Introduction and light question

[Line Squirrel]

you will need 2 Lights for the Cavern as far as I remember, natural light is your 3rd source.

Natural light is your PRIMARY light source in cavern class. The other two are considered back-up lights.

[DA Aquamaster]

Don't get carried away with the light issue. I have used both the Dive Rite MR-11 10W HID and the 700 LED as a primary and have not had signaling issues. My normal buddy dives a 35W HID and if anything she tends to have more issues signaling as the 35W has a wide beam with minimal hot spot.

So in effect, there is a lot more to it than just wattage, and in general I have not had issues with a 10W HID or 700 Lumen LED getting washed out. Divers who have poor SA is another issue entirely and one that will also not be resolved by going with more wattage.

Start with a used Dive Rite MR11 10W HID for around $350, upgrade it to an LED LUX for $200 if you prefer and maybe someday way down the road buy a bigger light. The MR 11 10W HID has a very intense center spot that will burn through most poor viz conditions so if you dive poor viz a lot, you may want to stay with it. If you dive mostly good viz, upgrade it to the LUX when you get the extra cash.

Another "upgrade" option may be to talk with Corey at Light Monkey. He has been known to give generous trade in credit toward new lights.

[Line Squirrel]

Start with a used Dive Rite MR11 10W HID for around $350.....

prufrock - I have one of these I would be willing to sell, It's in good shape. The battery is getting a little long in the tooth but it's been a good light for me.

Charger, soft Goodman handle and the little light head coozie (2) included.

I'm going to burn test it this evening....I'm curious myself how long the battery will last these days.

[tflaris]

Natural light is your PRIMARY light source in cavern class. The other two are considered back-up lights.

Hey its the former godfather of Luraville. How's it going Mike??????

[ltb7733]

"former godfather" now what? i gotta kiss da ring on your finger everytime i get my deco bottle filled? hey mike, i will see you at Bada Bing..........

[Line Squirrel]

LOL - how's it going guys Hey Lance, I moved to the back room so we have a new guy, starting tomorrow morning actually, that will be running the fill station.

[Line Squirrel]

I'm going to burn test it this evening....I'm curious myself how long the battery will last these days.

It burned for two hours last night before I had to shut it off to get to bed. Charging it this morning, I'll try for a full burn this evening.

[BabyDuck]

ps - larry's buddy has a 21w, not 35...but i agree it has a wider beam with less of a 'death ray' spot.

[prufrock]

thanks for the tips, all. mmcauliffe, i'll send a pm about the light. i didnt realize there was a page two to this thread until today. appreciate the tips.

rob french

[Line Squirrel]

It burned for two hours last night before I had to shut it off to get to bed. Charging it this morning, I'll try for a full burn this evening.

OK - 3-1/2 hours and still going strong, it's rated for 4hrs brad new! Aybody interested in a 10W Slimline?