hand held torch

[jim oldham]

I knew this would happen. We had a site meeting and I think a project is brewing. We can get the D8 from the States (no batteries) for $70 (40 quid) not incl p&p, and UK say there is no problem in puting Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in them.
Two problems:
1 What size, spec, cost etc, and how do we secure them inside the torch?
2 Where do we get a charger from and roughly how much?

Another fly in the ointment could be import duty.
It could be worth a try.
Jim

[hazey]

Might be worth considering the burn time as well.  I started out with a Kowalski, but found that it would not last two dives.  The recharging takes over 6 hours (unless you buy the speed) so even on a liveaboard there is not much chance of charging it between dives.

Then bought myself a light cannon.  Lasts for 4 or 5 dives between charges and bright enought to make everyone else jealous.  Will have to admit though - it is flakier that the Kowalski and having to take the battery out to charge it does not help.

[Digger]

<font color='#000080'>TO be honest, I've never really been a fan of lantern type torches, but I borrowed Josie's Kowalski this weekend in Skye, and they put out a lot of light for a pretty small torch. Only problem I had was finding a good place to put it when I wasn't using it, but that's life. An umbilical would solve this, but doesn't suit some. Good system for charging, and I think it's 3 hour charge time. The 50/100% light option is very useful, when pootling around lookng in holes give it a bit of light, on night dives or inside things give it 100% and it does the job very nicely.

If I was into lanterns, this would be my choice. Isn't there a place that reconditions them and sells them cheap? I think Jules got one there, Lighthouse Diving maybe?