What primary light do you use?

[Devin27]

Wanted to get a idea of what lights are good primary lights at the lower end of the price range, under $150ish. Im diving in Hawaii for m advanced cert in a few weeks and I need some lights. Has anyone tried the Princeton Tec Led or Miniwave Led? thoughts?

I also would like to know about backups and any good tips for night diving first timers

Devin

[buddhasummer]

Hmm Im afraid at that price you are possibly going to be rather limited in "good" primary dive light selection, although Im no expert. It also depends on what you define as "good" and under what conditions you will be using the light, I like a robust, bright, common batteries and long running time, I only do OW and use the DR LED 500 as a primary, all things considered its a pretty good buy at around $360, I use a Solus Backup which is pretty exy at around $280. Maybe something by PrincetonTec or UK? Oxycheqs Raider? Im sure someone else will be able to recommend something that fits your budget. If you have the time look at various threads in the Light forum there are often many recommendations made by people with first had experiance with a variety of lights. Good luck.

[rawalker]

I use a Princeton Tec Miniwav LED it's a 4C model. It can be purchased for less than $90 I'm happy with the choice.

[whitworthsa]

I've heard good things about the oxycheq raider 3W LED. Think it'll be the one I go for. Only needs 3 AA batteries so the run time is relatively short.

[Ryanh1801]

I use a UK light cannon HID light that I got on Ebay for cheap.

[Znaught]

I use a Green Force Flexi II with HID 50 Pro light head on an umbilical cable. For my backup light, I use a Green Force Diamond Plus. The quality of Green Force products is extremely high, with all its gear being modular, so one can the swap components of different models. Their performance is generally considered to be excellent; I know that my lights function beautifully. I highly recommended them.

While Green Force lights are expensive, I've seen used models go for under $300. Regardless of what you buy, I suggest you seriously consider a canister light with Goodman handle. You may even have a look at an LED light mounted entirely on a Goodman handle, like this one.

[lemonquist]

I have a princetontec shocwave led. I've only dove with it once (night dive for aow) but it did well. I dont really have a point of reference for a good or bad light... i could see everything fine.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Ryanh1801

I use a UK light cannon HID light that I got on Ebay for cheap.

Not a bad idea.

Add a UK Mini Q40 eLED for a backup, or, budget permitting, the OxyCheq Raider I 3w backup, and you're in business.

[LRDWILDER]

I have a UK light, its a 3 x C cell - gotta check the model, I know its a HID non canon which I've used for about 3 years when doing daylight dives in good viz...Never had a problem and it was about $95 at my LDS...There are good ones to be had out there for new divers that will work great in the beginning and the transition to your back up...I now have a Halcyon HID canister as my primary which I bought from a friend used for $250.

[Charles R]

Like said by others I dive with a Salvo HID Can light. New out of your price range but there are good deals used. Larry has a good deal on a Dive Rite Can light Dive Rite MR11 Sunspot HID Slimline Light, Dive Lights, Dive Rite, Dive Rite MR11 Sunspot HID Slimline Light