Please recommend a light for caving

[dementedlemur]

Re: Need a Reccomendation

Any suggestions for budget headlamps.

The streamlight trident (amazon for ~$19) is very similar to the black diamond xenon-led hybrid I have and I've been very satisfied with the performance. Since I don't have this exact model I can't comment further, but the reviews seem good.

 

[yellow]

when we add a cave into our hikes, its usually me who lends out the lights
(because all the other ones bring crap)
Its usually about some hours, but beginners stage. Ladders an easy climbing, no rapelling.
When I happen to give out my headlamp and use a handheld alone, thats usually very boring.

atm I try to have all my lights use the same cells!

My headlamp is a Streamlight Argo HP wich I modded to run on an 18650, all the other lights therefore are 1*18650 handhelds.

Even an actual single led 18650 light on full power sometimes is "too weak" to illuminate large halls, but brutally blinding in small space.
Therefore: not so bright headlamp w. wide beam + the handheld for spotting

An Idea were to go for a Zebralight, as they are rugged, make a good brigh low distance beam and can be bought with the cells You use with the handheld.

all my packs have an E01, w. lithium batt, stored in a small pocket. Maybe not the brightest light, but rugged and reliable. Will get You home when everything else fails.


PS: to use a light for such application - caving, bike trail riding, ... - I must be certain that it is capable to do it. Rules out the cheapest offers
ANY new light will see a few "test runs" at home - 5-10 times a full charge of the batt - only if it survives this, it gets into real word

 

[Tora]

:shakehead - Your first thoughts should be of safety - going the cheap route tells me you are not. This also tells me you have not bought all of the necessary gear besides flashlights - and that you are not going with an experienced spelunker. An experienced person will know what to pack. There are ropes and assorted climbing equipment - first aid equipment - markers (retrievable "bread crumbs") - food/water for much longer than the planned stay - gas detectors...etc. Redundancy in not only equip but in planning.....but on to the lights:

Excellent points brought up by the other replies. Not only must the lights be of higher quality just so they won't quit on you on their own - they must be waterproof and be able to withstand extreme handling (drops/bangs against rocks/submersion/fine dust etc). You must plan for the extremes or you shall fail when extreme circumstances visit you.

Remember - each person should be a self contained unit with redundancies
built in to each member (ie - not 3 flashlights for the party - but 3 for each person)

1) Yes - a good indestructible headlight is a must - not a camping or biking one - but a spelunking one.
2) A good indestructible variable output and focus light.
3) Mini emergency strobes - long lasting - in case of separation - which should never happen - or other emergencies.
4) Chem-lights - alternate emergency lighting.
5) Good mini lights - in case of loss of other lights - even the smallest ones can provide enough light to help guide you up and out.

I know - particular brands - I believe you should go to a spelunking forum - they know equipment as well as hazards (ex - bat-excrement can be deadly in more than one way - Immediate: Fumes can overcome and kill - Delayed: Specific diseases from it can kill later). You need to know the equipment that have proven themselves under continued abuse and that are trusted by professionals.

Am I paranoid?...No........Well, ok - I did take a flashlight to Carlsbad Caverns - just in case the power failed during our guided tour. But that was being prepared. :)

Trust your life to no one or anything until you know the variables and options - only then can you make an informed decision.

 

[scotter]

Alright, to clear up some stuff,
-I am going with a camp, I should be getting more info soon.
-They will let me know what they have, what I need to bring, etc.

I just wanted to do some research on my own.

I'm going to wait until I know what I need to bring.


I'm going to let this thread die until then. Sorry about all this.

 

[Cosmo7809]

No need to sorry, just looking out for a new member...




Just want to make sure you dont go :poof:

 

[kramer5150]

Alright, to clear up some stuff,
-I am going with a camp, I should be getting more info soon.
-They will let me know what they have, what I need to bring, etc.

I just wanted to do some research on my own.

I'm going to wait until I know what I need to bring.


I'm going to let this thread die until then. Sorry about all this.

no need to be sorry... just want you to be safe and have a pleasant trip. There are (obviously) some passionate cavers here, don't let their passion for the hobby cloud their information. Follow their advice, learn from their mistakes and have a safe / fun trip.

Actually a 2AA minimaglite+extra lamps+cells is not a bad idea as a 3rd or 4th backup. Its the only light I own that can be completely taken apart in the field... piece by little piece. I dropped mine once camping (~15 years ago, Pre-CPF days), and it developed a flicker. The little copper contact piece at the top of the light tube bent and I was able to fix it with my swiss army knife.

 

[FloggedSynapse]

Its also important not to take cheap lights into a cave as they are more succeptable to chip weevils that will destroy the LED, and caving greatly increases your chances of rapid chip weevil infestation

Hope this helps.

'chip weevils' ?? ;) puhlease!

 

[Tora]

:D - I am glad you are going with a group to a known area. Please understand, I said these things because I have done careless things in my youth.

So long as the group master has redundancy and contingencies built in (filed a plan with route and exit time / medically trained personnel and the equipment pack to handle sprains/breaks/major bleeding / multiple communication devices and spare batteries with coordinates to call in a life flight in case of major trauma / illness - along with all the spelunking equipment - then everything should be fine.

I have known many people in my life whom had died, or almost died, because of lack of planning for the worst case scenario. I was worried that you were going with a small group of inexperienced friends into an uncharted cave system.

Have fun and it is good that you attempt to research things beforehand. I just wanted to make sure you had a safe/good time - it is only truly enjoyable when you have no mishaps - otherwise you carry guilt from not having planned correctly...for life.

Enjoy :wave:

 

[nismotor]

I am looking for a good caving light. I am going to most likely use a cheap headlight from either DX or a local shop along with a secondary light. What I need help choosing is the secondary light. It should be at least water resistant and it needs to use common batteries. It doesn't need to be super bright, and I would prefer that it be rather cheap(less than US$20 pref.)

I was looking at the 2AA inova bolt, would that fit my needs?

Thanks Guys!

If, after all these suggestions, you still choose to go that route :eek:, then you better cross your fingers and pray that everyone else who is going on this "trip" does not think like you... :banghead:

Become a true CPFer and bring the suggested lights so you can show off :naughty: !

Anyways, happy caving :twothumbs

 

[defloyd77]

Look up the Streamlight Propoly 2AA LED, it's about 20 bucks, pretty tough, not super bright, but has good runtime.

 

[sappyg]

i may never get to go caving but i NEED a zebra light :candle:

 

[Burgess]

to Scotter --


Oh, by the way . . . .


Welcome to CandlePowerForums !


:welcome:




Good Luck in your quest for the perfect flashlight(s).


:candle:

_