torch, I almost know what I want...

[jar_uk1]

OK Here goes, I know a lot of questions are asked about what torch to buy, but I hope the collective wisdom will help me out.

I want a handheld torch, I dont think a canister would be right for me. I want a reasonable burn time, (hence my initial reluctance to get a kowalski) and I would prefer an LED (not a dealbreaker though). Oh yes and rechargable, preferably without removing batteries

I dive no deeper than 40ish metres, generally in the UK, and normal configuration is a Drager dolphin/sidemount 7L. Hardboat diving is usual. Price range is 0-400ukp.

Any ideas?

As an aside, does anyone know if kowalski plan an LED torch at any stage?

John R

[Noel Johnson]

Princeton Tec | Technical Sport Lighting | Shockwave LED

If its anything like the halogen bulb one it'll be great. I have the shockwave rechargable as a spare torch and for travelling - it's great. Not used the LED one though, but I have a few other princeton toys and they're very good at what they do.

I now have a Greenforce FII Pro as my main but the shockwave still goes with me if I'm not buggering around with the twins and stage, It's a wonderful piece of kit, and they're very reasonable too, I think I bought the rechargable for 120 squids a few years back from a certain Derby based dive emporium.

HTH

Noel

[Gizmo]

Not used them but saw them at the dive show last year and they looked very nice as an alternative to the Kowalski.

Treble Light | Diving Lamps

I think their range includes HID and LED, perhaps somebody on here has used them and can comment accordingly

Mark

[Steve S]

Originally Posted by Noel Johnson

Princeton Tec | Technical Sport Lighting | Shockwave LED

If its anything like the halogen bulb one it'll be great. I have the shockwave rechargable as a spare torch and for travelling - it's great. Not used the LED one though, but I have a few other princeton toys and they're very good at what they do.

I now have a Greenforce FII Pro as my main but the shockwave still goes with me if I'm not buggering around with the twins and stage, It's a wonderful piece of kit, and they're very reasonable too, I think I bought the rechargable for 120 squids a few years back from a certain Derby based dive emporium.

HTH

Noel

I'm scared, did your Dad visit Derbyshire in 1962 up until last week my main was the shockwave rechargeable, I got it from Go-Dive and I'm very impressed with the lifetime warranty [I'm on my 3rd ] as a main now I have an F2 with tristar head, kin bright and can be used as an umbilical or lantern.

Safe diving,
Steve

[Ian@1904]

As per Steve S, save up and buy a Greenforce F2 battery and new Tristar head. Sell a kidney and go for the HID.
Mssrs Lumb are your friends
This is a modular system so you add bits to suit your needs.

[jar_uk1]

Originally Posted by Ian@1904

As per Steve S, save up and buy a Greenforce F2 battery and new Tristar head. Sell a kidney and go for the HID.
Mssrs Lumb are your friends
This is a modular system so you add bits to suit your needs.

Thanks for the help.

I understand that HID's can be a bit fragile, (hence why i thought an LED might be a good idea). While I dont intend to throw the torch around, if I went for a hid is their fragility a real problem?

John R

[bang-on]

Hi John,

Due to the large range of options I would suggest the following, as this is what I would do:

Attend the Birmingham Dive Show next month and check out all the Torches available, any new products will also launch at the Birmingham Show.

Find out who is offering "Dive Show" deals, compare prices, then pick the best Torch to suit your needs and budget.

Use the few weeks between now and the Dive Show to do research in detail as the more information you have the better equipped you will be to buy at the show.

Regards

Barrie

[colinicky]

Originally Posted by jar_uk1

Thanks for the help.

I understand that HID's can be a bit fragile, (hence why i thought an LED might be a good idea). While I dont intend to throw the torch around, if I went for a hid is their fragility a real problem?

John R

I use a custom divers umbilical with a 18w HID (100w equivalent) & I was worried about the bulbs as well ,but 2 years on it is still good & I am not the most carefull of people ! Dived from ribs mainly so you can imagine the abuse when the crew haul the kit over the side & bounce it on the floor

[DIVE BUDDHA]

how good are the dive show prices guys ?do you realy get good bargains on

stuff or is it a myth ???? and which day is better to pick up bargains ??? ps what are jmd umbilicals like anyone had any dealings with em ?

best wishes leigh p

[bang-on]

Originally Posted by yipeediver

how good are the dive show prices guys ?do you realy get good bargains on

stuff or is it a myth ???? and which day is better to pick up bargains ??? ps what are jmd umbilicals like anyone had any dealings with em ?

best wishes leigh p

Hi Leigh,

The Diveshow at Birmingham is a good place to get a deal simply because everyone is face to face and they all have stock to sell.

People who do not have stands at the show will of course disagree but my experience is the dive show is hard to beat on price.

The JMD Umbilical you mention is a good solid piece of kit and the service from JMD is good, I have a JMD Umbilical that has just had a new battery fitted and it is surplus to my requirements due to having 6,000 lumens (1200w equivalent) output from my Solus set-up.

Regards
Barrie