Fenix P3DQ5 as bike headlight?

[Tyrell]

So Daylight Savings Time has really snuck up on me and I'm looking around for a quick headlight solution for my commuter until I build a DIY rig as I've seen posted around on sites like this one and MTBR. I'm thinking this might be a good excuse to buy a really nice flashlight to use for a temporary headlight (<$100). :) Specifically, I'm looking at the Fenix P3DQ5 as seen here (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=358).

My commute is 8.5-10 miles riding at 16-24mph. Think this will do the trick for the time being? I'm thinking I'll probably have to use the 215 lumen turbo mode though I'm hoping to get away with the 120 lumen mode for the longer battery life. Fenix also sells a pretty universal looking bike mount (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_66&products_id=273) that I'd get as well.

I'm a complete n00b when it comes to bike headlights (:o) but I love to play with DIY projects! TIA for your advice.

[Tyrell]

Holy lack of interest, Batman! Oh well... I was able to search out some good threads by searching "Fenix" so I got lots of info that way though. Found some very useful external links, too. Time to read, read, read....and then BUY!

[daredevil]

Get the Fenix. Just make sure to have a charging system.

I've said it before, I'll say it again. My Fenix lights are the best, most cost efficient thing I own for the bike.

I went for the AA model.

[Tyrell]

Why the AA over the CR123? Convenience of battery supply? I don't currently use any rechargeable batt's so I'm open to the 123's. But, this might be a slippery slope into using rechargeables more than I currently do in which case the AA's might make more sense. Either way, I'll carry a spare set of non-rechargeables for back up of course.

[Ngchen]

If you're planning on riding any decent amount, you'd be silly not to use rechargeables. FWIW though, Li-ion rechargeables are available for CR123s. There are two kinds: (1) the standard 3.6 /cell kind, which people have reported works with the Fenix on turbo and high modes only, and (2) a 3.0 V version that uses some sort of built-in voltage regulator to drop the 3.6 V to 3.0. That kind works for all modes.

[Tyrell]

I do certainly plan to use Lithium rechargeables. It's just a matter of AA vs. 123 at this point. Is a single 100-120 lumen Fenix enough to commute @ ~20mph on unlit 2-lane country roads? What about 180-200 lumen? I'm leaning towards the 123 batteries b/c of the smaller form factor and the better run-times/lumens as evidenced in the Fenix lights. My commute is ~30min one-way.

Why on earth would the 3.6V not work on the low and med. modes for the Fenix? Doesn't make sense to me...

[joshandlauri]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9060 200 Lumens, get batteries and charger also,

200 Lumens according to http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3049 same light just more money

[daredevil]

I got the AA model because I already had a AA charger set up and AA's are so readily available. We always have some around the house if I ever needed em.

I use two of the L2D models. One on the helmet, one on the bike. They give me all the light I need at any speed. Even one on turbo would do the job at 20 mph. I love these lights, man. :D

[daredevil]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9060 200 Lumens, get batteries and charger also,

200 Lumens according to http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3049 same light just more money

burn time - 30 minutes.

[socalrider]

I would get the p3d - q5 with 2 aw rcr123's batteries.. Make sure to buy the aw brand from fenix store, some other brand will not fit properly.
here is a burn time chart for high & turbo mode

high: http://lights.chevrofreak.com/runtimes/Fenix%20P3D/Fenix%20P3D%20-%20high.png
turbo: http://lights.chevrofreak.com/runtimes/Fenix%20P3D/Fenix%20P3D%20-%20max.png

You can deduct about 10% burn time for the q5 models..

[Tyrell]

UGH... Been trying to place my order with Fenix all day but they don't answer the phone. They aren't calling me back when I leave a message either. I'm using a discount code but the discount doesn't show up when I go to check out.

[joshandlauri]

burn time - 30 minutes.

Good thing my communte is 28 minutes, huh.

[Ziemas]

CR123 have a very short run time compared to AA Ni-Mh. I get about 2.5 hous with my LD2 on turbo using Sanyo 2700 AAs. There is absolutely no advantage to CR123s, only disadvantages such as exploding batteries and shorter runtime.

