2024: view for primary/backup torches, and dive knife

[mr_v]

because they have self-discharge, and are more likely to experience a sudden failures. Alkaline batteries are very stable and reliable, and constantly recharging backup lights would increase the risk of one of them flooding by the opening and closing, and it's just 1 more thing to have to deal with. It's nice just to be able to throw the backup lights onto your harness and not worry about them. Twist on lights are preferable because they're unlikely to turn on accidentally and do not have a switch to fail.

You're right, there are cases where cheap batteries with questionable origin and workmanship caused fires, bodily damage, and other problems. There are well documented cases, including some references on this board. However, many divers use high quality primary lights with rechargeable batteries because quality cores, workmanship, and chargers address those issues. UWLD, Light Monkey, and other name brands make reliable gear. Also, most divers I know will replace rechargeable batteries within a year or so. If all rechargeable batteries were crap, manufacturers would not use them in lights or scooters at all, but they do...

If you want to buy a high-quality light with typical alkaline batteries, buy it because:

- You can find batteries anywhere in the world
- The batteries are cheap
- You can upgrade, repair high-quality lights like Heser and Halcyon
- The battery burn time will likely outlast most gas or scrubbers (i.e., gradual dimming)
- The lights are simple, may operate when flooded
- You can use these lights as primary dive lights for recreational dives
- You like quality, simple gear that will have a place in your dive box for many years

Finally, there are cases where typical alkaline-powered batteries may not be good enough. Consider what happens if your primary fails 4000' in a cave when you have to exit on a scooter. Yeah, you can do it, but the light may not be enough to run at a typical speed.

 

[crofrog]

You're right, there are cases where cheap batteries with questionable origin and workmanship caused fires, bodily damage, and other problems. There are well documented cases, including some references on this board. However, many divers use high quality primary lights with rechargeable batteries because quality cores, workmanship, and chargers address those issues. UWLD, Light Monkey, and other name brands make reliable gear. Also, most divers I know will replace rechargeable batteries within a year or so. If all rechargeable batteries were crap, manufacturers would not use them in lights or scooters at all, but they do...

If you want to buy a high-quality light with typical alkaline batteries, buy it because:

- You can find batteries anywhere in the world
- The batteries are cheap
- You can upgrade, repair high-quality lights like Heser and Halcyon
- The battery burn time will likely outlast most gas or scrubbers (i.e., gradual dimming)
- The lights are simple, may operate when flooded
- You can use these lights as primary dive lights for recreational dives
- You like quality, simple gear that will have a place in your dive box for many years

Finally, there are cases where typical alkaline-powered batteries may not be good enough. Consider what happens if your primary fails 4000' in a cave when you have to exit on a scooter. Yeah, you can do it, but the light may not be enough to run at a typical speed.

I keep spare primary in my pocket for the team to use