Hey all,
I've lurked here back and forth for a year or so, and never posted. I'm a bit afraid of going too deep into buying lights if I get started. I like 'em and I like gear. For better or worse, I don't really need another expensive hobby. I did buy a Stanley HID based on the CP forum chatter and am very happy with the results, at its price point.
I used to be a deep-tech scuba diver, but as I've aged I sold my exploration gear and canister lights (I got out of it just when HID came on the market). I still dive on vacation, still hit the cenotes when in Mexico. I no longer travel with gear. I just rent good stuff. I would like to have a packable LED handheld that would travel with me for diving, and also be used on land along with my HID Stanley.
I'd like to keep things under $150 (hopefully under $125). I love BRIGHT. Tight pattern is more important that flood. No focus necessary. Over an hour burn time (hopefully 2) at full brightness is a must. Rechargeable would be nice, but not a deal killer. AA preferable to CR123 for availability if not rechargeable. Handheld, not canister. Overall size doesn't really matter (bigger is ok).
I have something in mind, but not sure what the forum rules are with posting ebay ads. I could post links if needed, if it won't break any rules. The brand I was looking at is Novae (sold on the infamous 'bay). They make 2 different 700 lumen and 900 lumen handhled lights that are waterproof for diving, for around $125. I'm guessing they are cheap overseas stuff. And I understand you get what you pay for. But if it's LED and works, it'll likely keep working? If all failed and it flooded and died, it wouldn't be a catastrophe, and I'd be out around $100. I'd never put myself in a position of depending on a cheap light for a light source in overhead environments. I don't see any mentions of the brand using your search of the CP forums. Any opinions or better suggestions? Since I'm not looking for a primary cave light, or something that will see underwater use more than 1-2 times a year, are these a decent choice? If I were buying a full-blown light again, it'd prolly be MB sub or similar. This would just be a fun light, that could be used on a dive, in place of the crap rental lights they give you.
I've lurked here back and forth for a year or so, and never posted. I'm a bit afraid of going too deep into buying lights if I get started. I like 'em and I like gear. For better or worse, I don't really need another expensive hobby. I did buy a Stanley HID based on the CP forum chatter and am very happy with the results, at its price point.
I used to be a deep-tech scuba diver, but as I've aged I sold my exploration gear and canister lights (I got out of it just when HID came on the market). I still dive on vacation, still hit the cenotes when in Mexico. I no longer travel with gear. I just rent good stuff. I would like to have a packable LED handheld that would travel with me for diving, and also be used on land along with my HID Stanley.
I'd like to keep things under $150 (hopefully under $125). I love BRIGHT. Tight pattern is more important that flood. No focus necessary. Over an hour burn time (hopefully 2) at full brightness is a must. Rechargeable would be nice, but not a deal killer. AA preferable to CR123 for availability if not rechargeable. Handheld, not canister. Overall size doesn't really matter (bigger is ok).
I have something in mind, but not sure what the forum rules are with posting ebay ads. I could post links if needed, if it won't break any rules. The brand I was looking at is Novae (sold on the infamous 'bay). They make 2 different 700 lumen and 900 lumen handhled lights that are waterproof for diving, for around $125. I'm guessing they are cheap overseas stuff. And I understand you get what you pay for. But if it's LED and works, it'll likely keep working? If all failed and it flooded and died, it wouldn't be a catastrophe, and I'd be out around $100. I'd never put myself in a position of depending on a cheap light for a light source in overhead environments. I don't see any mentions of the brand using your search of the CP forums. Any opinions or better suggestions? Since I'm not looking for a primary cave light, or something that will see underwater use more than 1-2 times a year, are these a decent choice? If I were buying a full-blown light again, it'd prolly be MB sub or similar. This would just be a fun light, that could be used on a dive, in place of the crap rental lights they give you.