I posted my answer to part of this in another thread but wanted to get some more feedback on other types. As for the MR11 question, after a lot of trial and error and auditioning many different lamps from all over the Internets, I've finally settled on JetLites' 12V 20W (#JA9602). It's an 18 degree narrow flood which I find is the perfect angle for both helmet or handlebar use. Obviously very high quality construction, resulting in a nice uniform beam pattern, with a useful halo for side-spill/visibility. It's easily the brightest of all I've tested.

Those who have experimented with MR11 or MR16 halogens, please post what you've found the best.

Thanks for doing the testing for me - I used various generic bulbs off ebay and other places, and quality was all over the place.
the best I used was a NiteHawk bulb. Both the 6v 10w and 12v 20w were very nice color, pattern, etc. Also 10x as expensive as ebay bulbs...

http://dafnwebpd.sylvania.com/os_filenet_pages/FnDocIdDisplay.asp?id=003673338
Sylvania claims this 20 watt bulb has the output of a 35 watt, due to less energy wasted as IR output.

MR16 20W 12V spot (12 degree)
Appx $19 including shipping.

I used it for appx 2 hours so far and it certainly seemed brigher, and the housing of my home made light seemed less "warm".

Pretty unscientific, I know. I will try and borrow a camera and take some pictures.

My 3.4 A SLA battery had very little left after 2 hrs. It will be replaced by a 5A very soon.

I just bought some Ushio narrow flood MR16s that have a 24 degree span. I haven't tried them on the road yhet, but they seem like a huge improvement over the Phillips 36-degree floods I had before. Not only a more focused beam, but brighter overall.

Oh yeah, I got them at Businesslights.com.

I just bought some Ushio narrow flood MR16s that have a 24 degree span. I haven't tried them on the road yhet, but they seem like a huge improvement over the Phillips 36-degree floods I had before. Not only a more focused beam, but brighter overall.

Oh yeah, I got them at Businesslights.com.

24 degrees is a wide flood as far as bicycling is concerned. Try a 12 degree spot.

24 degrees is a wide flood as far as bicycling is concerned. Try a 12 degree spot.

I agree that 24 is a bit wide, but then again I feel 12 is too narrow. The spot ends up too bright and ruins my night vision. I wish there were more 18 degree lamps available; I find that to be a good middle ground.

http://www.bulbman.com/index.php?main_page=product_bulb_info&cPath=5171_8935_5172&products_id=10980

I tried a 10 degree spot and didn't like it at all. I find the 35 degree flood is better for the trails I ride.

Of course, I ride with a bright headlight too. I just need the halogen to light up the area in front of me so the flood seems to fit my needs better.

http://www.bulbman.com/index.php?main_page=product_bulb_info&cPath=5171_8935_5172&products_id=10980

Awesome, thanks for the link. I also found this one:

http://www.bulbman.com/index.php?main_page=product_bulb_info&products_id=10397
MR11, 12V 20W, 17 degree, $4.50.

I saw a MR11 flood bulb that said it was lensed. What does lensed do?

I saw a MR11 flood bulb that said it was lensed. What does lensed do?

It keeps stuff off the bulb. Hot glass and cold water...need I say more?;) I'd suggest lensed bulbs for any bike application.

I see. So it just means that is have a glass covering. I thought that it might mean that there is some kind of special magnifying glass as a cover the focuses the light in some special way.

thanks

I see. So it just means that is have a glass covering.
thanks

often they are referred to as MRxxC where the "c" stands for "cover"

A cursory stroll around you local HD or LOWES will give you some insight what is available and cost. I saw some MR16's @ 50W and some MR11's but not as good a collection of watts or focal length.

Dont know about anywhere else, but in my neck of the woods Lowes has a better selection of MR-16 12V bulbs than Home Depot. The 'GE' bulb/reflector with cover glass that I use is very good quality and have been using it every day for a year and a half. :D