View Full Version : Primary Backup Torch
Hi,
I am looking for a new primary backup torch!
What is that???
I had a SL4 torch, which I liked, but lost:o . I had a play with Smudges Fa-Mi torch which is wonderful and was lucky enough to see our DOs light sabre in action. I want one of these too. However, Christmas is far, far away.
So, I am looking for a torch which can be used on night dives (most can), but is also strong enough to look into cracks and holes during the day. Maybe in a year or so, when I got one of these shiny ones, I would use it as a backup.
Using the Fa-Mi torch, I realised that LED torches are quite good, I don't need a rechargeable one and I don't like pistol grips (and it should be below 50GBP).
so, I looked at these:
'TekTite Expedition Star', 'TekTite Trek 4' and 'Salvo 7.5 watt backup light'
What are your experiences and recommendations?
Thanks in advance,
Lars
Hi,
I am looking for a new primary backup torch!
What is that???
I had a SL4 torch, which I liked, but lost:o . I had a play with Smudges Fa-Mi torch which is wonderful and was lucky enough to see our DOs light sabre in action. I want one of these too. However, Christmas is far, far away.
So, I am looking for a torch which can be used on night dives (most can), but is also strong enough to look into cracks and holes during the day. Maybe in a year or so, when I got one of these shiny ones, I would use it as a backup.
Using the Fa-Mi torch, I realised that LED torches are quite good, I don't need a rechargeable one and I don't like pistol grips (and it should be below 50GBP).
so, I looked at these:
'TekTite Expedition Star', 'TekTite Trek 4' and 'Salvo 7.5 watt backup light'
What are your experiences and recommendations?
Thanks in advance,
Lars
I use the Scubapro Nova LED, but I'm told the on/off switch plays up when real deep. I used to use the Lidl torches but kept killing them when I was down at 35m...
Hi lars
If you want you can have a go of my Fa&Mi when Im back from the Red Sea... See what you think of that one.
I'll be using it on night dives out there next week!! :D
gogs
A few of us on here have bought Frogman Lenser torches.
They are currently available for the ridiculously low price of £17.99 (+P&P) from here (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=101459).
They are LED with a focused beam. It's bright enough to use on a night dive & also functions for peering into crevices on day dives. Gord used mine as a primary torch on a night dive at the Caves the other week when his Light Cannon wouldn't switch on. It was OK but not ideal (as the viz was less than 1m at times). Stewart has used one for a while & is quite happy with it as a back up & primary torch for night dives in blue water. Ding recommends them too.
A couple of us have had problems with the ones we bought recently but the vendor has replaced them with no quibbles. You activate the torch by slightly unscrewing the metal bezel. Mine flooded on its first dive, I presume because I had overtightened the bezel on the surface probably deforming the O-ring. You only need to screw the bezel down until the beam just goes off at the surface & no more. The metal bezel has also been known to become detached from its underlying plastic bezel but that is easily remedied with a little glue.
So, would I recommend them? At that price, most definitely.
There's info here (http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=1865§ion=&action=display&show=frogman) & a review of the little brother of this torch here (http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=5122§ion=&action=display&show=frogman).
Lizardland
29-03-07, 16:13
I use Princeton Tec LED torches. They are about £28, have a depth rating deeper than I'll ever need and will burn for a week on a set of AA batteries.
I switched to twist on torches for backups after my main torch packed in on a long night dive. My fingers were too numb to use the switch on a Scubapro torch.
I'm a bit put off the Frogman lights because you have to unscrew the bezel to turn them on whereas most others you screw the bezel down. I'd be worried about doing it too far and flooding it.
Cheers,
Stuart
I'm a bit put off the Frogman lights because you have to unscrew the bezel to turn them on whereas most others you screw the bezel down. I'd be worried about doing it too far and flooding it.
:rolleyes: That's funny because I dislike "screw-on" torches. You never know how tight is enough to stop them coming on at depth but tight enough to stop them leaking. I have always found that when I use them they end up turning themselves on under pressure. Perhaps not the gravest disaster, unless you go to use it in earnest only to find that the batteries have been unexpectedly drained. :eek:
Horses for courses I guess. :o
Tektite trek 4 gets my vote, its superb and good enough for normal day diving to if needs be. Its a twist on/off but has i think 2 o-rings to prevent flooding. It was £26 from divelife in manchester. Boltsnapped to upper d-ring and held in place with inner tube and you dont notice it is there.
Lizardland
30-03-07, 00:43
:rolleyes: That's funny because I dislike "screw-on" torches. You never know how tight is enough to stop them coming on at depth but tight enough to stop them leaking. I have always found that when I use them they end up turning themselves on under pressure. Perhaps not the gravest disaster, unless you go to use it in earnest only to find that the batteries have been unexpectedly drained. :eek:
Horses for courses I guess. :o
Pelican say twist it til it comes on then back a quarter turn. I've found this works on most twist ons. An easy check is just to push down on the bezel as hard as you can, it shouldn't come on.
At least with LED's if it comes on then it isn't the end of the world with 20hrs+ burn time.
SL6, fits nicely in pocket and has tight strong beam.
Hi all,
Thanks for the advice. I think, I'll try the new Salvo 3W LED. Could get a really good deal:rolleyes: . If so, I'll post a review!
Cheers,
Lars
Hi lars
If you want you can have a go of my Fa&Mi when Im back from the Red Sea... See what you think of that one.
I'll be using it on night dives out there next week!! :D
gogs
Of course I'll borrow you Fa-Mi:p
I might see you on sunday?
However, have fun on your trip!!
Lars
I might see you on sunday?
Lars
Sunday we will be travelling, old bean.
I'll see ya when we are back on the 8th!
gogs
Ahhh lifestyles of the rich and famous! Or should that be in debt and infamous? :p ;)
Edited to add, the best value for money torch I've yet had is one of the little screw torches (Q40?) that take the four AA cells and have a strap for fitting to your mask.
Mine lives in a pocket as backup/sometime primary and even if it flodds I've had my moneys worth! Narrow but very bright and penetrating beam, runs forever on four batts. Cheap as you like and therefore unlikely to flood...
(I have a theory.. the more you spend on a torch the more likely it is to flood, the less you spend, the longer it will last. Hence the D40(? crap with numbers) that someone I know found lying on the bottom with barnacles on will last forever as it was free :) proven by the fact it still worked when she found it!)
Q12???
D12????
Did you mean the Q40????:confused:
'crap with numbers???' ... And I trusted you when you were planning our dive!;)
Are you at the pub on monday?? Need some advice on twinsets....
Lars
:D I do indeed mean the Q40, well spotted!
Fortunately dive planning isn't about remembering random numbers allocated by a marketing department, so you should be ok with my planning :p
Pub on Monday? I'd thought it was still tuesday! :confused:
No matter, if the weather is ok I may be out at Fifeness on Sunday ;) so we can have a chat then if you are there...
Mr Flibble
31-03-07, 10:04
The q40 is without doubt one of the best torches ever made. Amazingly bright light from a tiny wee torch, very simple and reliable construction. Pity UK haven't worked out that if they made an exact copy just 5 times bigger they would have one of the best main torches out there.
Got the Salvo 3W LED today. :D
NICE....
Hopefully the weather will stay like this and I have a try tomorrow (think it is Elie).
Hey Smudge fancy a night dive next week, then I can compare it to your light sabre!
Maybe... maybe... we can chat tomorrow, and you can put the suggestion to the other dive tart as well and double your chances of a dive! (he'll be there tomorrow as well :D )