Assistance with Torch Purchase Please

[Garf]

I have £500 to spend a new torch.

I'm open to any type, just wondering what is considered the best for this kind of price.

I've looked at metalsub and greenforce umbilicals and been impressed by both, both am willing to look at anything else if people think there are better out there. I'm also interested in people's opinions on the best type ie HId/ Xenon etc again for this price.

Cheers

Gareth

[Garf]

Should add that this torch will be used entirely for UK diving in 20-40 metre range

[Darren27]

Never had that much to spend on a torch!

I got a Suunto navy 208. NiHd battery, 2 - 3 hrs to charge, 65 min burn on full power. Brighter than I've ever needed in this country and too bright for a night dive in the Red Sea.

Mind you if I had that amount of money to blow, I'd look at the OMS HID umbillical lantern, bright and very nice......


Darren

[DIVE BUDDHA]

anything made by greenforce !! and with 500 quid to spend thats pretty much most of their torches bar 1 or 2

[Andy Phillips]

Any of the Halcyon range of HiD torches, start at £340.00 (which is the one I have). Bright, reliable, well made. Rated to a depth deeper than I have thought of going.

Just do what they say the will do.

Andrew

[Mark Chase]

Got to say I ma over the moon with the Halcyon Protious HID torch. Paid £300 at the show (each for two) and they normally retail at £340.00, cheaper bulbs (£65.00 others more like £90) and you can get replacement lead acid batteries for £28.00. If you want to spend £500 you can get the NMIH version with 6 hour burn time and focusable head. Personally I find the fixed beam is more than adequate for wreck diving and so is the 2-hour burn time. The head is so small and lite its great and it comes with a mounting loop as well.

ATB

Mark CHase

[TX101]

I bought a Diverite 10w HID with a 6 degree beam and 4 hour burntime. Everyone I've shown it to has been impressed, both with the size of the battery canister (small) and the light head (*really* small).

My opinion on greenforce is that their light heads are far too large (ie, you can't loop them around your hand). Their batteries are *really* big, so you have to bungee them to your cylinder(s) and can't put them on your belt.

I've heard the holy-con lights are very prone to flooding. Don't know how true this is, but do a search on any big american board and you will probably find pages of hits.

I was told (but haven't confirmed) that most of the HID parts are interchangable between manufacturers and that I can buy the bulbs for £65 too from somewhere (rather than £100).

[Garf]

My eyes keep going back to this month's BSAC dive magazine, and the Metalsub Kallelamp in there that gets a great review

hmm..

[Ian Murray]

Just get this one

CBPS4.5H10MRFS

Details here: http://www.sarind.com/acatalog/compl...g_systems.html

They're available from a fellow YD'er for under £400. With the remaining £100 you can buy yourself a good Peli case to keep it in. Or get one with 'wet mates' so the head and cord are removable.

Focusable head, 4hr burn time (enough for a weekends diving?) , 10watt hid, belt or backplate mount.

I couldn't recommend this torch enough.

PM me if you want further details.

[Garf]

Went for the Halcyon Proteus 3 focusable. Should arrive tomorrow

Hurrah!

thanks for advice everyone