Salvo 12W led (unbiased) review

[Rexco]

So Shirley, When are you heading for the DR now that you read this?

[sskasser]

So Shirley, When are you heading for the DR now that you read this?

As soon as I can talk somebody into buying me a plane ticket....so....wanna buy me a plane ticket? My mind is already there, just need to transport the bod!

[phillip1]

Nice report.

IMO the writing is on the wall. Everything I see points to the LED technology as the wave of the future.

I went the Tillytec LED route with primary and backups, having sold all 3 of my HIDs. With my buddy and I going the rebreather path because our cave dives were pushing well past 4 hours, having lights that will run 10 to 12 hours is important, which the LEDs do. Plus, many of the LEDs have multiple lights in the head, which ensures that if one dies there are others still buring brightly. And they are much more robust in construction.

Several of us have had trouble with the DiveRite 500 lumen LED, but it's just a matter of time until DiveRite gets the bugs out of that light. On the other hand, many using it aren't having any issues at all. Go figure.

Thanks for the report.

Bill

I have seen a DR LED500 in action and I can say for sure that the Salvo is way brighter and has a tighter spot too. If LEDs turns out to be very reliable it's the way to go even now not even in the future.
From using the Salvo 12W in an unknown cave and under kind of difficult conditions, I really think that it is a viable alternative to a 10W HID. Although still expensive, I wonder how the Salvo 21W compares to an HID? does anyone have any experience with those?

[icestac]

I wonder how the Salvo 21W compares to an HID? does anyone have any experience with those?

I replaced my DR 10W HID with the Salvo 21W LED and am very pleased. I had a wreck can and the 21W can is smaller (although bigger than the slimline -- it is about the size of a spray paint can). I just powered up both the 21W and 12W Salvo LEDs next to each other and the beam angle is the same. Looking at the reflector reveals why -- from the looks of it, they are the same.

However, when Sam and I were at the bottom of the quarry when we first got them, I switched through the settings (when the 21W could switch power settings) and it seemed like the 21W at 20%-40% matched the 12W's output. This would be in cave like conditions since the quarry is really mucky up top and no light makes it down to 150ft in the cold clearer water.

I think they are both great lights. I had the DR LED300 and loved it for its size, but the beam was nothing to write home about -- BUT I lived with it because of the convenience factor. The Salvo 12W is a perfect upgrade/replacement for it (we even carry the 12W in the same pocket the LED300 came in).

~Jeff

[phreaticus]

DR has the LED-700 out as of two weeks ago....
It has 700 lumens (hence the name) with the standard Slimline/NiMH canister and Storm Case. $650 retail. Thats above the rated illumination levels of all 10 watt HID's (if you believe the specs!).
It blows away the LED 500! Used it in in the water two weeks ago...had both in hand....
DR even markets the LED-500 (see the blog on their website) as a primary backup, or a good travel/night diving light, now.
Seems the curve is moving rapidly...what a surprize!
If you have an MR-11 Sunspot, and want to upgrade (or have busted a bulb) the cost is $150...either way....

[icestac]

My problem with the DR LED300 was the bulb configuration. They were using 3 LEDs and the beam wasn't worth a crap for signalling. It just faded all over the place. Have they address it in the newer LED700 version? The pictures I saw for the LED500 looked identical to the LED300, but that could have just been old marketing stuff.

~Jeff

[Webmaster]

DR has the LED-700 out as of two weeks ago....
It has 700 lumens (hence the name) with the standard Slimline/NiMH canister and Storm Case. $650 retail. Thats above the rated illumination levels of all 10 watt HID's (if you believe the specs!).
It blows away the LED 500! Used it in in the water two weeks ago...had both in hand....
DR even markets the LED-500 (see the blog on their website) as a primary backup, or a good travel/night diving light, now.
Seems the curve is moving rapidly...what a surprize!
If you have an MR-11 Sunspot, and want to upgrade (or have busted a bulb) the cost is $150...either way....

So you mean if we have the DR 10W HID handheld we can upgrade it to the 700 lumen LED for $150? Should be plenty of room for it in the existing head.

Marbry

[phreaticus]

If it's the black metal head,,,,YES!

[mwenner]

Marbry,

I see you wasted no time..... that's great!