Primary Light - GUE fundies

[NothingClever]

Strong concurrence with less weight and bulk on the hand.

I like having my battery on my right hip where I can’t tell it’s there. Of course, there’s the benefit of securely routing my LH but I think everybody gets that. Also, when I need to free up both hands, I like how I can park my light head in work mode and adjust my cord in my waistbelt to illuminate my work space just right without turning into a Fresnel-class lighthouse to teammates. I’m not sure how I’d illuminate my workspace with a large cordless light - maybe the general spill is enough.

 

[gregbenson314]

A corded primary light is now a requirement for a pass at the new Tech Fundamentals level.


It used to be that handheld lights were accepted under the previous standards, but that changed when they restructured fundamentals into the basic vs tech fundamentals classes.

 

[crofrog]

Strong concurrence with less weight and bulk on the hand.

I like having my battery on my right hip where I can’t tell it’s there. Of course, there’s the benefit of securely routing my LH but I think everybody gets that. Also, when I need to free up both hands, I like how I can park my light head in work mode and adjust my cord in my waistbelt to illuminate my work space just right without turning into a Fresnel-class lighthouse to teammates. I’m not sure how I’d illuminate my workspace with a large cordless light - maybe the general spill is enough.

it doesn’t work nearly as well as it does with corded lights.

 

[ChrisMBC]

FWIW, I’ve been selling $150 (CAD) light kits with the SOFIRN SD06, a Goodman handle, and 2x batteries + charger, which has been very popular with new Fundies students and as a pocket backup for other DIR divers. They work great as a primary for not-super-long dives (<2 hours).

I also make and sell similar style Goodman handles for many other models of light, like the excellent Nanight X1 that someone referenced above. If you find a light you like but you need a Goodman handle for class, I can make you something!

 

[halocline]

Cordless lights are a specialized tool. They’re great as backup primaries, or when you’re in really confined spaces, but otherwise is a canister light is just easier to live with.

I have pretty much the opposite opinion. I dove with a canister light or years and switched over to handheld specifically because they are much easier to live with. Here’s why:
1. My handheld, with an extra battery, cost 1/3 what a typical LM or UWLD costs
2. It’s much easier to fly with.
3. Switching between BM and SM is a non-issue.
4. I carry a backup in my pouch, giving me full redundancy for most of my cave dives (first 120 minutes or so) If I’m doing two dives, I switch the battery out between dives.
5. No cord management means less task loading. This is true even if you’re good at task loading.

All of these things make life ‘easier’. Not necessarily better! It’s true that if you are doing 4 hour+ dives, or in really cold water where you want to drive a heater as well, canister lights are great. And I do like the smaller light head, although for years my favorite can light was my HID with a big light head.

To the OP, I would not encourage you to do anything to make your fundies class more challenging. I would bet it will be challenging enough on its own! I would suggest using a handheld for the class, and focus your attention on the fundamentals, which is, appropriately, the name of the course. Then, when you’re really feeling good about your new level of precision in dive skills, and if you are getting hampered by the limitations of your handheld light, consider spending the money (close to $2K) on a good canister light. At that point the money you spent on the handheld is not wasted as it becomes an excellent back up.

 

[OTF]

I wish LM or UWLD would come out with their own handheld.

 

[ChrisMBC]

I wish LM or UWLD would come out with their own handheld.

What, like this?

 

[Arkman]

I am about to take my fundies course in a couple of months and I am looking for a primary light recommendation. I would prefer something that is handheld (no canister) and that doesn’t break the bank. I have seen a lot of options but still don’t know what’s best. Any recommendation is highly appreciated.

Who are you doing fundies with? Where are you doing them.

The Midwest GUE group is great. They orginized our fundies classes this spring, I just took the tech fundies and it was an incredible course.

 

[OTF]

Ha! Didn't know that existed. I'll probably get one.

What, like this? View attachment 911514

 

[MWUE]

Agreed with Inquis … check with your instructor first because a chord might be desired for skill development in the class.

OP I see you’re in Missouri, there is a Midwest GUE chapter MWUE. If you join the fairly active FB group, someone might let you borrow one for the class.

More importantly, there is a great group of people who are actively diving, working on projects, supporting each other as they prep for classes, and just generally getting together for some fun. But I may be biased...