SLX800T SLX800I Technical Dive Lights:

  

                                  Manufacturer Specs:

  • Bulb  Triple  High-Powered LED (9W) with approximately 800 lumen output

  • Beam Angle   Each of the three light bulb can be adjusted from 12 degrees to 60 degrees.

  • Burn Time  8+ hours for divers 2+ hours for video/photography

  • Dimensions  5 1/2" L x 2 4/5" W w/o handle

  • Depth Rating  100 meters / 328 feet

  • Weight  1.4 lb above water (with batteries) and 0.5lb underwater (with batteries)

  • Battery 6 AA Rechargeable or Alkaline Batteries  (Operates on 3 AA batteries at a lower output)

 

Initial Impressions: Very sturdy looking construction. The light uses a double "O" ring to limit the chance of flooding. The batteries are installed by removing the light head and sliding out the battery pack insert (see pictures below). A quick initial above water test to see how far the light's beam would shine was very impressive. I shined the light from the ground to the top of a roughly 60 foot tree and clearly illuminated the entire area where I shined the light, plus shot a beam of light up into the air like a spotlight.

Lighting Packages:  (Plus Additional options)

                        The SLX800T comes with just the light, spare O-ring set, (3) 12 degree reflector cups, (3) 60 degree reflector cups and a removable light handle.

                        The SLX800I package comes with of the previously mentioned reflector cups, plus a light handle adaptor (for attaching to camera lighting systems) and  neoprene buoyancy sleeve

Above-water Tests: Since the current was so strong at Jackson Blue I had to measure the width of the of the "spot" and "halo" produced by the light above water. All lights were tested from a distance of 37'.

Results: The SLX800T and SLX800I produce a bright white light that has a 6 1/2 foot wide spot with a 32 foot wide bright halo and a 51 foot wide dimmer halo.

In-water Tests: We traveled to Jackson Blue Spring located in Merrit's Mill Pond. We entered the cave ~100ft. to a depth of 40+/- feet. The visibility was around 100 - 150' (meaning that I could see the light from cave divers that far away, as only a bright point of light). We laid out a tape reel stretching another 75' into the cave. The tests were conducted by two divers making their own separate notes. Diver1 stayed at a fixed point (lights out) and Diver2 swam away from Diver1 following the tape reel. Diver2 would check to see how far they could get from Diver1 and still be able to "clearly" tell that Diver1 was a diver and not a boulder or a shadow. After the tests were completed the diver roles were switched and tests were conducted again. When all the tests were over the notes were compared and found to be within 1-2' of each other. The lights were also reviewed making note of how easy they were to turn "on" and "off".

Results: The SLX800T Technical Light was measured to have an in-water light penetration distance of 56 feet, which surpassed all the other lights. This means that up to 56' we were able to distinguish that there was a diver lurking in the dark. However, the light traveled to roughly 60-70' but at that distance we were unable to locate the diver in the dark.  We found the light to be easy to turn on and off using either bare hands or gloves with grip (3mm Neosport and Akona Adventure Gloves were tested). Note: The light is negatively buoyant, so if dropped it will sink which is normal for most dive lights. The light was easy to handle and produced tons of light. I'd feel comfortable using this as a primary light for all open water dives including wreck penetrations or cave dives.

Pros: I like the fact that the light uses the commonly available AA batteries. The long 8+  hour burn time will provide enough light for most recreational and technical dives. The 2 hour burn time is recommended for divers using the light for video or photography as these divers would need the best light quality available. This light uses a "lockable" on/off switch located on the back end of the light housing. The locking on/off switch is a great feature that prevents the light from accidentally being turned on.

Cons: Expensive.

Warranty: Nocturnal Lights offers a 3 year warranty on this light, as long as the light is purchased from an authorized dealer.