Good light for deep dive - advanced open water cert

[JayJudge]

Ikelite PC lite is good for a small, bright light. Fits in a pocket, I use one for a backup, but could be used as a main light for OW stuff. As for where you are diving, if you are going off the NJ/NY coast, at 85 ftsw, its not black, but its not the brightest either. Most boats there do 2 dives, so that would satisfy the AOW distinct dive requirements. Now, if you are going south or to the islands, it should be very light at depth. Have a good time!

 

[sixt3denied]

Going to the Florida Keys - so I guess the light shouldn't be too much of an issue. But I still need a good portable light anyway. Thanks for all the advice from all!

 

[sixt3denied]

I just went though a big search on a similar subject. I went with the Tova Nova at the bottom of the page, Diving Backup Lights - Dive Gear Express and it is on sale. For me I wanted a light that either ran on AA or CR123 as I keep them around for other gear I have. Most lights I see took AAA or C and didnt want to have to remember to buy yet another style.

I have not had this light in the water yet (just got them a day ago) but on land they look good with fairly tight spots and just enough flood.

Really liking the TovaTec Nova! I think that's the light i'm gonna go with. Thanks!

 

[Peter_C]

Really liking the TovaTec Nova! I think that's the light i'm gonna go with. Thanks!

Do be aware that is a wide angle light. Beam Angle is 43 degrees. Many folks have had issues with the switches, although they may have resolved the problem. Personally I don't want a switch but a twist front for reliablity.

The Penetrator is more fixed focus and therefore better for signaling and pushing thru poor vis.

Here is a quick comparison and of course all the lights have probably evolved to the latest LED technology.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/li...i-220-vs-intova-4-7w-wide-vs-uk-sl4-eled.html

As Jim stated above if doing night dives I would consider at least one backup mandatory. I carry a primary can light plus a backup on every dive, and add one more backup if night diving.

 

[lucca brassi]

I'll buy good backup with posibility to change focus with 3xC size bateries (enough energy , simple battery exchange) These lights fit in any situation , enough small and enough powerfull for simple dive .... and they are METALL ! (it is possible to upgrade LED ;-))

- like Spot 9 º/ Flood 35 º ....Kowalski LED Focus Kowalski LED Focus. Torches Torches led, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive ...170€

-or variable light beam 3° to 25°.....
MBSUB-X1VB mb-sub.com: X1 - VB LED-flashlight 183€ /
MB Sub X1-VB (3C) back up torch on test - DIR Explorers ....192€

costs little more but it is real light , not some toy

 

[Otto]

I prefer the buy once and cry once philosophy. If you are going forward in your future diving ( deeper, cave, wreck) you will likely wind up with a can light at some point. If that is the case and you can afford it now I might buy one now. Remember that you don't have to buy new. If it's not in the budget now I would shop the ads for something that is upgradable and you will use in the future for a back up light. I use the Photon Torpedo as a back up light and like them alot. Several other brands are very similar and most are upgradable with a LED module to at a laterr date. Most of these lights are very tough and simple so I wouldn't hesitate to buy used. If you have any DIY skills you can probably find enough used parts around to assemble a good can light on the cheap. If your on the cheap remember that a major area of savings is in the battery pack. My SLA battery is just as bright as the other technologies available it's just larger. Good luck with your quest.