Marduke
Flashaholic
I am interested in joining a local caving group (Huntsville Grotto for those of you in the area). My caving experience is pretty much limited to tourist caves, and not really any wild caves. From what I understand, they will loan me a hardhat and headlamp for the first couple trips, until I decide if I'm all in, or it isn't for me. At least for now, these are horizontal caves, not vertical.
I am looking for some recommendations for specific lights well suited for this activity. I would like to standardize on AA NiMH cells except where noted below. I am mainly looking for three lights.
First, a headlamp of course. It needs to attach well to a helmet. Preferably something with the battery pack on the rear for weight balance. Also, preferably something which could easily switch from high to low with a gloved hand. Choice of med/low flood and high throw is big plus. No need for secondary colors here (red, blue, etc). I am thinking of the Energizer Cree headlamp (if I can find it) since it has the flip down diffuser. It has the superfluous colors, but oh well... You can't win them all. If I get it and like it, I may attempt to replace the green and red with white Nichia GS's. Maybe wait for the Fenix headlamp? Price <$50
Secondly, I want a hand held light to be holstered on a belt for easy access. Again, preferably AA, but there seems to be a lack of quality, 2xAA throwers. In the lack of any better suggestions, I am considering the TK11 for this role. Last time I was in a cave, my NDI was wonderful at illuminating things close up, much better than the tour guide's MagCharger. However, the high humidity in the cave just ate up the beam within 40 feet. So, I want a light with some decent throw. Preferably <$50, definitely <$100.
For a third light, I will probably keep my NDI in the pack, so I'm pretty set there. Other suggestions still welcome however.
For a true emergency backup, I will be wearing an E0, and have an E01 clipped inside the pack, both on L92's. I'm pretty well set here also.
Do I need a small lantern? Something like the AA folding Energizer one? Also, what about a UV light to fluoresce minerals?
What am I forgetting/overlooking? Suggestions, opinions, inside, etc are all appreciated. This also included help beyond lighting.
I am looking for some recommendations for specific lights well suited for this activity. I would like to standardize on AA NiMH cells except where noted below. I am mainly looking for three lights.
First, a headlamp of course. It needs to attach well to a helmet. Preferably something with the battery pack on the rear for weight balance. Also, preferably something which could easily switch from high to low with a gloved hand. Choice of med/low flood and high throw is big plus. No need for secondary colors here (red, blue, etc). I am thinking of the Energizer Cree headlamp (if I can find it) since it has the flip down diffuser. It has the superfluous colors, but oh well... You can't win them all. If I get it and like it, I may attempt to replace the green and red with white Nichia GS's. Maybe wait for the Fenix headlamp? Price <$50
Secondly, I want a hand held light to be holstered on a belt for easy access. Again, preferably AA, but there seems to be a lack of quality, 2xAA throwers. In the lack of any better suggestions, I am considering the TK11 for this role. Last time I was in a cave, my NDI was wonderful at illuminating things close up, much better than the tour guide's MagCharger. However, the high humidity in the cave just ate up the beam within 40 feet. So, I want a light with some decent throw. Preferably <$50, definitely <$100.
For a third light, I will probably keep my NDI in the pack, so I'm pretty set there. Other suggestions still welcome however.
For a true emergency backup, I will be wearing an E0, and have an E01 clipped inside the pack, both on L92's. I'm pretty well set here also.
Do I need a small lantern? Something like the AA folding Energizer one? Also, what about a UV light to fluoresce minerals?
What am I forgetting/overlooking? Suggestions, opinions, inside, etc are all appreciated. This also included help beyond lighting.
