Waterproof spot

[davidra]

I need a spotlight that is totally waterproof. I've been through a bunch, but they can't stand up to vigorous saltwater exposure. One that did had the reflector crumple. I don't want or need anything huge; smaller the better, ideally corded, cordless and rechargeable. Is the Vector aluminum series any good for longterm saltwater exposure?

 

[AlexGT]

Maybe one of those marine spots they sell at Academy or other outdoor retailers, I think is Optronix brand, and has a blue center eye, IIRC they stated somewhere they were salt water resistant (But I don't think waterproof)

HTH
Alex

 

[Barbarin]

DragonHID?

 

[cheesehead]

UK dive lights are waterproof, so you should have no problem with saltwater. The 10 watt light cannons are nearly as bright as a 50 watt HID. They cost a bit more, but if you are going through light after light, it adds up quickly.

 

[pyro]

cheesehead i think you wanted to say :
the 10 watt HID Light cannons are nearly as bright as a 50 watt halogen, correct?
DragonHID is relatively small and is a divlight too.
It has only a little reflector, so it doesnt throw as well as the typical spotlights do.
DragonHID

 

[davidra]

Well, THAT much money (Dragon) is an object...my only concern about the light cannon is having an expensive light sitting around with alkalines in it. Standard rechargeable spots would be cheaper but probably less likely to have leakage if I can find one that's bulletproof....

 

[cheesehead]

pyro,
Correct, 50 watt halogen,...I have HID stuck in my head all the time.

davidra,
Illumigeek, used AA NiMHs in the light cannon and said it had neutral bouynacy (another thing to consider with an expensive HID light and the saltwater). But, NiMH can leak also.

Well, at 15 bucks a light the Dorcy 2 M at Sears may be the way to go and just consider the light "disposable".

 

[cheesehead]

Vulcan by Streamlight is waterproof to 100 ft, but only 6-8 watts, but with a 3-4 hour run time. Eh, you can always stuff in a higher (30w) wattage bulb like phyhsuts did. . I think he used a Streamlight litebox, but I think the only problem is with bulbs in the dual filament litebox, the single beam litebox and vulcan seem to use the same bulbs.

 

[illumiGeek]

[ QUOTE ]
cheesehead said:
davidra,
Illumigeek, used AA NiMHs in the light cannon and said it had neutral bouynacy (another thing to consider with an expensive HID light and the saltwater). But, NiMH can leak also.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I said "almost" neutral. It is still slightly negative. But could be made positive pretty easily. A bit a closed cell foam through the lanyard or wrapped around the body should do it.

For heavy salt water exposure it's hard to beat dive lights. More specific information about the intended use would help with recommendations.

How frequently will the light be used?

How much run time do you need?

Will the light also be exposed to unusually high/low temperatures?

How much throw/spill do you need?

Will the light be subjected to heavy vibration or impacts?

And anything else that may be relevant...

Aloha, iG

 

[davidra]

Excellent questions. I fish inshore in Florida, so cold is not a major issue but heat is. The light is used about 2-3 times a month when I night fish. Most of the time, since I have a mapping GPS, I primarily use it for channel markers but need it to see crab traps while running also, so my inclination is a corded/cordless/rechargable model. Heavy impact? Yeah, it's a flat bottom shallow water skiff that rides like a board in chop. I found that even taking my inexpensive ones out of the boat and keeping them at my cottage doesn't help; the reflector and other parts will rust out, since I can't exactly rinse them in fresh water after use. I prefer to be able to keep it in a dry box in the boat. I have a Mag 2c/3x123 mod that makes a great back up, has lithiums so I'm figuring won't leak, and almost has enough throw if I was running pretty slow, but not quite as much as I would like.

 

[illumiGeek]

Based on the new info I'd say the UK Light Cannon is out. More of a medium flood than a spotlight. My modded Mags out throw it (but the LC puts out more total light if you count the larger spot and considerable spill). Also, with a $70 lamp you probably don't want to be banging it around too much.

For a dive light solution I'd say the Pelican Nemo 8C or Ikelite RCD8. Both have tight focus and pretty long throw. The 8C powered Nemo has a smoother beam and is pretty comfortable size and weight wise. The Ikelite 8D powered Super-8 RCD is big & heavy, but it has better throw and longer run time. Beam pattern is not very smooth, though. They both run in the 13-14 watt range so they are pretty bright for a battery powered light, but not as bright as the common 50-100W 12v spotlights.

There is a rechargeable 25w version of the Ikelite, but I don't know if that one will survive out of water runs.

Don't know about any corded waterproof spotlights. I imagine there are some. Probably have to check with marine/boating supply stores for that.

Lambda modded a Mag reflector to fit into a UK Light Cannon and turned it into a real super-thrower. That should be a pretty simple mod, and it would be hard to beat for size, run time, and power. There's still the issue of banging it around. There are a lot of people that believe the HID Solarc lamp is very fragile. I have dropped and banged mine around quite a bit and I'm still on my original lamp. Others, apparently, have not been so lucky.