Whatever kind of light you get, you'll definitely want to go
with LEDs. Incandescent just can't compete when it comes to
brightness and battery life. And for batteries, you can't beat
lithium ion. They are small, lightweight, long-lasting, very
reliable and much cheaper in the long run over disposable types. I
dislike waist-mounted battery packs with their respective cords, but
with lithium ion you can easily mount the battery on the helmet.
For my money, the Sten Light is the best available for
general caving. It is not a diving light, but it is definitely
waterproof enough to use on any normal trip, even in a wet cave like
Honey Creek. According to their web site it is waterproof to 8
meters, which is enough for anything most cavers will
encounter. I've worn mine on free dives a couple of meters deep with
no problem. The cord connector, while definitely not watertight, has
never been a problem for me. They're not cheap, but a very
worthwhile investment. They also have excellent customer service and
will usually repair any problem short of actual abuse for free.
Mark
At 04:54 PM 6/13/2011, Stefan Creaser wrote:
I second the durability of FX-2's; I've had mine for more than 15yrs
and it's still going strong. It's outlasted numerous helmet mounted
lights, though it is more robustly made (for caving).
Looks like you can still get old ones:
http://www.thecavingandclimbingshop.com/epages/BT3421.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3421/Categories/Caving_Equipment/Lighting%5B1%5D/SpeleoTechnics
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300555317667
Cheers,
Stefan
From: Josh Rubinstein [mailto:kars...@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 3:26 PM
To: Allan B. Cobb
Cc: Tim Stich; Don Arburn; Mallory Mayeux; Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
Allan,
I like my Sten Light too. It is not NOT a good waterproof
light. The battery contains circuitry. The plug connection between
the battery and the light is a portal for water. Not a good
combination. The risk can be lessen by coating the connection with
dielectric grease.
The light I use for exploring water caves is no longer available.
Speleo Technic FX2 was the brightest, least bulky and most robust
light of its day. Now the incandescent light powered by a NiCd
battery on a belt is still one of the most robust. Mine is a twenty
plus years old. If I have not killed, it is not for lack of
trying. I have surveyed with the head piece half filled with water
with no ill effect. But in this era of retina burning lasers, it is
no longer the bright light.
Josh
On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 12:45 PM, Allan B. Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
I am really fond of my Sten light. It is not cheap but it is
dependable, robust, and fairly water resistant.
In answer to Malory's original question, I used to use a Duo and it
worked well for me. I highly recommend the LED version. For casual
caving, it will work just fine.
Allan
From: Tim Stich
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 12:40 PM
To: Allan B. Cobb
Cc: Don Arburn ; Mallory Mayeux ; Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
I'm kind of curious as well about the best waterproof headlamp for
the money out there. For what I used them for these days, the cheap
ones work fine. But for caving I would want a much tougher light.
On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 11:35 AM, Allan B. Cobb <a...@oztotl.com> wrote:
Autolite Carbide Lamp!
-----Original Message----- From: Don Arburn
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 12:15 PM
To: Mallory Mayeux
Cc: Texascavers@Texascavers.Com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Headlamp question
Wheatlamp!
Don's iPhone.
On Jun 13, 2011, at 12:15 PM, Mallory Mayeux <mmay...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Cavers!
I am toying with the idea of purchasing a new headlamp and wanted
some opinions--is anyone using the Petzl Duo? If so, how do you like
it? For the money, is there something else you would recommend?
Mallory
Please reply to mmin...@caver.net
Permanent email address is mmin...@illinoisalumni.org
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