Looking for a Night Light

[DSJ]

I'm headed to Bonaire on the 22nd, and am looking into buying a night dive light instead of trying to rent. I'm told the resort is full and I don't want to risk not being able to get one, and if I use it several times I've gone halfway to paying for one.

I did some reading, and while the HID torches look nice, I fear for the bulb on the trip. My LDS sells the Ikelite RD8 and it looks like a solid unit that won't break the bank, however one of the reviews I read reports it has as small and splotchy hot spot.

Does anyone have experience with this light? Is it a problem?
What other recommendations might you have, keeping in mind I don't have alot of time to wait for mail order.

David

 

[JamieZ]

You should have 2 lights on a night dive. 1 for backup. Ikelite makes a PC Lite which is a very nice bright light and inexspensive. Leisurepro.com has them for a good price. Have fun on your trip!!

 

[scuubaadoo]

I have had a UK 800R and it has been a wondeful light. 2 bulbs so if one blows you just switch to the other ( yes you should still have a back up in case of a total failure ) but the nice thing is you can get a low watt and high watt combination. low watt is nice on a genaral night dive, it is supposed to be dark and some of these super retina burning lights take all the fun out of a "NIGHT" dive. enjoy your trip:bonk:

 

[scuba-punk]

I had a Super RCD8 and really liked it; that is, until I made my 50 watt halogen canister light!

 

[DSJ]

I have the day/backup light already: A ten year old UK Super Q4 Lite, for which I just bought two bulbs.

And I have a tank light as well, a "DiveResQ(tm) C-Light(tm) PN3353"

What I'm looking for is a main night light. I'm doing my AOW which will include a night dive, but I'm also thinking I might want to dive several nights. At Bonaire, it's just a walk to the dock.

I could try to rent, but I've been told the resort is full and rental equipment might be tight. I've got everything else, so I figured it would be prudent to have my own main light.

I won't be using it so frequently that rechargables make sense. From what I've read standard batteries are best for occasional use.

One of those HID torches look like the cat's meow, but I don't want to have to baby it so much and spend all day recharging it for the next night. I looked at the FAQ and it appears if you drop the battery pack on the deck it should be replaced, and any fall will cost you a bulb. I don't think it would be idea for my trip.

I'm thinking something like the 8-Cell Ikelite would do the trick. One set of alkalines should last for the whole trip. I like the way it seals, but I want to know what people think of the beam pattern.

David

 

[scuubaadoo]

That UK light I mentioned comes with a removable plate on the bottom so that you can use either alkaline or rechargeables. I'm brutal on my light dropped it a few times getting back on board and no problems (yet)

 

[thethumper]

I have one of the UK1200's. It's an 8 D cell light. You want to stay away from the pistol grip lights if you decide to to wreck or cavern/cave diving due to having to hold reel & light in same hand. I like my 1200. It's about 10 years old & I have beat the crap out of this light & it's still kickin'.

 

[nickjb]

I've used my Q4 as a primary on a few night dives (good viz, undemanding dives). It has a very focussed beam so you can clearly see what you are looking at without ruining the night ambiance. Its really relaxing.

For more light I have a UK SL6. PLenty of light in a robust package. I've heard the SL4 gives a similar light but fits in the pocket a bit better

The cannister light is on the way but I see this more as a genaeral purpose light in murkier conditions

 

[DSJ]

Based on my limited timeframe I bought the Super8 without doing as much comparing as I normally would. One thing I noticed when performing a leak check is that it is both fairly negative and very tail heavy which might make it less than ideal to use.

Has anyone dealt with such a lack of balance on a light?