Wrist compass--Goodman handle light conflict

[Hatul]

I use the SK7 compass on my left wrist as well as a dive light on an Oxycheq light sock on the left hand, and have noticed a serious problem navigating at night. The light requires the hand to be directed forward while the compass needs the wrist-hand at right angle to direction of motion. Wondering how people solve this conflict.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Not using a scooter? Easy, Compass on left wrist or back of left hand and light handle on the right.

 

[Ben_ca]

Temp hold light in right hand... recharge the phosphorescent element... replace light. take bearing and go.

 

[Hatul]

Temp hold light in right hand... recharge the phosphorescent element... replace light. take bearing and go.

I've been recharging the phosphorescent face with a backup light clipped to a D ring, but the issue is not this but orientation conflict of the compass vs the Goodman light. I may take Jim's advice and get a second light sock light on the right wrist, so when I want to navigate I switch off the left light on turn on the right light. When I want to take photos with the camera in the right hand I revert to the left light. I find when swimming back to shore I need the compass active all the time or I drift off.

 

[Gombessa]

I used to orient my compass so that I would put my forearm across my chest (like reading a wristwatch) in order to read the compass; this makes the light point directly to the right instead of in front of you. Is that what you're talking about?

The key is to orient the SK-7 window so that you can read it from behind or above while your light is pointing forward. It's not as easy, but it's possible. If you have a large lighthead, I rotate the compass a bit clockwise on my wrist (so it's positioned about 1-2 o'clock) - when I'm diving normally, the lighthead is at 12 o'clock. When I need to navigate, I twist my wrist counterclockwise so the light is at 10-11 o'clock (but still pointing forward) and the compass is at 12 o'clock.

 

[Hatul]

I used to orient my compass so that I would put my forearm across my chest (like reading a wristwatch) in order to read the compass; this makes the light point directly to the right instead of in front of you. Is that what you're talking about?
.

Exactly. That's the issue.

 

[Peter_C]

Using a goodman handle when I do what Gombessa is talking about I rotate my wrist and my light points down. Never found it to be a problem. As Ben suggests a quick switch to the left hand allows the compass to be "recharged".

 

[divad]

I may get a second light sock light on the right wrist, so when I want to navigate I switch off the left light on turn on the right light. When I want to take photos with the camera in the right hand I revert to the left light.

Wouldn't it be easier to just ditch the light sock(s) and get a "goodman" handle?

 

[lonebrave]

Wouldn't it be easier to just ditch the light sock(s) and get a "goodman" handle?

How would that solve the problem at hand? My understanding is that the compass requires the left hand to be pointed to the right (90* from direction diver is facing), which causes the light to be pointed the same direction whether it is in a hard goodman handle or light sock.

I have both a light sock and hard goodman handle. The only benefit I see of the goodman handle over the light sock in this scenario is that the goodman handle would be easier to switch the light to the right hand during the dive.

 

[divad]

I have both a light sock and hard goodman handle. The only benefit I see of the goodman handle over the light sock in this scenario is that the goodman handle would be easier to switch the light to the right hand during the dive.

That "solve the problem at hand."