Metalsub any good ?

[Rob Dobson]

Originally Posted by telsa

You cant change the focus on the HID 200 so if that's important then i guess it wont suit everybody.

Personally it would depend on whether or not the fixed focus was any good. I need a tight beam for signalling and never have a need to defocus.

[colinicky]

Originally Posted by telsa

You cant change the focus on the HID 200 so if that's important then i guess it wont suit everybody.
Battery life is good and can be extended by turning down the power.

You cann't change the focus underwater but you can change it above water by changing the reflecter thingy

[telsa]

Originally Posted by colinicky

You cann't change the focus underwater but you can change it above water by changing the reflecter thingy

That sounds like its a bit too technical for me!

[colinicky]

Unsrew the cap to get to the bulb ,remove reflector & change then screw on new cap with diffusing glass in for video work etc gives a wider "flood" of light rather than a tight beam . (apparantely )

[telsa]

Thanks, may come in usefull one day.

[Air Chisel]

I've had a 24w salvo and now have a 200w (50w HID for all those that feel they have to prove their knowledge) metalsub. You spend the same money for about the same output but they do differ in the following. Build quality is far better on the metalsub - they are built like volvo's (or vulva's if you are that way inclined in that everyone wants to touch it) compared to a ferrari for the Salvo - "what?" you all shout.....well, its' like this. The volvo will go down a farmyard and load up with shite year in year out....the ferrari will perform really well....and then .....well, take it down a rough road and.....they just don't have the solid quality. I'm sure you know. If you get chance, have a "feel". I have to say the Metalsub is totally solid and for the money they may not have the total sabre like performance, but in the 50w HID version they are a seriuosly bright, tough and well made piece of kit. AND the switch is on the head, not the battery (bad design). he he he.....I just Luuurrrrvvv it !!!

[trebor]

Originally Posted by Rob Dobson

So this is a HiD which has different power settings? Interesting. I've never seen one but I would like to if anyone wants to meet up and do a comparison with selection of Salvo's....?

Other than the Slavo and Halcyon big guns (18W, 21W, 24W, 35W and now 50W) the light that has really impressed me is the Dive Rite 10W HiD.

I first saw one out in Seattle earlier in the year and the beam was really nice but the battery was knackered and the guy was only getting 20mins out of it which was useless as we were doing 3 dives of an hour+ per day.

Then I jumped in with one a few days ago (thanks to Scribley for the loan) and this time the battery was fine and lasted the whole dive with no problems. It has a razor fine beam on it much, much thinner than the Salvo / Halcyon 'light-sabre' beams. Because the beam is so thin it can throw it a good distance despite being only 10W. A great little light for signalling when it is focused and of course you can defocus the reflector if you want to. I'd still rather have a 21W Salvo but it is a bloody good light all the same.

Yes that Dive Rite torch was really impressive and for around 300 quid well worth the money. As it was the only HID light Ive ever used it wouldnt be hard to beat my UK-D4r.

[Silent Diver]

Originally Posted by Air Chisel

Build quality is far better on the metalsub

Well lets face it they are built to a US Military Spec which means they really are idiot proof.

[the_negligent_snail]

Originally Posted by Silent Diver

Well lets face it they are built to a US Military Spec which means they really are idiot proof.

Yes, and also why I have one!

I started my relationship wiht Metalsub with the XL7.2 Handheld and a wonderful robust piece of kit it is. however, the urge for bigger and brighter led me to the HID126 (24W HID - 100W halogen) with the "Travel Battery" (4ampH).

Again, the build quality is faultless and it ooozes quality. It was suggested to me that the HID200 would be a little "Too bright" a create backscatter. I cant comment as I have not tried it but I find it hard to beleive the HID126 can be bettered.

However.....

Along comes this urge to do a Fundies course and all that goes with it, and there is the rub - mounting the metalsub on the waistbelt is, shall we say, a tad difficult. (Not impossible, but awkward). Wanting longer burn times I got a deal on a new 9amp battery with the quick release mount and have now rigged this with some webbing and two jubilee clips to hang on my belt. It works but it does detract from the excellent engineering that is Metalsub.

I am tempted to sell the Metalsub and end our wonderful reltationship on no more than a wish to hang the cannister from my belt. Sad I know, but then relationships have ended on far less serious matters before!

So - Offers invited for........

Or Exchange for Halcyon Explorer......

[gerry brain]

pm sent