Options for backup lights

[Jimmer]

I'm in the middle of my intro to tech course, and I am looking to get some backup lights within the next few months. My LDS can get the Intova 3 watt LED, which I like and the price is very reasonable. But my tech instructor strongly advises against backup lights with switches, and is pushing Scouts, or Dive Rite lights with the twist on/off instead. Any thought on this, has anyone had any real issues with the switch on lights?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Underwater Ogre]

When it comes to lights I have been through a lot of them. I have killed probably $200 worth of back ups...most have been twisties. I prefer switches. Any time you twist the head you increase the chances of failure. I am sure there are some nice twisties out there but there wont be any in my kit.

Good luck

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I am a little old school in terms of back up lights. I have a Pelican Saber light and the other backup is the LED version of the same light.

I agree that there is often a fine line between twisting it off far enough to not activate under pressure and potentially flooding as it is twisted too far out - so care is needed when turning them off. But at least with the LED version and it's 50 hour burn time, if it activates during the dive, it is not really an issue so you can err on the side of caution and still have a light if you need it.

The other good news is that they run $25-$35 respectively so they are not overly expensive. I like the combination of halogen and LED as the former is pretty bullet proof even if flooded and the latter offers great burn time. They, and bulbs for them, are also available almost anywhere at reaonable prices.

In your case, it is probably a case of doing what the tech instructor wants. They may be wrong but individual instructors can be opinionated and get their little feelers hurt if you blow them off. Best approach may be to do it his way during the course, then make your own choices and decisions later. Saber lights might be a way of meeting his "no switch" hang up without investing much money in something you may or may not change later.

 

[sclakediver]

There are alot of good backup lights on the market. I personally have only seen one light failure of a switch. It was on a primary light, and broke because it was dropped on the boat.

I like LED's for backup lights because they are more durable than filiment bulbs. The lights I have are all LED twist to activate. I always check them before I get in the water. If and when you need a backup is not the time to find out it isn't working.

I like the Salvo RAT Jr. It is very compact and takes two CR123 batteries. It is a two watt Led and I think the burn time is over six hours. I like this light because it is very brite and tucks away nicely. Well worth the money.

I also have a Photon Torpedo LED that I bought because of all the great reviews I have read about it. It's a great light, double o-ring and three C cells, but I was a little disappointed in the output. It is a very large light, I sometimes struggle a little to stow it. If you are very tall this might not be a problem, I am 6' and the light is a little too long for me. I think it has the same light head as the UK eLED. This light is fairly expensive.

I also have a OMS vega that I keep in my dive bag incase one of the other lights should fail prior to a dive. This is a brite little 3W LED powered by 2 CR123's. I am not very fond of this cheaply made light.

The new 3 Watt light by OxyCheq looks nice. I've read alot of great reviews on it as well. I think I may purchase one soon. The MSRP is tempting at 70.00

Good luck with your decision, and good luck with your tech course.

 

[crlavoie]

I have the Greenforce Diamond Plus LED. It's a twist head as are all of the GF HID's but not to worry. I think it's around 15-20 turns to get it past the 3rd O-ring, so floooding has never been a concern.

It's very compact and like other GF products, it is virtually indestructible and.... pretty expensive at about $150. My only concern so far has been that the battery died after being left in my shed in freezing temps for a few nights. Stupid I know, but it did give me pause as we regularly dive in the winter months.

 

[RHungENT]

I have also been looking for several months. I try to follow DIR guidelines just to help narrow the search. The scout was pricey for $200. I had my eye on the Photon Torpedo for months $148; but wanted bright with low replacement cost (if lost). I have a SabreLight, but only has 1 O-ring and not bright enough. OMS Vega (bright, but did not like CR123 batteries). Intova 4.8w (was "wide angle" according to the manufacturer and did not like magnetic switch).

Then comes the Oxycheq CREE 3W LED. Check out the video. YouTube - OxyCheq 3W LED Backup Light
Looks and sounds too good to be true. Twist on/off. 2 O-rings. Very bright.
Rear attachment for bolt snap. $65 at scuba toys. Just ordered one...I'll let you know.

 

[skippy31]

I made that video and the light is very nice and bright. I'm sure you'll be very happy with yours. And yes at $70 suggested retail it's a bargain.

Mat.

 

[Tjack]

I just finished diving with my new Intova LED for the first time. It rules! No problem with the magnetic swith and the quality of light is amazing. I prefered it to my old primary which was a Princeton Tech mini wave.

 

[Upstate Scuba OWI]

go with switch light like a pelican recoil steathlite

 

[digital_steve]

Owned both greenforce diamond plus and salvo rats
Can't go wrong with either. If you're using it a lot and want to save on batteries, or if you like something a bit more solid in the hand (plus it seems a bit more focused) then go for the salvo rat (not junior)
If you want something a bit lighter and compact, with an extra o ring to seal and an indestructable head then grab the greenforce diamond plus

Can't go wrong with either really