Cheapish 2xC (alkaline) backup lights?

[mr_v]

It's a bunch of money. Not entirely sure why, I guess robustness comes at a cost. Triple O ring seal would've warmed my heart.

Heser, Halcyon, and Light Monkey offer spare parts to fix or upgrade the backup lights. Also, you pay for remarkable craftsmanship. I have Heser gear and it is light years away in terms of finish and quality compared to the regular suspects. If you like keeping items for as long as possible and do not enjoy participating in "fast" manufacturing or endless upgrade cycles, you'll appreciate such products.

 

[buddhasummer]

Clearly a lot of thought went into it. I do like German lights, Tillytec, Heinrichs Weikamp, MB-Sub before he closed shop. I'd like to get a Heser one day just to see one up close.

 

[buddhasummer]

The Finn Sub back up looks nice.

 

[mr_v]

The Finn Sub back up looks nice.

That looks super good. I haven't heard of this brand, but if it is made in Czech Republic, I'll try it. I am a sucker for good quality European stuff.

 

[buddhasummer]

That looks super good. I haven't heard of this brand, but if it is made in Czech Republic, I'll try it. I am a sucker for good quality European stuff.

Yes, Czech Republic. Their back up is same price as the Heser but can be purchased with free shipping.

BACKUP — Dive Lights | FINNSUB

www.finnsub.com

 

[eightytwenty]

I am very happy with Heser. Also, when I think "backup," I do not think "cheap." Think about the situation when you must use backup lights...

As for the alternatives, you're missing Light Monkey 3W light.

The Light Monkey 3W is a phenomenal backup light, but as far as I know does not come in a 2 C cell configuration like the OP is looking for. They do sell the Light Monkey 2W, but that takes 2 lithium CR123 batteries, rather than 2 C cells.

So, would prefer:
- 2xC battery (lots of lights with 3xC)
- Very tight beam
- Twist to activate, solid
- Cheapish

Alternatives seem to be:

Heser Backup Short
- 4W led
- 365g, 170mm x 37-48mm
- Good quality, 200m depth
- 200eur

Halcyon Scout Mini 2xC
- 180g, 200mm x 35-45mm
- 3 hour burn time
- 230eur

Any other alternatives that I am missing?

I know lots of alternatives with either lithium batteries, too long (3xC or 3xAA) or too small (3xAAA).

As far as my research goes, you've pretty much got the list. I wouldn't call Halcyon or Heser cheap, but I can tell you that I know plenty of divers who have been happy with both. Heser seems more affordable than Halcyon in Europe, and vice versa here in the USA.

 

[mr_v]

The Light Monkey 3W is a phenomenal backup light, but as far as I know does not come in a 2 C cell configuration like the OP is looking for. They do sell the Light Monkey 2W, but that takes 2 lithium CR123 batteries, rather than 2 C cells.

As far as my research goes, you've pretty much got the list. I wouldn't call Halcyon or Heser cheap, but I can tell you that I know plenty of divers who have been happy with both. Heser seems more affordable than Halcyon in Europe, and vice versa here in the USA.

So... given today's exchange rates and a lack of VAT in US, try buying Heser from Europe along with some other stuff that is hard to find in the States. When I shop at Deepstop.de, I usually save a few bucks even after the shipping costs.

 

[sinidive]

Btw if you are shopping for an affordable 3*C light then UK SL3 eLED L2 is cheaper than Hesers.