Primary and Backup Light

[Wetnurse28]

Wow, overwhelmed by all the excellent input on dive lights. Using what I learned in the forum, considering cost, what do you think about these choices:

Primary Light: PT Shockwave LED

Backup Light: Oxycheq 3watt Raider

[mitsuguy]

I just responded to the other, but I'll say the same here - good choices, but, get the Miniwave LED instead of the Shockwave LED - same brightness/beam, but half the batteries - it'll still last over 6 hours on a set of batteries...

[buddhasummer]

Originally Posted by Wetnurse28

Wow, overwhelmed by all the excellent input on dive lights. Using what I learned in the forum, considering cost, what do you think about these choices:

Primary Light: PT Shockwave LED

Backup Light: Oxycheq 3watt Raider

It depends somewhat on the type of diving you do?

I have no exp with the shockwave, the Raider has many good reports, you can read them on TDS forum, just type in "Oxycheq 3W LED Backup Light".

[terrillja]

I use the raider as my primary, I prefer the tighter beam with more throw to the shockwave with a wider beam and less throw.

If you want a PT shockwave led, pm me and I will sell you one. Never flooded.

[CompuDude]

I prefer UK to PT, but those choices should work well for you.

[harb99]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I prefer UK to PT, but those choices should work well for you.

sorry to hijack this thread, but quick question - which small light would be good enough to take to Bonaire to use for night dives and to keep in the pocket or clipped to my bc to look under ledges, etc.? I am on a tight budget, so cost is a consideration - leaning towards LED though.

[digital_steve]

I've had the greenforce diamond backup and the salvo rat backup
they're both great options. If you want something smaller with a wider beam, go for the greenforce... if you want something solid and with a nice tight beam, then go for the Salvo Rat
IMHO of course

[Wetnurse28]

I decided to go with the

Primary UK C8 LED ----- 169.99

Backup Oxycheq LED --- 64.95

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by Wetnurse28

I decided to go with the

Primary UK C8 LED ----- 169.99

Backup Oxycheq LED --- 64.95

did you order already?

the Princeton Tec's are brighter and wider beam than the UK's... The guys I dive with every thursday have UK C8's, and my Princeton Tec Miniwave (4 cell) is brighter and wider beam than theirs....

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by harb99

sorry to hijack this thread, but quick question - which small light would be good enough to take to Bonaire to use for night dives and to keep in the pocket or clipped to my bc to look under ledges, etc.? I am on a tight budget, so cost is a consideration - leaning towards LED though.

The UK SL4 tends to be the gold standard for easy conditions like that. Very popular with warm water destination dive shops, because they're super durable, cheap, and put out a very decent amount of light for their size (which is easily small enough to tuck into most post pockets).

The Mini-Q40 is a little too small, IMO, as a primary light. And while the OxyCheq light makes a fantastic backup light (you are bringing a backup light source when planning your night dives, right?), it's a little too focused IMO to use as a primary light for a night dive. You want a wider beam spread when you're using it to sightsee, vs. signal.