Sorry I saw the thread on the main page and never noticed it was a DIR thread. Since it was brought up, I suppose that dir backups must be twist on still? But if the OP is looking for a substitute primary for the meantime thats cheap and is used for light night diving, Intova is a good light. Canister lights have switches, so why can't this?
My only issue is that this forum is where those curious to DIR diving often come to for advice, and there's non-dir answers being given with no disclaimer. While these might make acceptable primary lights, they're a poor choice for backup lights for a variety of reasons.
- 1st and foremost, Intova doesn't test their products, at least not enough for me to trust them. This is simply unacceptable when it comes to backup lights, and isn't even a DIR vs Non DIR issue. Intova actually posted this comment on a public forum- "We had a real problem with switches initially....Our lights are really good except for this issue" Cave Diver's Forum - Cave Diving Resource - View Single Post - Bad experience with Intova
- Second, the bolt snap attachment on their lights that I've seen is screw in, and can come out with 3-4 twists, a poor choice.
- Third, they all have switches, which are in no way DIR.
Now we have the Halcyon Scout style backup lights that are nearly as bright as the older Intovas, but admittedly a poor match for the new ones. These lights meet DIR standards and can make a direct transition to a "tech" backup light. Since the OP is on a budget, I think it's important that we suggest gear that
he will not have to RE-buy later on! I'm a college student, so I appreciate more than anyone people who advised me on gear choices to limit how much I had to rebuy. Sometimes the answer is "$200 isn't enough for a primary, sit out a a dive charger and pay $275 for a 10w HID". It's a struggle enough buying things like doubles, a can light, a scooter, etc without rebuying gear.
I would strongly suggest the OP keep an eye out for a used salvo/halcyon 10w HID on cavediver.net or thedecostop.com. Here's a link to one that recently went for $250
10 watt Sea Elite/Salvo HID - Cave Diver's Forum - Cave Diving Resource. We're talking marginally out of his price range, but a piece of gear that he'd never have to buy again.
Sorry, I didn't mean to pick on you, my biggest issue is with those like DAAquamaster who makes a habit of posting ideas which are not DIR in the DIR forum. My gear setup isn't DIR compliant (I put a light sock on my backup light tucked with my harness when scootering), but I can at least have the courtesy to not recommend those things in this area of the forum.
