Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - light suggestion

Hello, Looking for a good head light for around $30.00 to $50.00 We don't ride at night really, just get a late start sometimes and are heading home (in town) at dusk/dark. I have ordered a couple PB Superflash tail lights and looking for a headlight to compliment it. Any suggestions from the experts ? Kindof looking at these Cateye EL 410, Princeton EOS , BLT Super Dopler DX, or maybe a Fenix L2T flashlight.
Any of these worth looking at ?

Thanks
Mike

I had what used to be the brightest Cateye light, now they have one that's 2x brighter. For general purpose non-critical "be seen" use, I love it.

Which Cateye are you talking about ?

Thanks
Mike

in that range, i went with the princeton EOS (bought two). amazon had some for like $30-35 when i got it.

I am considering getting the fenix l2d light and getting a mount for my helmet. Best thing I could find for my price range (50-60)

I am thinking I just want to put a light on the bar and not my helmet.

Thanks
Mike

but now that i know more...i would probably opt for the fenix lights.

I would get a L2d because it uses aa batteries.. You can get the light and lockblocks from the fenix store.. If you can afford cr123's then the p3d is the best small flashlight you can use at 160 lumens..

If you use aa nimh rechargeables, I recommend 2650 duracells, you will get 2+ hour burn time at max brightness.. 135 lumens..

You can use coupon code: CPF8 and this will give you an 8% discount off the total..

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=195&osCsid=f8103cf384db6f9f02184a6f13aca145

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=25_66&osCsid=f8103cf384db6f9f02184a6f13aca145

Thanks everyone for the suggestions :) Of these two Fenix lights.....P3d ce or L2d ce which one would you rather have ?? I can't make up my mind, Im Leaning more toward the L2d with the AA battery deal. Looks like the cr123s are expensive and I have read other threads about some issues with some of the rechargeable 123s. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=160826
Thanks
Mike :)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions :) Of these two Fenix lights.....P3d ce or L2d ce which one would you rather have ?? I can't make up my mind, Im Leaning more toward the L2d with the AA battery deal. Looks like the cr123s are expensive and I have read other threads about some issues with some of the rechargeable 123s. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=160826
Thanks
Mike :)

Any Cree Edition on dealextreme that uses 2X18650 batteries

Thanks everyone for the suggestions :) Of these two Fenix lights.....P3d ce or L2d ce which one would you rather have ?? I can't make up my mind, Im Leaning more toward the L2d with the AA battery deal. Looks like the cr123s are expensive and I have read other threads about some issues with some of the rechargeable 123s. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=160826
Thanks
Mike :)

I spent a lot of time deciding between the two, but AAs are plentiful and in an emergency you can get them.
If I was to buy another light for additional light, then I would make it a P3D.

"If I was to buy another light for additional light, then I would make it a P3D."You didn't have to put that comment on there :D

Leaning more and more to the L2D ce

Do you like your light ? How do you use it ? helmet or bars ?

Thanks
Mike

I've got my L2D CE mounted on the handlebar and I think AAs are definitely the way to go (plus I had a charger already for them). I'm very impressed with the lightoutput of the L2D. I regularly ride using it areas that are very dark and it lights up the path adequately. Sometimes I do wish there was a bit more output for the darker areas but then that's what another Fenix is for ;) I'd recommend if you get a Fenix to get one with an orange peel (textured) reflector, otherwise there's a dark halo around the hotspot. It's not actually a dark halo but more the hotspot is concentrated and the area around it isn't as bright.

Do these torches have enough light spill for use in cycling?
I usually prefer a really wide beam.

thanks in advance

L2D CE is brighter than Cateye EL500 (not sure about 530, but brighter acc. to specs) with both a better reach central beam and more sideways light spill. The light pattern seems right to me, really tight focus central beam and maybe 30-45 deg. (total, not each side) dimmer light. Then again, I use a fixed light as well as the Fenix on my helmet, maybe it's the combo rather than the light pattern.

Also, if you put it on your helmet the light spill is good for reading you cycle computer or watch.

One of these (L2D CE) and some duct tape has made me an instant convert after several years of blinkies + dual halogen or cateye (depending on conditions and route).

The weight on the helmet is not huge but is definitely noticable. Mine is currently to the side of my helmet, will move it to the centre and further back for better balance.

Alkalines (duracell) didn't seem to last very long, NiMH (2650 mAH) seem to be fine, haven't tried with lithium AAs ($$$).

The spill isn't too bad though sometimes I wish there was a bit more when going around corners, I guess that's where a helmet mounted light would come in hand.

NiMH are definitely the way to go. The Fenix will eat through alkalines. Runtime on Max brightness with alkalines is ~45 minutes compared to 105mins with 2650mAh (from Flashlight Reviews (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1dce-l2dce.htm).

4 X Cree Edition Tactical Flashlights

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4897633&postcount=21

Doing this is about as bright as H.I.D., and gives you great spill as well.