Help me choose a backup

[mjr0112]

I need a backup light and I'm stuck between two, the Penetrater 220 and the Intova Ultra Torch. I'm leaning towards the Penetrator 220 due to a very good deal at Piranha. I just need a backup light to keep in the BC pocket, not for night dives or low viz, other than your general lack of viz, diving in Michigan.

 

[gcbryan]

The light output would appear to be more or less the same. The Penetrator uses 6 AAA cells and switches using a twisting head and the Intova uses 6 AA cells and switches using a magnetic switch.

 

[Michael Kazma]

All I can say is....lightmonkey

 

[mjr0112]

I don't really have a preference on a type of switch. I am guessing the most popular type would be twist type, only due to a less of chance of it accidently getting turned on, but I would only be making an assumption
I did see that they took different size batteries, but I really didn't put any thought behind it. My question now is only due to my lack of knowledge. What disadvantage (if any) does the Penetrator have with using 6AAA?

 

[mjr0112]

All I can say is....lightmonkey

Is it really worth the price difference? There is a 60 dollar difference from the Penetrator and the 2w light monkey and over 100 for the 3W light monkey. I understand you get what you pay for but thats a pretty big jump.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Actually none as far as I'm concerned. I like the Dorcy lights. I have the 180 lumen models. 4 of them. I had 5 but gave one to my GF. I wanted her to have a light she could trust and rely on in the water and out. They are my back up lights and the lights I give to my AOW students who may show up without a back up. I require AOW to have a primary and a back up.

Been using them for over 3 years now with no issues. Nice tight beam- like a light saber underwater. Excellent primary for warm clear water or very good backup.

 

[Hatul]

The Dorcy makes a nice backup light and is smaller. I use NiMH batteries in it.

Adam

 

[gcbryan]

I don't really have a preference on a type of switch. I am guessing the most popular type would be twist type, only due to a less of chance of it accidently getting turned on, but I would only be making an assumption
I did see that they took different size batteries, but I really didn't put any thought behind it. My question now is only due to my lack of knowledge. What disadvantage (if any) does the Penetrator have with using 6AAA?

Runtime.

 

[lucca brassi]

+1.... agree

 

[divad]

What disadvantage (if any) does the Penetrator have with using 6AAA?

Compactness (since you're putting it in a pocket). I'm using one on my right D-ring
with a much bigger Photon Torpedo on the left. You may as well go for the fatter wallet.