Uk Sl4

[greyface]

I just picked one of these lights up @ Ginnie, for peeking into the caverns. (Still freediving, start OW Friday-yehaw) I am amazed with this light's output. I know it's just a backup, what do you cavers think of this light, from a reliability standpoint? Any replies greatly appreciated!

 

[GP]

Well I'm not a caver but I have an SL4 and it does just fine for me. It seems pretty durable, I haven't whipped it down on concrete or anything but it's been banged around a little I guess and I haven't had any problems with it yet. I'm guessing most cavers would opt for a Halcyon Scout or it's knock-off though and I don't doubt that they are better lights than the SL4 but they cost over twice as much too.

 

[JamesK]

It is not the light itself that makes the Scout a btter light for caving, but the construction of the body. The Delrin body is indestructable. I am going to be purchasing mine very soon. The SL4 is a great light though. As a matter of fact, the Scout uses the SL4 bulb and bezel assembly in the Scout.

 

[TexasMike]

for a daylight recreational dive profile and as a backup during night dives. I've had mine for about 1 year and have bounced it off of concrete a few times, and it rides with me on most of my dives. So far, no complaints.

 

[tholt576]

I've used one several times as well as it's slightly larger brother the SL6. I love these lights. Great back up and I've used it as a primary in a pinch.

 

[SubMariner]

We each have an SL4 that we keep in a BC pocket as a backup for night dives as well as looking under nooks/crannies, etc. They are probably about 6 years old. Nice package. Easy to turn on/off. Good bright lights.

Meanwhile, the UK1200 and a UK600 (or is an 800?) we have are at the very least 8 years old. These seem to put out at least enough wattage to fry a fish at 300 metres. In fact, we used the 1200 to light navigational day markers at 4am one moonless night on our way from FL to the Bahamas.

Nary a problem with any of them {touching wood}.

Oh, BTW, while we were in Bonaire last month I found an SL4 sitting at about 30'. I would estimate it had been down there less than a week. Flicked the switch... lit up just fine.

Aye matey! Davey Jones gave it to me! Arrrr!!! :arrrgh:

~SubMariner~

 

[greyface]

Originally posted by SubMariner
We each have an SL4 that we keep in a BC pocket as a backup for night dives as well as looking under nooks/crannies, etc. They are probably about 6 years old. Nice package. Easy to turn on/off. Good bright lights.

Meanwhile, the UK1200 and a UK600 (or is an 800?) we have are at the very least 8 years old. These seem to put out at least enough wattage to fry a fish at 300 metres. In fact, we used the 1200 to light navigational day markers at 4am one moonless night on our way from FL to the Bahamas.

Nary a problem with any of them {touching wood}.

Oh, BTW, while we were in Bonaire last month I found an SL4 sitting at about 30'. I would estimate it had been down there less than a week. Flicked the switch... lit up just fine.

Aye matey! Davey Jones gave it to me! Arrrr!!! :arrrgh:
Arrrr!!! LOL!
~SubMariner~

 

[O-ring]

Works fine...mostly stays on my harness just in case I ever need it, but I have used it for peeking and it has always worked for me. It isn't a Scout, but it was only $25 or so...

 

[Stone]

I'm not a caver, but I use the SL4 as my primary when spearfishing and my backup when night diving.

A couple of weeks ago (while cleaning gear after a dive), I noticed the lense was fogged. When I unscrewed the top, the light basically exploded in my hands from internal pressure. Little bits of battery acid went flying. There was no liquid water in the case, so I assume that just enough water got in to short out the batteries (fog on lense), or I had a bad battery and the fog on the lense was a chemical film.

Regardless, I learned two things: 1) Be careful opening an UW flashlight if there is a fog on the lense, and 2) UK has a flood warranty that allowed my LDS to hand me a new replacement light (batteries included) with no questions asked.

 

[anni]

I got my SL4 back in February; it worked fine for a while but now it just doesn't work anymore. It's fine above water and when I submerge it at home it's fine but when I go diving with it, it gets weaker and weaker as I go down until it just fades altogether. Must be something to do with pressure? It's not leaking; dry as a bone and working fine again afterwards.