Back Up Torch

Tim Franks

Not a very sexy subject, but I was seeking advice about back up lights.

I have been using pellilite sabre-lites. They have a rather flimsy rubber non return valve in the case which I didn't like the look of so I pulled it out and filled the hole with epoxy resin. The problem being that despite the torch supposedly being rated to 150mtrs I've now had two flood - the last a couple of weeks ago at just 50mtrs. Pelli Products have been great and replaced them but I now have no confidence.

What should I choose as a replacement?

I can't see the point in paying for a very expensive LED as it is used just as a back up and I'll replace the batteries regularly - no need to have them last for hours on end. I've looked at the Halcyon Scout but it only has one 'o' ring - like the pelli-lites & they leaked!

Anyone have any experience?

lizardland

I used to use Pelican lights and only ever had one problem, that was from the bezel being unscrewed too far to turn it off. I've had mine up to 100m, never had any bother. I switched to Princeton LED's for caving but I still like the Pelicans -- if you look at old pics of Sheck Exley he's wearing them so they obviously have pedigree at depth.

I use a Dive Rite 10W HID as my main back up for caving now with a couple of small twist-on Princeton LED's as well.

Cheers,

Stuart

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cameron

I use 2 scout lights with the QC4 LED bulb replacment. Very strong and focused signaling light.

Cam

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zmcave

Hi,
I use both old style dive rite backups (I believe they were made by pelican) and TEKTITE Trek 300.

I would recommend Tektite torches, very well built and good for 150 metres. they are made of ABS and Lexan. The Trek 200 is slightly shorter (2C cells rather than 3). The question is, can you find them in the UK? You can order them online at tek-tite.com

best,
Zé.

plazma

I use modified Aquatec Aquastar 3W. I replaced the original 80lm led with a 240lm Seoul led.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Image/Prod...rge/AQTST3.jpg
http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/lamppu_testi.jpg

You can buy the Aquastar 3W for about 50-60€ from ebay. The 240lm Seoul led cost about 5€. The new model got 180lm led so no need to modify the new one.

-Pasi

CharlieT

I have an expensive Halycon attached to my shoulder webbing wich is made from ali but not sure I'm too keen on its on/off switch being a turn the bezel thing.

I also have the new Frogman torch that now has a proper on/off switch and a 2nd O ring.

Officially rated to 60m, I believe, but mine worked just fine at 120m on the RMS Egypt dives last October.

At £35 reduced from £45, on sale at the mo, it is a very good value LED which is well made.

The Mike's chain of dive shops stock the Frogman torches.

db8us

That is not the right attitude i think. Especially for Backup you want THE BEST.
If you switch that Thingy on it HAS TO PERFORM.

Just a general remark

Regards from India

Michael

Tim Franks

Thanks everyone. Michael, either I wasn't clear or you misunderstood. I do appreciate the importance of a quality back up - hence this post. What I was trying to say about the expensive LED versions is that the main advantage appears to be a long battery life. I just feel that this would lead users into not changing batteries as frequently as they perhaps ought. My back ups are tested pre dive, turned off and left off. I then replace batteries frequently. What I'm after is something which I know has been tested and works. I thought the salvo RAT looked good, with two 'o' rings but now I can only get the LED version - it looks extra expensive especially compaired with the Scout which I can still buy with a normal halogen bulb.

RAL

While the extra burn time of LEDs is great the most important advantage IMO is they are almost bullet proof. Turn on your halogen light & bump it, there is a good chance you will break the bulb, on a hid just look at it crossly. With a LED light you could turn it on & beat the housing to death, those little LEDs will still work as long as they have juice. There is a reason everyone is going to them. Get a LED light you will be pleased. The main problem is deciding which one, there are more good ones coming out regularly, with falling prices on the high end stuff.

RAL

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Rob Dobson

I currently have 4 good backups and a "cupboard of shame" where a bunch of others are collecting dust.

The most expensive backup I have is a Hesser LED (3C). It is very well made and performs brilliantly but at £110 + p&p I couldn't bring myself to buy another one. It is one of the two back/ups I always have with me.

The other backup I don't jump in without is the Salvo 3C Rat. It has slightly different beam characteristics to the Hesser. It has a distinct focused spot (much like the Hesser) but in addition is has a separate cone spilling out from the central spot. I like using the Rat for things like wreck exit drills where you need to maintain light contact with the diver in front whilst still reading your wrist instruments.

The Hesser goes marginally further than the Rat but I find you have to divert the the whole beam to read your gauges etc.

I also have a Salvo Rat Jnr. which is a brilliant little light and fits easily in my drysuit pocket. It lacks the punch of the other two but puts out a lot of light over a broad area. It's great for reading instruments but not so good for telling the diver in front that you've a problem.

The other backup torch I have but never use these days is the Photon Torpedo LED (1st gen). It's OK but behind the other 3 in terms of performance. It was cheaper than the Hesser and 3C Salvo Rat but more than the Rat Jnr. The newer 2nd Gen LED heads focus better but I have never bothered replacing mine.

The new Frogman lights are supposed to be better but the one I had was pants and fell apart. I think they have fixed the main issues on the new version.