Kowalski vs Handheld Salvo

[Gram43]

I've had a 620 speed for years now and have always been happy with it in dark water or anywhere else for that matter. I can get 2 good dives switching between 50% and 100% brightness (obviously it depends on which you use for the conditions). They are slightly bulky, but I fitted 2 x straps to mine so I could "side sling" it out of the way if necessary, one strap having a heavy duty coil attached so I don't lose it.

If you could try them out first it would be a real bonus, but I'd go for the 620 because of my own personal experience.

Good luck anyway.

[Druid]

I have a Kowalski 620, now about 7 years old.

It's a well engineered piece of kit that puts out a decent beam, but newer torches are much better. It's quite big and heavy but not too negatively buoyant as long as you use the neoprene sleeve.

As others have said the burn time is a problem, but you don't have to have it on 100% all the time. Mine has a 50% setting, I believe the newer ones have a variable setting. No need to undo the torch to recharge, which reduces the risk of flooding it. It can take 4-5 hours to fully recharge though, which might mean that you don't have time to recharge it between dives.

The 620 Speed is similar, except that recharging only takes 1 1/2 hours. And it's more expensive.

[Stoneysteve]

Mrs Mac is there no escape

After speaking to the nice man at niknaks I have gone for the Salvo for the following reasons.

smaller
lighter
brighter
longer burn time

downside is it is more expensive ( don't you dare tell, Susan )
and cannot be charged through the housing.

It should be winging it's way so will post a review once I have blinded all the fish east of Boddam....

[Buoyant Babe]

I have the Salvo 10w unmblical and the light more than meets my current diving needs. It was particularly useful in February and March at The Farnes when our 30m dives might as well have been night dives. The only problem was it is so bright couldn't read my gagues!

Previously I had a FaMi 50, and whilst a good torch, my Salvo is the mutts. The burn time on it means that having to pop the canister to charge it is not an issue as I can get more than a day's diving out of one charge.

[susanmac]

Originally Posted by Stoneysteve

downside is it is more expensive ( don't you dare tell, Susan )

My lips are sealed

Meet you on the Kronprinz for a torch off

[David D]

Originally Posted by susanmac

I know what folk are saying about burn time but Ian has plenty of sockets so you could always charge up between dives.

Regarding Kowalski, the OP didn't specify which type of 620, but if you're planning to recharge between dives you definitely need the Speed version. However, if you're reasonably careful with burn (select 100% only when needed), then for Scapa a full charge will last two reasonable length dives.

Have to say Jack at Lighthouse Diving has lost the plot recently, and as far as I know he's the main point of contact for servicing in the UK, so bear that in mind.

[Alan Partridge]

I purchased a Kowalski 620 speed 4 years ago and its an excellent torch with plenty of light. Service from Lighthouse Diving is superb and very friendly.
I also use a small frogman led torch as a backup.
Burn time of 40-45 minutes on full is okay as it is rare that my dives exceed that. Anyway it is never on full beam for the whole of the dive even when night diving as half power is quite satisfactory with 90 minutes burn time.
A very reliable torch. The handle allows you to tuck it in your waist band to stop it dangling.

Alan

[dorset_diver]

If you've got a FaMi and are happy with it, why not get a bigger model!! went up to scapa last year in naff all vis with my power 90 and mate had an uber greenfore hid of some sorts, obvioulsy not as bright as his, but i never felt in the dark with mine, and its also robust enough to use as a hammer!! great torch! would reccomend DIVETORCH UK for good service and very cheap FaMi stuff and greenforce stuff too!

HTH

Chris Middleton

[Stoneysteve]

Well, the Salvo has arrived.Nice looking piece of kit.

Unfortunately I won't be able to get it wet until Sunday and my first (ever) dive at Scapa. Since their hasn't much been said about these new handhelds , I will post a report on my return.

Steve

[Stoneysteve]

A bit late I know but finally can give an opinion on this torch.
First impressions are wow.. it's small and it's light.
As said before, my first dive with this was my first Scapa dive so I was a bit nervous for a number of reasons.
I needn't have worried . I switched the torch on as I decended the Shot Line to the Brummer and was very pleased witht the resultant beam. A very white light with great penetration.
Over the week I had a number of comments from my buddies on how impressed they were. It compared very favourably to the Halcyon Umbilical HID and in my humble opinion produced a much better light than the Kowalski carried by others on the boat. The burn time meant I could turn it on at the bottom of the shot and keep it on for the full dive ( unlike the Kowalski users.....)

It may be fairly expensive for a handheld torch but so far I am very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone.


Cheers

Steve