I've just received my Metalsub KL1256 LED, and while I can't comment on its in water ability yet its a damn good piece of engineering.... A couple of reason's I went for the Metalsub and the LED version,
1. The LED head is much more robust and cheaper than the HID's out there, its output is better on the surface anyway than the comparable SSP and the switch of course is on the torch head and very clever, lock position, ready position, Half power and Full power.
2. The battery I purchased has a 2.5 hour burntime on full power and 5h on half power, you can strecth the budget and go for a more powerful battery, but 2.5h is enough for most divers. It has a tank plate with quick relase plate making it very easy to remove for charging.
3. The most practical function is the attachment of the head and umbilical. The umbilical cord is attached to the ahead permanently and connects to the battery when needed etc. This has two advantages, 1, you just disconnect the light head and then the battery via the quick realse and charge the battery no need to lug the whole torch around. 2, you can purchase a second head, in my instance, when the budget allows the HID200. And effectively have two torches with the one battery.
4. You can have the batteries with Dual Connections. Something like the green force torches allow you. You can if the battery has enough juice run two torch heads of one battery.
5. Best of all its cost, mine a KL1256 Configurator, PR1206 Battery and fast charger with Goodman handle cost me 850 euro's. Thats 300 euro cheaper than the equivalent SSP, with better functions IMO, ( sure Kevin at SSP will argue otherwise). And well compared to the Salvo, Halcyon's etc. its a Red Sea Holiday cheaper.....
That was my summary when I decided hich and what torch to go for... But what ever torch you decide on it will be the best for you will be too afraid to spend all that money and admit otherwise....
Jonny