprene covers, they are almost perfectly neutral, making them easy to handle and reposition without drift. This neutral balance gives a nice sense of control and helps with fine tuning your lighting angles mid dive.
LED Display
The bright and high visibility display is one of the most useful features on these strobes. It remains easy to read even in shallow, sunlit conditions, and the adjustable orientation means you can set up your strobes however you prefer. Battery life, mode, and power settings are displayed clearly, and when you make adjustments, the changes appear instantly. It is simple, intuitive, and designed with real world use in mind.
Video Light
The integrated 7000 lumen video light is a genuine bonus. It is rated at a high CRI of 90, which produces excellent colour accuracy and natural tones. For macro work, it gives you complete control over your scene and easily overpowers ambient light. For wide angle subjects, it performs well at close range or in low light conditions. The falloff is smooth, particularly when using the diffuser, and there is no visible edge tinting or hotspots. The beam has a natural, warm character that results in clean, pleasing footage.
Buttons and Usability
One handed operation is a big plus underwater, and these strobes make that possible. The buttons are tactile, with a distinct click and defined stops at both ends of the power range. It is easy to match power settings across both strobes by simply counting clicks, even without looking at the screen. Powering on can be done by using the ball mount as leverage whilst holding down the power button, which is handy if one hand is busy holding the camera in current. The transparent buttons also let you see if any sand or moisture has crept inside.
Strobe Performance
The strobe produces smooth, natural light that works beautifully across both macro and wide angle setups. The falloff is soft, making it easy to blend strobe and ambient light for balanced, natural looking results. With the diffuser, you get a wider, softer beam ideal for reef scenes or larger subjects. Without it, the light is slightly harder and crisper, perfect for close up macro detail. The recycle rate at full power is around one second, which is fast enough for most situations.
Double O Ring System
The double O ring battery compartment design provides excellent peace of mind. It is easy to maintain, compatible with standard greases, and the included lubricant will last you several trips. It is a simple but important detail that enhances reliability, something I now consider essential in any underwater strobe.
Value
The DS160 Pros hit a sweet spot between performance and cost. They offer enough power and endurance for most beginner to intermediate shooters and are priced well below some competitors with fewer features. For divers upgrading from a compact setup to a mirrorless system, these strobes offer a lot of capability without breaking the bank.
Cons
Weight
There is no avoiding it, these strobes are on the heavier side. As hybrid units with both strobe and video functions, they pack a lot into one body, and that adds mass. Travelling with them can be a heavy addition to your luggage and make you think about taking them on the trip, especially if you already own lighter lights. Underwater, though, the weight balances out nicely and even becomes slightly positive with the neoprene cover. I would love to see a future version that is a little lighter for travel and just a touch more negative underwater.
Colour Temperature
Optional ambient filters are available, and I would recommend investing in them. The standard daylight temperature can appear quite warm at depth, affecting both photo and video. While macro shooters can usually correct this in post or by overpowering ambient light, wide angle scenes benefit from the filter’s cooler colour temperature. The trade off is reduced brightness, which means running the lights at higher power and using more battery.
Strobe Power
The strobe’s power output is well suited for most shooting, but I occasionally found myself wishing for more when lighting larger wide angle scenes or shooting into the sun. It seems tuned more toward endurance than maximum power. I would personally prefer a little less battery life in exchange for extra punch when needed.
Video Power
At 7000 lumens, the DS160’s video light is impressive for a hybrid, but it is not designed for illuminating big scenes. It performs beautifully for macro, close focus wide angle, and tighter compositions, but struggles to reach further subjects or compete with bright tropical light. For its intended use, though, it performs admirably. If you’re primarily a video shooter I would recommend looking at options with more available lumen output.
Battery Cap
While the double O rings inspire confidence, the cap itself can be difficult to remove, even when properly lubricated. I often needed extra grip to unscrew it after a day of diving. A design tweak to make it easier to open would be a welcome improvement.
Battery Quality
The batteries are compact and travel friendly, but I did experience one faulty unit straight out of the box. That meant one strobe had no backup, which became inconvenient on multi dive days. Having reliable spares is important, and a bit more quality control here would go a long way.
Missing Features
As a mid range strobe, the DS160 does not include TTL or high speed sync. While experienced shooters may not miss them, beginners often appreciate TTL for its automatic exposure control, and high speed sync would add creative flexibility for managing ambient light. Their absence is understandable at this price point but worth noting.
Power Button and Display
The power button design is functional but could be more ergonomic for one handed operation. A twist style switch might be easier to use for divers with smaller hands. The display itself is excellent, bright, clear, and easy to read, but the remaining shot counter resets when powered off, which limits its reliability. I would also love to see feature for the video light that estimates remaining burn time at the current setting.
Conclusion
The X Adventurer DS160 Pro is a thoughtfully designed hybrid strobe that delivers real versatility for underwater image makers. With long battery life, intuitive controls, and consistent, even light, it is a strong performer for both stills and video.
There are some small compromises, mainly in weight, power output, and colour temperature, but overall these strobes provide impressive value for the price. For divers looking to expand their creative options without spending top tier money, the DS160 Pro is a capable, well rounded choice for the hybrid shooter or a diver looking to dabble into underwater video.
Find out more about the X Adventure DS160 Pro Strobes here.
