[Paddlewise] Update: waterproof LED lights

A while ago I posted a query regarding LED lights (headlamps specifically) 
and I thought I post an update with what I found.  My search headed towards 
lights designed specifically for diving applications - figuring they should 
be reliable in terms of being waterproof.  Basically, didn't find any 
reasonably priced, small sized "headlamps" that appeared truly waterproof 
(one caveat below).  What I did find:

Princeton Tec
makes some waterproof dive lights - PWers said they had varying degrees of 
success with these in terms of durability.  They have introduced the new 
EOS headlamp - waterproof to 1 meter (probably this means dunk 
proof??).  This is a 1 watt LED (bright) but has power regulation to save 
battery juice when you don't need full 
power.  http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.php?Sku=PRIEOSBK

Underwater Kinetics
Makes what appear to be very robust dive lights and they have a pair of 
lights that might be useful:
Full list of 
products:  http://www.brightguy.com/manufacturer/underwaterkinetics.php

The little tiny UK 2AAA Mini Pocket eLED 
(http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.php?Sku=UND09101) is pretty bright, 
simple twist on design, feels tough and has clip that allows it to work as 
a headlamp when clipped onto a hat brim or some other strap.  IMO, would 
make a good light to have on ones PFD.

The Mini Q40 eLED (http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.php?Sku=UND14071) is 
a 1 watt LED with no power regulation so battery life isn't that long.  But 
it is bright and waterproof.  The strap thing it comes with would allow it 
to be attached to a headband.  The connection of the strap isn't too 
robust, wouldn't be secure if things really got rough - would want it 
tethered too.

Along a different note, my search revealed this 
light:  http://www.electralume.com/  (click on the Safety Light 
link).  Sells for about $40
This is a light used by commercial swordfish anglers as a deep-water 
attractant - attached to their tackle sets.  Waterproof to 2200'.  A really 
tough, simple light that lasts something like 720 hrs on a set of 
AAs.  Three LEDs are bright enough to light up work in a small area.  Would 
also make a good bail-out light to attach to your PFD (not an emergency 
strobe though!).  If paddling with a group at night these would certainly 
mark the others in the group - different colors for different boats??  I 
know divers that use these as tank lights for night dives - to ID other divers.

For me, the little UK Mini Pocket eLED fits what I was originally looking 
for - small, rugged, waterproof LED to use in cockpit for things like map 
reading and also to have as an 'always with me' light source in the event 
of a boatless bail-out.

No association to the mentioned websites - were simply sites that had the 
info and were handy.

K
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