Tried and true CREE dive lights?

[MrSam]

Despite their "Made in China" reputation, I have always been a fan of these lights. Quality construction, super bright, etc. especially when compared to other budget lights.

I know the Trustfire J1 was reviewed here and the member who reviewed it said that he liked it, but are there any other budget CREE lights that have been tested under decent depths (20+ meters) and have survived?

By budget I mean in the sub $40 range. I don't find myself reaching for my light often, so I can't justify spending $50+ on one. I purchased a cheap-o dive light for $8 on eBay, took it down to 40 feet and it worked perfectly. I got back up and took a look at the light...it was perfect. Unfortunately on the way back to my car, it fell off my BC and the plastic housing shattered. I may purchased another one just because I liked it so much, but I'd prefer something a tad more...heavy duty.

 

[chrpai]

FWIW, after diving it for a year, I'm on the fence with the TrustFire TR-J1. It's served me well but my buddy and I have both had a problem with a retaining ring working itself free and the light flickering. If you can get that tightened down for good, it's probably fine. Doesn't give me comfort knowing that my backup light might flicker.

That said, I'm not 100% on my DRIS 1000 either. It's a rock solid light using alkaline batteries and if it was my backup light that's exactly what I'd do. But as my primary light I want to use rechargeables. Sounds simple. But my basic charger and batteries ( Energizer ) has proven to be less then reliable. It seems I need better quality batteries with a larger capacity and a better smart charger that can individually test and recharge batteries. Sounds simple but by the time I spend $100 on the light and $150 on a top knotch charger and batteries... I'm approaching the price range of a budget can light.

I know that doesn't really directly answer your question. Hopefully it helps a little though.

Maybe just have 2 TrustFires and take your chances that one of them will be fine.

 

[dfx]

I got a pair of these: Ebest - 1200 Lumen CREE XML XM-L T6 Diving Dive LED Flashlight Torch: Amazon.ca: Electronics

Used on 11 dives last week, max depth about 50 feet or so. Comes with adapters for either one 18650 or 3 AAAs. Very bright and focused.

 

[MrSam]

I got a pair of these: Ebest - 1200 Lumen CREE XML XM-L T6 Diving Dive LED Flashlight Torch: Amazon.ca: Electronics

Used on 11 dives last week, max depth about 50 feet or so. Comes with adapters for either one 18650 or 3 AAAs. Very bright and focused.

Thanks dfx, I saw that light on eBay and considered buying it. I'll take another look. I believe they go for $18 shipped from China.

FWIW, after diving it for a year, I'm on the fence with the TrustFire TR-J1. It's served me well but my buddy and I have both had a problem with a retaining ring working itself free and the light flickering. If you can get that tightened down for good, it's probably fine. Doesn't give me comfort knowing that my backup light might flicker.

That said, I'm not 100% on my DRIS 1000 either. It's a rock solid light using alkaline batteries and if it was my backup light that's exactly what I'd do. But as my primary light I want to use rechargeables. Sounds simple. But my basic charger and batteries ( Energizer ) has proven to be less then reliable. It seems I need better quality batteries with a larger capacity and a better smart charger that can individually test and recharge batteries. Sounds simple but by the time I spend $100 on the light and $150 on a top knotch charger and batteries... I'm approaching the price range of a budget can light.

I know that doesn't really directly answer your question. Hopefully it helps a little though.

Maybe just have 2 TrustFires and take your chances that one of them will be fine.

chrpai, that actually helps a lot, thank you. In all honesty I only plan on diving around 30-40 times a year, so if it will last me 1-2 years I'll be happy. In any case I can always pick up a cheap $8 dive light...I just need to make sure not to drop it next time.