poll: HID lights

[Les]

how are everyones HID lights? Do you like yours and for what reasons?
I'll start.
I am on my first HID. Bought it used. It is a DiveRite 10 watt lead/acid battery.
big battery & cannister = heavy.
I like the beam and color(non focusable and kind of blue in color) but the lighthead is very delicate.
I have had to spend almost as much on repairs as I paid for the light... insurance, shipping and handling to Florida, cross border and UPS fees. Worth it?? not sure. Was just a combination of problems (not related to the previous owner.) I could have bought a new light with warranty. oh well live and learn.
I have seen and heard the Halcyon/Salvo issues. I kind of lean towards the GreenForce. Very small battery pack and small light head. I have not heard of any issues with that light.

next.....

 

[RS]

I have 2 DR's, which are fine with very "light" use, but I've read Salvo and GF are bullet proof. Same for Sartek.

What issues have you heard about Salvo?

 

[Les]

What issues have you heard about Salvo?[/QUOTE]

apoligies...no issues with the light itself but the politics behind the companies involved.

 

[RS]

Oh, that's what I thought after I made my post.

As I said before, I have two DR's; the new MR 11 and the MR21 updated to the 24W. The MR11 is a great light. Very small and w/ the 4.5 ah canister, it's a neat package. The 24W light beam is very much brighter than the 10W and is like a big baseball bat. It feels like your wellding a weapon almost. It's a very bright light, but I feel like I need to be very careful w/ the light beam, which I do.

 

[robertarak]

I have the Sea Elite (re-labled Salvo) and I love it! I have beat it up more then I should have for the short time I have owned it and it takes it all in stride. Great little light!

 

[TSandM]

Hands down, my absolute favorite piece of gear is my Salvo 21W HID light. It goes with me everywhere; I do not dive without it. It is not fragile (thank goodness, because I have dropped the light head on the concrete before) and it is bright and focused enough to cut through Puget Sound murk. A great piece of equipment, and I think it's a safety thing, too.

 

[Les]

yah mine is the MR11 wreck but a lead acid battery. A burn time of 240 min and overnight to charge. I usually do 2-3 dives and then recharge. Apparently no "memory" for not fully draining the battery down like my old bicycle lead acid batteries. The guy I bought my light from had bought the DR 21 with the 24w upgrade. The beams sie by side are quite different in color and beam. I believe his was focusable tho.

 

[Hyper-limits]

I have the Green-Force flex II HID 50 and never had a problem with the light. It about the same size as a DR slim canister just build better and stronger. If you want to upgrade all you need to do is buy a new head for it.

I have over 100 dives with the light with no issues.

Cheers

Al

 

[GDI]

I have had DR and they have worked suitable for me I now use them as a student light or buddy light when a buddy doesn't have one but I rely on my Salvos for all my diving. I have two 21 w and they have proven themselves over and over again doing some very demanding dives.

 

[Scared Silly]

It is a DiveRite 10 watt lead/acid battery.
big battery & cannister = heavy.
I like the beam and color(non focusable and kind of blue in color) but the lighthead is very delicate.
I have had to spend almost as much on repairs as I paid for the light...

Seems I saw that DR has an upgrade program. Might be worht looking for.

As for us we have two Salvo 10w HIDs. Only got a few hours on them.