Are Canister Lights Still in Play?

[halocline]

I've heard some will tether their handheld when diving in locations where dropping it would equate to losing it. Is that the "worst of both worlds?" Dunno, but it won't stay wet longer than you do.

I’ve never done that but I could see it, I guess. The best thing might be a short leash that goes around your wrist rather than a long tether. I’m just spit balling here. For me it’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, because I dive 99% of the time in environments where the floor is right there, and I’m careful to not drop things (except the occasional cookie!)

There is another issue, that of flying with the light. There is a cave diver who posted over on the cave diver’s forum that TSA took his expensive canister light and he never got it back. I was able to fly with my canister light, but it always took a little extra time either explaining to the guys at the carry one screening what that thing was in my bag and why it could not accidentally turn on, or in one case, being told I had to check it, which meant going back, getting my bag brought out, (thankfully it hadn’t gone far) and then trusting that the TSA at the next airport wouldn’t freak out about it.

The handhelds just look like flashlights, the TSA agents don’t give them a 2nd thought. And if you do lose one, it’s $500 instead of $1500 or more.

 

[iliketopetsharks]

I much prefer corded lights for the reasons already stated by others (less weight on the hand, secured by cable, tucking the longhose). Flying usually isn't a problem. Below 100 Wh capacity is always allowed, and up to 160 Wh is possible with permission from the airline.
Just took my Tecline Teclight (75 Wh) to Egypt and back with absolutely 0 problems.

 

[jborg]

I need the canister anyway for heating, might as well attach a light to it when it’s already there. Conversely, when diving wet in warmer, lighter climes I’ll not bring a canister light.

 

[hedonist222]

Been flying with a Nanight Tech 2 Pro that is 96wH for 6 years now with no issues.

I love getting in a full day's of diving without needing to tether myself during surface intervals.

 

[inquis]

The best thing might be a short leash that goes around your wrist rather than a long tether.

Something similar to the final canister cord length allows one to quickly switch hands or place in temporary stowage. The main difference from a real canister light would be the head weight (and burn time / brightness, of course).