| I've tried both, I find the 3 LED model has a very soft, diffuse light. The single LED model has a lens to focus the beam and it appears much brighter. I did a bit of dry caving on Sunday using just one of these on my helmet. They give a very sharp spot, things are either illuminated or not, there is no in between. I'm not sure about the 50yd claim though, I'd take that with a pinch of salt.
Underwater the single LED is great. I think LED really comes into its own in turbid water, I find there is less backscatter with one and they seem to penetrate better. I've seen people use LED primaries and I don't rate them much but for back-up lights they are hard to beat. I've replaced my old Pelican back-ups with Princeton single LED torches. I was a bit worried when I heard they had stopped doing the Impact but it seems they have just redesigned the body. Brilliant torches, buy lots!!! Not even that expensive -- I got mine for £20 in Inglesport in Ingleton.
I've been told the Tektite ones sold by DIR-Direct are quite good too.
__________________ "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me" Hunter S Thompson http://www.snp.org |