This isn't a lecture on dive kit. Just a bit of info about problems I've found through using my kit. There was nothing else really on these products on the web, so here you go. U/W camera info is here
Torch-Greenforce F2 HID 50W. This is a great torch, like most of the
GreenForce range. It's very bright and burns at 10w. So, with an F2 battery
pack you can get a burntime of about 240 mins. The problem with this *bulb*,
however, it is fragile. I bought one, dived twice and it received a knock. OK,
not a knock you'd want any kit to take, but equally it wasn't bashed to pieces
or hit repeatedly. This one blow broke the filament. These bulbs aren't warrantied,
and cost about £100 to replace (!!). So, welch alleyn (bulb manufacturers)
shouldn't have released this bulb as it is.
You should be aware that ALL 10w HID heads (halcyon, diverite, custom, divers,
sartek, fami and oms) use this bulb!
The answer? If you've bought any of the above, wrap the head in neoprene. Make
sure the neoprene is on tightly (otherwise it'll float off at depth!), and put
zip ties on for good measure. I use 10mm of neoprene but i have seen them survive
with 5mm. And be careful with it. If not in use, pop it in your stab pocket,
or make sure the head is at the top of your rig. If you've not bought one, get
the Greenforce 100w (compact or impact) as these bulbs are much much more robust
(and made by someone else!).
I can recommend Denney Diving for excellent service and cheap Greenforce torches.
Waterproof Artic 'Zor Special Edition'. A great suit. Costs a few quid,
yeah, but bullet proof. This is shown in the weight of the thing. I've never
had such a heavy suit! The problem with this suit is the zip, which is a medium-duty
affair. Expect it to break quickly. I'd done less than 20 dives and mine broke.
Fortunately, the Swedish company that makes them replaced it under warranty,
and replaced the boots-all for free. It took them 3 months. Better still, don't
let it break. I favour transporting the suit with the zip closed whilst the
suit is rolled up, and open otherwise (unless diving!).
Dacor Viper/Viper Tec. A great reg. Side exhaust has an obvious massive
advantage, which i think is vital for an octopus. The reg is nice and you can
find reviews online for them, however, the other thing i found was that during
the 1st year of use-and maybe a bit after-the reg had a problem of 'exploding'
in my mouth. It did it with such force that my gums bled! It felt like an interstage
pressure blow-off. This only happened, say, once every 30 dives. With more use,
it's now better, and has never done it again. I only own one, so i don't know
if it's just mine. It's not a major problem but worth being aware of.