HID Can Light in Tropical Waters?

[Rick Inman]

Those of you who dive HID canister lights, do you use them diving in warm, clear topical waters? I'm talking no overhead or penetration here - although maybe the occasional swim-through. How about for night dives? If you vacation in, say, Cozumel or Hawaii or the Caymans, do you bring your HID?

Why or why not?

 

[TSandM]

Rick, I took my 10W HID to Australia with me, and left it in the hotel room after one dive. I literally couldn't see the beam at all. It was great for looking into crevices, but my backup light was plenty for that.

I'm sure it would have been nice on a night dive, but we didn't do any there, and I'm not sure the hassle of dragging it around and worrying about it would have been worth one or two night dives, anyway.

Where are you planning on going?

 

[JeffG]

I kept mine in the Hotel as well. I converted my scouts to use MAL LED's. They will be bright enough for any www outing (and still have good enough focus for signaling)

 

[SDAnderson]

I usually take my HID along for the night dives but during the daylight a little overdriven handheld light is usually enough to peer into the lobster hole.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I take my NiteRider HID for tropical trips ... it's small, lightweight, and more light than you'll need for night dives in clear, tropical water.

I once took my Terkel light to Bonaire. Another fellow had a Helios 9. We got about 100 feet apart and shined our lights toward each other ... everybody in between turned their lights off, as they were not needed ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[JeffG]

I once took my Terkel light to Bonaire. Another fellow had a Helios 9. We got about 100 feet apart and shined our lights toward each other ... everybody in between turned their lights off, as they were not needed ...

Thats why I got the LED's for my scout. I'd hate to see what my 21W part of the sun would do to a night dive.

 

[Mo2vation]

I take the flamethrower everywhere.

In Belize it revealed the true colors (read: more vivid colors) of the sponges and soft corals.

In Florida, we took them to peek into holes, look under ledges, etc.

Most recently In Hawaii, the water was often silty and not the best of viz - so they really came in handy. Again, holes, ledges and on deep dives.

Night dives is a no brainer. As were the 4th dive (the 4:00 PM dive) when the sun was getting low.

However, for us, signaling is the most essential use of the light. It amazes me how quickly and how intentionally buddies become separated in the tropics / clear water. People go in, and within MINUTES they're on opposite sides of the reefs - the man usually photographing, the woman usually touring slowly. Its been our experience that people just blow off the whole buddy thing in clear water.

Our lights keep Jaye and I in touch through the dive. When I'm shooting, I can look over and see her light and know she's near, and vice versa.

Whether in the tropics, in SoCal, in Monterey - anyplace. I can't imagine doing a dive anyplace without my light. I'll leave something else at home before I leave the light.

---
Ken

 

[Steve Egner]

Not a cannister light, but I did bring my Light Cannon to Hawaii. I packed it in a padded carry-on bag, along with my regulator.

Why? I like using my own gear. Familiarity, responsibility.

I also really like that light... It was a combination flamethrower/searchlight on my night dives, not overkill at all.

We did a penetration dive on the Sea Tiger one day, and I found it very handy there as well.

Steve

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I use my 21W everywhere, too. Shortly after getting it and using it... in Coz, I think... I told a friend, "Wow, I NEVER realized how beautiful things are. This light brings everything to life... the colors are unreal." To tell ya the truth I was beginning to find reefs pretty boring. My can light has re-energized my diving. If they weren't so darn expensive, I would think they should be part of a basic rig... something everyone should have.

Oddly, I enjoy mine more in clear waters during the day. At night I like to tone things down a little.

 

[Mo2vation]

<snip...> My can light has re-energized my diving. If they weren't so darn expensive, I would think they should be part of a basic rig... something everyone should have.

They should be part of every basic rig. I'd sell my drysuit to keep my can light. Its the best single investment I've ever made in my diving, and has improved the enjoyment of diving and increased my safety more than any other piece of gear.

eBay the playstation and get a can light - you won't regret it, people.

---
Ken