How powerful a light should I get?

[Jimmer]

Well I think I'll be saving a couple extra paycheques, and get a 21 watt instead. Maybe if I play my cards right, I can get my tech instructor to lend me a 10 and a 21 to see the difference first hand.

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

I dove a 10W for years before upgrading to an 18W. After getting the 18, I would never go back to the 10 so I sold it. I now have a 35W and use the 18 as a spare. 10 is too small by today's standards, 18 to 21 seems to be the new standard. If in doubt, go big... You don't want to be shopping again in a year or two because you bought a light that was too small. Getting a light that's too small will cost you more in the long run.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I use a Salvo 35W HID and do primarily GL wrecks and midwest quarries. I've seen quite a few Salvo 21s and 35s. I'd go with the biggest you can afford but ideally at least a 21W.

 

[jscott099]

It's more challenging when the light is just powerful enough to read your gauges. Sorry man, couldn't help it.

 

[flareless]

Salvo recently updated their battery connector in the Havoc II series. Check it out here

 

[Atomic_Diver]

I have the Salvo 21w HID and it works great but I would seriously reccomend a 50w

 

[Scubastud16]

I have one of the last Salvo 10w HID's made. For my first can light, and first HID, it's great. It blows away most of what my recreational dive buddies use, and in caverns it does great. I've only been diving with other 10w's, so I cannot comment on how it compares to larger lights, but it's MUCH brighter than the other 10w lights I've seen.

Edit: If you see the picture below, the one on the far left is an LED Scout, mine is in the middle (brightest), and the one on the right is an older Sartek 10w.

 

[D_B]

As big as you can afford ... It should light up the night and cook your lobster too


Seriously , Thanks for the ideas

 

[gxsr_sarge]

I was debating that very issue and I ponied up for the Halcyon 9/21 HID. I'm training for GUE/F this December and have had the light with me for EVERY dive since whether deep wreck, night dive, shallow reef, lobstering, etc. I haven't ONCE second-guessed my decision. The extra boost is obviously better for deep wreck and night dives (but you don't want to point ahead too far) and for shallow reef dives -- you'd be amazed of how much more you see looking into all of the reef crevices, etc. I was basically told by my GUE instructor to get the most you can afford.