Waterproof (Snorkeling) Single CR123

[jag-engr]

Can anyone recommend a light with the following characteristics:

• reasonably waterproof (for snorkeling / shallow diving)
• LED light - preferably a Cree, but others will work
• single CR123
• COSTS LESS THAN $80 - please don't tell me I just need to buy a McGizmo

Most dive lights are massively bulky and use alkaline batteries and xenon bulbs. I want a light that would function as an EDC light, but that could also be used in the water.

Info on how to waterproof a commonly available CR123 light would also be appreciated.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Since it's just for snorkeling maybe you could just use double or triple baggies with a normal CR123 light. Use the one you already have.

Geoff

 

[nbp]

I recall a few people using the the Fenix P1 as a backup scuba light or snorkeling light or something. I have taken my P1 in the shower and it functioned fine afterward. I would guess any twisty style light with a good o-ring and a healthy slather of lube SHOULD be ok for this purpose. If it is for snorkeling, rather than diving, there isn't too much water pressure to force the water in, so it oughta work out. However, if you're gonna be doing anything where your safety will depend on this light, I'd say buy a dive light. :D

 

[mossyoak]

if it was me i would buy a ra twisty 100w, they run about 100 bucks right now and worth twice that. they are the most durable light i have ever used and designed to be heavily abused.

 

[Zeruel]

For some reason, Horus FD1.3 comes to mind.

It's been tested to be water proof to 40 metres and made of Titanium, so it's corrosion-proof against salt water. Pretty affordable and satisfy your single CR123 requirement.

A review by Selfbuilt.

 

[aussiebob]

For what its worth, ive played with a PD20 and E1B in a hotel pool for a few hours, sent to the bottom a few times, switched on off ect.
No water entry at all.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Zeruel]

For what its worth, ive played with a PD20 and E1B in a hotel pool for a few hours, sent to the bottom a few times, switched on off ect.
No water entry at all.

Just my 2 cents

Also for some reason, I find that funny to imagine.... :crackup:

Hmm....maybe I should try it too. :thinking:
Would like to find out how waterproof is my E2DL.

 

[Enzo Morocioli]

if it was me i would buy a ra twisty 100w, they run about 100 bucks right now and worth twice that. they are the most durable light i have ever used and designed to be heavily abused.

I'll echo this.. The Ra Twisty's tail threads into the body more than 1/2 an inch.

The best thing would be to turn it on before you get in the water, then using relatively small movements you could probably change levels without any water intrusion.

Rated to 66ft static.

 

[Mjolnir]

Zeruel, the Horus is 147 dollars, which is WAY over the OP's stated budget of 80 dollars.

 

[gmcjimd]

Another vote for the Ra Twisty:thumbsup:
About as good as it gets unless you want to invest in a dive light.

Gmcjimd

 

[Dead_Nuts]

Another vote for the Twisty 100. I carried mine snorkeling in St. John last month. I didn't really need to use it, but wanted to try it out. Absolutely no leaks, although the deepest I went down was probably 20', it went in with me five days in a row. I turned it on and off while in the water with no problems. I know it's more than your stated budget, but sometimes a little extra will get you a whole lot more. Plus, you said you wanted something to double as a EDC -- this light fits the bill.

 

[Zeruel]

Zeruel, the Horus is 147 dollars, which is WAY over the OP's stated budget of 80 dollars.

:oops: pardon me, missed that part out.

 

[Strauss]

I'd go for the Twisty as well. I have one and can tell you that it's one of the most solid, well constructed lights out there. The fact that it uses a twisty switch is great for water protection, and I have no doubt in my mind that it would function 100% in reasonable depths. It would be well worth the extra $20 over your budget :tinfoil:

 

[chaoss]

I'd go for the Twisty as well. I have one and can tell you that it's one of the most solid, well constructed lights out there. The fact that it uses a twisty switch is great for water protection, and I have no doubt in my mind that it would function 100% in reasonable depths. It would be well worth the extra $20 over your budget :tinfoil:

^^^ What he said :thumbsup:. The Twisty is perfect for your intended purposes. Add a wrist lanyard to it and maybe some extra lube (supplied) and dive/snorkle to your hearts content with long runtimes to boot.

 

[pushy]

Pop your favourite EDC in one of these.

 

[Blue72]

I would get a real scuba light

You can get a princeton tec Impact II for $20, has a long runtime, and an optic for throw which you need for a under water light. Brightly colored so it is easy to find if you drop it.

Most importantly it is rated for over 300 FEET of water!!!

 

[mossyoak]

the impact 2 is useless under water its an opticed 5mm led, and it they rate that thing for 300 feet then i wouldnt hesitate to take a ra that deep, the impact is all plastic and just one o-ring.

 

[carrot]

I've taken my Nitecore EX10 as deep as 8ft and actuated the piston with no water entry. Same for the Surefire E1L.

 

[Blue72]

the impact 2 is useless under water its an opticed 5mm led, and it they rate that thing for 300 feet then i wouldnt hesitate to take a ra that deep, the impact is all plastic and just one o-ring.

I meant XL not the "2" version or better yet a miniwave. As long as there is a proper gland design, 1 o-ring is all you need. Plus the princeton tec has been proven. Not that the Ra isnt, but it is my experience that flood lights do not work well underwater

 

[mossyoak]

I meant XL not the "2" version or better yet a miniwave. As long as there is a proper gland design, 1 o-ring is all you need. Plus the princeton tec has been proven. Not that the Ra isnt, but it is my experience that flood lights do not work well underwater

the ra is a pretty decent thrower, the PT shockwave is incan but its really good underwater, very bright and throws like stank.