Dive Rite / OMS NiMH Batteries?

[DPS2]

Hello everyone... I am in the process of purchasing a dive lite and have been looking seriously at the Sartek HID's. I really like the NiMH battery packs that are lighter, smaller, and last longer. Just spoke with someone at a dive shop who indicated that Dive Rite and Halcyon were going to be coming out with their own NiMH batteries in a few weeks... any inside scoop on this? What about the OMS HID lights/batteries? Also, is the 18W worth the extra $$$ over the 10W?

Thanks!

 

[wetman]

I feel the same way. I want to use the sartek 9 with a diverite 17. that seems like a nice combo to me

 

[daylight]

I looked at the Sartek,OMS, Halcyon and Diverite lights. I went with the Diverite 18W HID with the Gel Batteries in the MLS1 Canister. Diverite was best for price/performance.

Very pleased with the light. In the water is 1 1/2 lbs negative. I have no regrets.

My $.02 worth.

DSAO

 

[DPS2]

Just received this e-mail from Dive Rite on this...

[snip]
We have been offering this as an upgrade for several months. The information is on the website. We just added part numbers for the complete system yesterday. It's the LT6200 series. We haven't even notified the dealers yet as to this update. The hold up was selecting the proper charger to go with the system. The charger we selected will do maintenance and recharge the batteries in 4 to 5 hours.
[snip]

Enjoy!

 

[omar]

I know on the early dive rite NiMH battery packs that they were soldering the leads directly to the battery. This is a no-no, it can ruin the battery. If they are still doing this I would send the battery pack back or not even accept it. I know that the wholesale price of the cells and # that they used is ~$70. I am not sure of what they are charging. I have been considering having a NiMH battery pack built for one of my lights. The cost has been slowing me up because I don't really need the extended burn time so it would just be an unneccessary upgrade.

omar