Re: [Paddlewise] Strobe Question

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:54:27 -0500
Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote:

> The large headlamps 
[...]
 > A  water proof  flashlight
[...]
> a Greatland Laser
[...]
> It is awesome at night as the light columnates.

I think that something is getting lost here.  Do you want to be seen from any 
angle or do you want a light to attract attention from a specific target?  A 
strobe or non-flashing light should have a very wide spread of light if it is to 
be seen from anywhere.  A highly directional light source is better (at night) 
if you want to signal, say, a boat or helicopter.  I don't know of too many 
products that can do both well.

For general night lights, a flashlight meets the legal requirements in the US 
and Canada, while a light with broader horizontal distribution (like a C-light) 
is better.  For a light permanently attached to the shoulder tab of your PFD, 
you'll want a very bright light that can be seen in any direction - strobes 
work, but a non-flashing source may be better.  For signaling, a pointer type of 
light is required and the laser mentioned above is highly rated (if it's the one 
I remember hearing about earlier).  You might need all three!

Mike
PS - my headlamp is rated to 300m - why are the newer ones a wimpy IPX7 or 8?
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Received on Tue Dec 19 2006 - 21:54:38 PST

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