For years, I've carried Ikelite PCLites, the 4 C cell model. Used to be, I carried one in hand as a primary, the other in my BC pocket as a backup. In recent years, I've carried 2 clipped to D rings on my BC and bungeed against my chest (Cavern/cave diver style) as backups, and carried a Light Cannon as a primary.
As much as I love my Light Cannon, it has several drawbacks, most of which have been re-rehashed on this forum. The biggest drawback for me is: it's just too much light for a night reef dive in clear water.
On my recent trip to Utila, I took my new Shockwave LED light. Its "high" setting is about a third the output of the Light Cannon, and is more than adequate for night reef dives. I dove it on its "low" setting most of the time. Did not have to take spare batteries or a charger, because it gets MUCH more burn time than my Light Cannon.
For future reef-diving trips, the Shockwave LED will be my travel primary light. And I'll still take 2 small backups.
