Lars
17-04-07, 13:36
I don't want to link to other webpages, so I post it again here:
I was looking for a primary backup torch (see other thread). And finally, I decided on the Salvo 3w LED. This black torch has a single 3 watts LED bulb with 47 lumens. It operates on 8 AA (or 4 AA batteries) with a burn time of about 30 hours. It has double o-rings on the bezel and a switch. The body is 165mm long and has a diameter of 44mm, while the reflector has a diameter of 51mm. In air the torch weighs about 300 grams. Sorry, I am from the continent so can't convert it to imperial....
The depth rating is 100 meters, but (surprise, surprise) I resisted testing it under that pressure.
The Shape
First of all, I don't like pistol grips. So, I was happy to get a torch, which looks like one. And it fits well in my hand with or without gloves and has a good grip. Then, I don't like to turn the bezel to switch a light on. Oh lucky me, this torch has a nice switch, too. Exactly where it needs to be and it is easy to operate. However, the little safety switch to prevent accidental switching is a bit fiddly to operate with gloves. But who cares? With this long burn time, I switch it on before the dive and jump into the water. It can be pretty dark after passing the halocline in a Scottish sea loch and this way I not only find my torch easier, it is already switched on. I also like the possibility to attach a lanyard or a clip to the end of the torch.
The Beam
To talk straight to you, I wasn't looking for a light sabre and I didn't find one. This is a torch for less then 50 quid. However, I was surprised! I used it now on a couple of dives. It was exactly what I was looking for. I put a picture somewhere in this post. You see two beams. There is a bigger one, which has a beam of about 40 degrees. This one is very useful when it is dark. It gives me a good field of view during a night dive. And it is strong enough to navigate around. The second beam is very bright, but smaller. The beam is about 7 degrees and perfect to look into cracks and holes. This small beam is also bright enough to be useful during the day. Both beams are sharply focused. But how bright is it? Everybody expect, that I compare it to other torches! Ok then, it is definitely less bright than a Fa&Mi Powerled. But it is better than the UK SL4 and the Lidl one. These were the torches my buddies had.... I think, it is hard to estimate.
Summary
Every piece of kit is something personal and I have to be happy with it. Although, I found this torch always as a backup torch in the shops, I am happy to use it as my primary torch. I have to mention, that I dive on air (are there still some people around doing this??), so it is not very deep. But for an Ocean Diver or Sports Diver it could be a valuable piece of kit. And it is small enough and has the power consumption to be used as a backup torch later on. The Salvo 3w LED gets 9 out of 10 points because it is exactly what I was looking for in this price range. Why not 10 points? Firstly, it is black. I like to drop things, so a bright colour makes my life easier (remember my drysuit?). Then the little safety switch is IMHO not necessary, because this torch is not getting hot and has a long burn time.
Another drawback? There is only one place in the UK to get this torch: www.divingniknaks.com, at Capernwray and Lakeside Diving in Thurrock. !
I hope this review helps you, when looking for a new primary backup torch or buy it as your first torch!
Lars
I was looking for a primary backup torch (see other thread). And finally, I decided on the Salvo 3w LED. This black torch has a single 3 watts LED bulb with 47 lumens. It operates on 8 AA (or 4 AA batteries) with a burn time of about 30 hours. It has double o-rings on the bezel and a switch. The body is 165mm long and has a diameter of 44mm, while the reflector has a diameter of 51mm. In air the torch weighs about 300 grams. Sorry, I am from the continent so can't convert it to imperial....
The depth rating is 100 meters, but (surprise, surprise) I resisted testing it under that pressure.
The Shape
First of all, I don't like pistol grips. So, I was happy to get a torch, which looks like one. And it fits well in my hand with or without gloves and has a good grip. Then, I don't like to turn the bezel to switch a light on. Oh lucky me, this torch has a nice switch, too. Exactly where it needs to be and it is easy to operate. However, the little safety switch to prevent accidental switching is a bit fiddly to operate with gloves. But who cares? With this long burn time, I switch it on before the dive and jump into the water. It can be pretty dark after passing the halocline in a Scottish sea loch and this way I not only find my torch easier, it is already switched on. I also like the possibility to attach a lanyard or a clip to the end of the torch.
The Beam
To talk straight to you, I wasn't looking for a light sabre and I didn't find one. This is a torch for less then 50 quid. However, I was surprised! I used it now on a couple of dives. It was exactly what I was looking for. I put a picture somewhere in this post. You see two beams. There is a bigger one, which has a beam of about 40 degrees. This one is very useful when it is dark. It gives me a good field of view during a night dive. And it is strong enough to navigate around. The second beam is very bright, but smaller. The beam is about 7 degrees and perfect to look into cracks and holes. This small beam is also bright enough to be useful during the day. Both beams are sharply focused. But how bright is it? Everybody expect, that I compare it to other torches! Ok then, it is definitely less bright than a Fa&Mi Powerled. But it is better than the UK SL4 and the Lidl one. These were the torches my buddies had.... I think, it is hard to estimate.
Summary
Every piece of kit is something personal and I have to be happy with it. Although, I found this torch always as a backup torch in the shops, I am happy to use it as my primary torch. I have to mention, that I dive on air (are there still some people around doing this??), so it is not very deep. But for an Ocean Diver or Sports Diver it could be a valuable piece of kit. And it is small enough and has the power consumption to be used as a backup torch later on. The Salvo 3w LED gets 9 out of 10 points because it is exactly what I was looking for in this price range. Why not 10 points? Firstly, it is black. I like to drop things, so a bright colour makes my life easier (remember my drysuit?). Then the little safety switch is IMHO not necessary, because this torch is not getting hot and has a long burn time.
Another drawback? There is only one place in the UK to get this torch: www.divingniknaks.com, at Capernwray and Lakeside Diving in Thurrock. !
I hope this review helps you, when looking for a new primary backup torch or buy it as your first torch!
Lars