Questions about buying a primary light

[kathydee]

Hijack ... I'm interested in this one ..

[SIZE=+1]CBPS10H2113DS (U.S. Pat.# 6,679,619)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]21/13 Watt Focusable HID System with on/off/21/13 watt switch on the head, 8.8AH Lithium Ion Battery Pack in Screw Cap PVC Canister with the new rotary switch (Belt or Backplate Mount), HID-GSHR Adjustable Rigid Goodman Handle, and Universal Fast Charger (100-240 VAC) . Burn Time about 4 hours U.S. Pat.# 6,679,619[/SIZE]


[SIZE=-1]MSRP $1,200.00 [/SIZE]


...Any thoughts on the switchable aspects or burn time (it's about $150 more than the straight 21w one)

I actually have that light and I love it. It is definitely nice to have a switch on the light head to be able to turn it of/on and be able to control the intensity (although most of the time I am running at 21W). I can turn the canister on while I am getting suited up and slide it back out of the way and never thing about it again. The remainder of hte dive, I use the switch on the light head. I typically get 4+ hours burn on 21W and 7-8 hours on 13W. The only downside is the balast. Definitely not as long as the H, but it is larger in diameter. Since i use si-tech dry gloves, there is a little competition for space there... But I love it

Diving with MasterofO this weekend so get to check the Sartek light out! Thanks Chris!

I wish I could find it used for around $600.

Here is a fantastic price on a new Dive Rite H24 HID but think this is just a bit too much light for me. Any thoughts?
Dive Rite H24 HID Wreck Light - at Cave Adventurers only! [h24] - $799.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

 

[Rainer]

Just my opinion, but I'd avoid DR products like the plague. Have had my own issues, and so have most of my friends. SURE, plenty of people have no issues, but just way, way too many do. Search is your friend on this issue. I'd stick with H, Sartek, Salvo, etc.

 

[kathydee]

As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, the DiveRite 15w HID is a nice light at a nice price, with a very compact canister and light head:

DiveRite HID 1000 Slimline Light at www.DiveSeekers.com

With a list price almost $500 less than most 21w lights it's a great option. Give Wayne or Jason at DiveSeekers a call on the phone to see if maybe they have a "special" price available on this light.

Tell them I sent you and they'll treat you right.

I had a fantastic experience with customer service at dive seekers when they 2 day "overnighted" a replacemet back up bulb to me in the Philippines the day after I emailed. I actually found the 15W dive rite light new for $649 on another site. http://www.scubadiscounters.com/Div...men_Slimline_HID_Ligh_p/li_lt6250-hid1000.htm

AntiHero, a local diver recommended the 15W before - the light head is small. But there was not much discussion here about the 15w lights in relationship to our local dive environment or potential future dive plans. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Gombessa]

Thanks, but I think the H light heads are just too big for my little frame anyway.

If you haven't seen one yet, the 18w Halcyon light head is significantly smaller than the 21w. It's not half the size, but it makes a difference. Of course, if size is a critical factor for you, going with something like a Salvo or Sartek is probably the best course of action.

Also, this is getting a bit off topic, but the 10w HID Halcyon lightheads are smaller than any 21w out there, and apparently they can be retrofitted with 15w ballasts for double the lumen output of a 10w HID. With current used prices, you could, if mechanically and electrically inclined, get a used light and all the parts required for less than $500. Probably more of a DIYer project than a useful alternative, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

 

[RJP]

I had a fantastic experience with customer service at dive seekers when they overnighted a bulb to me in the Philippines the day after I emailed. I actually found this light new for $649 on another site.

AntiHero, a local diver recommended the 15W before - the light head is small. But there was not much discussion here about the 15w lights in relationship to our local dive environment or potential future dive plans. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I work on a dive boat here in NJ and see lots of people with this light. Folks seem to love them.

Our viz here can make your's there look like the Caribbean..hell, you guys actually HAVE viz out there!

I upgraded from a 10w DiveRite to a 21w Salvo a while back. If DiveRite had the 15w model at that time I would have bought that light for sure.

I'm quite certain Wayne or Jason at DiveSeekers.com will match any price you've seen at an authorized dealer - plus you've already experienced their great service first hand for yourself.

 

[Anti-Hero]

I had a fantastic experience with customer service at dive seekers when they overnighted a bulb to me in the Philippines the day after I emailed. I actually found this light new for $649 on another site.

AntiHero, a local diver recommended the 15W before - the light head is small. But there was not much discussion here about the 15w lights in relationship to our local dive environment or potential future dive plans. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Kathy - I haven't been able to get down to the bay lately due to work/life commitments but you are welcome to borrow my 15W Dive Rite light to test out if you want.

only catch is, you have to come get it in Sacramento.

 

[kathydee]

If you haven't seen one yet, the 18w Halcyon light head is significantly smaller than the 21w. It's not half the size, but it makes a difference. Of course, if size is a critical factor for you, going with something like a Salvo or Sartek is probably the best course of action.

Also, this is getting a bit off topic, but the 10w HID Halcyon lightheads are smaller than any 21w out there, and apparently they can be retrofitted with 15w ballasts for double the lumen output of a 10w HID. With current used prices, you could, if mechanically and electrically inclined, get a used light and all the parts required for less than $500. Probably more of a DIYer project than a useful alternative, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Gombessa,

Can you share your thought about 15W vs 21W in our local water? Sorry I don't really know enough to compare. Thanks.

Kathy - I haven't been able to get down to the bay lately due to work/life commitments but you are welcome to borrow my 15W Dive Rite light to test out if you want. Only catch is, you have to come get it in Sacramento.

Thanks Cassey,

Thats a sweet offer. But a 4hr drive RT east (away from the ocean) is hard to justify . But if you head this way I'd love to take a look.

 

[masterof0]

Diving with MasterofO this weekend so get to check the Sartek light out! Thanks Chris!

I wish I could find it used for around $600.

The light that you are referencing is the exact light we will be diving, so you will get to see size, brightness, etc. The rating (burn time) that you are getting on this light is based on 21W burn. If you cut it back to the 13W setting when you do not need the brightness of the 21W, you will increase your burn time. If you run it at 13W the whole time, you will get 4 hours burn time, so that may make a difference to you...or not. But I did want to put that out there.

 

[kathydee]

If you haven't seen one yet, the 18w Halcyon light head is significantly smaller than the 21w. ..

seems that I get to dive the 18w in a few weeks to check it out.

The light that you are referencing is the exact light we will be diving, so you will get to see size, brightness, etc. The rating (burn time) that you are getting on this light is based on 21W burn. If you cut it back to the 13W setting when you do not need the brightness of the 21W, you will increase your burn time. If you run it at 13W the whole time, you will get 4 hours burn time, so that may make a difference to you...or not. But I did want to put that out there.

Then this is a great deal. Excited to check yours out on Sunday. It says 2+ hours on 21W. Have you timed it?

 

[masterof0]

Then this is a great deal. Excited to check yours out on Sunday. It says 2+ hours on 21W. Have you timed it?

Sure have. Get 2+ at 21 and 4+ at 13.