Another light questio - PT 400,600 surge

[gmbaker]

ok, I did a search and read the previous threads on lights, but still need a little help. I am looking at the Princeton tec 400,600 and surge as a backup light and day use light for lobstering.

I plan get into night diving and am considering the UK sunlight c8 as a primary.

My budget is about $60 for primary and 35 for secondary.

Can anyone help me choose between the 400,600 surge? thanks

Gary

 

[jonnythan]

The surge is quite a large flashlight, IMO.. I don't think I'd want that for a backup. UK makes the SL4.. 4 C batteries, quite bright, small.. very nice backup, and it's only $25 from Leisurepro.

The PT 400 is pretty nice, but I think the head is too large for it to be practical for use as a backup... the head makes it about the same length as the SL4, but an inch or so wider and slightly taller. The 600 is kinda overkill for a backup.

I have one of these [UK SL4] on my shoulder strap as a backup, and the Sunlight C8 as my primary light. I'm quite happy with them both.

BTW, the UK Sunlight D8 is only $53 at LeisurePro, you might consider that instead of the C8.

 

[gmbaker]

>>The PT 400 is pretty nice, but I think the head is too large for it to be practical for use as a backup...<<

would the SL4 be a better choice just for day use than the PT400?
Is the C* or D* too big for day use?

>>BTW, the UK Sunlight D8 is only $53 at LeisurePro, you might onsider that instead of the C8.<<

I though I read somewhere that the D8 was not that much brighter than the C8;therefore not worth the extra weigth.

I think I might be ready to buy soon

 

[jonnythan]

The D8 isn't any brighter (13.2 W vs 14 W), just tossing it out

The SL4 has a pretty narrow beam, I think it's narrower than the Princeton Tec 400, but I'm not sure. I take it with me on all of my day dives, and it does really well lighting up crevaces and getting a little more light on things at the bottom.

Four C cells aren't big at all, really.. it's quite a nice size, fits well in a hand, and the SL4 is slim enough to fit in a pocket or sit against your BC strap pretty well.

Enjoy

 

[mb131]

For a backup light I would look at the SL4 by UK, good light and fits in your BC. My wife had a Princeton tec surge but water got into it on 2 separate dives so we returned it she now uses my Uk D4 as a primary and it works well.

As for a primary light I like the Uk D8 because of the lantern handle on it as opposed to the pistol grip. As far as I've seen the Uk C8 only comes with a pistol grip but I could be wrong. You might also check out the Princeton tec shockwave series they are good lights.

As for the princeton tec 400 and 600 series I haven't heard much in the way of good or bad. For the money I think you can do better than what these two lights offer.

Check out your LDS see what they recommend and what kind of deal they can do for you.

 

[Narced]

to a UK D8 and am very happy with it. I also use the SL4 on day dives for looking under/into crevices and feel it would serve your backup and lobstering duties extremely well. The size is actually great (palm of the hand more or less) and 25 for a super tough light like the SL4 is hard to beat IMO, so I guess you get another vote for the SL4 from me......

 

[Scubaroo]

Originally posted by mb131
You might also check out the Princeton tec shockwave series they are good lights.

My Shockwave had water inside of it after a 118' dive, and the o-ring was clean and only correctly lubricated with a very light application of silicone grease. I couldn't see any contamination on the o-ring that should have caused a flood, even though it was very minor. IMO the o-ring in this light is far too lightweight for it's intended application. Apart from that it's a good light for day/night diving - just be wary of it flooding on a deeper dive. My experience could have just been bad luck.

 

[gmbaker]

just a quick thanks for everyone's help and input. I have decided to go with the UK SL4 and the UK C8 pistol grip. not going diving for a few weeks, but will report back later. thanks.

Gary