The size of your dive light beam......?

[ptyx]

Thanks for the replies. Since I don't go inside wrecks and most of my dives are doing the day.

The Intova's narrow beam will be perfect to peek in holes. Wider beams would get washed out in daylight.

I have yet to do a night dive but plan on it

For a night dive, it is a good idea to carry two lights in case one goes out. I suggest something with a slightly wider beam than the Intova there.

Also, I am not willing to spend $100 on a light.

Just forget about HID then

That said, a good dive light can make a huge difference in night or low visibility diving. If you find yourself spending hundreds of dollars on dives, it makes sense to get a light which allows you to make the most out of those dives.

 

[Carlos Danger]

I think I will purchase the NEW Intova Compact torch for only $40.00. They seem to be selling fast.

I had the Intova Compact Torch, but was not very impressed by its' performance. I now use the Tusa TUL-300, which TOTALLY ROCKS!

The power of the beam is simply spectacular for such a small unit, and the construction is exceptionally solid; easily the best recreational light I have ever used. At about $79 bucks they may be a little more expensive, but definately well worth it. For the price, few other units can match this little gem.

Tabata USA, Inc. - NEW : TUL-300 LED DIVE LIGHT [TUL-300]

 

[GoingScuba]

I had the Intova Compact Torch, but was not very impressed by its' performance. I now use the Tusa TUL-300, which TOTALLY ROCKS!

The power of the beam is simply spectacular for such a small unit, and the construction is exceptionally solid; easily the best recreational light I have ever used. At about $79 bucks they may be a little more expensive, but definately well worth it. For the price, few other units can match this little gem.

Tabata USA, Inc. - NEW : TUL-300 LED DIVE LIGHT [TUL-300]

really? that torch looks very similar to Intova and it even has the same amount of lumens

 

[eelnoraa]

Tusa 300 is the same light as Intova Nove 4.7W 130 Lumen Wide Beam. You can get one for $55 shipped. So if you go Tusa, you pay $25 too much.

The issue with this light is it uses optic to archieve the wide beam. The beam is wide but very well defined with sharp cut off (so outside of cut off, you get no light at all). The brightness is very even in within the cut off range, but it isn't that bright. UK SL4 LED has noticeable brighter hot spot. On land, the spill is almost as large as the Intova. I found SL4's beam pattern is more useful for my type of diving.

I had the Intova Compact Torch, but was not very impressed by its' performance. I now use the Tusa TUL-300, which TOTALLY ROCKS!

The power of the beam is simply spectacular for such a small unit, and the construction is exceptionally solid; easily the best recreational light I have ever used. At about $79 bucks they may be a little more expensive, but definately well worth it. For the price, few other units can match this little gem.

Tabata USA, Inc. - NEW : TUL-300 LED DIVE LIGHT [TUL-300]

 

[GoingScuba]

Tusa 300 is the same light as Intova Nove 4.7W 130 Lumen Wide Beam. You can get one for $55 shipped. So if you go Tusa, you pay $25 too much.

The issue with this light is it uses optic to archieve the wide beam. The beam is wide but very well defined with sharp cut off (so outside of cut off, you get no light at all). The brightness is very even in within the cut off range, but it isn't that bright. UK SL4 LED has noticeable brighter hot spot. On land, the spill is almost as large as the Intova. I found SL4's beam pattern is more useful for my type of diving.

Thats what I expect. NOw I came across this:
Penetrater 220
220 Lumens of Light Output! This light is bright!!
Dimensions 6.5" L X 1.5 W
Submersible (IPX-8) to a depth of 100 meters (328 Feet)
Uses Cree Q4 LED
New body with a Hard Anodized Finish
Our 220 model has a new head for easier turning it on / off underwater
Twist On and Off Funtionality (No Push Button Switch)
This light has dual o'rings (2) to prevent flooding
8 Hour Run Time

so im in between this or the Intova Compact Nova

 

[Carlos Danger]

The issue with this light is it uses optic to archieve the wide beam. The beam is wide but very well defined with sharp cut off (so outside of cut off, you get no light at all). The brightness is very even in within the cut off range, but it isn't that bright. UK SL4 LED has noticeable brighter hot spot. On land, the spill is almost as large as the Intova. I found SL4's beam pattern is more useful for my type of diving.

All I know is that there is a big difference between the two that I have. The Intova is dim and more defused, where as the Tusa has this huge output and clarity. Just about every time I've done a night dive someone in the group makes a comment about the amazing volume of light it puts out; it's perfect for the type of diving I do.

As with most equipment choices, my recommendation would be to test it out for yourself to make sure your getting the right product for your intended application. I would agree with your description about the beam having a well defined edge with a sharp cut off. I personally love the Tusa, but admittedly it may not be to everyone's taste.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Thats what I expect. NOw I came across this:
Penetrater 220
220 Lumens of Light Output! This light is bright!!
Dimensions 6.5" L X 1.5 W
Submersible (IPX-8) to a depth of 100 meters (328 Feet)
Uses Cree Q4 LED
New body with a Hard Anodized Finish
Our 220 model has a new head for easier turning it on / off underwater
Twist On and Off Funtionality (No Push Button Switch)
This light has dual o'rings (2) to prevent flooding
8 Hour Run Time

so im in between this or the Intova Compact Nova

Personally, I prefer having a switch rather than a twist on/off configuration. I like having the ability to quickly turn the unit on and off with my thumb throughout the dive, rather than having to perform a rotation manuver that would likely require the use of both hands. I also like the beam size and intensity to be static with no adjustability each time I turn it on; this way I always know exactly what to expect everytime.