One takes 8 D cell batteries and while it has the power of the sun, its weight and bulk prohibit carrying it around unless I really need it, and even then I opt for something else. That something else is the right size to fit in a BC pocket, but produces an embarrassingly small glow. My buddy keeps getting these lights that work spectacularly for a few dives before they flood or just stop working. He's seriously on his fourth or so light now. While he takes care of his things, I beat the snot out of mine and therefore don't want anything that he can break.
I prefer the push button on/off, not the twist on/off - but thats just me.
M
currier
January 2nd, 2012, 09:54 AM
TUL-300 boasts a 200 Lumen LED with a 42 degree beam angle
Tabata USA, Inc. - NEW : TUL-300 LED DIVE LIGHT [TUL-300] (http://www.tusa.com/shop/tul300-dive-light-p-94-c-15_31.html)
smellzlikefish
January 2nd, 2012, 01:29 PM
I had that TUL-300 and loved it for the week that it worked. Then the switch stopped working for no apparent reason.
aquaregia
January 2nd, 2012, 04:02 PM
The TUL-300 is okay for looking at stuff, but it's really really wide and sometimes even identifying an OK with it is difficult. Making any descriptive signals is really hard. Also I don't really like to have lights that use the CR123s, not because of cost but because of availability.
I also quite liked the Intova ICOM, which was similar to the Dorcy, just slightly less bright and with a worse runtime (3xAAA instead of 6xAAA, so understandable). My big problem with the ICOMs were the tail switch spring, which seem to weaken to the point where they no longer work. Each of mine has died in the 75-100 dive range, so for the average vacation diver it's probably just fine.
Spg01
January 2nd, 2012, 04:18 PM
SL3 eLED® LED dive light » Underwater Kinetics (http://www.uwkinetics.com/products/sl3-eled)
I have the SL3-eled as a back up at night and as a primary during the day. The are usually around $50 and take 3 c-cell bateries. I did have a problem with the one i originally bought, but UK replaced it and the new light has been fine.
smellzlikefish
January 2nd, 2012, 05:00 PM
I'm looking into the Penetrator and Dorcy at the moment but am keeping my ears open to other suggestions. I like the idea of using standard AA or AAA batteries as I have a lot of rechargables that I can utilize. If the ICOM dies after 75-100 dives, it would last me maybe 6 months. I've never really considered myself a vacation diver.
Hatul
January 2nd, 2012, 06:15 PM
The Xstar D01 is a nice 18650 li-ion rechargeable, brighter than the Dorcy. If you like standard AA batteries Ni-MH then Pop-lite makes one
F2 Cree Q5 100-Lumen Diving LED Flashlight (4*AA) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/f2-cree-q5-100-lumen-diving-led-flashlight-4-aa-39437)
it's roughly the same brightness as the Dorcy without the hassle of 6 AAA cells.
Here's another that takes 3 AA:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-w200-200-meter-waterproof-diver-s-cree-p4-wc-176-lumen-led-flashlight-3-aa-20762
I have the modified version of this light and the case is very tough and nice with 3 O rings.
Adam
currier
February 14th, 2012, 09:42 AM
Just as an update - I was using the Tusa, but like smellzlikefish stated, the on/off switch began to come off mine ... another dive or two and it wouldn't have been there any longer.
I lost the thing, anyway, but didn't lose any sleep over it. The CR123A is an expensive battery that is difficult to find at times.
Thanks to the advice in this thread, I replaced it by purchasing (x3) Dorcy Penetrator 220 from Pirhana.
pickens_46929
February 14th, 2012, 12:53 PM
I love my little Intova lights I bought. Very durable and so far so good. Think that was 2 years ago or something.
Intova Compact Torch [intovacompact] - $49.95 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!! (http://www.caveadventurers.com/store/intova-compact-torch-p-738.html)
evad
February 14th, 2012, 01:03 PM
.
Thanks to the advice in this thread, I replaced it by purchasing (x3) Dorcy Penetrator 220 from Pirhana.
Great, now you can signal your buddy. The Dorcy's hot spot is like a laser-pointer due to great optics. The ON/OFF switch can't really break and the dynamic parts of the switch cost almost nothing to replace. Also, it also doesn't turn itself on. Great light and you can by two of them for $84.00.
TSandM
February 14th, 2012, 01:09 PM
Also, it also doesn't turn itself on
That hasn't been my experience, and in fact, that's the only complaint I have against the light. You have to be VERY careful about where you leave the twist-on head, or the light will come on at about 30 feet. My Full Cave instructor was very frustrated with my inability to note that my backup light was on, which it almost always was . . .
Mud&Rox
February 14th, 2012, 01:11 PM
love my Dorcy Penetrator 220!
evad
February 14th, 2012, 02:13 PM
That hasn't been my experience, and in fact, that's the only complaint I have against the light. You have to be VERY careful about where you leave the twist-on head, or the light will come on at about 30 feet. My Full Cave instructor was very frustrated with my inability to note that my backup light was on, which it almost always was . . .
Thanks for the heads-up. I've never noticed that, but it may be that I just haven't noticed. I've got one in my hand, and yes, there is a tiny bit of play in the head. At a quarter turn off, when I push on the head it lights (like my Photon Torpedos and similar ones do). At a half turn off, I cannot make it light. Maybe mine are from a later improved batch? Anyway thanks for bringing it up. Everyone with twist-on switches (who, like me, may not be paying proper attention) should probably check this.
g1138
February 14th, 2012, 02:28 PM
My personal preference, but here are several choices in order from shortest to longest in size (they all have the same relative diameter, 1.4-1.5")
Shop Retail | name - lumens rating;length
$80 | Intova Mini - 130-220 lumens*depending on model*; 4.9" in length
$60 | Inotva Compact - 130 lumens; 5.5"
$80 | Intova Tactical - 130-220 lumens *depending on model*; 6"
$80 | Dorcy Penetrater II - 220 lumens; 6.5" length
Online prices are usually $20 cheaper. Piranhadivemfg is having a sale on Dorcy's right now for about $43.
