Oxycheq Raider 3W vs Salvo Rat LED 3W (Backups)

[dmainou]

Hi Guys,

I want to buy a backup light and I wonder if there are any users of the above lights that could "illuminate" me on which one to buy.

Most of my dives are during the day but I always carry a torch (Aussie for light) so I am also interested to know if I should buy the smaller versions (2c) or go for the regular size?

It would be wonderful to have a comment from someone that has used both products.

I have also considered the Halcyon Scout but it seems too expensive. Is it worth it?

I want a serious light, so if money was not an issue, which backup light will you buy and why?

Your help is much appreciated.

[mangrovejack]

The Raider takes 3 AA batteries, the Salvo takes 3C and as you state, the smaller takes 2C. I've got a couple of the Raiders (revision 1) and one was DOA and the other works fine. I've written up a review of that torch a few months back (might be on scubaboard), so take a look there for my opinion.

I also have two Halcyon Scouts that are my proper backup lights and I do prefer a Delrin case and that is what the Salvo has as well.

The Halcyon isn't as bright as others because they are deliberately under-driven. I have swapped one of my heads for the LED and its much better than the Halogen, but nowhere near as bright as the Oxycheq Raider.

Not sure if my ramblings are any help, but feel free to ask more questions if you have it.

In my opinion, I'd wait for the series III and IV of the Raider to come out before purchasing. I intend to buy either one of those along with the light sock to use as my primary travel light (don't need to my HID canister or two fairly large Halcyon Scouts in this case).

[drako]

I have a raider and a c8. So not a good comparison. But for what its worth the Raider (ii) is a good light. Not a perfect light but great bang for the buck factor.

[huvrr]

does anyone know if the current Oxycheq Raider for sale at ST is the r-2 version which has the knurled handle and the inner spring. The one in the picture is the old, or I think, original with the ribbed handle and no inner spring.

[rox@ucf11]

I believe it is the r2 if that is the one that is instead of ribbed it is (texturized) knurled I guess???

a few months ago I bought the light from ST and it is the "texturized hande"

[Souvy]

I'm pretty sure ST stocks the revision-2, mine has the spring and the textured handle (and does not look like the one pictured, which I believe is the original). I just got one from ST last month and love it. It's the prefect backup in my opinion due to the small size, AA batteries, and the price (especially with the scubaboard discount).

[mangrovejack]

Originally Posted by Souvy

It's the prefect backup in my opinion due to the small size, AAA batteries,

It uses AA not AAA batteries.

[Souvy]

ooops, thanks for the correction, looks as though I got a bit sloppy with the A's

[MSilvia]

I use two GulfTex Photon Torpedos, and wouldn't have it any other way.

[rox@ucf11]

hey guys just recieved in the mail the oxycheq light sock in order to use my oxycheq raider light in a goodman style I have to say the setup is incredibly stable more so than any real goodman handle that I have used to date its pretty sweet