Ready to plunge but how much is enough?

[randytay]

I have asked my friend and sort of mentor about this question: I am ready to get a can light but the specs out there are confusing the bejeezus out of me!

I know there is no one size fits all and I am looking to get something in the 600-1000 range (less is best); so what wattage would be recommended as a good beginners can light? Ok ok, it depends on my dive etc; how about a good GENERAL USE can light?

What make and model would you recommend and why? Thank you!

 

[ajduplessis]

Any 12w plus LED would do fine. Light Monkey, Green Force, Halcyon, DiveRite or Hollis will do fine. I would not bother getting more than a 4.5 amp hour batt, they generally give around 5 hours burn time for a LED.

 

[Ben_ca]

Where do you dive? Around Monterey 10W is ok to start with but if you can swing it an 18/21W would be ideal.

 

[LiteHedded]

you can easily score a used 21watt in that price range

 

[randytay]

So 12W is a good start but I should look for a used 21W.... LiteHedded, please point me in the right direction

 

[TSandM]

HIDs are still more like light sabres than LED lights are . . . but HID bulbs are more finicky (don't like being turned on and off) and more delicate, and don't last as long as LEDs do. They also take more power, and can't be modulated in intensity like LEDs can (a lot of LED lights have a certain burn time on full power, but then will power down rather than fail; HIDs just go out).

I have five HID lights, ranging from 10W to 21W, and differing in focus. They all work well in our low light/low viz conditions in Puget Sound. If I were buying a light de novo, I think I'd probably go with LED, and lose a little focus and a little intensity in return for longer burn times and a more durable light. Does that help? (If budget is a real issue, go for used HID. You can pick up a 21W HID with the 4.5 ah battery for around $400, if you haunt the boards. At least, that's what I paid for the last one ).

 

[eelnoraa]

I am struggling with the same decision. I like LED for the toughness and maintanance (lack of). But most if not all of my local divers suggest HID instead for superior penatration power, which my local water calls for. I hope to get more comments about it too.

 

[boulderjohn]

When a friend of mine had all 3 HID lights out of action, I decided I would stay with LED. The technology on these is improving rapidly, and the costs are dropping. If you think you will need a really powerful light some day but not now, you might consider getting just what you need now and waiting to get the big gun when it is really needed. You will probably get a much better light for much less when you are ready for it. Anyway, that's my plan.

 

[randytay]

Anyone has any comments on the Big Blue TL6?

 

[Freezerbrn]

FWIW, I bought a 12w LED Salvo here for a lil over $400. It was in great condition no marks scuffs or anything. I've only used it once so far. I dove at dusk and night on a 70min shore dive in So Cal. My buddy dove a 10w HID and compared to my 12w LED, I could see that my 12w LED penetrated further, and was a lot brighter. I have no regrets on the 12w LED (so far). I would like 16wLED better but for the $$ 12w LED will do for general dives and signaling your teammates IMHO YMMV.