How far will this light take me in caving?

[Crazy Fingers]

I'm very strongly considering getting cavern cert, and then if I like it starting the cave training. For Xmas the old lady wants to get me a dive light and I want the UK HID Light Cannon... how far will that light take me with my training? I don't really want to spend $500 bucks on a light if this one will work for at least a while. Especially if I get into it and find that cave isn't really for me.

 

[H2Andy]

the Light Cannon will work for cavern ... but if what you want is a real primary light, i'd save my money and buy a canister light, at least 10w, down the line

you can rent a primary for cavern and see how you like it.

rather, i'd invest in two back-up lights (you'll need them for intro cave and you can use them in night dives). these would be my choice:

http://www.salvodiving.com/backup_lighting

for future reference, here's a nice 10w for under $800:

http://www.salvodiving.com/inc/pdetail?v=1&pid=2427

and some nice ones for under $600:

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/lights/lightpkg10w.shtml

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I agree with Andy.

If you're just trying out cavern/cave training you may not want to jump into a can light - but your instructor may be able to arrange for you to borrow one for the course, or else find you one to rent.

If you're wanting to get a light right now you may be better off getting one that will work both for cave as well as recreational diving, and the Scout-type lights that Andy referenced would serve both purposes.

 

[billyf]

I used the UK Light cannon for cavern after that you will need a can light.

I recommend this one.

http://www.divers-supply.com/Sea-Elite-10-Watt-4-5-amp-HID-Canister-Light-SP-p/sal0001.htm

it’s a salvo rebranded for divers-supply.

 

[H2Andy]

diver's supply do well with their rebrands

i used their Sea Elite Tech reg for a long time, awesome reg (it's a Dive Rite knockoff, which is in turn an Apeks knock off... i think...)

i didn't know they were selling canisters now or i would have recommended it

 

[Daedalus]

I used the UK Light cannon for cavern after that you will need a can light.

I recommend this one.

http://www.divers-supply.com/Sea-Elite-10-Watt-4-5-amp-HID-Canister-Light-SP-p/sal0001.htm

it’s a salvo rebranded for divers-supply.

A buddy of mine had this light, and laughed at me for dropping the extra money on a Salvo. Then we were exiting Orange Grove and all the sudden his light went out and would not spark back up. He had to replace the bulb - 75$ expense, found out that the type of bulb in that light is not as rugged as the one in the genuine article Salvo lights. He gave that light to his non-caver wife and bought a Salvo.

 

[H2Andy]

crap...

well, if it's any consolation, my Sea Elite reg never gave me trouble

 

[scubafool]

A buddy of mine had this light, and laughed at me for dropping the extra money on a Salvo. Then we were exiting Orange Grove and all the sudden his light went out and would not spark back up. He had to replace the bulb - 75$ expense, found out that the type of bulb in that light is not as rugged as the one in the genuine article Salvo lights. He gave that light to his non-caver wife and bought a Salvo.

I have one of the SeaElite lights. I like it just fine, but after ~ 10 dives, the light head flooded. They fixed it no questions asked, and I have had no problems since. Also, comparing to my buddies DiveRites, the beam is a slightly yellow color, whereas the DiveRite light seems to have a much brighter blue color.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Don't waste your money on the light cannon. It won't serve you after cavern. Get a good light that will easily transition to a back up light for cave. You will need a canister light for cave. I used an SL6 for cavern. I now pocket that and strap an SL4 to my harness as my back ups.

 

[Jasonmh]

The Light Cannon is a nice light, but as others have suggested it won't take you far in cave diving.
Just to throw in another idea in with the already good ones, I would take a look at this:
http://www.cnsales.net/photontorpedopage.htm
The LED version of the Photon Torpedo light costs less than the Light Cannon, but puts out a ton of light, and it lighter, not as bulky, and easier to use imo. It would be good enough to use as your primary light in cavern, and make a perfect to transition to a backup light as you progress further into your cave training. I have owned about 11 different lights, and tried out a few more, and this is the nicest light I have used that is not a can light.
If you are looking for another scout style light, EE has the older version of the scout light on sale for $50, and they are new and come with a warranty:
http://shop.extreme-exposure.com/news/
Near the bottom of the page.
If it were me, I would get 1 of the Photon Torpedo LED lights and one of the scout or other scout style light. That will give you all the light you need for cavern, and both will work perfectly for cave in the future.
Good Luck