How waterproof is an LS?

[jtivat]

The subject says it all.

 

[r2]

They are designed to be waterproof, and some people have successfully tested them under water. However, the current design allows a bit of water in around the lens sometimes so Peter is reworking the design to fix it. You aren't likely to get water sloshing around inside, but the inside of the lens may fog up and get droplets on the inside.

There was a thread a while back where someone did some deep water testing with an LS and had no problems. It's definitely suitable for nasty weather and even occasional dunks, but you should avoid keeping it under water too long until Peter comes out with his improved head design.

- Russ

 

[this_is_nascar]

I recall that underwater testing being done on a AAA ARC, not an LS. That's why the AAA now has a 50' waterproof claim, instead of the previous 10' claim.

Personally, I'd be comfortable using the LS in the rain and not be too concerning if it fell into a puddle briefly, but I would not take it into my pool and expect it to come out dry.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

My SLS from the depth test has held up incredibly well and is still waterproof(in the bathtub)I have not taken it back down to the lake though.The rubber bezel protector has saved the light from a couple of nasty accidental falls to the concrete.

Wthout it,the light would have taken some cosmetic damage.I still love these two flashlights.They have both proven to be reliable and durable.
troy

 

[jtivat]

Hey Troy, could you give some more info on your Mod to your LS?

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I took a AA minimag accessory kit and sealed the clear lens to the business end of the ARC LS using black RTV silicone (You could stop there if your only goal was to protect the optics from scratches)
When it set up,I used the same sealant to bond the rubber hex bezel protector to the bezel of the LS.It is just a hair oversized for the LS,but the sealant takes care of that.I cleaned up the caulk joints with a wet paper towel and let it set up overnight.
It is stuck on the light pretty good,I think I will have to destroy the bezel protector if I ever decide to take it off.

 

[r2]

The LS was part of the deep-water testing; it was actually the main part. The part that I forgot was that he did a custom modification to improve the waterproofing. Here's the thread:

Heritage Lake

The LS originally had a deeper rating (10 feet) than the Arc AAA (3 feet). It was reports from other users that noticed condensation inside the lens that prompted Peter to remove the waterproof claim from the Arc LS. At the time he also offered a refund to anyone who bought an Arc LS up to that point with the waterproofing in mind.

That's a good example of Peter's customer service--the LS has been dropped 50 feet or more under a lake by some users with no problem but because some other people have had worse experiences he refuses to make any claims that he can't guarantee. I think most people would fix future models and try to quietly handle problems if/when they come up without ever changing the specs. The Arc AAAs haven't really changed in any way that affects the waterproofing, but he was also very conservative about the claims he'd make about it until he was very confident that they were true. It makes me trust the claims that he does make a lot more.

If you notice moisture inside the lens, I think you can just dry it out (some people use an oven set to a low temperature) and it works fine. Anyone actually tried this? I guess the "almost waterproof" works against you in drying it out. You can submerge it to get water in but it will be a slower process getting it back out.

- Russ

 

[this_is_nascar]

Thanks r2. I stand corrected.