loc-line arms or ????

Hi everyone,

just bought my first u/w DSLR set-up and it's almost complete, just need to buy the arms! I have an Ikelite housing for the canon 7D and dual ikelite D-160 strobes. I've been searching thru the forum topics and I've read some great advice about buying 2x8" and 2x5" arms. Some people also recommended buying loc-line arms instead of ultralight (seems to buy everything from ultralight would set me back another $350).

Any other thoughts on loc-line vs ultralight? Are the loc-line arms strong enough for the D-160's? Also, if anyone does use them and recommends them, can you help translate what exactly I would need to purchase (1/2" or 1/4"? a kit? or just the hose and some y-valves? do i need that specific wrench?, etc....)? Thanks!!! Sorry totally new and don't even know how to begin setting these things up! SUSIE =)

Oh, also just wondering if just using the regular ikelite ball-joint arms (and combos) they sell are fine too (I know they're cheaper than the ultralight and I'm guessing the reason most people go for other options is because of the weight)?

Loc-Line arms are cheap(er) than ball-joint arms.

Loc-Line arms can't do 90° angles so you will need a longer arms for the same strobe position as a ball-joint will.

Loc-Line arms may have problems with the weight of the DS-160/1

Loc-Line arms need power to bend and may squeak when you do

Loc-Line arms is one piece, so certain strobe positions a not possible as a 2X5'' ball-joint arm will do

Loc-Line arms are not soo much cheaper than a good quality ball-joint arm

Ikelite, Inon, TLC, Fantasea, Sea&Sea, makes ball-joints arms too and some are cheaper than others...

Go with a ball-joint aluminium arms because sooner or later you will switch from Loc-Line to ball-joint arms.

Chris

Hi Susie,

Alot of folks love the loc-line arms for video lights and they work nicely for a focus light too. For strobes I would vote for aluminum arms like the ULCS type.

Much easier to get in all the positions you'll want. (Say you want to shoot portrait W/A for example, one arm has to come all the way over to the bottom, now side of the housing)

Easier to put floats on.

More adaptable (macro one dive, wide angle the next)

In my experience ULCS and TLC are the best options, with the note that I haven't used Inons or Fantasea arms. Which ever way you decide to go be careful that you get the real deal. There are nefarious sellers on the internet who offer low cost, low value copies. My advise is to bite the bullet and get the good stuff. These thing last forever, I'm on my 3rd housing with the same arms.

Good luck,

Steve

Hey Susie,

Moving a Loc-Line underwater makes a sound as if you are farting in your suit.

Stay away from the plastic stuff and just invest in the stronger and more adaptable anodized alluminum arm systems. It is a once in a lifetime investment, unless you (like me) have them fall out of your bag, roll of the deck into the deep blue yonder (my sacrifice and payment to Neptune for many great dives. )

Bo

Hi - I use twin loc-lines arms on my DX-1G setup and find them excellent. I have two YS27 strobes and have no problems with the weight especially once I am in the water. I find that I can quickly reposition them into any position I want without having to undo clamps etc and they stay in the position until I move them into a new position. I have also positioned one strobe centraly when required without any great hassels. As far as cost goes both arms - 15 segments long + base mount + YS adaptors cost me less than $100 Aust. I dive with a number of other UWP who are also using them as well and they have no issues as far as I know.

At the end of the day it's what suits your requirements - as it's something new/diffferent that generates a lot of opinions but until you try it for yourself you wont know if it is what you want.

For me they work and I am happy with them.

Karl

I use the locline segments for my focus light and i find them really useful for that. I tried them with my strobes once and then went back to my TLC arms as they were surprisingly more flexible! Also the noise was anoyinh everytime i bent them to change strobe position!

i am the same as steve - i have used my arms on three different housings now and they are still good as new....

Hi Susie,

I started out with the Locline arm too, taking the cost in account, but already during my first trip I got so frustrated with it (in use with Inon strobe):

-it didn't stay in the exact position I wanted it

-on land, it often just bent

-if the arm is (too) short, there are certain positions you can't put it.

-it makes a funny noise indeed when you move them underwater.

So, on my second trip I used ULCS, and been very happy with it ever since :-)

I'd say, invest the extra money, you won't regret it!

Best wishes,

Bart

Another vote for ULCS: I've had 4 housings over one 10 years - but only one ULCS set. They're adaptable, efficient, flexible and easy to maintain. Floats can be fitted.

I agree with Steve and Bart: make the investment - you won't regret it.