Backup Light switch (little question)

[RHungENT]

Here is a very small question about backup lights.

Heard somewhere that the twist bezel (like the Halcyon, PhTorpedo...) is preferred over the switch. However, I have heard of twist bezel flooding even with 2-O ring seals (AquaTec), but never of switch failure. Does having a switch make it non-DIR (canisters also have switches)?

This leads me to another small question (after reading ScubaDiving Mag review about lights). What backup light would you use <$80.

Richard
Warm OW non-tech diver learning DIR

 

[JeffG]

Heard somewhere that the twist bezel (like the Halcyon, PhTorpedo...) is preferred over the switch. However, I have heard of twist bezel flooding even with 2-O ring seals (AquaTec), but never of switch failure. Does having a switch make it non-DIR (canisters also have switches)?

any light will fail if the orings are not kept clean and free of gunk. Sometimes user error is to blame too.

I have seen cheap twist lights flood, but never the "good" ones.

This leads me to another small question (after reading ScubaDiving Mag review about lights). What backup light would you use <$80.

I wouldn't cheap out on backup lights. Actually, I did (cheap out) and all it got me was to buy even more lights, costing me even more money.

Backup lights are a one time purchase. Buy it right the first time and save yourself future grief.

 

[SparticleBrane]

"Buy it nice, or buy it twice."

 

[JeffG]

"Buy it nice, or buy it twice."

The only issue that I look at now is the length of the backup light.

I have 2 Scout lights (I upgraded the bulb on both to use the bulb from the SL4 LED.) They have never given me any problems, but I noticed that they were a little long on my Girl friends harness. The reflector/twist part of the light crossed over her waist strap. So I am going to pick up either a Rat jr or the Short Scout for her. (I don't remember a short Torpedo existing.)

 

[RHungENT]

I like the buy-it nice or buy it twice, but ouch $150-200 for a backup. I might be posting in the wrong forum cause I use a Princeton Tec Shockwave LED ($100) as a primary for the RARE vacation night dive (will likely never get to use a canister). Was hoping for a more affordable alternative like PrincetonTec Torrent or UK SL4 LED; but these have switches.

What is so "bad" about switches...reliability, accidental on, ease of use with gloves?

 

[CompuDude]

The only issue that I look at now is the length of the backup light.

I have 2 Scout lights (I upgraded the bulb on both to use the bulb from the SL4 LED.) They have never given me any problems, but I noticed that they were a little long on my Girl friends harness. The reflector/twist part of the light crossed over her waist strap. So I am going to pick up either a Rat jr or the Short Scout for her. (I don't remember a short Torpedo existing.)

I would LOVE a short Torpedo. I'm considering the same thing for my setup (I'll move my PT to the right strap and get a shorter light that hits my canister less for the right).

Has anyone heard of a PT flooding without serious user error being involved?

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I've been using the Sartec led backups (minus the lanyard, of course). They have worked flawlessly, but I don't care for the unnecessary slots on the body and the rubber sheath on the lighthead can come off. I've also noticed that they were too long for a lot of dive buddies (especially females) to use.

I think I'm going to pick up some Rat Jr.s next time I'm in High Springs.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I would LOVE a short Torpedo. I'm considering the same thing for my setup (I'll move my PT to the right strap and get a shorter light that hits my canister less for the right).

Has anyone heard of a PT flooding without serious user error being involved?

I had my PT surge flood. It's been replaced by their newer model, forget what it's called. The reason it flooded was the switch had a screw that held it on. The screw worked it's way out, switch fell off, light flooded. they replaced it no charge but I gave the new one to my son. I got two pelican sabrelights from leisurepro and a pelican mighty lite from a shop I visit in Ohio. Been using them for two years as backups and primary for those dives where the can or another large light was not needed. Have not had an issue. But I am looking at the Rat's and Scout's for next year as I get deeper into tech. The sabre's are nice but they also are a little long and I'd like to go LED.

 

[CompuDude]

I had my PT surge flood. It's been replaced by their newer model, forget what it's called. The reason it flooded was the switch had a screw that held it on. The screw worked it's way out, switch fell off, light flooded. they replaced it no charge but I gave the new one to my son. I got two pelican sabrelights from leisurepro and a pelican mighty lite from a shop I visit in Ohio. Been using them for two years as backups and primary for those dives where the can or another large light was not needed. Have not had an issue. But I am looking at the Rat's and Scout's for next year as I get deeper into tech. The sabre's are nice but they also are a little long and I'd like to go LED.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. PT (in this instance) = Photon Torpedo, an improved Scout-style light made by a small company in Texas named Gulftex. Not Princeton Tec. I've flooded several Princeton Tec's... I'll only buy UK now, at that level.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My bad. I can't afford a torpedo yet. Gotta get through instructor and buy a scooter(hopefully).