Salvo 12 Watt LED Umbilical Review: Part 2

[drunkdiver]

Finally got my Salvo back from repair today and took it down the NDAC for a test. Did two dives to 50m. The torch performed flawlesly. It was very bright, with a nice focused hot spot. The viz was very good so it didnt get a really good test but from what I saw it was brilliant. My buddy had a greenforce 10watt HID and I reckon my torch out performed it easily, although he will argue differently. It certainly had a brighter hot spot. The light was a bit warmer than the HID. I attached the battery to my backplate which kept it nicely tucked out the way. The battery is so small anyway you dont even notice it is there.

The only thing I dont like about the torch is the goodman handle. It is a soft goodman, which is ok but not as good as a ridgid one. But the main problem is the clip which attaches the torch to the handle is crap. On several occasions I pulled the torch head out of the handle clip. The way it clips on is just not secure enough by a long way. Any slight tug on the umbilical an the torch pops out. This issue definately needs resolving. It would be much better to have a connector that completely surrounds the head and screw down so it cannot come off.

If anyone know of a decent goodman that will fit this then please let me know. Failing that I will have to speak to Kent Tooling and see if they can knock me something decent up.

All in all a fantastic torch, probably the best in its price range, however you will need to buy a decent goodman. In my opinion 10Watt HIDs are now obsolete. My LEDs simply will not break like a HID bulb (as one guys greenforce did today and hes now gonna be £100 poorer).

Lets just hope it remains reliable.

[divingniknaks]

Nice to see you're happy with it (eventually), I will pass the comments on about the Goodman.

I am positive that the issue with these is now well and truly over, all the lights from that batch have been identified and dealt with.

I think you're right in terms of 10W HID, why would you now that these are here.

Thank you for your patience and taking the time to write it up.

.

[Robin Jones]

Used mine a few times now and on the Glanmire today. Very pleased with it, well it's a step up from my C4!!.

Not used a "hard" handle, but I do like the soft one. I have drilled a hole throught the plastic bit of the handle, tied off the head to a bolt snap but extended a little cord through the handle. That way if the head and handle come astray they are still joined.

Robin

[drunkdiver]

Ive cable tied a bolt snap to the recessed circular bit near the umbilical attachment which works fine for clipping off. I might be able to find a way of attaching the clip more securely for the goodman with a drill and some cable ties.

I still think a ridgid handle would be better though. The 21watt LED head / handle looks well good.

Maybe if salvo come up with a soution they could give one to me for my troubles

Im looking forward to getting it in the sea now. Roll on next weekend.

[weazelz]

Originally Posted by divingniknaks

I think you're right in terms of 10W HID, why would you now that these are here

because they're 50% more than the 10w hid perhaps? do you still do the 10w & NiMH 21w hid's Phill?

[weazelz]

Originally Posted by drunkdiver

Ive cable tied a bolt snap to the recessed circular bit near the umbilical attachment which works fine for clipping off. I might be able to find a way of attaching the clip more securely for the goodman with a drill and some cable ties.

I still think a ridgid handle would be better though. The 21watt LED head / handle looks well good.

my 10w fixed-focus HID came with the soft handle, which is a bit rubbish, as you say. Phill got me a proper hard goodman's handle, which is the handle off the other torches plus the C-shaped holder thing. I just put a cable tie round the holder to keep the light-head in it, worked a treat

[drunkdiver]

Yeh, but you will never need to buy a new bulb.

I agree they are a little pricey considering the LED used cost about £20-£30. The batteries about £40 max. So the rest is in the electronics (£5 ?) and the mechanics.

The thing you have to remember is that it costs a fortune to design and prototype kit like this. I should know, as the product im currently developing has for my company has cost £1M to develop and its not that complex really.

[drunkdiver]

Yeh its the C shaped holder thing thats a bit rubbish. not secure enough

[wreckweasel]

Not sure of dimensions, but some people used to use the rigid tank valve holders to do the job.

[drunkdiver]

I think the heads a bit too fat for a tank handle (a bit like some of the divers I saw today )