Mini has a wide 53degree angle beam and will light up a wide area in front of you, Tactical has a smaller 43degree wide beam.
The Compact and Penetrater have a narrow beam; Compact 12 degrees, Penetrater slightly larger.
Penetrater is a twist-on-off light. Intova's use a magnetic tail push switch and have 4 modes (off, 100%, 30%, strobe) Strobe is activated only by holding the switch down.
The Mini and Tactical take 2 CR123A batteries. Penetrater and Compact take 6and 3AAA batteries respectively.
If you want to signal with your torches you'll want a narrow beam (allows for easier distinction). The Penetrator is better for signaling than the Compact during light and dusk hours, because of it's brightness. At night both choices are more than enough.
If you want to light up an area then the Mini and Tactical are good choices.
During daylight hours in murky conditions, 220 lumens stands out pretty well where as the 130 is pretty vague.
evad
February 14th, 2012, 02:31 PM
You have to be VERY careful about where you leave the twist-on head .
OK, I have often wondered about the two flat spots on the Dorcy grip and now I'm happy to have them there to gauge how far I've turned the head off; with the light on and my thumb on the flat spot on top, I have to make a half turn, or until my thumb is on the bottom, to prevent it from turning itself on. This is fairly precise and I likes it. YMMV
Bubbletrubble
February 14th, 2012, 02:34 PM
Thanks for the heads-up. I've never noticed that, but it may be that I just haven't noticed. I've got one in my hand, and yes, there is a tiny bit of play in the head. At a quarter turn off, when I push on the head it lights (like my Photon Torpedos and similar ones do). At a half turn off, I cannot make it light. Maybe mine are from a later improved batch? Anyway thanks for bringing it up. Everyone with twist-on switches (who, like me, may not be paying proper attention) should probably check this.
With less than a minute of prep, this is an absolute non-issue.
I have a twist-on backup light. Here's what I did:
At max depth of a fairly "deep" dive, turn the backup light ON, then turn it OFF.
Once you surface from your dive, make a mark with an ink pen on the turnable bezel and another mark across from it on the light housing.
Now you have an unambiguous visual indicator of the OFF position.
evad
February 14th, 2012, 03:08 PM
With less than a minute of prep, this is an absolute non-issue.
I have a twist-on backup light. Here's what I did:
At max depth of a fairly "deep" dive, turn the backup light ON, then turn it OFF.
Once you surface from your dive, make a mark with an ink pen on the turnable bezel and another mark across from it on the light housing.
Now you have an unambiguous visual indicator of the OFF position.
I thought of that, but I've already done the equivalent in less than thirty seconds, I'm still dry, I don't need an an ink pen (or a boat, or clothes), and it's still a non-issue.:)
buddhasummer
February 14th, 2012, 09:36 PM
I had the 42degree Intova and although was very good when diving clear tropical waters at night, it was no good when vis dropped and hopeless for day diving due to its wide beam. Settled on an Mb-Sub X1-VB had the best of both worlds as its focusable from 3degrees to 25degrees. Its a very well built small light with a magnetic collar to switch on and off which isn't affected by pressure, cannot leak and is easily operated with one hand.. Would recommend but its above your price point at around 180euros. The narrow Intovas are also very good and within your price range. Good luck.
lonebrave
February 14th, 2012, 11:02 PM
I'd stay away from the Intova Mini (new 220 lumen version). Both a dive buddy and I have had problems with them, repeatedly. I'm on my second and he is on his third or fourth...problems with the switches or flooding in all that have been replaced. All were purchased/replaced from LDS on island. Plus, as also pointed out, they use CR123, which seems to be less available and more expensive here than AA or AAA batteries.
g1138
February 15th, 2012, 01:14 PM
I'd stay away from the Intova Mini (new 220 lumen version). Both a dive buddy and I have had problems with them, repeatedly. I'm on my second and he is on his third or fourth...problems with the switches or flooding in all that have been replaced. All were purchased/replaced from LDS on island. Plus, as also pointed out, they use CR123, which seems to be less available and more expensive here than AA or AAA batteries.
Was the LDS able to determine if it was a defect that caused the malfunction/flooding? I have two friends who haven't had a problem what so ever for the past year.
lonebrave
February 15th, 2012, 01:40 PM
They just replaced them. Don't know if they heard anything from the manufacturer after they sent them back.
lonebrave
February 16th, 2012, 03:27 AM
They just replaced them. Don't know if they heard anything from the manufacturer after they sent them back.
Maybe they were from a bad batch, I don't know. I haven't had a problem with the replacement, but it doesn't have many dives on it, either.
If you want to borrow the Intova for a few dives, let me know.
smellzlikefish
February 16th, 2012, 03:50 AM
Thanks, Man. Life has had me rather busy for the last few weeks (thus my absence on SB). Maybe we'll go for a dive sometime and swap dive lights.
miketsp
February 16th, 2012, 06:48 AM
That hasn't been my experience, and in fact, that's the only complaint I have against the light. You have to be VERY careful about where you leave the twist-on head, or the light will come on at about 30 feet. My Full Cave instructor was very frustrated with my inability to note that my backup light was on, which it almost always was . . .
Since I bought a couple of Princeton Tec Attitude lights as secondaries for myself and my wife, we normally turn them on before entering the water and leave them on for the whole dive. 150 hours run time on 4 x AAA batteries. Since they come in various colours and part of the body illuminates, they also help identify your buddy when you get mixed in a group at night.
