Re: [Paddlewise] Laser flares; strobes; most bang-for-the-buck

In a message dated 6/5/2004 12:25:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com writes:


> As long as we're on the subject of flares, there was some discussion a 
> while
> back regarding laser flares.  The literature claims they can be seen up to
> 20 miles away and can last up to 72 hours on a set of batteries.  _If_ these
> perform as well as advertised, it almost seems like they could make other
> flares nearly obsolete (but on the other hand, what ever works as well as
> advertised...).  Does anyone on the list have experience with these who
> would care to comment on the efficacy of the laser flares vs other types?
> They seem to cost around US$100, but if they work well that could be a
> bargain.
> 
I carry one made by Greatland in a pfd pocket. I left it in there during a 2 
day surf class and it is extremely watertight. The batteries are rated to 15 
hours. In daylight it is quite bright on axis, off axis it is not. At night it 
is awesome. This is something that plagues all directional light sources. 
However, the perception of the person seeing it is of a staccato flash. A flare of 
any type is omni-directional, and thus one of sufficient candela and height 
is potentially more visible.

What does the person(s) think of the laser signal seen? Does it register as a 
distress signal at all? The laser signal will never be higher than the height 
of the swells one paddles in. 

It columnates light well. Some folks carry flashlights to pinpoint a position 
for a rescue. The laser serves that function very well. As a signalling 
device for the kayaker flying into a destination where flares cannot, it adds more 
value.


>  Mine is made by Princeton Tec and the quality control seems much
> better, but the flash is much less bright.  Does anyone have a
> recommendation for a nice bright _dependable_ stobe?

Mine is a P Tec, too. At night it works well. Too bright and the vertigo 
effect takes hold. Police officers sometimes train at a firing range where a 
strobe light is activated to replicate conditions at night where lights are 
activated and shots fired. I would consider too bright a strobe in rough water to be 
a possible detriment to staying upright. I do not consider the red R2D2 
looking strobe to be too bright, just a bit bulky.


> 
> Lastly, would anyone care to rate the various devices in terms of their
> ability to get attention from a distance?  Like let's say you've got a
> limited budget and just want to get the most bang for the buck, given that
> sometimes the attention to want to get could be overhead (like from a
> helicopter) and sometimes from a boat at a distance or in the fog or at
> night, etc.  Obviously the most effective device will depend on the
> circumstances, but given that you can't always know the circumstances in
> advance, you've just got to make your best guess.  So, we've got:
> 
> Pencil, 12 guage and parachute flares;

Parachute's are a 10 out of 10; 12 guage are a 5 out of 10; Pencils are a 2 
out of 10. I only carry them as a person mounted flare device.

> Laser flares

As a primary signalling device 2 out of 10. when seen as a signalling device 
and a homing in device I find them at least a 6.

> Smoke bombs

Good in daylight.



> Dye marker


Good in daylight. Would it last long in rough water?

> Strobe lights

Good at night, in non foggy conditions.

> Mirror reflector

Good in sunshine.

> Reflective tape

I need more of this on my boat.

> Reflective streamers (<-- I forget what these are really called)

Mylar? I've never used them. Could be good for a shore marking position for 
an evac.

> VHF radio

10 out of 10 if it's submersible, charged up and within range of a vessel or 
a listening station.

> Cell phone

I was surprised that they worked at Cape Flattery and Shi Shi beach on the 
Olympic National Park coastline last week. They work in many places in 
Washington state.

> EPIRB

I don't own one but the size and weight of them is so attractive now I may do 
so in the future.

> Whaddya think?  From my perspective, I lean towards including all the cheap
> stuff (smoke, dye, mirror, tape, streamers), plus the strobe and vhf and
> MAYBE the laser flare.  I've generally carried handheld flares, but I'm
> starting to think these are less effective than some of the other options.
> 
If I were to choose 3, it would be the VHF, parachute flare and the laser. 
Just a humble opinion.

Rob G
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