Review: DGX 600 vs Xtar D26 vs $22 eBay light

[stevetto]

I have two Xtar D26.
I used one of them as a primary light. Now I use them as backup lights.
Basically I'm satisfied with them, good value for this amount of money.
But the anodizing seem to be a little bit weak, I do not think that they are really hard anodized.
When I used them first time as backups, after the dive I noticed significant wear on the light's head.
Most probably it was caused by the friction between the light and the dry suit or the backplate's strap.

 

[Boaty McBoatface]

It took a while but my D26 just arrived. Thanks for the lead.

Is silicone lube the best choice for the gaskets on this light? (For that matter, what about the DGX-600?) How often do the seals need lubrication?

Thx

 

[stuartv]

I haven't lubed any of mine yet. But, at least once a year seems like a good idea.

I have a couple of small tubs of some kind of silicone grease that came with a couple of my lights that I would use.

 

[Doby45]

I also have not lubed mine as of yet, but they mainly experience fresh water. As long as the lube does not break down the o-ring you can use whatever you like. Lights don't require O2 sensitive lube..

 

[RayfromTX]

Don't twist them closed fast. Friction equals heat.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

@stuartv, sorry if I missed this along the way but what is the beam angle on the D26? New England waters are thick, so need a tight angle.
Thanks, Erik

 

[stuartv]

Specs claim a 5 degree spot.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

Specs claim a 5 degree spot.

Thanks, that would work wonderfully.

 

[wKkaY]

Welp, my D26 is on its last legs. The switch has been deteriorating ever since I bought it 6 months ago, and it now takes a minute to try to switch it on.

Maybe it has sand inside. Does anyone know what tool I need to remove the switch?

 

[1000RR]

@stuartv - I had seen your review before and ended up buying one of the D26's and have really liked it. Used it a few times so far. I wanted a handle on mine, so I purchased a BigBlue light handle and modified it (little drilling). The handle's end has a hole that attaches to a retractable cable that attaches to one of my D-rings on my BC. So far so good. I used some red threadlock for the bolt and also put some epoxy where the handle sits flush against the light to try and ensure the handle doesn't twist from the light.