First time "canister" light

[emstuv]

Lot of replies since I last posted. Thanks to all.

There are definitely some advantages of purchasing in Norway. The consumer warranty of minimum 2 years for "consumer" goods like cellphones and 5 years for other items (not sure where a dive light fall, but my guess is 5 years). But you do have to pay 25% VAT and whatever the store wants to make.

Ex.

Halcyon Flare (using exchange rate 25/11) - Norway : ~$1350, US - $969

That's a 400 dollar difference. Lots of goodies to be bought.

When it comes to umbilical vs not, I can definitely see advantages to both. And there are options out there that can allow for both. As the future will include a GUE-F course. The goal is to pass, but the ultimate goal is the Tech/Cave pass, so an umbilical and goodman are a must.

After reading all the replies here and scouring other sites, the MB-SUB VB-50 does seem to be a very very nice option. It ticks all the boxes (even modular with Photon Battery). The fact that its German engineering should maybe speak for its self

I also came across some threads by Lucca Brassi and the engineer in me got excited....... a quick model in Inventor was made and I had a battery canister (even got co-workers interested). I have access to rather large machinery (not that I know how to use them, but everyone can be bribed ) so there are possibilities. Just need to choose materials, battery etc etc etc.

 

[MikeRD03]

Hi emstuv, DIY is a cool idea, indeed. And it's really fun making one - so you know what u get. In case u need some input feel invited to our Facebook group for diving light DIY builders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/581877138507012/ It's a mixed language group were German/English is spoken.

Mike

 

[the_dragon_no1]

Lot of replies since I last posted. Thanks to all.

There are definitely some advantages of purchasing in Norway. The consumer warranty of minimum 2 years for "consumer" goods like cellphones and 5 years for other items (not sure where a dive light fall, but my guess is 5 years). But you do have to pay 25% VAT and whatever the store wants to make.

Ex.

Halcyon Flare (using exchange rate 25/11) - Norway : ~$1350, US - $969

That's a 400 dollar difference. Lots of goodies to be bought.

When it comes to umbilical vs not, I can definitely see advantages to both. And there are options out there that can allow for both. As the future will include a GUE-F course. The goal is to pass, but the ultimate goal is the Tech/Cave pass, so an umbilical and goodman are a must.

After reading all the replies here and scouring other sites, the MB-SUB VB-50 does seem to be a very very nice option. It ticks all the boxes (even modular with Photon Battery). The fact that its German engineering should maybe speak for its self

I also came across some threads by Lucca Brassi and the engineer in me got excited....... a quick model in Inventor was made and I had a battery canister (even got co-workers interested). I have access to rather large machinery (not that I know how to use them, but everyone can be bribed ) so there are possibilities. Just need to choose materials, battery etc etc etc.

Don't go there! It will never end..trust me! [emoji113] [emoji85] i think lucca can agree on that

 

[lucca brassi]

no it is no problem at all .... it looks like ;-))

 

[eelnoraa]

After reading all the replies here and scouring other sites, the MB-SUB VB-50 does seem to be a very very nice option. It ticks all the boxes (even modular with Photon Battery). The fact that its German engineering should maybe speak for its self

If possible, test dive a VB-50 before you decide. All the quantifiable specs are good, but non quantifiable spec can be very personal here. I have a GUE-F team mate with VB-50. I have seen it many time in action and dove it myself. I like everything about it except the beam property. When in tightest focus, the team is a defined square shape with little to no side spill/halo. When defocus, the beam becomes circular, but still very defined with little to no side spill/halo outside of the beam circle. It is probably the mean reason I didn't get one.

I have also played with Halcyon Focus in a dive shop, but haven't dove it. It seems Focus beam is very similar to VB-50. I think Focus is not for me either.

 

[emstuv]

That is a good point you raise and I have heard it before. Can a lightbeam be to tight.

I have seen some pictures of the VB-50, and at the tightest focus there is very little spill or corona (not to familiar with the technical terms). However wouldn't it allow for good communication given a larger distance between dive teams?

I am sure that you can set it at 15-20 degr, which I imagine would give a nice everyday beam.

I will try and ask here where I live if anyone has one, although I doubt it. I have mainly seen LM and Halcyon HIDs.

 

[Imla]

I don't know where in Norway you live, but fue has never been difficult. Have you asked if you could try the halcyons?

 

[eelnoraa]

That is a good point you raise and I have heard it before. Can a lightbeam be to tight.

I have seen some pictures of the VB-50, and at the tightest focus there is very little spill or corona (not to familiar with the technical terms). However wouldn't it allow for good communication given a larger distance between dive teams?

I am sure that you can set it at 15-20 degr, which I imagine would give a nice everyday beam.

I will try and ask here where I live if anyone has one, although I doubt it. I have mainly seen LM and Halcyon HIDs.

VB-50 does NOT have much corona at all at any focus setting. Just the hot spot gets bigger (and dimmer). Compared to a HID 21W, HID offer a more intense hot sport in the center of the beam and a gradual dimming corona. I think HID still does better in signaling, but the side spill still illuminate some peripheral for say reading gauges.

 

[emstuv]

I have spoken with Fue, I live on the westcoast and to be fair I feel it would be wrong to have them send me one and then say thanks and by in the States. They were actually recommending the Flare as a good option.

eelnoraa - This does raise some questions to the VB-50......... feel like I am going one step forward and two back in choosing a light

Anyone in the Twin-cities area with Halcyon Flare/Focus or VB-50 I can take a look at

 

[MikeRD03]

VB-50 does NOT have much corona at all at any focus setting.

This also applies to all other lights I know with a primary lens in front. The Focus is a exception here, cause it has a certain corona plus a very wide dim spill. I find this video quite informative with a HID 21W in comparison.