Commuting - Does anyone own a Nite-Hawk Emitter AL-X Dual?? Or know where to buy it?

Anyone own this light? Any other place to buy it other then Nite-Hawk?

I'd like to know is the light running 4xAA x 2 or 4xAA only? How well does the unit work? I know Nite-Hawk revised and fixed the light setup. I was at MEC a few days ago got the AL-X helmet/bar mount version. 400 Lumens claimed. I like it cause the price seemed ok. $69ish CDN and ran off AA's and came with dual mounts. I've tried the previous Emitter basic model and it sucked as the batteries were under the headlamp and not dampened and rattled like nuts. Also the headlamp mount was not a positive mount so the headlamp would fall off once in a while. The new version sports a metal spring clip. I've not opened the package yet and thinking if I can aquire the dual it would be a better option for me.

I'm just looking for the dual headlamp only. NO need for a charger. I've got too many chargers and batteries here.

http://www.nite-hawk.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16209&cat=252&page=1

http://www.nite-hawk.com/bikeemitter.html


Zero_Enigma

I made room uder the bar and mounted my old NH emitter there (the one with the built-in battery back) and it's been pretty quiet since then. I loop the cord around a brake line as a backup in case it ever rattles off the mount.

I agree that there was a lot of room for improvement in the design. Was this at MEC in Toronto? Sometimes they can order stuff, but a lot of the time if it's not in the display case or the catalogue I am out of luck there.

I made room uder the bar and mounted my old NH emitter there (the one with the built-in battery back) and it's been pretty quiet since then. I loop the cord around a brake line as a backup in case it ever rattles off the mount.

I agree that there was a lot of room for improvement in the design. Was this at MEC in Toronto? Sometimes they can order stuff, but a lot of the time if it's not in the display case or the catalogue I am out of luck there.

The single AL-X is at the Toronto MEC. $69ish if I recall right. I've not opened the package up but I know MEC will take it back if opened but just less explaination hassle if I don't open it if I'm not sure yet. I may do some testing seeing as the cord is longer. Looks long enough to reach into the jersey to the helmet. The T.O MEC does not have the dual model. I've love to see how the dual model works as that is what I am leaning more on right now. AA's flexibility already is the win for me.

I'll try and take a photo of the packaging tonight because what you see on the MEC website is not what you see in the store. BTW MEC has about 10% more new stuff but it's not listed on the website. Such as the handbar mirror pair set I think is from Topeak. Good straight bars which you could gun tape say 2 x $17 PlantBike beamers that use 2xAA's each to the handbars for a ED209ish look and also periphieral vision (sp).


Zero_Enigma

A friend of mine emailed Nite-Hawk and they said you CAN buy the AX-L Dual without the battery charger but only through them because the retail version is a pre-packaged set with the charger. For anyone wanting to order that unit a friend of mine was quoted in the email to note in the ordering to write in the comments area "CS said -$50 for no batteries" and they will deduct the price of the charger. From what I have read in the MTBR forum (not sure if it's good form to post another forums link here. If it's ok I'll post it) section this light uses a 1W light Luxeon. Nite-hawk said the dual unit uses 4xAA's and not two 4xAA packs back to back. Not bad seeing how to can use AA's and still get a dual beam. I'll have to inquire if it's dual independant on/off and light control or one switch controls both. My thinking is I think it's dual control as it would be more work for rewire everything to be one switch. IMHO I like it that way so I can adjust it to be high/low or low/low or high/high if I wanted.

Nite-Hawk is in B.C, Canada and thier packaging states built in Canada so I hope the QC is better. One this is fo sure for us north of the 49th we don't get dinged for the duties.

I already did my photos for the AL-X single unit. I'll post them this weekend.

Zero_Enigma

Ok finally figured out how this Flickr thing works.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49184877@N00/sets/72157594413331487/

AL-X single.


Zero_Enigma

What's up with the photos of the box which the light came in? Some photos of the actual light might be helpful to folks who are considering purchasing the light.

I'm just looking for the dual headlamp only. NO need for a charger. I've got too many chargers and batteries here.

I have a dual headlamp WITH a rechargeable battery: the Specialized "Fireballs" lights. They look very much like the Nighthawks except in silver. My son won this in a MTB rally/raffle from the LBS and only used it a couple of times. This was at least 3 or 4 years ago. So when I decided to cycle commute to work, it was laying in the garage. My handlebars were too thick so mounted a Minoura Swing-Grip on front stem and the Fireballs to that. One light is 3 w, the other 12 w and both are adjustable 'eyeball' style so they can be pointed in any direction. I love them commuting home after dark because the cars slow down when they see them. The rechargeable battery is a big honker and rests in my water bottle cage securely. No issue with recharging the battery - just unhook and set into charger each evening, put back into bottle cage in the morning before riding to work. I DO keep the battery in my commuter bag during the day so don't have to worry about theft.

The only issue has been curious people pushing the Minoura bar up & down and the Fireballs back & forth while it is parked outside the building.