Here it is everyone, the Polarion Abyss Dual, or dual output HID light. The Abyss, previously known as the U2 but apparently no longer referred to by that designation, has been out for a couple of years now but the "Dual" is the latest version and offers a 2 stage ballast. Low output is 30W and 3000L while high output is 45W and 4500L with a color temperature of 4300K
This is the "S" version or "spot" model with a medium orange peel reflector. The other version is the "D" model which uses a heavily dimpled/scalloped reflector and tinted glass featuring 5500K color temperature, for use in photography.
Complete specifications can be found here: http://www.polarion-store.com/pd-polarion-u2-abyss-diving-light2.cfm I thought I'd start this thread with some pictures, then add my beamshots and video review as I get time to put everything together. Enjoy! Polarion Abyss Dual
I've had the light now for a couple of days and have 4 hours of run-time on it so far. I thought it would be a good idea to give the bulb at least a minimal workout before I started my beamshots and video this coming week. I'm very excited about this product thus far and quite blown away by the performance, especially considering it's size. It's notably smaller than the P series while outperforming the current P series in total light output. Despite having a MOP reflector, the throw remains extraordinary from its sub-three inch (72mm) reflector. The beam imperfections have been eased and softened but the hotspot is still very distinct and measures about 8" across at 25 feet.
I'm looking forward to taking beamshots of this light for you guys! Besides the obvious performance and flawless fit and HA finish, it's impressive to think that this light is dive rate to 330 feet! So far I can't think of a single data point about the Abyss where it comes up short. During the second run, I did manage to get it warm enough to redistribute much of the lubrication that was on the threads and double O-rings. It started to creep down the battery housing but stopped before getting the the electronic board and contacts. It looks like this thing was ready to dive with right from the factory judging from the o-ring lube. Underwater, I suspect that it would never get warm enough for the lube to migrate. I cleaned up the excess and it was good to go for the third run.
Now that I've been carrying the light around a bit I'd like to talk more specifically about the form factor of the Abyss and X1. It's a full 2" (50mm) shorter than the PH40/50 and this is really noticeable when trying to find a spot in my day pack for it. Some of you know from my videos that I take these lights into the field on a somewhat regular basis, so pack-ability is important to me. I'll often take a smaller, less capable HID along rather than stuff something in my pack that hinders my ability to quickly transfer gear in and out kit.
So far, this smaller form factor does make a difference and I foresee taking the Abyss on evening hikes where I'd normally leave the PH50 at home. An observation regarding the P series form, they were designed to be used with a handle in the case of the PH version or without in the case of the PF version. Since your hand must fit around the PF version or handle-less version, the PH version shares this longer, thinner design, albeit with the addition of a handle. It seems that if you're going to have handle anyway, the Abyss and X series lights make better use of space with their shorter, fatter bodies. Additionally, the Abyss's carry handle can be removed for storage but you'll loose the outstanding carry ergonomics.
Before the updated X1 and new Abyss, if we wanted a Polarion that was greater than 35W it was a necessary to get the larger P series. When the 40W X1 was introduced it matched the output of the PH40 but couldn't match the output of the PH50 thus there was still a benefit to purchasing the larger PH50. Since the PH50 has been discontinued and the PH40 is still 40W, that leaves the 45W Abyss Dual as Polarion's "powerhouse" model. Not only is it smaller than the PH40, it's brighter as well. Two things should be noted though. First, the Abyss might not be able to match the PH40's ability as a pure thrower since it's using a MOP reflector compared the PH40's smooth reflector. Secondly, I have a sneaking suspicion that there may be a P Series "Dual" in Polarion's future, and I suspect that they would utilize the same 30-45W ballast.
Current advantages over the X1 include; Dual output, 330' dive rating, Type III finish, improved/removable carry handle, and clean-able magnetic switch. There may be differences in the electronics as well but that's speculation on my part. Polarion is still using 2200mah cells, which is the only non-cutting edge, "fault" that I can deduct from Abyss at this point. Member "Lips" has modified at PH50 battery pack to use high end 2600 or 2800mah cells but I can't see myself doing that to a new battery pack. Having the 30W option and 110 minute run-time does sort of negate the issue of cell capacity in the Dual however. An updated or modified pack in the PH50 would be of great benefit since it's limited to just over 55 minutes of run-time. That's it for now. Beamshots and video later!
