Princeton Tech Standard vs. LED

[russp]

I'm ready to buy a light set and have decided on the Princeton Tech light pack from Scuba Toys. Since the backup, tank locater, coil lanyard and retractor are the same in both sets; the $70 difference is between standard bulbs ($99) and LEDs ($169) in the primary light. Is it worth it?

[mike_s]

check out these threads and you'll prob find your answer.

the search tool here is your friend.

Princeton Tec Shockwave LED vs. Princeton Tec Shockwave II


Princeton Tec LED

Princenton Tec Shockwave II

Princeton Tec LED

[setesh]

The tread Mike referenced should cover this, but my 2c is that LEDs are the way to go. On surface swims at night my Shockwave II LED keeps the bottom in sight when my buddies Shockwave can't make it. It's probably only a difference of about 5 feet, but I also like the color and pattern of the beam more. Plus, there is much less chance of bulbs going out and battery life is much better.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by russp

I'm ready to buy a light set from Scuba Toys.

I'd buy the lights seperately, unless the set costs less than the primary and backup alone. IMHO, the tank locater, coil lanyard and retractor are pretty useless. I wouldn't want them if you offered them to me for free.

I agree the LED is a superior light, but whether or not the difference is worth the price is pretty subjective. I'd probably buy LED (Or HID) if it were me though.

[russp]

Mike S, thanks for the search tip, I never realized that was there. And yes MSilvia, the tank locator, lanyard and retractor are pretty much freebies the way it's priced. It's sounds like LEDs it is!

[Grin]

The wavelength of the light the LED throws is a big consideration. LED is a whiter light, closer to that of a HID. Standard bulb type lights are yellower light that is not prefered underwater. the whiter lights are absolutly superior in cloudier water. I have a PT Shockwave LED and it is a very nice light. I hate the switch and the switch even broke once to boot. PT fixed it for free. But the switch is still what I call "user not friendly". You get used to it though and it's not as bad as I make it sound. I normally take my UK Light Canon even in clear water just becasue I like the UK switch so much more. Clear water daytime diving, is when the PT should be used though. Good light still. I say get the LED if at all possible. You'll be glad you went ahead and got the good one. Maybe check into UKs top of the line LED light. If I were doing it again, I'd check that out before buying first.

[russp]

I just noticed another light package but it was with the individual lights. It is the UK E-LED Package with a 4C LED primary light. a miniQ40 LED backup and two mini LED pocket and penlights which may or may not work as tank locators. I could always add the UK tank beacon. The UK E-LED looks like the Princeton MiniWave. Any opinions?

[mike_s]

if you can wait till xmas, I've seen a lot of these PrincetonTec "packages" go on sale at Christmas. guess because they don't sell many lights during the winter.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by russp

penlights which may or may not work as tank locators. Any opinions?

What exactly do you need a tank locator for?
In my experience when night diving, I can locate my buddies just fine by the beam from their primary or backup light, and I've never misplaced a tank while underwater so as to require help locating it.

[russp]

The NAUI AOW class requires it to do the deep water dive. It's only $9.95 if I have to buy it seperately.,