Hi all. Going back to commuting and need an excellent headlight. Max price $150 to $200. Would really like to get the L&M Arc Li-ion, but can't justify right now.

So, any experiences with the L&M Solo? It seems like a decent light.

Condition:
commute: 30 to 45 minutes
Burn time is supposed to be 2 hrs, even at low temp, I think it should last at least one hr.

But, is it bright enough for riding at 15-20 mph in the winter? Can you see black ice with it, or no.

Thanks in advance.

Is that a 30-45mins one way or round trip?

30 to 45 is conservative. Actual ride time is 20 to 30 minutes, depending on head wind. Usually only need light in evening and not in am commute.

mtbreview does not rate this very highly. So I am checking out the NiteRider MiNext X2 dual led, it's about 1/4 less lumens but also about $100 cheaper.

I have been using a Solo for about 2-3 years now. My commute is about 20-30 min. and I get at least 3 trips be for charging the battery. The only thing I don't like about it is the charging. You can not leave it charging over night. You have to keep checking the battery it see if it is getting warm them unplug it.

This year I bought a NiteRider Evolution Smart (http://www.niterider.com/prod_evolutionsmart.shtml). I like the idea that I can plug in the battery and forget about it. It also has 3 brightness settings.

I own a LM Solo mv.

The light moves on the arm each time you hit a bump (and readjusted each time), the bulb has to be purchased on line from LM at 18 bucks a pop, the light is overvoltaged, so it doesn't last a season if run at the rated 13V.

Not recommended.

edit: should be 13W not 13V

Ok, thank you all. I'll start a new thread and ask for suggestions. I appreciate the help.

I had the Solo logic version once and I was also disappointed. Runtime is an issue; it's advertised anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours at high. Nobody seems to know for sure. Also 390 lumens is not enough for dark winter riding.

On the plus side, the variable beam pattern is pretty fantastic (due to their custom reflector) and almost made up for the lack of power. If only they would put a 20W bulb in there and beef up the battery, I would then easily recommend it as one of the best halogen systems.