Looking for an inexpensive light

[Gombessa]

Might do my first OW night dive (30-40fsw) soon, and need to get a primary light and backup. Since the cheaper lights are pretty inexpensive, I'd rather spend just a little bit now; I'll spring for a big HID canister if/when I decide night/wreck dives are for me

Been looking at the PT Miniwave II http://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?id=23&type=0&use=2 and the UK C4 http://www.uwkinetics.com/products/detail.php?ProductID=10&cat=6
for the primary. Anyone have comments about either of these, or recommend something else around the same price range?

Also, any problem with getting a small 2-4 AA 1-2watt LED as a backup (not to continue the dive in the case of a primary failure, just to ascend and to have something to signal with on the surface in case)?

Thanks all

 

[wunat]

Have been happy with the UK C4 before I switched over to a canister light. UK's Mini Q40 (LED or not) makes a good back up light as it is smaller and sits in your BC pocket easily.

 

[Gombessa]

Thanks Wunat. Ever used the PT lights? Or any general advice for picking one out (i.e., "don't worry about it, get one with dual-filaments, focus on burn time/brightness, etc.")?

Cheers,
Gom

 

[crpntr133]

If interested I have a C8 that I am selling. Give me a PM. Good light, just upgraded to a HID.

 

[RJP]

I find anything with a "handle" is cumbersome and uncomfortable to use; tires my wrist and my fingers/hand more than holding a "regular" light does.

While I use a canister light for the most part here in NJ, I do have a Princeton Tec Shockwave as a back-up light, and a Princeton Tec Tech-40 as a backup-back-up light. Both have served me well. When diving in better viz (caribbean, hawaii etc) especially at night I find that these two are great. (Travel with the can where I can.)

The Surge is just about as bright as the Miniwave, and though doesn't have as long a burn time it does weigh about half what the Miniwave does and is far less bulky.

 

[soonerwink]

I have the PT Shockwave LED, and Impact XL LED and both are exceptional lights. You can find the Shockwave LED for 79.00. Princeton Tec also has the best customer service in the business. They replaced my Impact XL free even though it was my fault, I broke the LED bulb. and flooded the light.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

I have two of the Impact XL LED's and I love them. Small but brighter than my bigger lights.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Buoyant1]

The C4 is a good light for the price! I bought one last year as my primary and used it on a dive I knew would end up a night dive..worked really well! Looking forward to using it on some night reef dives this year!

 

[DennisW]

I have a Ikelite Mini-C that I have used for many, many years. It works great and throws all of the light I need for any night dive. Since I don't do deep dark holes, I do not need to have enough light to look like I am a 747 coming in for a landing. Shoot, I leave it off most of the time any way.

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/3mini_c.html

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

I have a Pelican Nemo C8 It had the most light for the buck. And I have a Princeton Tech Impact XL for my back ups. Very Happy with both