Choosing a Basic Light

[origamiman]

Well, I'm just starting all this - I'm getting my open-water cert. on Sat./Sun. - and my dive instructor siad that we may do a night dive, and that I should get a flashlight. I was wondering how to choose one, if it's not too much trouble to ask.

The place where I am taking my class has a bunch, but I don't know how to choose one. I'm looking for something that'll last, and hopefully doesn't cost a fortune (I'm on a budget).

Sorry if this is a stupid question....:huh:

 

[Jason Ooi]

Hi,

I used UK8 Led good flashlight battery last longer about 8 hours......
You can consider UK4 or UK8 Led...
Cheer
Jason

 

[*Floater*]

I like the Ikelite PCa. It uses 6AA batteries and leisurepro sells them for $22 (scubatoys will price match if you call). It's bright enough for a main night light, but also small enough to make a good backup once you commit to a bigger light. I think the burn time is only a few hours (maybe more), so you may want to use rechargeables.

Also, it's a switch on light, which some think is a benefit because they don't turn on by themselves at depth, whereas others prefer twist on lights because they are easier to maintain (no switch o-ring failure point to worry about), but twist-ons often turn on by themselves at depth.

Anyway, I think the PCa is great value and probably the cheapest main night light that's still decent. Obviously it doesn't compare to the $200 or $1500 lights, so what's your price range?

 

[Hoosier]

My all lights are UK lights though. If you have a limited budget, I recommend

Princeton Tec Shockwave LED 8 C-Cell LED Dive Light.

This one is better than UK eLed and almost close to UK HID even with the better battery life...

 

[double80s]

The UK LED is a great light for the money. You should be happy with it and UK is very good with their warranty.

 

[origamiman]

I'll check out those lights I mentioned - thanks!

My price range is below $50, if possible - I'm not really ready to "invest" yet.

 

[ae3753]

Another vote for the PCa. Great light for the price, size, and performance.

Divernet has a good comparison article:

Light on your wallet - Dive torch survey
*http://www.divernet.com/equipment/lamps2003/lampsintro.shtml

 

[Charlie99]

And yet another vote for the PCa.

For me, the PCa is the right tradeoff of lots of light in a small size, at the expense of battery life. It works well for both clear water night dives, and as a light to look into nooks and crannies during the day.

I consider a light to be essential surface signalling safety gear and carry it on all dives.

 

[Damselfish]

I've never heard of doing a night dive during OW, are you sure you heard correctly? And though a light will be a good thing to have and can come in handy even during the day, seems unfortunate the instructor would tell you to buy something for a dive you only "may" do?