Best value torch for <£200

[SJT]

I know there have been a number of threads on this before, but as HID technology becomes more common and the prices fall, I wanted to ask the question again.

For a budget of up to £200, which torch do people think offers the best performance and best value for money?

I am looking for my first torch and plan to use it for the full range of club diving in the UK. I would like it to be as bright as possible (bearing in mind the budget of £200) and would like it to be rechargeable. However, I don't want to spend all of my budget for the brightest light, if I could spend considerably less money and get a torch which is almost as good.

I do not want a torch with a very short burn-time, but the length of the burn turn is not the most critical factor for me.

I am currently considering:

1. UK Light Cannon Rechargeable;

2. UK D4 / C8 Rechargeable;

3. The Darkbuster 21W HID;

I would be grateful if people could let me know what they think.

Thanks

[Tamer]

Add to that the new C8 eled plus which has two high power eleds, and will last forever on a normal set of batteries!!! I'm considering this one, as well as the three you mentioned. I also dived with guys last nigth who where using the tristar green force LED which was very nice indeed. Considering that the HID bulb is around £80 and if you drop it that is it for the bulb, as well as the energy effeciency and the high output of the LED tech bulbs, I'm more inclined to go for that, and for £100 you can get the C8 ELED plus and spend the other £100 on

[Janos]

Originally Posted by SJT

I know there have been a number of threads on this before, but as HID technology becomes more common and the prices fall, I wanted to ask the question again.

For a budget of up to £200, which torch do people think offers the best performance and best value for money?

I am looking for my first torch and plan to use it for the full range of club diving in the UK. I would like it to be as bright as possible (bearing in mind the budget of £200) and would like it to be rechargeable. However, I don't want to spend all of my budget for the brightest light, if I could spend considerably less money and get a torch which is almost as good.

I do not want a torch with a very short burn-time, but the length of the burn turn is not the most critical factor for me.

I am currently considering:

1. UK Light Cannon Rechargeable;

2. UK D4 / C8 Rechargeable;

3. The Darkbuster 21W HID;

I would be grateful if people could let me know what they think.

Thanks

Option (3). Definitely. Missus Janos has one and it is the same bulb and sized battery as my Shiney 21W 4Ah Salvo. They're slightly more than £200, but have a word with Woz and he'll sort you out right.

And they use the Brightstar HID bulbs which are very robust.

Janos

[TheSwede]

To build a own one can both be fun and cheap. There are several sites on the internet that give tips about the project!

If you don´t want HID, you can take a Philips BrightLine or Xenospot or similar that gives the same colour temperature and is much much cheaper.

// Jocke

[Keiron]

What about the range of LED torches, such as the FA-Mi's? Long burn time, great light, compact etc etc

[TheSwede]

Originally Posted by Keiron

What about the range of LED torches, such as the FA-Mi's? Long burn time, great light, compact etc etc

But they are much more expensive than £200..

// Jocke

[Tamer]

Originally Posted by TheSwede

To build a own one can both be fun and cheap. There are several sites on the internet that give tips about the project!

If you don´t want HID, you can take a Philips BrightLine or Xenospot or similar that gives the same colour temperature and is much much cheaper.

// Jocke

Do you have some examples of such sites? I agree that could be fun, yet I doubt if I for one have the tools or the knowledge.... but I'm always up for a challenge

[Keiron]

Originally Posted by TheSwede

But they are much more expensive than £200..

// Jocke

Diving Direct

Pocket 40 = < £200
Power 40 = < £200

I have a Power 40 knocking around that I don't use anymore and I have to say it's an absolute gem of a torch.

[stevechesh]

Originally Posted by Tamer

Do you have some examples of such sites? I agree that could be fun, yet I doubt if I for one have the tools or the knowledge.... but I'm always up for a challenge

Here is just one of the many sites.....

http://www.bnsengineering.com/articl...ive_Lights.pdf

Steve

[ding]

I have a light cannon and its the dogs b_____ks, had it for years now and its the best torch I have had or seen. The burn time is 3.5 hours and recharges over night. Connected a piston clip to the handle with a cable tie and hang it on my stabi.