Dive Light for Spearing?

[BadaBing]

Advice on this appreciated. I'd like to pick up a light that I can use while spearfishing, generally to see under ledges. Have seen lights listed that are LED, HID, etc. Which technology produces the most light? As is, I already look like a hardware store with liftbags, etc. clipped everywhere, so I want to find one that is fairly small and shaped like a conventional flashlight. I'll look at new and used, but any suggestions on a make/model appreciated.

 

[DeprecatedMustang]

There are many, many discussions on this.

Short version is if you don't need a really bright lamp - get an LED
If you want a really bright lamp (more than say a 10 watt LED) - look at HID.

Technical reason being that LEDs get less efficient as you overdrive them whereas HIDs become more efficient (Given current technology at consumer-level cost realities).

Asking whether LED or HID is "better" in some absolute sense is missing the point - they both have roles. You need to evaluate what's important to you.

You also want to consider burn time, size, etc.

For your stated purposes, I recommend getting an LED torch - should be more than adequate. I like the Intova 4.7s e.g. the Nova Wide. Well-constructed, good value for the money. Even if you end up purchasing a bigger system they make for an extremely compact secondary so there's really no loss either way.