On the new Cressi torch, the Lumia, the 100% Italian firm from Genoa has invested a lot to obtain a unique product which is technologically advanced. We have analized it deeply to be able to understand and describe what goes well beyond a simple visual analysis.

Let us analyze the Cressi Lumia starting from the external design down to understanding all the internal tecnological components.

Design

It is ergonomic, the most ergonomic on the market, with an extremely asymmetric design which permits to hold the torch in the correct way without having to use the eyes, but simply feeling its shape with the hand, even when wearing a thick neoprene glove. Final result is very natural and permits to hold the torch with the thumb always at the height of the switch.

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LumiaLatoSx

The external cover of the torch chassis, made of polycarbonate and glass fiber, is in thermal rubber to optimize grip, while the same kind of material covers the torch head as protection from shocks and, moreover, to reduce noise generated by them.

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The sealing between the head and the body of the Lumia is insured by a screwing system with an O-Ring of generous dimensions, while max depth is indicated equal to 75 m. Colours available are light metalized grey – grey and yellow – grey.

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Switch

Of good dimensions and immediately perceivable with the thumb, the switch offers 3 different settings: off, off-on with elastic return and on.

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Practically, in the off position, which is totally set backward, the switch is fixed in its position. To switch on the torch and shift to the on position with automatic return, one must simply push forward the switch going beyond the blocking system, and feeling a “click” sound. The switch reaches a first end of the line and the light turns on. Pressing once more the switch forward a second click is felt and the switch moves to the “still on” position with no return system. Practically, all possibilities are available in a simple and intuitive way. With such solution the torch in the fixed off position does not risk to turn on accidentally, and even once the first click is passed, the torch does not remain in the on position. The automatic return solution is also very comfortable as it permits to light a cave without reaching it with the light already on, but holding the torch and easily sliding the switch forward to turn on the led only in the moment in which the torch is correctly aligned with what we want to illuminate. This permits to avoid the risk of scaring in advance the fish in the cave.

Lace

Very clever and comfortable is the elastic lace, with spring cursor for regulation, that can be positioned on the forearm-wrist. The elastic solution optimizes the positioning, avoiding the possibility of the lace sliding by accident along the arm, and at the same time the elastic solution permits to slide off the lace in emergency situations (i.e. the torch getting stuck in a rock).

Electrical circuit

It is one of the key components we have wanted to analyze and on which Cressi has invested a lot.

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LumiaCircuitoElettronico

Compared to traditional torches, which utilize a passive circuit with a resistance, more simple and economic but much less efficient, the Lumia solution with electronic circuit permits:

1. Greater efficiency of around 30% (more light and reduction of energy consumption).

2. Maintains light intensity unvaried and constant even when the batteries, 4 1.5 Volt AA, are not fully charged, or when rechargeable batteries, which have a lower voltage compared to alkaline ones, are used.

3. It permits automatic switching off (after 3 minutes at max power and after 60 min at minimum power) when the torch is left on, reducing energy consumption (battery life indicated equal to 3.5 – 5 hours) and increasing led life thanks to the fact that voltage and temperature fluctuations are reduced. Cressi advises to take off the batteries in case of long periods of the torch not being used.

4. It permits the shift from a lower power of 210 lm – 18000 lux to a greater one, specific for spearfishing, equal to 260 lm – 25000 lux. This is done acting on a small switch positioned on the electronic circuit and reachable dismounting the head of the torch, meaning it can be done only out of water.

LED and colour of light

The LED as for its nature tends to produce cold light, with blu tonality, that gives back colours in a limited way, as well described in an interesting article published on LEDs Magazine. Greatly better, from this point of view, is the warm light, which is more natural. To obtain a LED with warm light (5500 °K CRI>75 is the value of the Lumia) it is though necessary to filter it, with loss of luminous efficiency. For such reason Cressi has selected the best (and most expensive) LED for such appllication, so to preserve an optimal luminous efficiency, despite filters.

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TIR lens

The utilization of TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens, made of polymetacrilate, a plastic material which is more transparent than glass, is another very important and key characteristic of the Cressi Lumia, which differs it from competition. Such solution, which takes the place of the traditional reflector, permits, according to Cressi (and also many studies), a net increase of the luminous efficiency in the direction of orientation of the torch, since it permits an optimization of the light rays in a parallel way. A deep study and comparison between the TIR lens and the reflector can be downloaded at this link.

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TIR

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TIR Interno

Explaining this aspect together with the natural colour of the light is particularly important as advantages cannot really be appreciated out of the water, where the light produced by the Lumia can appear as not particularly intense, but, Cressi insures, the luminous efficiency in the sea is extremely high. With a test in the sea AP will surely verify such aspect.

Moreover, the light produced is concentrated in a 6° wide beam to obtain maximum penetration and contrast, and minimum dispersion of light, for example when using it in the caves.

For all technical details of Cressi Lumia , they are downloadable clicking here.

For best price on the web (best price guarantee) click (and wait a few moments) here.