Upgrades

[Rob Dobson]

Originally Posted by RobbieS

Again, the GF thing is because I thought I'd go for LED and they seemed pretty decent.

Personally I find them highly ineffective but I use my light for tracking and signalling rather than just illuminating holes looking for lobsters.

If you just want to poke about I'd buy a cheap torch, if you want to punch through the water and get attention then from others then I'd get the best torch I could (to my mind a 21W Salvo).

[Muzzer]

If you're looking for a cheap LED torch, I bought myself one of these from Fleabay recently.


(sorry about the pic, tinypic seems to be playing up )
I've only used it once or twice, but it's much better than a similar sized halogen torch (like the SL6s etc.) and cuts through the murk pretty well for it's size and price.
Have a look here:

Aquatec Aqua Star 3 LED Scuba Diving Torch - RRP £49 on eBay, also, Dive Lights Torches, SCUBA Snorkelling, Sporting Goods (end time 18-Feb-08 20:22:38 GMT)


Obviously not a patch on a GF or salvo, but then it's only a tenth of the price

HTH
Steve

[CatB]

A torch is definitely good but I'm not convinced that unless you are doing deep and dark, penetration dives or using it to signal - that it has to be an expensive torch. My primary and backup cost me less than £100 together and the 2nd backup was a freebie! With the diving that I am doing at the moment (sports diver depths and the occasional swim through in a wreck) they do me fine.

A computer on the other hand will usually increase your bottom time over tables and a bottom timer - especially on multi-level dives. I've got one and I'd hate to be without it. Still - I guess if your buddy is diving tables it's of less benefit or if you are planning on going down some route that doesn't recommend a computer or will require a new upgraded computer then there is little point.

Personally I am in the same position as you kit wise but with a Suunto Gekko computer and a couple of budget torches so that was the way I chose to go.

[Silent Diver]

Originally Posted by RobbieS

A computer - I've decided on getting a Quantum at some point

Do yourself a favor forget the Apeks Quantum its too unreliable I have lot of friends who are on 2nd or 3rd warranty replacements.

Stick with a suunto Vyper or similar unless you need gas switching then look at the Vytec.

[sailorbuoy]

I was in your position recently.... heart said wing, head said torch (already have a computer)....

I Bought the wing....

And am just about to become the proud owner of an umbilical light...

Go with your heart because good sense with money never gets you the decent toys

My 2p... or more like 40000p..

[RobbieS]

Originally Posted by sailorbuoy

I was in your position recently.... heart said wing, head said torch (already have a computer)....

I Bought the wing....

And am just about to become the proud owner of an umbilical light...

Go with your heart because good sense with money never gets you the decent toys

My 2p... or more like 40000p..

Ah the non-sensible suggestion! A man after my own heart, but I think the head will win out on this one! Plenty of time in the future to get the shiny stuff!