It's not a rechargeable issue, its a "leaving batteries in your light that may be wet" issue. That causes problems. Use what you want but for gods sake open up your gear and let it breathe when you get home.
Last edited by Chads93GT on Dec 27, 2012 12:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Actually it is a light issue. Buy a light made for caving and you won't have those problems. The money some of you have spent on headlamps over the past few years could've bought you one lamp thats made for caving!
I've caved with my Apex for 7 years and never had a single problem with it. Banged it around, got it wet and muddy and it's bright as it was the day I bought it. I think that would qualify it as a caving light whether it was intended for it or not.
I've seen a dozen of sten lights take a crap too. I don't buy the "buy a real cave light" argument. I like by $89 non caving zebra lights better than any cave light I've seen. Much much lighter. And brighter ;)
My Apex did me pretty well for a bunch of years too, especially after I did the little waterproof mod. My Zebralight and Fenix lights have been good too. It's not difficult to remove and check/recharge/replace batteries as part of your normal post-trip cleaning and maintenance routine.
I must say, I find it hard to understand the reluctance of people to use [decent] rechargeable cells in a light where, if they're being cautious, they seem likely to be carrying spare cells. Seemingly the worst thing that can happen is that they need to swap cells earlier than they expected.