Exposure X2 gets ‘red eye’ night sight test in the Rolex Sydney Hobart

by Liz Rushall on 17 Apr 2014

Rolex Sydney Hobart 2013 winner Wild Oats Wild Oats

We know that good things come in small packages, and in the recent Sydney Hobart Race a number of top crews also came to the same conclusion!

Exposure took the opportunity to obtain some intensive offshore product testing on their current X2 model alongside development products. One boat was set up to race only using red light throughout the night, whilst the X2 development models had modified programmes enabling even quicker switching between high, medium and low beam modes. A totally ‘switchless’ light for sailors, which is being developed from Exposure’s diving light range, was also under test.

Exposure X2 on Wild Oats, Winner of the 2013 Rolex Sydney Hobart © Wild Oats

The feedback from Josh Whittaker, trimmer on board the overall line honours winner, Wild Oats, was unequivocal. 'Ever tried trimming at 25 knots of boat speed, on a black as black night without something that is more of a light than a dull glow?... Have a good hard look at these Exposure Marine lights … awesome!!'

Olympic medalist Mark Covell was on board the Swan 68 Titania of Cowes, and managing the all red light project to test the feasibility of working in red light only and protecting night vision. 'In over 40 knots of wind and no moonlight, we raced all through the night at 100%, as if it was daylight, using the power of the X2's red beam. We flooded the deck with red light, which made peeling spinnakers and reefing down feel safe and in control. Each crew member also carried a micro XS-R (red) light round their neck for winching and close up work. We only used red light for the whole race, and lots of it, never resulting in any loss of night sight. The Exposure Marine torches prevented us ‘dreading the dark’ nights, and we could keep racing hard with good eyes on the game. It's all about the Red!'

X2 Exposure Pack © Exposure Marine http://www.exposuremarine.com

On board the line honours runner up, Perpetual Loyal, crew Tony Mutter was using a the modified switching programme on the X2. 'We used the new Exposure X2 torch on Perpetual Loyal. The torch has amazing capability for trimming at night, and yet is also extremely lightweight. The power of the torch is amazing and it’s user friendly.'

Front angle, Exposure Marine X2 © Exposure Marine http://www.exposuremarine.com

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

FEATURES	Exposure Marine X2
Search light	LED573 Lumens output tested to ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Standard
Visibility / range	Easily visible at 3 nm (nautical miles)
Beam distance (useful light)	162 meters (Useful light measured according to lighting industry standard to the point the beam can ‘replicate a full moon on a clear night’).
Peak Beam Intensity	6524 cd
Beams & Burn times	Searchlight - White · High beam - 1 hour · Medium - 3 hours · Low beam - 13 hours Strobe – 24 hours SOS Flash – 12 hours Red Beam · High - 3.5 hours · Medium – 13 hours · Low – 70 hours
Casing	· IP X8 Waterproof to 3m · Positive Buoyancy (B+) · Aerospace 6000 series aluminium, Marine grade anodising · Magnetic recharger connection creating sealed unit
Cordless	Yes
Batteries	Rechargeable Lithium ion batteries
Battery monitor	Battery indicator to monitor and adjust output
Recharge option	12V charger, USB or Mains. Magnetic recharger connection creating an IPX8 sealed unit. No need to open casing or to replace batteries.
Size	Length 131 x Diameter 37mm
Weight	114 grams (4 oz)
Ratings / Approvals	IPX8 Rated to 3metres ASTM B117 ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Standard
Operation	Momentary switch: · Press & hold ON / Release – light OFF 1 minute output cut off: · Momentary switch cuts out after 1 minute to avoid accidental battery wastage eg if switch pressed in a bag 2 second output build: · Phased beam increase allows eyes to adapt enabling quicker adjustment for night vision
Security, fuel & night locators	· Reflective Dyneema wrist lanyard · Glow in the dark location band · Pulsating locator button glows for 12 hours after use, and colour coded to indicate battery fuel levels
Storage & accessories:	Supplied with: · Carriage holster with velcro belt loop, security loop and water resistant adhesive attachment · Charging holster supplied + Velcro & adhesive attachments · Reflective wrist lanyard · Exposure charger & USB charging lead
Compatible with:	Can be fixed into any position with Exposure’s own or other magnetic marine guerrilla clips and suction brackets
Price	£199