Spotlight - what type and where to get one

Thanks Truckster. They look pretty darn good but the price!!! Don't think I want one that bad, LOL!

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper

Melissa,
the 4wd show is in a few weeks!

Wait till then, ask someone from Melb to grab 1

Not a bad idea Truckster. The Perth show is on a few weeks after the Melbourne show so I'll have a look around then. Having said that, I'm yet to be convinced that the show offers any real savings over a bit of haggling in the shop!

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper

Thanks Hilly, I'll go check them out. I expect they can't be compared to the Lightforce that others are recommending but I do like the price and sounds like they'll be good enough for occasional use around camp.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper

Hi Melissa,

It depends what you want the spotlight for. Do you want it for wildlife observation or for hunting? If wildlife observation is the objective use a low wattage globe 50w or less as higher wattage globes will distress the animals, if hunting go as high as you like, you are trying to kill it after all. I have used the lightforce handhelds mated to a 12v sealed lead acid battery (motorbike battery) for fauna surveys and they are very good, adjustable beam pattern too. There is a company called 'nocturnal solutions' who put together some good spotlighting kits using lightforce lights, they are a bit pricey between $300-400. You could probably source the parts and make your own for less. If you do all of you observation or hunting from a vehicle then one that uses the car as a power source would be suitable, otherwise you will need a portable power source. If you are intending to use the spotlight for hunting, be aware that there are restrictions in relation to spotlighting of deer that are enforced in some designated hunting areas

Prado/BJ,

Thanks for your responses. Seems Lightforce are top notch but way too expensive for my purposes. Really just want one for a bit of spotlighting fun around camp. Thought it could be a bit of good fun (and educational) entertainment for our kidlet (and us). Don't like spending hard earned $ on crap though no matter how little, hence the reason I asked the question. There must be something half decent out there for less $ than the Lightforce...

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper

Geoff,

At the risk of talking the place up, I think WA is the most underated destination in Oz (probably because of the distance) and hopefully you'll agree when you've seen it. Places like the Kimberely and Pilbara really do have that WOW factor that you probably didn't get at Cape York. But be warned, camping and travelling in these regions is dirty, dusty, hot and plenty of flies. The red dust of the Pilbara gets into everything and stains it to what the locals refer to as "Pilbara Pink". The good bits more than make up for it though!

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper

Melissa, don't get us wrong we are not scared of dirt and dust, we live in a dirt and animal dust flying area. We have been to many places with dirt, dust and flies in our travels. Initially, I was saying what we had excitedly studied up, looked into, asked questions about, didn't all match up in reality. So next time there will be an open mind as what we come across, if the road is crap, we turn back and forget it. Weather patterns and heavy traffic can change the road and an enviroment in days. Please tell me when were you up at the cape? Just very interesting, as we had met some Exploroz members up there and they were unimpressed with the road conditions also, and the state of the place. Jen

Jen,

Agree with your comments re weather and traffic levels changing road environment from day to day. The uncertaintly adds to the adventure though. I did the Cape way back in June 1988 in a convoy of 7 vehicles from Vic although I joined the convoy in Proserpine, Qld. From everything I hear and see, it has changed a lot with much more traffic than what we encountered. A few in our group had minor car trouble but nothing serious. One incident was entirely due to travelling too fast. We all spent a lovely day on TI and were very impressed with the cleanliness and optimism of the place (so much so, I even considered taking a job there). Shame to hear it has gone off so much.

We've been to places that have disappointed but we've also found some totally unexpected gems. Funny how peoples views vary. Your post reminds me that even my husband and I don't always leave a place with the same impression even though we've had the same experience.

Didn't mean to imply you were scared of a bit of dust and flies. Just conscious of talking WA up and not giving you the downside also. When are you thinking of heading over to Broome?

:o) Melissa

Petrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper