DIR Primary Light Specs?

[kaliban]

Are there any special requirements for canister lights, as far as DIR goes, other than focused beam preference? How's the Pro Watt fit in with DIR? http://www.divelight.com/single.asp

thx,

-k

 

[Uncle Pug]

Focuable into a narrow beam for signaling.
Round canister that will not crush with depth.

The Prowatt appears to be very attractively priced but when you consider that it is not an HID then the price doesn't look so attractive. A 10watt HID would likely put out as much light and have far greater burn time. HIDs with their higher color temp. light beams also seem to penetrate better. You could probably find a 10watt HID with gel cell battery for not too much more on ebay.

 

[kaliban]

Thanks UP. I'm also considering a used Halogen for quite a bit less. Do you feel HID is pretty important? Also, the Prowatt is more rectangular than round, not sure if that is a factor.

-k

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The rectangular case is not an issue as long as it does not leak. Theoretically a round cannister resists pressure better, but if the rectangular cannister is rated and waterproof to the depths required, so what? There are many other details on a light that warrant far more concern. The 7ah gell cell requires the case shape in question. They are bullet proof batteries that are easy to maintain and can be replaced for about $30. If the case is effective in keeping things dry to depths deeper than you ever plan to dive, I would not sweat it.

I am also not an HID fan. I prefer a 30 or 50 watt halogen to an 10 watt HID because I don't like the color balance of an HID and because a good halogen will still outperform an HID under many conditions. (Get a little water in both and see what one still works)

The DIR light requirements are a little funny and sometimes a bit arbitrary. For example a primary light is expected to be 12 volt to be DIR, so my OMS Phantom, despite all it generally excellent engineering and other fine qualities is definitely not DIR.

HID or not, the prowatt's price still seems attractive. It would be tough to beat that price on E-bay for what you are getting and I doubt you could get an HID cannister light for the price. You could however find a good halogen cannister light for similar money on E-bay.

In the end you'll need to consider what you personally need in a light and make a decision on that basis rather than relying on someone else's opinion on Scubaboard.

 

[detroit diver]

Thanks UP. I'm also considering a used Halogen for quite a bit less. Do you feel HID is pretty important? Also, the Prowatt is more rectangular than round, not sure if that is a factor.

-k

If you've never seen a halogen beam next to an HID beam, then you really need to before making your choice. IMO, I would NEVER go back to a halogen light. Despite the potentially finicky issues of HID, the beam is much easier to see, and it lasts much longer than the halogen with the same battery.

The HID beam is a crisp whitish blue, while the halogen is a yellowy shade. As UP stated, the HID has a much further range of penetration.

I don't know if they're still available, but Dean at Brownies in Florida was selling a used Halcyon Pro 4 HID for about $350.00 or so without batteries. PM me if you're interested and I'll get you the contact info.

 

[detroit diver]

.........
The DIR light requirements are a little funny and sometimes a bit arbitrary. For example a primary light is expected to be 12 volt to be DIR, so my OMS Phantom, despite all it generally excellent engineering and other fine qualities is definitely not DIR.
.......

Where did this information come from?

 

[Boogie711]

I have to back up DD on that one - I've never seen any 12 volt requirement for a primary to be DIR.

 

[Big-t-2538]

I was able to pick up a Light Cannon for 100$ and this is now my primary light...before that the most I spent on a light was 20 bucks...The HID sure makes a difference UW compared to the halogen Pelicans that my buddys have dove with.

For now, my cannon is my primary...when I see a need for more (or finally get into diving into wrecks) I'll upgrade.

 

[detroit diver]

I was able to pick up a Light Cannon for 100$ and this is now my primary light...before that the most I spent on a light was 20 bucks...The HID sure makes a difference UW compared to the halogen Pelicans that my buddys have dove with.

For now, my cannon is my primary...when I see a need for more (or finally get into diving into wrecks) I'll upgrade.

The light cannon has a nice beam, but how do you hold it?

 

[Big-t-2538]

The light cannon has a nice beam, but how do you hold it?

With my left hand....are you sure you didn't mean store it? B/C that's the real issue I've run into with it...I haven't found a real good place to keep it yet, but for 100$ I think I can "tony-rig" something soon...I'll have something before the end of this season I bet.