HiD Vs LED - Where are we today?

[dave archer]

Barry, Kevin,

Maybe you should appoint an independant scientist (or two?) to do a comparison test of light output, underwater. Whilst this is making for an interesting debate with some valid points, one "side" peforming the test and the other analysing the resulting photos is not making for a believable comparision for us customers and potential customers.

Also I think you're both doing pretty well at keeping it civil considering, please don't let it degrade as that would just lose you both our respect and belief in your arguments.

[Aside: to declare my biased(?) postion - I've owned a Solus SU-1000 for a few months, very happy with it. Recently upgraded it to SU-2500, not been able to get it deeper than 3m yet unfortunately, fingers are crossed for Plymouth weather this weekend so I can correct that sorry situation. I am aware that we all badly want to believe we made the right choice when it comes to such expensive purchases, not to mention the shiny-kit-love we sad fools all feel towards our torches. Readers trying to decide what to buy would be well adivsed to take that into account when reading people's comments on their own gear. A deliberate comparison test like Mark's review is probably as close as there is to an independant comparision so far seems to me...]

Cheers,
Dave.

[Clare Gledhill]

Originally Posted by Mark Chase

Id prefer the Solus for cave diving

I think you need to revisit that quote after you have done some cave diving Mark - a loose beam like that would drive me nuts in a cave.

I require a light to be able to signal position as far forward as possible and, especially when using scooters, this needs a beam which will remain focused over 10 - 20 metres or more.

I've dived with people using video lights - twin 50 watt HIDs kick out more light than the sun - and are utterly useless for signalling position or communicating. For this reason it is quite effective to carry another light for signalling when doing video.

[wilbo]

This is what its about - a robust debate.

I have read this thread with much interest as I use both types of product - one for primary and one for backup.

Keep it up - but keep it civil.

[Martin Owen]

To me it still seems pretty straight forward:

If you want a very bright light, but 'need' to use it for signaling then its HID.

However if signaling is not required and you 'just' want a very bright light that has a wide usable beam and has virtually indestructible bulb(s) then its LED.

[AMW]

nd are utterly useless for signalling position or communicating.

The requirement for a light will vary dependent on the type of dive you do.I like the HID (in my case a Dive rite 10W) this gives a good sharp beam and in low vis punches through it well. I have no requirement for signalling as my training and type of diving is solo. My light is also mounted on a helmet as this frees the hands from clutter. In the large non UK sumps I still stick to the helmet mount,but with some modification (do not look straight at the other diver) to dive in close proximity to another diver.

I dive on projects with a diver who uses a hand mounted LED, he likes this style of light and set up. Every one will select a light that they like (or should do with input based on advise reviews etc) at the end of the day most lights will do the job.

Andrew.

[KevinJ]

In response to Mark Chase. We'd be happy to have you do a review as your other review was fair and impartial. At this point we don't have a spare demo light available for review, but I'll contact you when one becomes available.

In response to Barry Millar.
Why did we chose the 10Watt HID vs SU-1250 image ?
You posted it Barry...
It was selected because it was the ideal image to demonstrate the flaws in your testing. You had stated that the SU-1250 was producing less than a quarter of the light of the 10Watt HID. Our analysis clearly demonstrated that the SU-1250 actually produced at least 3 times the light output of a 10 Watt HID. It was also meant to demonstrate the correct scientific methodology of carrying out a power ditribution test.
Why dont we do the same analysis on the other images ? Because we simply don't have the spare time or inclination to carry out analysis on images that were taken in an "uncontrolled" environment.

Others have already satisfactorily answered your questions about the decrease in light output as the ambient temperature increases. I suggest you read thier posts.

The claims we (SSP) make regarding the light output of our products are correct and based on real data. We publish the beam angles in and out of water, and give an accurate description of the beam profile in the specifications of each product.
The SOLUS SU-1250 has a beam angle of 11 degrees in air, 7.5 degrees in saltwater.

It has already been established (beaten to death) that the Salvo is the better choice for signalling. However where a diver prefers to illuminate a larger area well, the SOLUS is a better choice. I don't understand your concern as your products wouldn't have been suitable for these divers anyway.

I've already spent too much time on this. If anyone has a specific technical question regarding SOLUS products then I am happy to help, otherwise I would prefer to let this go.

Regards,

Kevin

[wilbo]

Kevin, (and Barry)

As Dave says in post 41 - you could either

engage the services of someone who is impartial - someone who has experience in this field to do the comparisons/testing for you..

or..

you could just agree that your products might just fit into slightly different niches of the lighting market?

[KevinJ]

Originally Posted by wilbo

Kevin, (and Barry)

you could just agree that your products might just fit into slightly different niches of the lighting market?

It has already been established (beaten to death) that the Salvo is the better choice for signalling. However where a diver prefers to illuminate a larger area well, the SOLUS is a better choice.

I guess it's up to Barry then ...

[Woz]

There is of course another way to settle this once and for all.

Speedos, swimming goggles, wellies and a wet towel each. Top car park at Stoney Cove and whip each other until one gives in. Digger will referee in his Official Referees Towelling Cape.

[KevinJ]

I'd say Barry would win that one. He's probably had quite a bit more practice at the towel whipping than me