So just how good is a 10W HID anyway? seriously?

[applepie]

OK, I thought I would get a proper torch at some point and thought hmm those 10W Hid look sexy and sound good.

but are they really worth it?

I use a tektite LS4 at the moment which is good enough I reckon, ok not so brilliant sometimes for signalling but still good.

I wonder if it is actually a) worth the price and b) will it be too bright

I've been on dives with people with umbilicals and flippin heck, their torches were just too bright it was rather annoying for me. I forgot to ask them what power rating it was but they were at least 10W Hids, some halcyon ones.

since I think the LS4 is 5W? (I think its LED though) 10W Hid = 50W halogen? that seems like a big step to me assuming linear increase in intensity.

hands free appeals but i usually just bungee/snoopy loopy-ish torch to top of my hand/forearm.

or I just like the dark or something more atmospheric except when it gets a bit silty then the torch is a bit useless due to backscatter.

[colinicky]

A lot would depend on the focus angle ,the Salvo's use 6 degrees which gives a light sabre effect with a real hot spot .I have a custom divers CDH20 which is 18watt HID but with a 20 degree focus therefore the light spreads out more & you see more area but dont get the distance so it would be a balance depending on the diving you do & what you want from the torch

[Hickdive]

Here's some youtubes taken in the Clyde. I'm the cameraman's buddy and I'm using a diverite 10w HID.





HTH

[pauldiving]

i use a salvo 10w hid, easy to move focus and very bright.

im very happy with it...

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by pauldiving

i use a salvo 10w hid, easy to move focus and very bright.

im very happy with it...

Ditto. Very chuffed with mine.

[pauldiving]

hi hows the new seaskin going? is it good? im curious about them...

[warmwaterdiver]

might have to do a test on Sunday

10w CD umbilical
10w CD handheld
10w Salvo umbilical
10w Salvo handheld

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by pauldiving

hi hows the new seaskin going? is it good? im curious about them...

Have only sone one dive so far but very pleased with it

[japandiver]

Highly recommend at 10W or an 18W HID - best piece of dive gear you will ever buy. You spend all that time and money to go underwater so you might as well see something!

I have both 10 & 18W Halcyon heads and unless I'm diving in the tropics the 18W will be with me. Even in the tropics a 10W will improve your dive - you'll see a lot more details and colours.

Only trick is not to blind your buddy (or self)

Hugh

[weazelz]

I have a salvo 10w umbilical & am delighted with it. I went for the fixed-focus because I think it's a bit more rugged & compact - I can be a clumsy bugger at times. I lent it to someone at the weekend who'd had their 18w salvo die, & they were impressed with it too