Another Torch Question

off to buy a bit of kit this weekend and looking to invest in a main
and back up torch. Ideally I'd like a main torch that can do most
things and cater for most environments and recent dive shop excursions
have indicated that the Kowalski quick charge model (620 I think)
would do the job very well indeed. Any views?
Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
All comments appreciated.

"robindotadams" <robindotadams@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1de9bf18.0402110820.7c95cf64@posting.google.c om...
> off to buy a bit of kit this weekend and looking to invest in a main
> and back up torch. Ideally I'd like a main torch that can do most
> things and cater for most environments and recent dive shop excursions
> have indicated that the Kowalski quick charge model (620 I think)
> would do the job very well indeed. Any views?
> Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
> All comments appreciated.

Got a real nice deal on a suunto navy80 a couple of days
ago--rechargeable/compact and selection of power modes
Looks like it will light up the darkest of dark holes on a dark day

I went for the Green Force umbilical one, not cheap, but then nor's the
Kowalski!


"robindotadams" <robindotadams@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1de9bf18.0402110820.7c95cf64@posting.google.c om...
> off to buy a bit of kit this weekend and looking to invest in a main
> and back up torch. Ideally I'd like a main torch that can do most
> things and cater for most environments and recent dive shop excursions
> have indicated that the Kowalski quick charge model (620 I think)
> would do the job very well indeed. Any views?
> Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
> All comments appreciated.

On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 08:20:25 -0800, robindotadams wrote:

> Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> but does not need to be the best kit in the world.

Ikelite PCLITEa is a pretty good backup. Bright enough to use if you have
to. It gets through batteries pretty quickly, but that's not really
important for your backup.

Jason

--
See http://www.scuba-addict.co.uk/ to view UK dive spaces or add your own.

"Jason" <jason.usenet.nospam@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
newsan.2004.02.11.18.34.29.259591@ntlworld.com.. .
> On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 08:20:25 -0800, robindotadams wrote:
>
> > Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> > spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> > but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
>
> Ikelite PCLITEa is a pretty good backup. Bright enough to use if you have
> to. It gets through batteries pretty quickly, but that's not really
> important for your backup.
>
> Jason

Unless you actually need it to work, read deco schedules or find your way
out.
Get yourself a <choke>Holycon Scout RRP £72.00</choke> or similar from
DiveRite, Aleutian, Oxycheq etc etc.

/F

"robindotadams" <robindotadams@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1de9bf18.0402110820.7c95cf64@posting.google.c om...
> off to buy a bit of kit this weekend and looking to invest in a main
> and back up torch. Ideally I'd like a main torch that can do most
> things and cater for most environments and recent dive shop excursions
> have indicated that the Kowalski quick charge model (620 I think)
> would do the job very well indeed. Any views?
> Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
> All comments appreciated.

Robin,

I've a number of torches you're welcome to make offers on; including UK400R,
a Mares Atero (100W)... both are handheld pistol style. The downside is
that these styles require the exclusive dedication of one hand and when
you've finished with them generally dangle on a piece of curly
lanyard...good for easy recreational diving in time gone by when
rechargeable was innovation.

Look for an umbilical torch with a long duration burn time, HID 10W or
better with a narrow or focusable beam, a good goodman style handle with
limited/minimum failure points. This will then last you for whatever diving
you want to do.

http://www.halcyon.net/lights/helios.shtml The Helios 4.5 - 10W, 4.5NiMH is
a good torch.
http://www.diverite.com/products/lights/slimline.htm are also good.
and custard divers http://customdivers.com/hid_lighting_systems.htm is
popular as one of the first of this kind of torch 10W and 3.7NiMD, downside
on the older style was the switch design on the head and the screw in top on
the stainless steel canister would cause you a problem if the inside became
pressured.

HID is a "whiter, brighter" light - better penetration through the
particulate, so familiar in the waters we dive. The goodman handle allow
albeit a limited use of the hand - the umbilical means that you can let it
go and it's still attached to you by the wire and battery pack......if the
costs of all this is too much look at the sealed lead acid versions of the
same thing, you get typically half the burn time for twice the volume and
weights - but this is life support - so really get the best because you're
worth it

If you're in any doubt Vobster are running some twinset orientation days
shortly..... these torches will be there.

Best

/F

On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 18:56:21 +0000, Frank Bruce wrote:

> Unless you actually need it to work, read deco schedules or find your way
> out.

What? The PCLITEa has a 7.2W bulb. It's perfectly bright enough and mine
is still going strong after 5 years now I've cleaned the contacts.

> Get yourself a <choke>Holycon Scout RRP £72.00</choke> or similar from

The Halcyon has only got a 5.5W bulb. So it's dimmer. Personally, I'd
rather have 2 PCLITEa for the price.

Jason

--
http://www.scuba-addict.co.uk/ for Aussie diving reports including
Coral Bay, Rottnest Island, Dunsborough and Darwin

"Frank Bruce" <fbruce@cruelmail.com> wrote in message
news:402a7ad5$0$9752$cc9e4d1f@news.dial.pipex.com. ..
> "Jason" <jason.usenet.nospam@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> newsan.2004.02.11.18.34.29.259591@ntlworld.com.. .
> > On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 08:20:25 -0800, robindotadams wrote:
> >
> > > Also not really sure as to a back up (how much would be reasonable to
> > > spend?). It would be nice if I could use it as a primary if need be,
> > > but does not need to be the best kit in the world.
> >
> > Ikelite PCLITEa is a pretty good backup. Bright enough to use if you
have
> > to. It gets through batteries pretty quickly, but that's not really
> > important for your backup.
> >
> > Jason
>
> Unless you actually need it to work, read deco schedules or find your way
> out.
> Get yourself a <choke>Holycon Scout RRP £72.00</choke> or similar from
> DiveRite, Aleutian, Oxycheq etc etc.

According to the specs, the PCLITEa is brighter than the Scout.

Alun Harford

On Fri, 13 Feb 2004 23:25:58 -0000, "Alun Harford"
<alunharford@yahoo.com> wrote:

>According to the specs, the PCLITEa is brighter than the Scout.

He's not commenting on the brightness but on the reliability

Pete
diving 'at' melbourne 'dot' me 'dot' uk