First Torch

[peter k]

I've been diving with a D8R for 3 years now and really can't fault it. When you see the difference in light between a D4 and D8 you notice where that exrta couple of quid went. Like String said, it's a bit heavy on land but that's it. I know folk rave about the cannon but can't really comment as I've never been the pair of eyes right behind one. Seen a few U/W though and they look OK if a little narrow on the beam!

Peter

[Digger]

<font color='#000080'>If you've got that sort of money to spend, why not an aqua-vision torch? They seem ok, and I've seena &nbsp;couple in action, halogen umbilicals. I think it's www.aqua-vision.co.uk but I'm not sure.

Have you thought about Mark Chase's 2nd hand CD umbilical? Send him a PM, see if he's selling it. I think he said he was on the DIR forum.

Hope this helps.

Digs.

[daz]

I used to have a Fa-Mi 20w halogen umbilical that I was very pleased with. &nbsp;The wife has nicked that one now.

I replaced it with a 35w HID Fa-mi, which again has performed flawlessly.

They are very good torches but have a look at the Sartek range - do a search or shout if you can't find a source for them. &nbsp;I seem to remember they were very reasonably priced.

Daz

[Garf]

I had a DR4 and was quite happy with it until I used a light cannon. Compared to the DR4 it's like a bloody light sabre. Got to get meeself one when I get round to it.

Garf

[Woz]

<font color='#000080'>Homebuild one. Grrrrrr. Bright as you like then....

[beanie]

<font color='#8D38C9'>the uk d4r / d8r is a good choice
I like mine - I like my CD HID better but not a fiar comparison

don't spend 200 just cause you can save the money and buy another toy with it

[Ian B]

<font color='#0000FF'>I like the D4R. Its been fine for all diving I've done in the UK. Must admit I haven't tried a more powerful torch, but I haven't felt the need to..........yet..........

[StephM]

Lite Canon anytime. &nbsp;They come in rechargeable or non recharable models. &nbsp;Get the non rechargable (which is about 60 quid cheaper) then buy yourself a set of Nickel Hydride batteries and a fast battery charger. &nbsp;Two plus points, you save youself some money and you don't get lumbered with the crap NiCad battery that comes with the rechargeable model. &nbsp;If your looking for something a bit cheaper why not try a good British made Birchley &nbsp;(my mate had a YL years ago and it blew my old UK600 out the water)
http://www.birchleyproducts.co.uk/products/index.html

[Snash]

James

Not sure what level of experience you are or what type of diving you do or how much other kit you have.

However, if it is your first torch I would seriously look at the DR4 before investing quite a bit more in others. It is very robust and can manage a few knocks and is generally a good all rounder for UK diving.

I have both the DR4 and the DR8 and whilst the 8 is brighter it is heavier and more cumbersome.

I would concentrate my dosh on other bits of kit (eg twins, wings etc etc) before getting a F.O. Mega torch. However if you have all the other kit, then I would go down the umbilical light sabre route &nbsp;

Simon

[dave archer]

Own a D8R, as others have said not heavy in the water, and is bright as you like - love it.

Tried a Light Cannon a few weeks ago. Found the D8 brighter to be honest. That was in clear Red Sea water mind, dunno about in murky UK  

D8R £129 from Kent Diving or Go Dive.

BTW a word of advice - if your new torch should fail and you have to post it back to the shop for replacement, when the geezer at the post office asks if you'd like to send it recorded delivery DO NOT have a complete f*ckwit moment and say na mate it'll be right.
Because it may well not be.
And you'll find yourself having to fork out all over again.
And, according to my, er friend (ahem!) who did this, it is a highly effing self kicking regretfull and sorely annoyed  position to be in!!!  

I'm off to breathe deeply for a moment.
And probably cry  

Dave