Dragonsub Snake 8 dive light

[scuba steve]

i recently came across this dive light while trawling the net for a new dive toy. i dive in deep dark irish waters and i need something good enough to deal with our conditions out here. http://www.jonasrelojes.com/dragonsub-snake-p-722.html?osCsid=4634035e5c63983d8b5ee7a2da92e899
the manufacturer's web site is in italian only but the light looks good, well built and with plenty of power if i am to follow their description.http://www.dragonsubitalia.it/index1.html .
i have been reading a lot of the post and i couldn't find much on this model or brand.
i 'll listen to the experts of candlepower and decide if i want to commite to a purchase after your views

thanks for your advice in advance

 

[Packhorse]

Looks like a good price for this sort of output.
2 aspects that put me off.
1. The size of the head. It looks huge but then I guess a 35w HID head would be pretty big too.
2. The use of reflectors will probably produce a lot of spill light. This is fine ( and desirable) for some people/dive sites but not all. Dot great for low viz diving.

 

[scuba steve]

thanks for that Packhorse. To be honest I am not to worried about the size of the head since my other preferred choices would be a Halcyon or Diverite HID unit http://www.techdiverdirect.com/Stor...10/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/2363/Default.aspx
which are considerably bigger, longer and probably heavier too. I WAS keen on upgrading to HID but a friend of my mine is after replacing a 10 W bulb on a Kowalski torch after 20 dives only. € 120.00 not good.
Up to now I always regarded LED as a good option for backup torches due to their low output but from reading stuff around it seems that the technology as moved up-wards.
The dragonsub can be switch during the dive from 1 to 4 to 8 LED if backscatter is a problem, which can not be done with most canister torches.
My big question to the Candlepower experts is what kind of light power should I expect from 8 x Q5 Cree xre 1000?
Your thoughts?

 

[Packhorse]

Turning off LEDs to get a lower power output is not the best way to do it. Its more efficient to lower the power going to all LED's. But it works.
The problem with reducing output to counter back scatter is that you are reducing output. Sure you will not get as much back scatter but you will also not get as much penetration. Better to use a finer focus beam.

Anyway 8 XR-Es will put out alot of light. I would almost say to much light but I guess that all depends on what the beam looks like.

 

[scuba steve]

Thanks for your input. I guess I ll have to borrow one from the dealer to try it out on a dive, i have found in the past that trying a torch in open air when its purpose is a diving application does not always reflect the true capacity of the unit. my normal torch is a true testament to it http://www.scubaland.fr/phare-3050-watts-rechargeable-nimh-beuchat-protection-neoprene-beuchat.html very wide beam on land but great results under water. unfortunately to bulky and no longer adapted to my diving

 

[scuba steve]

the other option in LED is on of these http://www.scubaland.fr/pack-pc-120-gt-spot-9-led-bersub-bersub.html but the price is a killer. nice torch though and very well constructed.

 

[steve6690]

the other option in LED is on of these http://www.scubaland.fr/pack-pc-120-gt-spot-9-led-bersub-bersub.html but the price is a killer. nice torch though and very well constructed.

I believe Greenforce do a torch using the same optic.

http://www.khatod.com/cms/kepl33391_series-154247-146780.html

http://www.diverswarehouse.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=50773

It's a big old beast though. The optic is 92mm diameter...

 

[gav6280]

Yeah, but who makes the matching PCB that a big player like greenforce would use, because you can bet your life there isn't some young work experience lad soldering stars together and glueing them all on to a heat sink in exactly the right place for every single one.