Inquiry on lights

[rollerboi]

Thanks very much, folks! That's exactly what I was looking for. The OxyCheq 3W LED Backup light looks very nice, as does the PT. I especially like the OxyCheq light sock.

Can anyone offer a comparison of the two lights?

And yes, to answer a few other comments - the wife prohibition won't last forever. It's just pretty bad timing at the moment. I'm not bringing home any bacon while I'm in school.

 

[Gombessa]

21W HID canister lights are mostly in the $1,200+ range now (if you want long burntime, expect to pay even more) so you should count yourself lucky if you can find a new canister light for 500 bucks. 10W HID lightheads are cheaper but still not in the $500 range.

Dive Rite 10W HIDs are going for under $500 new, but that's irrelevant as it's still out of the OP's range.

Also, I doubt this would get DIR-approval, but the guy that makes the spreel also has a neat-looking light-head-extender that turns a regular dive light into a "poor man's can-light." If you can't get past the "HOW much did you pay for a flashlight?!" stage, that's probably as close as you can get.

 

[flareless]

Don't buy the cheapest main light you can find! Instead go the backup light route first.

I also recommend the Rat backup light from Salvo. It's far more bright than some cheap primary lights. I've often used it instead of my main when a quick look in a dark crevice is all that's required. Its intense white beam brings incredible clarity!

I have a 21W Havoc as my main light but you're in the $1K neighborhood there. Get a good light which can be used as a primary now and a backup as you progress.

Tell your wife that you know she loves you so much that she wouldn't want you to be in a dark place, deep in the sea with a cheap light now would she?

 

[Vie]

Dive Rite 10W HIDs are going for under $500 new, but that's irrelevant as it's still out of the OP's range.

The 4.5A/MR11 version is on sale for USD 499.99 but the regular price is over 500 bucks - I didn't include it as the canister is too short for tucking the long hose. MR11 head is nice but I'm not a big fan of Dive Rite canisters.

 

[RJP]

The 4.5A/MR11 version is on sale for USD 499.99 but the regular price is over 500 bucks - I didn't include it as the canister is too short for tucking the long hose.

Huh?

Imagine my surprise to find that out after tucking my long hose behind that exact canister that for almost 200 dives without every having a single issue!

 

[Vie]

Huh?

Imagine my surprise to find that out after tucking my long hose behind that exact canister that for almost 200 dives without every having a single issue!

I don't like short canisters - the long hose tends to slip out. Apparently it has never happened to you but I can assure you that it does happen. For me, if the hose tends to slip out, the canister is too short. Never had problem with longer (9A) canister.

 

[sporket]

Another vote for the Proton Torpedo's, I've got a couple and love them. I found them on E-bay for $70.00 shipped like new. Looking for my can light now. Another option is to build a can light if you have the tools and time. Lots of people are around here to help on that.

 

[lamont]

Another vote for PT. No comparison to the older scout that I have, although I haven't compared any salvo backups.

Hunter

I did a dry-land comparison of a PT LED vs. a new Halcyon LED, and the reflector on the new halcyon seems to be way better. The Halcyon now has less light in the halo and a nice bright spot.

Haven't compared them underwater yet though. Also, not sure the Halcyon LED is the best choice if you're on a tight budget no matter what...

 

[b1gcountry]

Does water affect the angle of refraction on dive lights?

Tom

 

[lamont]

Does water affect the angle of refraction on dive lights?

Tom

Well, I think you're talking about angle of reflection, and the answer there is no.

But I wouldn't trust my side-by-side comparison in a dive shop with a pile of ambient without comparing >= 100 fsw in 20 foot viz. Backscatter from particulates, washout by buddies HID, things like that I just can't test.

Cave is also different from swimming around in all the murk around here.