dive lights...

[fisher2]

would dive lights in low vis water about 24" help? would i be able to see farther? if not would it make keeping track of a dive buddy easyier?

 

[gcbryan]

It depends on the lights but with viz that bad it couldn't hurt. I assume this is a daytime dive and what is the average depth? It will mainly help you to see whatever you're in the water to see in the first place.

 

[RJP]

would dive lights in low vis water about 24" help? would i be able to see farther? if not would it make keeping track of a dive buddy easyier?

1.) Probably, depending on how much of the low viz is due to darkness caused by what's in the water (ie deeper down, the light penetrating from above could be blocked by particulate in the water.) Just be sure to shine the light at an angle, so that you don't simply illuminate the stuff in the water. In this situations I typically hold the light low, and shine it forward so that it's not simply reflecting the light back into my eyes. Think "fog lights" on a car, which are located lower than your headlights for just this reason.

2.) Would definitely make keeping track of a buddy easier; lights are great signalling devices and many of use them as such even when the viz is good. Do some reading up on light signalling, as you'll want to avoid every motion looking like a frantic wave of a light. Slow side/side or up/down = attention, whereas rapid side/side or up/down = emergency; a slow circle = O as in "OK", etc.

 

[lavachickie]

would dive lights in low vis water about 24" help? would i be able to see farther? if not would it make keeping track of a dive buddy easyier?

Perhaps on both points, but the biggest value will be the latter: enhancing the chance you'll find a buddy if separated in low viz.

The definition of a "good" light is variable. I bought a very basic light to start with and am now looking to upgrade. Confusing to say the least. Look for the most bang for your buck: that would be the highest lux or lumens (different scales, so compare apples to apples) from the players in your price range.

I'm looking for a good basic all purpose light for the PNW soupy waters that is around $250.

 

[PatW]

I think that it would work like car headlights in fog. It just bounces the light back at you. However, if the light is strong enough, your partner might be able to see it.

 

[rongoodman]

I'm looking for a good basic all purpose light for the PNW soupy waters that is around $250.

I've never been to the PNW, but I just upgraded my Halcyon Scouts with their new HP module, and they're pretty darn bright, with a tight beam--maybe they would work until you can afford a primary? At $190, they're in your price range.

 

[a22shady]

If diving in that low viz a high type light would be best.21watt Hid would help in both. I have dove in low viz good viz etc. They type of light will definetly make the difference but does not come cheap but is a great tool and worth the cost imo

 

[k ellis]

Lights are a dive saver in most any circumstances. Recently I dove in Cozumel which the water was absolutely beautiful. With viz probably around 50 to 100 feet one would have never thought it would be useful. But once into the dive we did a lot of swim throughs. Allthough the light was shinning on both ends of the swim through once in them I had the opportunity to use mine into some small caves off to the sides and saw some amazing sea life not visible without one.

There are diffrent types of lights for diffrent applications but I always carry a highpowered light with me just for the what if occasions. Look at it like this. Its better to have one and not need it then to need one and not have it.

Also please for your buddys sake make sure when you are using it for keeping up with your buddy that you dont accidently shine it into his face as this can hurt there eyes and cause temporary loss of bearing.

 

[gcbryan]

Perhaps on both points, but the biggest value will be the latter: enhancing the chance you'll find a buddy if separated in low viz.

The definition of a "good" light is variable. I bought a very basic light to start with and am now looking to upgrade. Confusing to say the least. Look for the most bang for your buck: that would be the highest lux or lumens (different scales, so compare apples to apples) from the players in your price range.

I'm looking for a good basic all purpose light for the PNW soupy waters that is around $250.

The UK Light Cannon 10W HID would probably do what you want in that price range.

I had one and just sold it because I switched to a LED based light but it did work well in our waters. It's not a 21 W HID cannister light off course but then you don't usually find those within your price range either.

 

[TSandM]

It is my personal opinion that a good, focused dive light is a piece of safety equipment that ought to be standard for low visibility diving. It DEFINITELY aids in keeping buddy teams together, while still allowing one to dive; if I can see my buddy's light moving smoothly around ahead of me, then he's there, and he's okay, and I don't have to look at him every five seconds to make sure he's still there. If we DO get a little separated in very low viz, the lights are a godsend for getting people back together.

And, as heavy particulate in the water reduces ambient light very quickly, I also think lights help a lot in getting to see anything on a low viz dive. Even in very heavy murk, lights will help somewhat.

The Halcyon Scouts with the LED module are very nice, but for a limited budget, the Dorcy Penetrators are nice little lights with a very adequate burn time and good brightness. The beam is not as wide (or as intense) as an HID light, but $40 beats several hundred.