I didn’t find any information on using Roche F12 underwater in the topics about this flashlight. I bought mine from FastTech (black, 2,8 A, 3/5 modes). They sell it as waterproof according to IPX8. I know, that swimming with this light could be a little abusive, but i tested it by submerging in water (about 10-20 cm) for one minute. There was some water inside after this test (threads and o-rings look OK). I also suspect some leakage in the head, but I’m not going to continue holding under water non-waterproof light to confirm this.
I checked opinions on F12 before buying. Feedback was pointing to good quality (including threads, machining). It’s hard for me to compare the quality, but it looks nice - no complains. Good opinions made me to suspect, that the IPX8 may be legit. I didn’t expect it to be OK at 2 m underwater for longer time, but at least 0,5 m…
I already contacted FT. Anyway, I’m not sure yet what to do with my Roche F12. I found one thread about leakage in head on a Russian forum. It would be nice to know, if I’m only one with such problem. Did anyone here test, if his (her) F12 is waterproof?
i dont what Roche F12 is, but FT could easily fix the situation by editing the product webpage description to something lower than IPX-8 or drop the claim/specification/rating altogether and you guys would still have bought the light. it's a budget light and i doubt that the folks who are behind the label "Roche" know the details of IPX-8 rating and testing.
The FL-1 is a 9+14 pages long document, see TOC at:
The F12 is a nice quality budget light that can be had for around $20. Regardless of description I wouldn’t trust any budget light to hold true to every specification and certainly wouldn’t intentionally take it for a swim. If you’ve bought it with the expectation that you can take it swimming then you’re expectations are too high, this is a cheap budget light from a chinese vendor. Stick to premium brand lights like olight, nitecore, fenix etc if this is what you want.
use thicker Orings, lubricate them and threads (all of them, even the bezel/head on) with silicone grease and test again very cold water and hot torch is bad because it sucks the water inside
and don’t trust chinese specifications use only “dive” lights for swimming and if you’re going diving use backup lights
FT forwarded my report to the supplier. I made some photos of “testing” and it was enough (it would be nice to communicate that easy with my national suppliers). I suppose, they will explain the problem and probably update the description. They also offered me a discount, what I consider as appropriate reaction.
I’m not diving, but I used Fenix lights for swimming and it was a lot of fun. Real diving lights are bigger and thus less convenient for just swimming. Roche F12 is a cheap, small and bright tube - it’s worth buying even as only rainproof. I expected more (description and reviews mentioned good build quality), but (as you say) there is no better alternative in the same price range.
very cold water and hot torch is bad because it sucks the water inside
use only “dive” lights for swimming and if you’re going diving use backup lights