Is it worth buying to use only once?

[freewillie]

I bought a small lite once which was a waste of money. Next I bought one with a 4" lense that holds 8 rechargeable D batteries. That one works pretty decently. I've only done a half dozen nite dives in five years but I keep the lantern in my pickup and charged up at all times in case I need one on the road at night. You see, they'll work in or out of water.

Actually, only the LED lights work out of water. The xexon/halogen bulbs are for use only in water as they heat up and will damage the light if used topside.

I had actually thought of getting the LED package thinking I might be able to use them anywhere, not just for diving. I called Princeton and asked them if they could be used out of the water and was told unequivocably they are fine for any use above or below water.

The more I think about it the more I think I'm talking myself into buying the lights!

 

[vapourinthesea]

I just bought my first light, the Princeton Tec shockwave LED and love it, perfect size, power output is good, and all princeton tec items have a lifetime warrenty in case something ever happens.!!!

 

[GramsciBeat]

Gotta agree with those comments that it is generally better to borrow or rent before buying. If you have an idea of the type of equipment you want try out different models then make a call. Once in a position to make an informed decision, based on personal experience, if you can afford it, buy it.

 

[txapacheguy]

I borrowed a light from a DM when I was doing the AOW class. The result was that I was hooked on night diving, and went to the LDS the next day and bought the same light, a pistol grip C4. In hindsight, it was a waste, but I have used the light a few times since because I really dislike pistol grip lights now for the reasons already sited by others in this thread.

I would like to suggest that if you decide to buy a light right now, that you consider picking up a Halcyon Scout, or other high quality LED backup light. An LED 3C Scout will run for hours, and puts out an intense amount of light compared to my first few "recreational" lights. It can be secured to your kit with a bolt snap and some bungees or innertube for your daytime dives. You will forget its there until needed. I bought mine for 20 or 30 bucks used, put a few parts on it to get it up to speed, and absolutely love it.

There are many other high quality backup lights out there that would do the trick for you, save you a reasonable amount of $$$, and you will have a great backup light later on.

Safe Diving!!!