Back-Up lights

[giles45shop]

Hi All,

I'm a relatively new diver and looking for advice on lights. My long range goal is to at least experience cavern/cave diving, so I've tended to buy gear that supports that end goal when appropriate. One thing I don't have yet is a light(s).

From what I've read, a cannister light seems to be the norm for this type of diving, so I would think I'll probably look in that direction. But, it looks like a fairly big investment, and I know that I need a couple other lights also.

With Christmas coming up, I thought I would ask Santa for a light, but his budget precludes a cannister light. That being said, I would like to ask the community for input on back-up lights. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[jonnythan]

I just ordered some Princeton Tec 40s as backup lights. They're cheaper than dirt and apparently have a good record for being simple and reliable. If you want to spend large amounts of money like some people do, buy a Halcyon Scout or Photon Torpedo from dinplugs.com

In the meantime, til you get a can light, keep your backup stowed somewhere, and use something like the Underwater Kinetics C8. Puts out plenty of light if you're doing night diving, and is also pretty cheap. The C8 LED is more battery efficient, but has a slightly higher initial cost.

 

[Boogie711]

I've got a couple of the new Photon Torpedo's that are out there - theyre really nice. I actually prefer them to Halcyon Scout's or the Oxycheq Little Johnsons.

http://www.cnsales.net/photontorpedopage.htm

 

[MSilvia]

I have several Princeton Tech lights, but after getting a pair of photon torpedos, I don't think they'll be seeing much use any more.

 

[simbrooks]

I have the Princeton tech 40, Princeton surge, UK SL6 - which is my dry land backup as it is a beast UW to have strapped off. There are many handheld lights that are fair for a reasonable price.

HID - either go the ebay route, see what comes up here or on TDS (deco stop) or CDF (cave diver forum) or buy new and pay $500+ (500 for the DR wreck w/gel and MR11), Ginnie Springs has a good price on the DR slimline w/MR11 if you are up that way take a look, saves a little cash. You could go to the older lead acid batteries (a few drawbacks to these and you might want to upgrade - so why not go to something good to start with), these might set you back nearer $300 if that is nearer Santa's budget. Depending on where you are at in your diving, what gear you already have and how far you are towards your aim, you may want to consider other purchases prior to an expensive primary light. You can get a cheap pistol grip thing for $50 if you are planning on some simple night dives out in the ocean and not being task loaded/hands need to be free style of diving.

 

[giles45shop]

All,

Thanks for the great info! Now I've got a couple more goodies to keep my eyes open for! I'm also going to investigate the DIY can lights (saw some good info on the board), as I have my own machine shop and a background in engineering. I know that the DIY projects aren't usually cost effective if you calculate your labor, but they are fun and challenging!

 

[jonnythan]

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=988 is a nice battery pack to build a can light around. Should run a 50watt halogen for about 3 hours.

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=432 can be used, too.. same cells I have in my Terkel 10watt HID.

 

[Dryglove]

I've got a couple of the new Photon Torpedo's that are out there - theyre really nice. I actually prefer them to Halcyon Scout's or the Oxycheq Little Johnsons.

http://www.cnsales.net/photontorpedopage.htm

Mine should be arriving sometime next week. I cant wait to check it out. It will replace my little johnson light till i figure out how to make it water proof again. Hopefully some new thicker o-rings solves that minor problem