Best canister light for signalling in poor vis ?

[SaltyWombat]

What kind of diving do you plan to do? What kind of classes will you be taking after Fundies?

Hoping for Cave 1 down the road, but I don't see myself becoming a dedicated cave diver. I'm just too far away from them. The vast majority of my diving will be in California.

You should really see what is popular amongst people who frequently dive where you plan to make most your diving and ask those divers their opinions.

Local divers seem to have the Focus 2.0, but my hunch is that's because everyone tends to just buy Halcyon.

 

[SuperSeaMonkey]

Who are you planning to do your Tech Pass with since you're based in California?

 

[SaltyWombat]

Who are you planning to do your Tech Pass with since you're based in California?

Beto. I'm in Monterey.

 

[SuperSeaMonkey]

Beto. I'm in Monterey.

I've never met him in person, but some of my BAUE friends have taken classes from him before. Good luck with your Tech Pass. If you're ever down here in SoCal, you're more than welcome to dive with us in OCUE.

 

[Scuba Client]

I need a canister light to attempt a GUE Fundies tec pass. After that I'd primarily use it for signalling in poor vis in California waters.

The Halcyon Focus 2.0 comes to mind since it has a 3 degree spot. I'd like to consider other brands though.

I'm told the Light Monkey LED can lights aren't terrific for signalling. I trust the person telling me this.

I hear UWLD mentioned a lot, but I don't know about the quality of its spot.

Any recommendations?

This is the problem when you are getting indoctrinated. I would have thought any light with several hundred lumens would do the trick. Otherwise, use the knob on the end of your knife to get attention. Improvise!

 

[Scuba Client]

I've never met him in person, but some of my BAUE friends have taken classes from him before. Good luck with your Tech Pass. If you're ever down here in SoCal, you're more than welcome to dive with us in OCUE.

Is that invitation extended to others?

 

[RyanT]

This is the problem when you are getting indoctrinated. I would have thought any light with several hundred lumens would do the trick. Otherwise, use the knob on the end of your knife to get attention. Improvise!

 

[Jack Hammer]

Years ago I had a UWLD ld15. Great light but too much spill for me in Missouri caves and Lake Michigan at times. Later I had a Dive Rite HP50 combo light. Again, a very nice light with a decent hot spot but too much spill for me for in the same conditions. Then I had an UWLD LD35 - 5th gen. Phenomenal build quality, very nice light. Absolutely loved it when I was In Florida, but again, way too much spill when I was in low vis (which is quite frequently) local waters. The backscatter was horrendous when in high particulate water and was to me like driving with high beams in the rain or snow. Each time i went back to my Focus 1 because i could see more in those waters with a tighter focused beam. Everyone is different and I have friends who aren't as bothered by the backscatter and prefer the overall brightness and build quality of those lights. Me, my next light will most likely be a Focus 2.

 

[Tracy]

I need a canister light to attempt a GUE Fundies tec pass. After that I'd primarily use it for signalling in poor vis in California waters.

The Halcyon Focus 2.0 comes to mind since it has a 3 degree spot. I'd like to consider other brands though.

I'm told the Light Monkey LED can lights aren't terrific for signalling. I trust the person telling me this.

I hear UWLD mentioned a lot, but I don't know about the quality of its spot.

Any recommendations?

Of those options, the focus 2.0.
It is wonderful for signaling.
That said, I wasn't a huge fan when I demo'd one this year. The light and beam are great, I love the adjustability of it and how tight it gets.
It seems overpriced for what it was. The LED has no overheat protection, the battery canister rattles, there isn't anything cushioning the cells inside. The switch felt janky to me, I have been told by several is actually a very rugged switch, but it did not feel that way to me.

The LM isn't tight enough for bad vis signaling

the UWLD isn't tight enough for bad vis signaling.

These are just my opinions, take them for what they are.

 

[SuperSeaMonkey]

Is that invitation extended to others?

Of course. If you're ever in Southern California, look us up.