Hi all. I'm going to add again to the "Fenix craze" that's currently going on.

I recently bought 2 of 'em on your guys' advice for a quick-remove commuting setup for my bike. Helmet/handlebars.

My ulterior motive, though, was to find a better light setup for the lots of fast night time running I do outside of bike commuting. Those paltry LED headlamps just wouldn't cut it, even the best ones.

Suffice to say, the FENIX + headstrap = lighting heaven for running! I can FINALLY see far enough to run sub7 minute miles without worry. And the car stoppage thing is real - I ran in peak LA rush hour traffic to work yesterday in the dark, and for the first time, cars stopped dead cold when I flashed 'em with the Fenix. That NEVER happened with the wimpy LED headlamps.

So thanks guys for a cool solution to a non-biking problem.

Can I ask what kind of headstrap you bought?

...and no issues with it bouncing or not pointing in the direction you want?

Thanks!

I have to admit, my current Nite-Eyez headstrap is suboptimal. It doesn't bounce, fits great, and holds the flashlight like a rock in the small size loop, but alas, for running, a 45 degree downward tilt is definitely optimal, and the Nite-Eyez is straight ahead pointing. I have to run with my head tilted down a bit to get an ideal spread (although the Fenix is so bright and diffuses so well that it's damn good suboptimally aimed as well!)

I intend to get the Jakstrap 2 which has a downward tilt, and am hoping it won't bounce around.

Interestingly as well, even after 50 minutes of turbo mode with only running-speed wind and air temps of 52F, the Fenix did not once get hot to the touch. Warm yes, but hot, no. I didn't even notice it on my head in terms of heat - my head was giving off far more heat, I think. So I'm not sure sure about this overheating business on turbo mode bit just quite yet.

Can I ask what kind of headstrap you bought?

...and no issues with it bouncing or not pointing in the direction you want?

Thanks!

He is talking about this.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=650&memberId=12500226

Actually, I'm talking about this:

http://www.liston.com/ecommerce/display.php?cartid=200712152201564&zid=1&lid=1&psku=10020&mode=sp&bg=../images/backgrounds/hands.free.lighting.jpg
I think the Jakstrap 2 is permanently down-pointing where as Jakstrap 1 is adjustable. But I do recall reading somewhere online that 2 was better than 1.

Does the Fenix vibrate?

Does the Fenix vibrate?
Wow if it does, yet another use for this amazing light.

Zagnut

Wow if it does, yet another use for this amazing light.

Zagnut

:beer:

Saturday night, baby!

Thanks for the links dekindy and agarose2000!

I think it's time to buy a couple of these bad boys for commuting and bike touring/camping. I'm sold on all the features and power in a tiny package...but I'll be keeping mine on non-vibrating mode.

Just did another run with it tonight in the dark. Total winner, but I do need a downward pointing strap. THEN it'd be near perfect.

I ran for 80 minutes, and had the FENIX on turbo for probably 55-60 of 'em (didn't want to blind the peds on the lit streets!) without it dying on me. I'm in SoCal, so it's nice at 50 degrees out - and the Fenix was COLD to the touch when I finished, after being on straight for at least 40 discontinued minutes. Hard for me to belive this thing will overheat when it's cold strapped to my heat-generating head.

I plan on having a big review on my running blog with beam shots in the upcoming week. Will keep any runners posted - I can't possibly outdo the guy who has the Fenix bike-pic page!

I think the L1D or P2d would be ideal for a running light, since they are 1 cell lights.. I use my p2d w/ lanyard for running at night.. I have a fairly well lit walking trail near my house so there is a decent amount of light at night.. I use my light when I need to warn a car that a runner is using the road too.

I finally got pics of my FENIX running setup for any non-bikers interested.

Tikka XP headlamp (most commonly used running headlamp). This is a VERY GENEROUS picture - my camera couldn't really even pick up the light from the Tikka at all.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1627.jpg

FENIX P2D
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1628.jpg

FENIX + Tikka XP: Note that you can barely even see the Tikka in the bottom! (Much more realistic Tikka shot compared to the one above.)

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1629.jpg


Here's the rest of my essential running gear for braving the streets of LA at night.

THE GEAR: Illuminite hat, Brooks Element Reflective Jacket, Adventure strap light on sternal strap (not lit), North Face Hydration Pack with added reflectors, MARS 3.0 bike reflector attached onto the hydration pack, and Brooks Adrenaline sneakers. I'll add Illuminite gloves when it's colder out.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1632.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1634.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1635.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc254/agarose2000/HPIM1637.jpg

www.marathoningwithwillis.blogspot.com

Go L.A. run warrior, go!

I use a Black Diamond headlamp when running.. It is a 1 watt luxeon and works well.. I also carry a p2d with wrist lanyard for approaching cars..

What headstrap are you using for your fenix.. I have an extra L1d that could work well for running..

It looks like you also have a Guardian adventure lights up front. I found those great to clip onto any strap for extra illumination at night.. They have some nice extras to make the light adaptable for lots of applications..

http://www.botachtactical.com/novlabguar.html

I wish the runners in Raleigh, NC, would take lighting as seriously as you. I "see" runners all the time here in total or near dark wearing blacks tights and shirts with no lights or reflective gear. Even with my Fenix light, it can be hard to see them until you are almost upon them. They run in the road, don't move out of the way, don't say anything, and blend into the road. Seems like suicide to me.

I'll be the first to admit that runners are the ABSOLUTE WORST in terms of night safety.

I'd say that 'ninjas' are the NORM. Even here in car-crazy LA. I went running yesterday morning, and counted 4 ninjas, and only 3 people with small reflective patches other than their shoes. And only 1 person besides me was carrying a light of any sort. I actually don't think I'm overdoing it at all with my abundance of personal lighting - I can't tell you how many times I've almost gotten hit during rush hour by inattentive drivers, even when I'm DEAD STOPPED at a corner waiting to cross.

I also routinely run with a group at night of 20-30 runners. Even after seeing my setup, only 5-6 of them even bother with headlights. They're out dodging cars in LA with NO LIGHTS. WTF?!!?

Bikers have it right. Probably because you're right in the road, but as you guys know all too well, sidewalks are no safer. Get those lights ON!