The Dragon EX

 By its unique combination of small size and weight, efficiency, low cost, and maximum power; combined with sustainability of heat sink platform and battery output, this lamp sets a new standard in underground lighting.

A new design increases intrinsic reliability and waterproof integrity. EX means "Extreme", suitability for extreme use such as hard caving with ducks and sumps etc.

A Personal Testimonial (Roy)

I am managing director of Cambrian Mines Trust which owns Cwmystwyth mines and do a lot of underground work both there and in other mid Wales mines. The Dragon is the best work lamp I have ever used by virtue of its extremely light weight and small size. If clouted it just folds flat and only needs righting and the screw tightening. Its no trouble, and gets in the way of nothing. It mates very well with a light weight helmet such as a Petz Elios and has no silly trailing wires.

The new version sacrifices some functionality of little importance to gain an edge in simplicity, reliability, and ease of use.

and from another:

Grace (Dragon EX lamp user):

The lamp fitted onto my Petzl Elios helmet with just two holes drilled at the front.  Mark attached the battery pack with three cable ties (no need to drill holes). 

 It was easy to change the light levels, the switch was easy to use, even wearing thick neoprene gloves.  I am happy with the lighting: with the switch down it is good for ordinary caving - the right amount of light.

High beam was useful for seeing more distant objects.  I used the middle and lower switch positions for digging, both were good. 

 We came upon a small phreatic tube which I (the small one) investigated.

The lamp did not hamper my progress at all, whilst giving me sufficient light to see everything using the down-switch position. 

 I've only used this lamp on one trip and so far and I cannot fault my Christmas present.

and.................

My initial impression is that I don't see how this lamp could be improved.

• XP-L  and XP-G2 Emitters, walk mode 250 lumens for average 1.7 watts battery hit. (See note)

• The well defined beam with additional foot level lighting gives an evenness of lighting.

• Max output of 1500 lumens.

• Weight only 125 grams, (same as Stenlight) power pack 182 grams.

• IP68 - 5 metres waterproof and no silly flashy modes. (See note)

• 250 lumens walk mode for 16 hours from a pack that weighs only 182 grams.

• Easily tilts to any angle, handles with gloves on, no messing.

• Simple analogue circuit.

• Two simple lighting options, Supplemented beams on standard mode or high mode from single switch.

• Only £150 for kit of lamp, 2 cell power pack, charger and fitting kit.

Please note design change. Downlighters now illuminate when you connect the power pack and can therefore be used as pilots. This has been suggested by users.

This lamp offers a magic combination of well defined beam supplemented by a low level downlight at low output.

This is to the best of my knowledge the most powerful little lamp designed for underground use, for its size and weight, that you can get your hands on. And yet full power is sustainable under most conditions. I have had it on full for over 5 minutes, the lamp got warm but not hot.

I have become increasingly aware of the issue of some lamps whereby the wearer has difficulty seeing his or her feet, this is dangerous. These new designs overcome this big time.

The lamp is designed to run of serial Li ions at approx 8V, and package includes a simple Li Ion dedicated, red light-green light charger

Most exploration can be done comfortably on the walk mode setting, which only draws a measly 0.23 amps from the battery ( at nominal 7.4V) and on test has sustained this output for over 12 hours, and then continued on diminishing output for 16 hours on the tiny 2 cell helmet mounted power pack!

Note: This lamp is unsuitable for diving or prolonged immersion at depth due to risk of water being forced up inside the cable. No other reason.

Small lightweight power pack

Cleaning instruction!

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Below is standard mode in Devonshire Cavern, Matlock. Note the foreground illumination from the down light.

Below is on full power, same location. Lighting is overall rather than tight beam.

Below is the standard beam on a rock at three metres, my bits and pieces for scale.

Below: Power pack on charge. Red = charging, Green = charged, simple. Power pack for this lamp weighs only 182 grams yet is 3.5 AH and powers lamp on standard mode for 12.5 hours on this lamp.

1 lamp, 1 by 2 cell 'red band' helmet mount battery pack, dedicated charger, plus fitting kit. Price £150 plus £8 post and packing, total £158.

P and P includes insurance on this lamp.