Halcyon Mini Explorer - Should I buy one?

[mulla]

Hi All,

What's everyone's opinion on the mini explorer? It's not cheap for starters, but I do like the compactness and the retractable handle. Being able to have almost full use of both hands while holding the light is an important factor.

Am looking for a primary like that's travel friendly, robust, good battery run times and ease of replacement. I don't cave dive but do plan to dive the wrecks, and maybe a trip to Truk when the time comes. Good quality rechargeable AA are easy to come by and have many other uses, bringing a bunch of them and a charger to a trip is light and easy.

So is the mini explorer too expensive for what it offers and I should look elsewhere? Or is it perfect for my use? I've looked at various online prices, and they tend to go for around US$350, which I could probably justify if it's quality gear and is not likely to break down in a couple of years time.

Thanks in advance for any tips and opinions.

 

[buddhasummer]

I think it's too expensive for what it is. I also don't like the fact that it only has one O ring. You can get lights with better specs for less. If you want a good travel light take a look at the Mb-sub X1-VB. Many of the smaller lights available can be used with a goodman type handle for hands free use, Hollis, Intova, BigBlue for example, there are others. If you are only buying one light a light with a variable focus is useful as it can be used for day, night and low vis. Try to do a little more research before you commit. Hopefully others will chime in. Good luck.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

The integrated handle is a nice feature for an inexpensive travel/primary light.

In my opinion, that feature alone isn't enough to get me to jump on one. For my money, I would get a Scout light.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

It's cute, but it's not as well designed as it could/should be for the premium price point. Look at a Light Monkey 3C light if you want a tight bright spot in your backup; the Halcyon Scout (most current version anyway) is a good light but isn't as well built as the LM... in terms of output, it's less focused and more of a flood beam, and has a slightly hotter/whiter light than the LM. I dive with one of each unless I'm using the old Gulftex photon torpedoes.

 

[mulla]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. The MB-SUB X1 VB does look like what I'm after, mainly for the AA battery support, it's a fair bit cheaper than the mini explorer too.

Any suggestion to online retailers for MB-SUB? I found Golem Gear, but would like to see a few others for comparison.

 

[buddhasummer]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. The MB-SUB X1 VB does look like what I'm after, mainly for the AA battery support, it's a fair bit cheaper than the mini explorer too.

Any suggestion to online retailers for MB-SUB? I found Golem Gear, but would like to see a few others for comparison.

Golem Gear, I believe, are the American distributors. You could try buying direct from Michael at Mb-sub but due to freight charges he will likely direct you to Golem. If you buy from Golem just make sure they actually have stock before you order. I own several Mb-sub lights and have done for some years, I cannot recommend them enough. The X1-VB is my favourite light. Get one you will not be disappointed.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I have two Scouts and a Photon Torpedo.
I upgraded my Torpedo a couple of years ago to LED, using a UK Led module.

My Scouts are brighter that the UK module in the Torpedo.

I realize that LED technology changes constantly; any suggestions on what the current best upgrade would be?
I might upgrade the LED module if there's something out there that is a reasonably priced option.


@ Buddhasummer: I went to the Golem Gear site to check out that light, and read their linked review. Impressive light for sure!
Cheers,

Mitch