Dive lights

[Dryglove]

Im looking into getting a more powerful handheld light for night diving.
I am currently looking at the UKC8 and princeton tec II 8c cell light.

I am trying to justify getting a rechargeable one or just one with regular batteries.There is a huge price difference between the two.

Can anyone tell me if the rechargeable ones are more brighter than the battery operated ones,enough so to justify the extra cost.I dont do a whole lot of night diving so the cost of changing batteries isnt really a factor.

I just want a good bright light but dont wanna pay the extra money if it isnt worth it for the rechargeable version.

 

[Scubaroo]

The Princeton Tec Shockwave (original 12W model) is compatable with aftermarket NiMH rechargeables, without having to change the bulb. I can't tell the difference underwater whether I'm using rechargeables or alkalines. BUT, it cost me about $60 for 8 rechargeables and a charger, so I'm not sure if it works out more economical or not to buy your own like I did. However they're 4500mAH batteries, so they are a bit more souped up than your regular RadioShack versions. I'm not sure if they're 1.25V or 1.5V. I got them off eBay. Be careful buying batteries online though - some people sell batteries with no "button" on the end, that are designed to be soldered into battery packs. You want the ones with a button (normal alkaline shape).

The Shockwave II is a dual power model - to be honest I can't think of a situation where you would want to use the lower power - you almost always want more light than you've got. Maybe on a liveaboard where charging batteries is not an option and you want to extend battery life?

 

[Scubaroo]

Actually this is exactly the same auction to what I bought:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1373055281

The batteries are a no-name 1.2V, but as I said, work fine in the Shockwave. Considering NiCad C cell batteries are only 1800AH, these should last about 2.5 times as long (but also cost a pantsload more).

 

[Dryglove]

Thanks for the info on the batteries and the light.