Cave Light

[350xfire]

I am looking for a cave light and was wondering any suggestions. I would like to get an LED model. I was considering the Salvo or the Green Force models. I am kind of biased towards the Green Force.

Any suggections? Are LEDs comparable to the HIDs as far as light output? I like the LED since battery life lasts much longer and bulbs are long lasting.
Thanks

 

[jimdiverman]

I am looking for a cave light and was wondering any suggestions. I would like to get an LED model. I was considering the Salvo or the Green Force models. I am kind of biased towards the Green Force.

Any suggections? Are LEDs comparable to the HIDs as far as light output? I like the LED since battery life lasts much longer and bulbs are long lasting.
Thanks

You'll get differing opinions on this. I still like the 10W HID, but the LEDs are making a strong showing recently. I have a DR 10W HID slimline. It has an adjustable focus. Most of the LEDs do not have adjustable focus. I think that is something that they still are developing. I do use 2 Intova 3W LED backup lights that I love. They are fixed focus and do a really good job in the cave. The HIDs are coming down in price as the LEDs are coming into play. Based on the progress in technology, the LEDs are going to keep getting better and cheaper, as does all electronics.

 

[TSandM]

The Salvo LED primaries are very new, and there are already some reports of them failing and having to be returned to Salvo. I'm sure it's a bug Salvo will sort out, but you might want to wait a bit before purchasing, until they've solved it.

The other LED primary lights use multiple bulbs and produce a light which is not as well focused or as bright as the HID lights, and does not give you an advantage in burn time. The Salvo 21W HID is a focusable light with excellent brightness and is extremely durable and tolerant of abuse. It's what I own, and it is hands down my favorite piece of dive gear.

 

[jeandiver]

The Salvo LED primaries are very new, and there are already some reports of them failing and having to be returned to Salvo. I'm sure it's a bug Salvo will sort out, but you might want to wait a bit before purchasing, until they've solved it.

The other LED primary lights use multiple bulbs and produce a light which is not as well focused or as bright as the HID lights, and does not give you an advantage in burn time. The Salvo 21W HID is a focusable light with excellent brightness and is extremely durable and tolerant of abuse. It's what I own, and it is hands down my favorite piece of dive gear.

Ah , that was that TRAIN HEADLIGHT I remember
Ya , those 21 watt-ers sure kick the light out.
I still use a 10 watt myself. (Dive-Rite Slimline)
And I have another with me , just in case my , er , uh , "ABUSE" proves too much for the 1st one.

Thanks!
La Beano Baggins

 

[digital_steve]

Good replies... i'm in the same boat and looking at these 2 manufacturers (salvo, GF) for a primary light
Thanks for the info

 

[theskull]

I have been diving the GreenForce LED (Tristar Plus) for a couple years now and love it. In the water it is indistinguishable from a 10W HID. There have been no problems whatsoever with my light or the ones owned by a few of my dive buddies.

A big advantage of the GreenForce, though, is that it is modular. You can detach the LED light head and attach an HID if you wish, or attach the new and improved LED that will undoubtedly come out in the future, without having to scrap the entire light.

theskull

 

[Jeff Toorish]

You picked the two light makers I prefer. I have a Salvo HID and a GreenForce LED --they serve different purposes for me. If you want an LED, I'd go with the GreenForce.

Jeff

 

[karstdvr]

The LEDs have proven themselves already,but most people want to see a single LED versus an array that has fixed focus,and usually not a tight beam. This is on the horizon,and I have seen some very promising R&D,which will offer what we want,and the Kelvin of an HID. When HIDs first hit the market they were problematic,and we had to return them all the time until technological advances caught up,which made them more reliable. Personally a 10w HID can be had pretty cheap,and can provide reliable service until the LEDs have been adequately beta tested,then get a LED,and have the HID as a back up.

 

[Mike D]

I also use the GF TriStar Plus and it is a great light. I use a Salvo 3 watt Rat which I love for a back up. If you go with the GF you can always just upgrade the light head later.

 

[crlavoie]

I have the GF 10 Watt HID as well as 2 others in my group. It's an outstanding piece of gear. Great output and unbelieveably rugged.

The light comes standard with a soft goodman handle. It's on one of the better soft handles I've seen but still not optimal. However, it's very easy to convert it to a really nice hard goodman handle in about 5 minutes with a piece of 1"x1/8" SS flat stock which you can buy at Home Depot for about $8 instead of $80 for the GF handle. It requires a vise, measuring tape and a drill.

The only concern I have going forward is that I've heard Manta is no longer the distributor and the new distributor is not quite up to speed. That could make parts and service difficult for your LDS and ultimately you.