I have a 12 watt LED light. It's my first cannister light so I have nothing else to compare to.
I do have a few different backup lights so I can make some comparisons.
I have two photon torpedo LED lights(3 C-cell), an Oxycheq raider (3 AA batteries), and an Intova 4.7 (CR-123 batteries).
I have the photon torpedos because I wanted the most reliable light, machined delrin bodied twist-on/off seemed to be the way to go here.
I bought the Oxychec Raider because I wanted to try it out and the price was good.
The Intova is brighter than them all, not by a lot but it is noticeable. the price is very good on these as well.
Considering money and performance the Intova 4.7 is the best option, just put a section of bicycle inner tube over the switch (it can come out of the slot).
I don't have one, but another choice that looks promising is the UK 3 C-cell twist-on/off light. It's about $50, but the body is plastic as opposed to the machined delrin body of the photon torpedo. (or salvo, light monkey, Halcyon, sartek lights).
I have no experience with the UK light, but I think it used the exact same LED module that the LED versions of salvo, light monkey, Halcyon, and Sartek lights do.
Among the lights I have, I prefer the Photon Torpedo lights. Just because I wanted machined delrin bodied backup lights that have twist-on/off activation. They are more expensive, but in the big scheme of diving things it's negligible. Besides, not long after I bought them I forgot all about what I paid for them.
Considering price vs. performance, it's dificult not to recommend the Intova. The Oxycheq Raider is good as well, but not as good as the Intova. I usually loan the Raider if someone needs an extra light.
-Mitch