This is the "S" version or "spot" model with a medium orange peel reflector. The other version is the "D" model which uses a heavily dimpled/scalloped reflector and tinted glass featuring 5500K color temperature, for use in photography.
Complete specifications can be found here: http://www.polarion-store.com/pd-polarion-u2-abyss-diving-light2.cfm I thought I'd start this thread with some pictures, then add my beamshots and video review as I get time to put everything together. Enjoy! Polarion Abyss Dual
I've had the light now for a couple of days and have 4 hours of run-time on it so far. I thought it would be a good idea to give the bulb at least a minimal workout before I started my beamshots and video this coming week. I'm very excited about this product thus far and quite blown away by the performance, especially considering it's size. It's notably smaller than the P series while outperforming the current P series in total light output. Despite having a MOP reflector, the throw remains extraordinary from its sub-three inch (72mm) reflector. The beam imperfections have been eased and softened but the hotspot is still very distinct and measures about 8" across at 25 feet.
I'm looking forward to taking beamshots of this light for you guys! Besides the obvious performance and flawless fit and HA finish, it's impressive to think that this light is dive rate to 330 feet! So far I can't think of a single data point about the Abyss where it comes up short. During the second run, I did manage to get it warm enough to redistribute much of the lubrication that was on the threads and double O-rings. It started to creep down the battery housing but stopped before getting the the electronic board and contacts. It looks like this thing was ready to dive with right from the factory judging from the o-ring lube. Underwater, I suspect that it would never get warm enough for the lube to migrate. I cleaned up the excess and it was good to go for the third run.
Now that I've been carrying the light around a bit I'd like to talk more specifically about the form factor of the Abyss and X1. It's a full 2" (50mm) shorter than the PH40/50 and this is really noticeable when trying to find a spot in my day pack for it. Some of you know from my videos that I take these lights into the field on a somewhat regular basis, so pack-ability is important to me. I'll often take a smaller, less capable HID along rather than stuff something in my pack that hinders my ability to quickly transfer gear in and out kit.
So far, this smaller form factor does make a difference and I foresee taking the Abyss on evening hikes where I'd normally leave the PH50 at home. An observation regarding the P series form, they were designed to be used with a handle in the case of the PH version or without in the case of the PF version. Since your hand must fit around the PF version or handle-less version, the PH version shares this longer, thinner design, albeit with the addition of a handle. It seems that if you're going to have handle anyway, the Abyss and X series lights make better use of space with their shorter, fatter bodies. Additionally, the Abyss's carry handle can be removed for storage but you'll loose the outstanding carry ergonomics.
Before the updated X1 and new Abyss, if we wanted a Polarion that was greater than 35W it was a necessary to get the larger P series. When the 40W X1 was introduced it matched the output of the PH40 but couldn't match the output of the PH50 thus there was still a benefit to purchasing the larger PH50. Since the PH50 has been discontinued and the PH40 is still 40W, that leaves the 45W Abyss Dual as Polarion's "powerhouse" model. Not only is it smaller than the PH40, it's brighter as well. Two things should be noted though. First, the Abyss might not be able to match the PH40's ability as a pure thrower since it's using a MOP reflector compared the PH40's smooth reflector. Secondly, I have a sneaking suspicion that there may be a P Series "Dual" in Polarion's future, and I suspect that they would utilize the same 30-45W ballast.
Current advantages over the X1 include; Dual output, 330' dive rating, Type III finish, improved/removable carry handle, and clean-able magnetic switch. There may be differences in the electronics as well but that's speculation on my part. Polarion is still using 2200mah cells, which is the only non-cutting edge, "fault" that I can deduct from Abyss at this point. Member "Lips" has modified at PH50 battery pack to use high end 2600 or 2800mah cells but I can't see myself doing that to a new battery pack. Having the 30W option and 110 minute run-time does sort of negate the issue of cell capacity in the Dual however. An updated or modified pack in the PH50 would be of great benefit since it's limited to just over 55 minutes of run-time. That's it for now. Beamshots and video later!
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