Mini-review/impressions PT Surge

Monsters_Inc

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Oct 8, 2002
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I bought a PT Surge today, planning to use as snorkelling and shallow diving light. The initial one I got something was wrong it wouldn't switch on, found that out on my way home, but after the 1hr+ runaround to get a replacement, it worked as expected.

The switch is actually a strong point for me. I've heard of criticisms among 'mainstream flashaholics' of the thumb-flick switch, but compared to other dive light competitors, it seems to have a positive feel of 'quality'. It has a much better feel to it than dive lights from Mirage, Tusa, Ikelite and arguably UKE.

In considering my purchase, I was undecided between the Surge or the UKE SL4. Their light outputs and prices were similar (equivalent of around $US50 here in Aust). The Surge won me over due to cost of replacement batteries (AA instead of C) and lamps (bulb only vs whole lamp assembly).

Opening it up, I was surprised that a purpose designed diving light had only the one O-ring seal. The Maglites in my collection had 3 around the head alone and 1 on the tailcap! (Then again, I've never tested the water-resistance of the Mags)

This is my first light with a textured reflector. Gotta say, I'm not exactly convinced. The shape of the hotspot was no better than the smooth reflectored Mags. Although I must admit there is a lack of rings in the periphery which is nice.
IMHO, if one was to shape a bulb properly there wouldn't be a need to use textured reflectors to compensate for the shortcomings of irregular light output.

The bulb itself looked much like a white LED. Two short pins held in place loosely on the PCB underneath. I didn't like that it could be jiggled up and down - but once I took the time to center it wrt to the reflector, it stayed centered.

This thing is BRIGHT! It's no match for the SL6 my cousin had - the one that inspired me to get a dive light in the first place, and I'm somewhat reluctant to have purchased an all plastic thing for close to $AU90, but on the whole I'm fairly happy knowing I have one of the brightest non-Lithium incandescent flashlight available.

Will test it out in the water this coming Saturday.
 
Originally posted by Onyx:
This is my first light with a textured reflector. Gotta say, I'm not exactly convinced. The shape of the hotspot was no better than the smooth reflectored Mags. Although I must admit there is a lack of rings in the periphery which is nice.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">You can "focus" the light by turning the head.
 
I couldn't resist PlayboyJoe - it was end of exams for me so I thought I'd better spend money on something I don't really *need*.
wink.gif


Anyway, before you send that package, could you source a replacement Surge bulb for me. Ack, I'll email ya.
 
maglites can be dissassmebled into quite a few parts, therefore a lot of O rings are needed to seal each of the openings. maglites are faily waterproof...in my experience, the only place water leaks in through mags is the rubber switch seal.
 
Ok, sif putting a hole in the bulb isn't enough...

Anyone know how to clean the reflector of the Surge? (it's enclosed and doesn't seem to be easily taken apart without damage)
 
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