Salvo torches

[Sofnolime]

Hi folks,

I am looking at getting a new torch and I am drawn to the Salvo 9Amp 21w HID.

I am looking for some feedback from divers who have been using (and abusing) them. I do a lot of wreck and some cave diving so my gear takes a bit of a hammering both in the water and being transported all over the place.

Are they holding up OK, what's the build quality like, etc. You know the usual questions. From looking around YD the back up service seems to be first class.

Thanks,

John

[wilbo]

John,

just bought one of those myself - having 'upgraded' from the 10W 4.5. I have to say that I am really pleased - as was I with the 10/4.5

Build quality is excellent, burn time at 4 hours is very good, the beam - while not as tight or as focused as the 10w (though rumours are floating around that another manufacturer might be bringing out a new reflector for them), they feel good in the water - ie you can't feel they are there, penetration through water seems to be good - even in the murk..

You will find a lot of people on here who have that particular model of torch. Most of course will praise it, some will talk of some issues - most of which will have been sorted out pretty quickly.

Support in the UK is pretty good - again some have had issues - and again most have been sorted out to their satisfaction.

I would always say try before you buy.. and try to compare it against similar others for yourself if you can.

[Scuttler]

I ordered my 9A 21W Salvo this week from Nik Naks after a nice 20 minute chat with Phill.

He talked me through the whole process and then made his recommendation. It turned out his recommendation was exactly what I was thinking of getting but he gave me all the reasons why that made the most sense to the type of diving I did and was likely to do in the near future.

As for the quality......I spent a lot of time lurking on the boards and I've heard a lot of good things about Salvo. There was also a recent article that was posted on this board which praised both Salvo and Halcyon.

Go on....you know you want to!

[Ferg3333]

Dropped the ballast of mine in Scapa Flow numberous times and its always held up and fired up first time. The only problem I have had is when I've forgotten to charge it. Had mine a year and its a excellent torch.

[Narked@50]

Another thumbs up.

I got mine second hand earlier this year and have only done a few dozen dives with it, but many of those have been deep and far flung. I find it very good in the dark, deep waters, but almost too bright when looking at stuff close up, I'm keeping it thought!

James

[wreckweasel]

Whilst I've heard rumours of problems with them, I've been happy with mine.

I use the old 21w/13.5 Can, mostly for cave diving but with a bit of deep ocean too. Its been pretty damn robust, even after being squished thoroughly into the gravel in the entrance to truffe.

I had an issue with the original connectors (like those from an RC pack), but they now use andaman connectors which are cool. Other than that you hear rumbles about;

1. Charging. Like many NiMh chargers you have to disconnect/reconnect to achieve a full charge.
2. flickery light. Doesnt bother me, as long as I can see, the robustness of the bulb far outweighs this. Might be an issue if you're using for video.


/Zak

[Mark Chase]

I had the 21W9amp and i swaped the bulb unit for the 18W after the bulb went a bit yellow. I have been very very pleased with the torch and the service. The torch and the bulb have survived some rough treatment and deep dives.

ATB

Mark Chase

[divingniknaks]

Just to pick up on Zaks comments.

The charging issue has gone away now (bout 12months back) with a move away from the Patco charger which does / did "spoof".

Also Zaks light is the "old" style bulb which some of them did flicker a little, again a year ago the new design bulb was used. This gives a bluer white light and doesn't have the flicker issues which were seen on a few of the earlier lights.

If anyone wants some advice on what to get, give me a call and I'll do my best to "honestly" help you decide which light suits best for what you're doing now and more importantly where you think you're going. After all it's not an impulse buy

HTH

[daveb0000]

i have had the 9amp 21 watt salvo for about a year or so and it's had a bit of a kicking, but i have never had any trouble with it what so ever. i have bumped it, banged it, knocked it, swung it in to stuff and it has never popped a bulb.

like mark i have changed the bulb to the bluer 18 watt bulb and now have the 21 watt as a spare.

it's not a cheap torch but i will say it has been a good buy giving loads of light when you need it.

[Mike Phillipson]

I've recently bought one (21W 9amp).. tested it at Stoney last weekend, and delighted with it.

Build quality looks excellent, although i have been handling it as if it's made of crystal but that's just me

Using it in anger next Thursday off Brighton on a 30m wreck.. can't wait

Regards,

Mike