First Torch

[J.D.]

Hi All,

I'm looking into buying my first torch. Id like something mainly for looking in holes etc, but thats also bright enough to light up an area in low vis, as i sometimes dive in quarries at winter and do the occasional night dive.  I have up to about £200 to spend.

With this in mind i rang my LDS, who quoted me £90 for a UK D4R or £130 for a D8R.  Im quite attracted to the D8R, especially as the switchable bulbs will let me use it at low power most of the time then up the wattage when i need it!

But.....Today i popped into Bristol Channel Diving in Cardiff, who were really helpful. When i asked about something approaching the £200 mark they showed me a Fa & Mi torch (was either the Ray or Spitlight) which really caught my eye (mmmmm aluminium!! )! What i liked about this one was that it seems small enough to be used as a backup, when in a few years i (hopefully!) get an umbilical! Reading up on this torch ive found that it uses a 20W Xenon bulb, how would this compare with the 35W D8R (i think it uses a halogen bulb, or is that the same thing as a xenon?)

Anyway, does anyone have some experience of these torches or some advice on which to chose?

Phew, think thats all!
Cheers,
James

(Edit: Title should say "Advice Needed", not "adive". Oops!)

[Martyn Ward]

James.

Me and liz have both been using a D4R for the past 4 years and can't fault them.

No problems at all, plenty of light, lasts plenty long enough for two dives, and I like the two bulb set-up as well.

I always flatten the battery completely in a bucket of water after diving so there's no memory problem.

Very satisfied.  

[daveking]

<font color='#0000FF'>200 quid
GET A LIGHT CANNON

[daveking]

<font color='#0000FF'>try
roho.co.uk

[J.D.]

Cheers guys.

Dave....Did ask about the light cannon, but was steered more towards the Fa &amp; Mi, mainly because the Light Cannon isnt rechargeable. Is this true? Think id like the convenience of a rechargeable unit (even though i could really buy rechargeable cells and a recharger). But for the extra hassle of doing this i think the Light Cannon would have to have considerable advantages. What are youre thoughts on this?

Also, i like the idea of the torch being compact enough so that it could be used as a backup as i upgrade without being so big it would be in the way.

James

[daveking]

<font color='#0000FF'>no &nbsp;mate you can get &nbsp;a rechargeable light cannon for around 200 quid
non rechargeable about 150

[Dave Crampton]

<font color='#000080'>James,

Have you thought about a second hand torch. Josie (partner) has just got a Kowalski 1250 Speed for 150 from a bloke in London. We spotted it on ukdiving.co.uk. Try searching the selling forums/websites to see if you can get a bargin first.

Dave C

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (dcrampt @ April 02 2004,00:06)]Have you thought about a second hand torch

I have been thinking about this. &nbsp;Saw a custom divers HID (not umbilical) on ebay a few weeks ago. &nbsp;Just searched for it....it went for £200. &nbsp;Will be keeping a close eye on ebay i think incase another comes up.

James

[String]

I used a little pocket SL6 last year before buying a &quot;proper&quot; torch. &nbsp; I bought a UK D8R a few months ago and finally got to use it on Sunday - im happy with the 30/15w bulbs and although heavy on land, isnt in the water. &nbsp;Think it cost around £120.

[Mary]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (jamesdavies83 @ April 02 2004,00:20)]Will be keeping a close eye on ebay i think incase another comes up.

<font color='#F52887'>Beware Ebay things frequently go secondhand for more than new if you shop around, and by the by I have a DR4 I'm very happy with but roll on the day I can afford to buy a Fa Mi umbilical &nbsp;