10 reasons for a handheld dive light in 2020 - Will I switch? 

So... what’s your opinion on handheld lights?

Thank you, Ben; after watched your informative video, I decided to acquire the Halcyon EXP. I'm really happy.

Great videos, just found your channel looking for torches and very impressed with the quality of your content!

I bought the EXP and I'm really happy with that light and can really confirm Ben's arguments. Thanks Ben for the recommendation...😊

Agreed with you. Thanks for the honest review.

I used a handheld dive-rite light for a while it was great. I did switch to a halcyon focus for the main reason of the variable focus. its nice to light up big areas from time to time or use it as an improve video light too. great videos you are doing. Thanks

I used handheld primary lights almost exclusively for the last 6 years. Never lost it 😅 Started with the Halcyon Explorer Mini, later the Original Flare Handheld. Love it. I „modified“ the handle to eliminate the entrapment Risk. I run a bungee over the lighthead from the top of the handle to the Open end. This way, I even have a makeshift thumb loop.

The shop you linked is somewhat better value than what I have seen these units advertised for elsewhere!!

That intro was excellent with the close ups of the lights.

Another great video! I just got this light on sale for 200$ Found out about the sale while purchasing a Focus 2.0 and could not pass up the opportunity!

Great video, very informative. Thank you. Is there a smart way to clip it off temporarily with a working double-ender if needed? I mean in a way that the light beam gives some ambiant light but wirhout glarinh other divers? (Like you would be able with a corded dive torch?).

Hi. This is a good and balanced review. Keep up the good work. I have a few questions: What are the main differences between the Flare EXP and the standard Flare 2.6aH Handheld? The price of the Standard Flare is way more expensive than the Flare EXP. However, The Technical specs seems to be the same for both in terms of light output and battery life. So, what are the differences?

Hi Ben, Thanks for the video, i was just about to buy a monkey light primary but now i am might get the new Exp light instead. If i buy the cordless version, can i then buy a halcyon battery later on and connect to this light by changing the back connector?

Thanks for the video DoktorBen! I have been thinking about upgrading my primary technical diving light; in your opinion would this make a good primary or would you only recommend it as a backup? I use a BigBlue tl 4800 right now but the light isnt as hot in the middle and so isnt as good for signaling as the halcyon (it seems).

Thanks for this video, Ben! Since I've only started diving a few months ago, but have been looking at tec as something to pursue when I'm a bit further in my journey, I've been wondering for a bit how relevant canister lights still are. And wondering if I should get one or not :-) I currently use a Metalsub XRE-1250R on a goodman handle, and it appears to have many of the pros of this light. The burn time is similar (at least the advertised burn time, but with a 37Wh battery I guess it should be in the ball park in actual use, I haven't pushed it yet...) It's a bit bigger and a little heavier, but on the goodman it's balanced under water. One big pro is that, even though it charges in the same way as the Halcyon, you can replace the battery if you want to, and Metalsub offers spares. It also comes with a 12V car charger, so you can top it off during a surface interval. One of my favorite things about it is that it comes in at just over one third of the price of the Halcyon. Adding the aftermarket goodman still keeps it under half. Have you had a chance to look at that one by any chance? In all honesty, mine had to go back for warranty after three dives (bad battery). But I guess a dud can happen with any brand, and many people I know are quite happy with their Metalsubs.

Hey Ben, would you be able to compare the Flare EXP against the Tauri pro and the focus 2 side by side?

This was really great review. Actually other topics on this channel are nice and very informative with nice approach. I'm just wondering about specs of this torch. There is LUX units mentioned on Halcyon site and most of other torches are specced with Lumens. I'm sidemount diver and I wan't to get rid if canister light. Cable IS really annoying and as I will add cable for heating vest - everything become one big mess. I'm trying to compare BigBlue TL8000p light with this Halcyon in video. Price range IS quite similar for these two but impossible to compare lumens with lux without physical torch in hands.. What do you think? Would Halcyon flare exp work in green murky and dark Baltic sea waters?

Hey Ben, nice video. Got a quick question, I’ve heard that Halcyon lights are not made for salt water in mind. My instructor told me that the magnetic switch failed super fast when using the light in salt water, and they did contact Halcyon and Halcyon told them that the lights are not tested in salt waters. Did you use the light in salt water at all and notice any of this? Thanks.

Hi, kannst Du etwas zu dem Abstrahlwinkel und der Lichtfarbe sagen? Ich finde auch 11500 Lux für eine Hauptlampe, je nachdem natürlich wieviel Grad der Abstahlwinkel ist nicht besonders viel. Finde da leider nichts drüber. Viele Grüße

Dropping the light is my #1 fear. I don’t have a can light, but can definitely appreciate what the cord brings to the game as far as functionality dispute the complication of donating air. What about varying the light on your left hand so you have your right hand available to donate? Wouldn’t that solve the issue of entanglement?

What size battery do you recommend? It comes in two battery sizes if I’m not mistaken?

I’d be terrified to drop it for the price, at least with a cable it won’t be lost. :-) That is my main reason for the canister light. Not having to manage the light cord would be handy but... Mainly the argument for getting the handheld light would be not having the failure point of a light cord. Nice video, I have heard about divers losing their handheld light while clipping it off or due to the breaking caveline as you mentioned. It just happened to my friend when they had a buoyancy issue and she had to help her fairly new dive buddy, not to shoot to the surface. That was about 6 weeks ago but if the light had been found, it was not returned.

Can you do a review of Apeks Luna adv light, it could be good primary light

I've just had my GUE fundies class and I've recently started buying equipment for a DIR/GUE style setup. I'm looking to purchase my first primary light. Would you have any recommendations? Also, a video on fins would be great! I am looking for a setup that can evolve with my progress in diving. Hopefully I'll become a technical diver in the coming few years!

Hello Ben. Would a TillyTec Maxi with a goodman handly satisfy requirements for GUE fundamentals Tech rating?

Is the recommendation still Alkaline for backup lights? Alkaline comes with it's own problems such as you really don't know how much burn time is left unless you throw away and replace the batteries after using the backup light.

What is the longevity of this light? With 60-80 full charge cycles a year, how long is it expected to last?

Can I use this light as primary light for GUE fundamental course?

With the non-wired light what is the preferred method of stowing the long hose?

Hey D Ben. Thanks for the new video. I've to comment on "Faszination Tauchsport". I can not recommend this store! Long delivery times (up to 3 month), no communication. This is a low profile tech store.There are more professional stores for tech diving in Germany!

Without a interchangable battery i can't really do. Kinda need that when you do multiple 1-2 hour dives a day🤣

Does it give a low power warning or does it just shut off?

Sometimes I existential drop my light when trying to clip it on a d ring. If this happens in the blue during the ascend I'm not going to be happy without a cord attached.

Is reviewing a Halcyon product not a conflict of interest for a GUE Instructor/diver?

Very nice light, but if you drop it by accident, it is game over. 😥

1000 bucks ☠️

stop waving your hands