Which LED light to use on a reef?

[johnnyscience]

I plan to only do warm water reef diving, so I only need something to look in holes and crevices in the reef.

I don't really plan on doing any night dives as I'd probably be too freaked out lol

What do you guys suggest that's under $100?

Ive seen some neoprene wrist wraps that will hold a small LED flash light that I may want to use, so keep that in mind when suggesting something.

Thanks.

[buddhasummer]

You'll need something with a fairly narrow beam if using during the day. Check out Intova, Dorcy and Hollis they all have narrow beam lights and price falls within your budget. I know the intova will fit an oxycheq light sock, I believe Dorcy makes something similar. The Hollis possibly not as it's quite fat. Light 4 me make some nice lights but slightly out of price range ditto TillyTec but maybe worth a look see. You will see lots of reviews here on SB on the first three I have posted. Good luck.

[warmwaterturner]

There are lots of good lights in the $100.00 range. But, I would suggest that you make your purchase with the thought that one day you will start doing night dives. Night dives are the best! Thats when the party really begins. Use this purchase as your future back-up light. Slimline with a good housing.

[jlovold]

Or, you could use a Halogen-lamp, with a "warmer" light, that you will be able to see at daytime.

The blueish light from HID and LED easily "disappear" at daytime (because the light is too similar to sunlight), although they are superior at nighttime

[johnboywalton]

I agree with what I'm reading so far. If all you want the light for is to illuminate cracks and crevasses during the day, or maybe to help you find your way through long swim-thru tunnels with a group, you don't need a big light. A pocket light will do fine.

Some very reasonably priced items fit the bill are:

XS Scuba DL3
Princeton Tec Impact XL
Pelican Nemo

All three of those lights are out there for less than $50. You could get something more expensive or something bigger, but why go so far when you admit that you just want a minor tool for easy day diving?

[Insta-Gator]

Underwater Kinetic SL3

I use this light for day and night dives.

[dark rider]

I'm using the Intova Tovatec IFL660: Tovatec IFL 660 Torch waterproof flashlight | Intova and it's been flawless! 220 real lumens, 8 hour burn time on 2 CR-123A's (rechargable 2000mah version seems to last about 6 hours), and the thing is tiny for the output (6.2" long by 1.5" wide), so it easily fits in a pocket. It also has an accessory handstrap for it. Price on Amazon the last I saw was right at $50, and is a killer price for the quality!

[DevonDiver]

There's a whole bunch of decent LED lights available for under $50.

I'd say that battery life and type is a primary consideration. Can be a real PITA to get CR-123As and other specialist batteries in some tropical/remote areas. Look for a torch that is either rechargable (more expensive) or uses AAAs, AAs or C-Cell batteries.

My top picks:

Battery Life: Aquatec Aquastar 5w. With 3x C-cell alkalines has a burn time in excess of 9 hours. Only used sparingly on dives, it will last for a whole 2 week holiday. PLENTY bright also (sufficient for night diving). Larger size.

Small Size: Intova ICOM Small, lightweight and easy to stow in a BCD pocket. 3x AA batteries. Tight beam, good for nooks and crannies. I keep one as a back-up, but have used it for night dives and wreck penetrations. Will fit on the Oxycheq universal light holder/soft Goodman handle.

Economy: Tektite Trek 4 Cheap and does the job for daytime open water diving. Very long battery life, using 3x AA batteries. Lightweight for travel. You won't cry if you lose it. I use mine as a back-up back-up and for rental to students (as a back up if they don't have one for wrecks).

[TwoCards]

The first thing I learned about diving lights is that big lights with the pistol grip are not very useful. I started with the Underwater Kinetics C8 light, It produced an ok amount of light, but was useless in the daylight and was very awkward to carry and stow while diving. The next light I bought was a UK SL4 LED L1 light, this light has a tight beam and is the brightest handheld dive light I've seen. It has great burn time, is nice and compact and sells for about $90. The only downside to the light is that the switch is somewhat easy to accidently turn on. I also have the Hollis LED 5, it is built like a tank and has a very tight beam that makes it great for looking in cracks and crevices or for signaling. It is also very bright, but not quite as bright as the UK LED L1