Handheld Primary Light (Cave)

[tbone1004]

I have the bigblue TL4800. I like it quite a bit. On the highest setting it's comparable in intensity to my previous light, which was an expensive LM 20W canister light. I often use it on the 2nd highest setting, which gives it almost 4 hours burn time. I switch out the battery between dives.

or spend the same amount of money and buy the LX20+ which has the same output over the duration as the TL4800 does and comes from a reputable manufacturer that doesn't lie about their product performance and uses standard 18650's instead of proprietary battery packs...

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

or spend the same amount of money and buy the LX20+ which has the same output over the duration as the TL4800 does and comes from a reputable manufacturer that doesn't lie about their product performance and uses standard 18650's instead of proprietary battery packs...

I've heard so many issues about the LX20+, though. Especially about having to shim the batteries, flooding, mid-dive shutting off due to battery contact

 

[tbone1004]

I've heard so many issues about the LX20+, though. Especially about having to shim the batteries, flooding, mid-dive shutting off due to battery contact

can't say I've had those issues with either of mine and they're probably 300 or so dives in at this point

 

[Whitrzac]

I've heard so many issues about the LX20+, though. Especially about having to shim the batteries, flooding, mid-dive shutting off due to battery contact

From who? lol
They're one of the most common hanhelds out there

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

From who? lol
They're one of the most common hanhelds out there

A lot of people on SB and the likes. Usually the people who have problems are more likely to post than those that work perfectly. Glad to hear it's a good light!

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I've heard so many issues about the LX20+, though. Especially about having to shim the batteries, flooding, mid-dive shutting off due to battery contact

I have never heard of or experienced any of those issues with the LX20+.

I use the LX20+ as my primary cave light. Cave diving is about the only diving I do now but it would be great for wreck and night diving too.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

NR-2000 – Kraken Sports

krakensports.ca

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

NR-2000 – Kraken Sports

krakensports.ca

Love Kraken but only 90 minutes burntime

 

[CPRC]

Hello all!

Iʻve scoured this section for a little bit and talked to a couple of cave instructors about which primary light to buy as a lot of places are having cyber monday sales right now. Regardless of the sale, I am looking to buy a robust primary light that will last for a few years and not fizzle out immediately. I will add that I am likely doing >300 dives a year (only a few cave) and want something I can lug around often without fear of breaking. Like any product in the dive industry, it will break eventually, so if it is worth buying a middle of the pack light that I can replace every couple of years rather than paying a ton for something that I have to pray that I wonʻt need to replace, so be it.

I definitely want a handheld, cordless light as opposed to a canister. I swap around between single-tank bm and sm all the time and donʻt feel like dealing with the hassle haha. So far my list is as follows:

Lightmonkey 2-12
Bigblue VTL3800P
DiveRite LX20+
and Iʻve seen many others but these seem like the big three. UWLD is tempting but itʻs a can

I know about many issues with BigBlueʻs lumen advertising, but their build is solid and seems one of those lights that will last long enough. Iʻve also heard that people are wary about the batteries/flooding of DiveRite lights and that it isnʻt their strong suit. Fill me in and feel free to leave alternative suggestions!

Ian, Ima little late to this discussion but I am neutrally curious as to why your list excludes the Halcyon flare EXP handheld. I’m not sure WHEN the EXP was introduced but I know it was relatively recently and maybe that is why (just noticed your last message was 12/21. I am in discussion mode with self re: the LX20+ vs. the EXP. I have searched SB for a string where the comparison of these 2 are discussed but have come up empty. Am curious as to your opinion, certainly of others here, as well.

 

[Whitrzac]

Because its twice the price