New Light Mount Design for Spearguns

[Diablo Loco]

For some time now, I have been looking for a good light mount to place on the end of my gun. The only one I have found is one that is made for the UK Q40 mini light. I like the light, but it is just not bright enough. I wanted something that would hold a brighter light. I thought I had found a company that made them, but the company went out of business before I could place my first order. Damn! So, the quest went on.

After about a year, with no success in find a mount, I decided to send my idea to one of our fellow SB’ers, Tinman. Jeff and I worked together a short time to design and build this prototype. Since most of you know how partial I am to Intova lights, we designed the mount around the Intova Mini Torch. It is very bright at 220 lumens and is only 4.9 inches long and only weighs 6.5 ounces with the batteries in it. For right now, this is the light we will be working with the mentioned reason. We may also be making the mounts for the Intova IFL 660.

I have mounted it to an Omer Cayman HF. It does not interfere with the shooting line if you wrap the line off to one side, or mount the light a little further back.
What I would like is to get some feedback on these mounts and see what you guys/gals think.

Also, if any of you have any interest in buying one of these mounts, please say so in this thread or send me a PM. If there is enough interest, Jeff will make a batch of them and post the prices for those of you that are interested.

[Johnoly]

Nice design!

If you added a GoPro screw mount on either the side or bottom, you could add alot of value for very little extra cost. You'd have a mini video light for those under the ledge shots. I really like the forward light mount for looking under rocks and ledges!

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by Johnoly

Nice design!

If you added a GoPro screw mount on either the side or bottom, you could add alot of value for very little extra cost. You'd have a mini video light for those under the ledge shots. I really like the forward light mount for looking under rocks and ledges!

For right now, the design is just for the lights. The idea behind the design is specifically to hole-hunt.

[riobuster]

I like it! Let me know when you get a price.
Jim

[jfjf]

It looks very nice. I have an LED, 220 lumen output light (that is larger and made by a different company) and it is very bright, definitely enough for looking under holes.

I can't imagine that there would be any benefit in blasting any more power than that under a ledge.

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by jfjf

It looks very nice. I have an LED, 220 lumen output light (that is larger and made by a different company) and it is very bright, definitely enough for looking under holes.

I can't imagine that there would be any benefit in blasting any more power than that under a ledge.

Yeah, 220 lumens is pretty damn bright. The only reason we are using the Intova is because that is what I have and use. Making them for a whole bunch of different lights is possible, but for right now, it is best to start with one and and see how it works out before designing for other lights. But I am sure it will be done.

[Ron S]

Hey Bryan, that looks great!
Awhile ago I bought the RA light mount and put in on my RA70, using a UK mini 40. The problem I ran into was that with the flopper mounted on the bottom of the shaft, which is standard on RA guns, the flopper cast a huge vertical shadow in front of the light beam. As a result, I never did use it. With the flopper mounted on the top of the shaft, it would have been fine.
Ron.

[Chiung]

Make it for their Compact Torch - http://www.intova.net/products/compact-torch/ - the wide angle of the Mini Torch is useless in bad viz and the CR type batteries are not as common as the AAA. The Compact has less lumens, but much more focused and will punch through haze/bad viz with much less backscatter.

Might as well make it with optional spare shaft mounts on one or both sides, heck, might as well integrate a line anchor/wrap into it as well for wood guns.

[dive4bugz]

Excellent point Chiung... in even moderate viz conditions, Ive always been disppaointed with the spread of a wide-angled beam. Something in the 6-12* rangge is the best option. Thx...

['o Cino]

Nice block clamp set-up Bryan, I like it. Only critique I have is personal (like to see everything modular and removable if possible) a thumb screw instead of the allen would make it easier to switch around to other guns, boat, car, bicycle, dog (could clamp it on Natalena's harness and let her chase rabbits all night), etc.

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by 'o Cino

Nice block clamp set-up Bryan, I like it. Only critique I have is personal (like to see everything modular and removable if possible) a thumb screw instead of the allen would make it easier to switch around to other guns, boat, car, bicycle, dog (could clamp it on Natalena's harness and let her chase rabbits all night), etc.

Thanks Michael. A thumb screw might be a great option to add.

Guys, keep the feedback coming. We would like all the feedback we can get on these mounts. This mount is only the prototype and is not "cast in stone." The only way to improve on an idea is to get new ideas.

The two other lights we will consider are the Intova Ultra and the IFL 660. They both have a narrow beam and are bright with 220 lumen.

['o Cino]

OK, since you opened the floodgates, how about a larger OD washer (maybe inset) to disperse any screw pressure. It's warm down here, but the colder NorCal water's might make the material more prone to be brittle or fatigue?

Just a thought I know you can go totally JPL/NASA/DARPA on this, and before long it'll be kick-butt at $9,736.00 without shipping.

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by Ron S

Hey Bryan, that looks great!
Awhile ago I bought the RA light mount and put in on my RA70, using a UK mini 40. The problem I ran into was that with the flopper mounted on the bottom of the shaft, which is standard on RA guns, the flopper cast a huge vertical shadow in front of the light beam. As a result, I never did use it. With the flopper mounted on the top of the shaft, it would have been fine.
Ron.

Ron,

I could see that as an issue, especially with a light (like the Q40) that is not very bright to begin with. I own several. On the gun I have it mounted on, the new shaft that is in it has the flopper opening downward also. But with the brightness of the light I used, it is a very insignificant issue. And not all shafts have the flopper flipped downward.

[Diablo Loco]

Originally Posted by 'o Cino

Just a thought I know you can go totally JPL/NASA/DARPA on this, and before long it'll be kick-butt at $9,736.00 without shipping.

That is where you are mistaken. It should only end up costing $9,500 with shipping included.

It's still an idea and its something to consider.

[pernicia]

I'll be interested if you make one for the IFL 660 model.

Also, post this on the guns section, you'll higher response.

Jose