FAO Spoon / Pakman / other can light users

[pakman]

Does a UK lite cannon comes out short?

Well they're not bad, but pretty delicate... Also, it gives off a wide beam. So if you're just doing nite diving in clear tropical waters, it gives off a nice broad beam. But it's not so good in low vis. Last Sun., my dive buddy was using a light cannon and the viz was piss poor. We could barely see each other on descent (2m apart). I could barely see his light cannon (just a light yellow spot in the dark) whereas he said he could clearly see my 21W...

 

[Hammerhead]

Does a UK lite cannon comes out short?

I'm not using this for Tech diving yet, but will be before long. With doubles and stages, I don't like the idea of a hand-held light at all, hence canister w/ goodman seems the way to go.

Having said that, I'm now sinking in a mire of information (all of which I asked for!).

Things I have found out: -

1) Brightstar bulbs preferable
2) Goodman handle essential
3) 4.5 amp should be better - I don't need long burn time & prefer lighter weight and compact
4) 10w may be Ok to start, but 21w is the future
5) NiMH batteries much better environmentally (a genuine consideration)
6) New would be nice, but it's not going to be easy to afford someting good
7) Shipping to Hong Kong is bloody expensive
8) I'd like a focussable head, but that's dear too
9) Ben_ca is obviously blissfully unaware that my DIY skill are on a par with Chuck Norris' knitting. Thanks anyway

Questions remaining: -

1) What bulb does Sea Elite use?
2) Anyone tried them out?
3) Who's the dealer? Any chance of cutting some deal regards shipping?
4) WA / brightstar bulbs cannot be swapped in different light heads?

anything I missed?

 

[pakman]

I'm not using this for Tech diving yet, but will be before long. With doubles and stages, I don't like the idea of a hand-held light at all, hence canister w/ goodman seems the way to go.

Having said that, I'm now sinking in a mire of information (all of which I asked for!).

Things I have found out: -
Questions remaining: -

1) What bulb does Sea Elite use? I believe it is a brightstar
2) Anyone tried them out?
3) Who's the dealer? Any chance of cutting some deal regards shipping? I think diver supply sells em in the state.
http://www.diverssupplyusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=440
4) WA / brightstar bulbs cannot be swapped in different light heads?There are some companies in the US that will swap them in older models, but its not just a simple swapping out of the bulb. I think the ballast might need to be changed in some cases. Do a search and I've seen thread's on people having their older Halycon's upgraded to a brightstar

anything I missed?

when are you going to tubattaha?
shipping from the states will be about $50-60 by USPS express (3-4 days)

 

[Hammerhead]

Tubattaha 4th - 9th April.

Woohoo!

Shipping, I'm currently being quoted about $70.

Boohoo!

 

[pakman]

Tubattaha 4th - 9th April.

Nice, well take some good pics and report in after the trip... I'm gonna have to do Tubattaha as well one of these days.

 

[Hammerhead]

@ Pakman, just checked: -

It's a brightstar bulb in the Sea Elite...

 

[Hammerhead]

Pakman,

RE Tubattaha - I believe 1 or 2 places still available...think about it, think about it...

 

[clgsamson]

Pakman,

RE Tubattaha - I believe 1 or 2 places still available...think about it, think about it...

price goes down as departure date nears.....go on oh great great Dear Leader...invade tubbataha!!!!

 

[Hammerhead]

price goes down as departure date nears....go on Dear Leader...invade tubbataha!!!!

He could consider hijacking the Rainbow Warrior II, getting some old, inaccurate charts of the area and running it aground, wrecking a few hundred meters of ancient and pristine reef
.
what's that? Done already? You're kidding!

 

[clgsamson]

running it aground, wrecking a few hundred meters of ancient and pristine reef
.
what's that? Done already? You're kidding!

apparently on his orders...and clearing a path for the Dear Leader's dive route.