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- I'm a Fish!
I thought I'd post some initial thoughts on the new Dive Rite Handheld HID. This slick little light is brand new and packs a 10w HID bulb into a slightly larger delrin backup form factor. The light runs on AAs and can achieve 1-3 burn times depending on batteries. For pictures, see http://www.diveriteexpress.com/lights/lighthidhh.shtml
I bought this light for an upcoming liveaboard, mainly because I didn't want to lug around my can light and its associated Pelican case. I'll be doing rec diving only, so burn time wasn't as much a factor for me (2 hours with rechargables is plenty). My major concern was the brightness of the bulb and the focus area, since it is non-adjustable. I've posted a picture below that compares the DR HID (left) to a Halcyon Helios 10w (right). As you can see, the Helios puts out a little more light in a broader pattern, but the Dive Rite was actually brighter at its core (it was much more focused).
webspace.utexas.edu/lundysd/www/light%20comparison.jpg
All in all, this is eactly what I was looking for: a bright focused light for signalling and checking under ledges in a small form factor. Though the price is a little high ($300), and it can't hack being primary light in tech conditions, it accomplishes what I wanted it to.
I bought this light for an upcoming liveaboard, mainly because I didn't want to lug around my can light and its associated Pelican case. I'll be doing rec diving only, so burn time wasn't as much a factor for me (2 hours with rechargables is plenty). My major concern was the brightness of the bulb and the focus area, since it is non-adjustable. I've posted a picture below that compares the DR HID (left) to a Halcyon Helios 10w (right). As you can see, the Helios puts out a little more light in a broader pattern, but the Dive Rite was actually brighter at its core (it was much more focused).
webspace.utexas.edu/lundysd/www/light%20comparison.jpg
All in all, this is eactly what I was looking for: a bright focused light for signalling and checking under ledges in a small form factor. Though the price is a little high ($300), and it can't hack being primary light in tech conditions, it accomplishes what I wanted it to.
