Viper light informationm
- Thread starter Getwet
- Start date
Leclused
Active member
Try using the search engine of this forum and you'll find a lot of info.
Including this topic
http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php/topic,9728.msg128869.html#msg128869
BR
Dagobert (Belgium)
Ps I'm using a Stenlight, and I'm very happy with it, but I think the viper is also a very good lamp. It did not exists when I bought my lamp otherwise I would have checked it out too.
Including this topic
http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php/topic,9728.msg128869.html#msg128869
BR
Dagobert (Belgium)
Ps I'm using a Stenlight, and I'm very happy with it, but I think the viper is also a very good lamp. It did not exists when I bought my lamp otherwise I would have checked it out too.
cap n chris
Well-known member
Had mine for over a year, wet and dry caving, and it's fully functional/good as new, having done caving trips well into 3 figures. Yes, it's not cheap but the ?/lumen ratio puts it top of the league, IIRC! Very compact and absolutely ideal for a) big chambers b) filming/photography c) scorched earth caving.
cap n chris
Well-known member
Euphemism for "blinding people by sweeping your light past them while on full power".
shortscotsman
New member
I've had mine about 6 months. Its good and hasn't broken.
The battery situation is OK for my needs but think whether it suits you - you can only use the attached battery pack and spare packs are silly expensive (because the electronics are in the battery).
The battery situation is OK for my needs but think whether it suits you - you can only use the attached battery pack and spare packs are silly expensive (because the electronics are in the battery).
Ali M
Active member
For the last year Pete Hann and I have been using the Viper Light in Charterhouse. It has proved excellent as it is not bulky, light weight and gives a superb light.
I have gained a reputation for killing caving lights and Charterhouse is proving very good at destroying kit. We have not had any problems with the Viper and I would highly recommend it.
I have gained a reputation for killing caving lights and Charterhouse is proving very good at destroying kit. We have not had any problems with the Viper and I would highly recommend it.
Smithers
New member
I've not used the Viper, but was seriously considering if before I bought my Scurion. Whilst it is undoubtedly a brilliant little light and very well finished (a better finish than a Scurion in my opinion), the major drawback was the battery life and cost.
With only 4 illumination settings ranging from a 2 day burn time (80 lumens) to 1.75 hour burn time (825 lumens) its certainly not a cheap expedition light (not a problem if you don't intend to use it in remote places. If you're made of money and can afford a second battery at ?169.95 then go for it. But for that much money you could buy nearly 3 four cell spare Scurion batteries or 2 four cell and 1 two cell and have some spare change! Also the Scurion has a 9v battery adapter, which means you can get spare batteries almost as easily as AA's. Something you can't do for the Viper.
Again this is only a problem if you intend to be away from a reliable power source or underground for long periods of time.
Hope that helps.
With only 4 illumination settings ranging from a 2 day burn time (80 lumens) to 1.75 hour burn time (825 lumens) its certainly not a cheap expedition light (not a problem if you don't intend to use it in remote places. If you're made of money and can afford a second battery at ?169.95 then go for it. But for that much money you could buy nearly 3 four cell spare Scurion batteries or 2 four cell and 1 two cell and have some spare change! Also the Scurion has a 9v battery adapter, which means you can get spare batteries almost as easily as AA's. Something you can't do for the Viper.
Again this is only a problem if you intend to be away from a reliable power source or underground for long periods of time.
Hope that helps.
cap n chris
Well-known member
My Viper has been the main light for a month of expedition use, averaging ~10hr trips, in some cases going for two days between recharging without running out underground (can be done via an invertor from a car battery or direct from a portable generator). Just because it is bright, this doesn't mean you need to keep it on high the whole journey, with the resultant reduced running time.
Cap'n "made of money*" Chris ;-)
* Actually as I don't own a second/spare battery means I'm probably not classed as MoM just yet!
Cap'n "made of money*" Chris ;-)
* Actually as I don't own a second/spare battery means I'm probably not classed as MoM just yet!
I have a viper, and I'm very pleased with it. I've had no problems with it in the ~9 months I've used it. I usually cave with it on the lowest setting (which is fine to cave by), only turning it up to admire larger passages. A friend bought one at the same time, and vipers can be used to illuminate reasonably good photographs without the need to faff around with flash guns. His has also been used on a 2 week expedition without any problems, getting irregular charges from a car cigarette lighter (compatible charger is included in the price).
If I were looking to buy a light now I would seriously consider a little monkey light (~?100 cheaper, similar size and weight, but it has moved the electronics to the headset which means that spare batteries / AAs can be used).
If I were looking to buy a light now I would seriously consider a little monkey light (~?100 cheaper, similar size and weight, but it has moved the electronics to the headset which means that spare batteries / AAs can be used).
