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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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