Dive Matrix Exclusive: Dive Xtras announces a new technical scuba dive light: The X-Ray Mk1

[Rainer]

Couple of questions:

(1) Yes, the "gulper mouth" part isn't a suicide clip, but is the back end that you depress? Can line get caught there? I think that's the concern.

(2) So you use the gulper clip to permanently stow the light. Can it be used to temporarily stow the light somehow (i.e. so it hangs pointing light down)?

(3) If you're going to add means to the goodman handle to attach a bolt snap on the side, I know many would prefer the option to be on the right (diver's thumb side), not the left as you have it now. That gives you the option of using your thumb to hold the clip in when working around line.

Gulper Clip

To continue discussing the light head I made a short video on the Gulper Clip. The gulper is designed to replace the traditional bolt snap with an integrated solution that works even better.

[airsix]

I have a question:

Is Ray ok?
I saw the thread title and thought "Oh no! They killed Raydar!"

[Mo2vation]

I have a question:

Is Ray ok?
I saw the thread title and thought "Oh no! They killed Raydar!"

I would think dude is feelin' it. They named the product after him, afterall...




(this is actually Claudette's... I can't take credit for this one.)


-K

[ben.mcgeever]

(1) Yes, the "gulper mouth" part isn't a suicide clip, but is the back end that you depress? Can line get caught there? I think that's the concern.

You can activate the clip with line, see attached photo, but it wont snag.

(2) So you use the gulper clip to permanently stow the light. Can it be used to temporarily stow the light somehow (i.e. so it hangs pointing light down)?

We tried, believe me, but no. To shine down you need to hang it round your neck or similar.

(3) If you're going to add means to the goodman handle to attach a bolt snap on the side, I know many would prefer the option to be on the right (diver's thumb side), not the left as you have it now. That gives you the option of using your thumb to hold the clip in when working around line.

I feel thats a function of the bolt snap dangling around, the gulper is fixed and away from the hand so it its naturally not so prone to getting caught. The light head is also a lot smaller than a 18/21, I know from mine that when the bolt snap is tied to the back its out there moving a lot for even small hand movements. the smaller X-Ray means all that movement is smaller and more controlled.

[ben.mcgeever]

There is no more Ray, just X-Ray. he's gone, no more just kidding. We tried X-Ben and X-Mat but it doesn't have the same ring.

[Rainer]

You can activate the clip with line, see attached photo, but it wont snag.

Nice.

We tried, believe me, but no. To shine down you need to hang it round your neck or similar.

That's a shame. Pretty much guarantees needing a bolt snap or double ender on the back end for ascents.

I feel thats a function of the bolt snap dangling around, the gulper is fixed and away from the hand so it its naturally not so prone to getting caught. The light head is also a lot smaller than a 18/21, I know from mine that when the bolt snap is tied to the back its out there moving a lot for even small hand movements. the smaller X-Ray means all that movement is smaller and more controlled.

Sorry, I'm talking about a bolt snap on the side (goodman only), not back. Many of us prefer that on the right side. You seem to have designed the handle so it goes on the left. Perhaps consider making it symmetric so either side could be used?

[Rainer]

That's a shame. Pretty much guarantees needing a bolt snap or double ender on the back end for ascents.

Given just how small the light head is (a real plus), did you consider flipping the gulper mechanism 180 degrees so that whenever it's stowed, the lighthead points down? That might be more useful. Just a thought.

[ben.mcgeever]

Roger that, I get it now.
There are four places you can attach a bolt snap,
1) The rear
2) The left front on the utility plate (replaces gulper)
3) On the Goodman. This you can do either side.
4) Tie it to the cord, you can tie it on anywhere you like.

and yes, if I tied it on the front i would probably use my thumb too.

[LCF]

Oh, thanks, Ben; the clip doesn't work at all the way I thought it did from the original photograph.

I'll have to make a trip up to Dive X-tras when we get back from our trips, and check this out.

[ben.mcgeever]

Oh, thanks, Ben; the clip doesn't work at all the way I thought it did from the original photograph.

I'll have to make a trip up to Dive X-tras when we get back from our trips, and check this out.

Lynne
No worries, you are welcome at DX any time.
I'm sure we will have a demo fleet of lights soon so you can dive one too if you like.

[Rainer]

Yes, lots of options. I guess the one I was most interested in was adding this raised element (in blue circle) that's currently only on the left side of the goodman handle to both sides. Seems a perfect place to tie off a bolt snap.

Roger that, I get it now.
There are four places you can attach a bolt snap,
1) The rear
2) The left front on the utility plate (replaces gulper)
3) On the Goodman. This you can do either side.
4) Tie it to the cord, you can tie it on anywhere you like.

and yes, if I tied it on the front i would probably use my thumb too.

[ben.mcgeever]

Given just how small the light head is (a real plus), did you consider flipping the gulper mechanism 180 degrees so that whenever it's stowed, the lighthead points down? That might be more useful. Just a thought.

Yes we did, but then when you want to stow it properly its messy. We might do a double ended one sometime, but considering everyone's wishes starts to turn the light into a swiss army knife - and its no good for anyone.

[Rainer]

Very true. You've ultimately got to go with what works best for most. That said, having the ability to stow it light down is pretty crucial (at least to me). The only real reason any of us don't permanently stow our HIDs pointing down is that they are so long and fragile, that having the bulb hanging low when clipped off at the back proves problematic. This light is so small, it seems that it could hang down for either stowage. Flipping the gulper would be one way to achieve that.

Yes we did, but then when you want to stow it properly its messy. We might do a double ended one sometime, but considering everyones wishes starts to turn the light into a swiss army knife and its no good for anyone.

[TobinGeorge]

Yes, lots of options. I guess the one I was most interested in was adding this raised element (in blue circle) that's currently only on the left side of the goodman handle to both sides. Seems a perfect place to tie off a bolt snap.

What prevents flipping the "U" shaped part of the goodman 180 degrees? Then you can tie your bolt snap on the right. Seems dead simple to me.

Tobin

[Rainer]

If that can be done, I totally agree.

What prevents flipping the "U" shaped part of the goodman 180 degrees? Then you can tie your bolt snap on the right. Seems dead simple to me.

Tobin