OMS VEGA K2 180 Lumen Dive Light:

  

                                  Manufacturer Specs:

  • Dive Light is guaranteed to be submersible (IPX-8) to a depth of up to 100 meters (330 feet).

  • 180+ Lumens of Light Output

  • Dimensions 5.0" L X 1.0 W (1.5"W at light head)

  • Submersible (IPX-8) to depth of 100 meters (330 Feet)

  • Uses Lumileds K2 180 Super Flux LED

  • Beam Angle: 6 degrees (Per OMS)

  • Hard Anodized Finish

  • Twist On and Off Functionality (No Push Button Switch)                          

  • 3 Hour Run Time

  • Requires 2 CR123A Cell Batteries

 

Initial Impressions: Very sturdy looking construction - contoured handle that feels comfortable in hand. There's a little loop built into the housing to attach either a lanyard or clip. In this model OMS uses a twist on/off light head. The light uses a double "O" ring to limit the chance of flooding. The batteries are installed by removing the light head. A quick initial above water test to see how far the light's beam would shine was amazing. 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.

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'.

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 OMS Vega K2 light was measured to have an in-water light penetration distance of 36 feet, which is just about equal to the distance of the Intova 4.3watt Narrow Beam and the Dorcy 180 Lumen Dive Light. This means that up to 36' we were able to distinguish that there was a diver lurking in the dark. However, the light traveled to roughly 45-50' but at that distance we were unable to locate the diver in the dark. Though the Vega K2 uses a twist-on/off light head to turn the light on/off 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 produced tons of light, I'd feel comfortable using this as a primary light for most open water dives, though it would be an EXCELLENT secondary light. However, something more powerful with a longer burn time would be needed for wreck penetrations or cave dives.

Pros: The small size of the light make it very easy to find a place to store it in your BC. The light is actually small enough that you slip it up the sleeve of your wetsuit. 

Cons: Uses the slightly more expensive and harder to find CR132A battery and only offers a 3 hour burn time. I'd suggest stocking up on CR123 batteries as they could be hard to find in small towns or remote dive locations. These batteries can be purchased on the Internet for as cheap as $1.00 per battery. However, in local stores they average between $5 - $7+ per two pack. Actually at the local Wal-Mart a (2) pack is $9.87. The twist on head could be a possible point of flooding if you were to accidentally twist it off too far while underwater. OMS suggests using a anti-seize thread compound at least every 2 months.

Warranty: OMS offers a 1 year warranty on this light which covers manufacturing defects.