[daredevil]

Good thing my communte is 28 minutes, huh.

I'm not knocking it man. I'm sure it works fine for your purposes. I just thought I might point out that it is a major difference between the Fenix the OP mentioned and what you suggested.

[joshandlauri]

I'm not knocking it man. I'm sure it works fine for your purposes. I just thought I might point out that it is a major difference between the Fenix the OP mentioned and what you suggested.

Its all good, Had I known a 30 minute run time, I probally wouldn't have bought it.

Thanks
Josh

[Tyrell]

CR123 have a very short run time compared to AA Ni-Mh. I get about 2.5 hous with my LD2 on turbo using Sanyo 2700 AAs. There is absolutely no advantage to CR123s, only disadvantages such as exploding batteries and shorter runtime.
I don't think you're comparing apples to apples. You can't simply compare "turbo" to "turbo" without considering the #'s that comprise "turbo" for each. In one example, 2x AA's in a L2DQ5 will last for 10.5 hrs @ 53 Lumen where 2x 123 batteries in a P3DQ5 will last 13 hrs @ 53 Lumen as quoted by Fenix. Of course this comparison is still not perfect because I'm comparing two different flashlights - a perfect comparison would be comparing the two batteries' performance in the same flashlight but I'm not sure if that's possible.

So I guess my point is that the apparent advantages of 123 batteries are longer burn times for the same brightness levels of AA's, higher brightness potential, and smaller form factor/lighter weight. Disadvantages would be $$ and that they're not common in most households though they are a common photo batt.

[Ziemas]

I don't think you're comparing apples to apples. You can't simply compare "turbo" to "turbo" without considering the #'s that comprise "turbo" for each. In one example, 2x AA's in a L2DQ5 will last for 10.5 hrs @ 53 Lumen where 2x 123 batteries in a P3DQ5 will last 13 hrs @ 53 Lumen as quoted by Fenix. Of course this comparison is still not perfect because I'm comparing two different flashlights - a perfect comparison would be comparing the two batteries' performance in the same flashlight but I'm not sure if that's possible.

So I guess my point is that the apparent advantages of 123 batteries are longer burn times for the same brightness levels of AA's, higher brightness potential, and smaller form factor/lighter weight. Disadvantages would be $$ and that they're not common in most households though they are a common photo batt.

There are two prtoblems with your logic; the first being that 53 lumens isn't enough for the purposes of the bike commuter. The second is that you are comparing primary C123 cells (non-rechargeable)to rechargeable AA cells. Rechargeable CR123 cells have a much lower run time compared to primary C123 cells. Using primary cells in a Fenix for bicycle use is expensive and mighty wasteful.

It seems for some reason you have your heart set on using CR123 cells. Do a search and see some of the comments of users. Then look at what AA users say.

[Tyrell]

I'm not saying that 53 lumen is enough to commute on pitch dark roads by, I was just using that as an example for some kind of "constant" for comparison. And of course I'm going for rechargeables.

Also, I didn't think I was comparing rechargeable to non-rechargeable...I was just using what Fenix has listed on their site for each.

[Ziemas]

I'm not saying that 53 lumen is enough to commute on pitch dark roads by, I was just using that as an example for some kind of "constant" for comparison. And of course I'm going for rechargeables.

Also, I didn't think I was comparing rechargeable to non-rechargeable...I was just using what Fenix has listed on their site for each.

Do a little research at this site and the issue might become clearer for you. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=9

[Tyrell]

I'm not so much sold on one battery type over the other, I'm more concerned with the brightness levels and duration. It appeared to me that the 123 battery-powered flashy's yielded better brightness and decent duration times (for my use). I do see that there is some safety concern with the 123 batteries though. I guess what it all boils down to is how many lumen I will need for my purposes. Maybe you can lend me some advice there?

My commute is ~30 minutes (10 miles) on pitch-dark 2-lane country roads (paved) and I generally ride at ~20mph. I haven't ridden in the dark yet since I don't have a suitable light but that's gonna change soon here.

[socalrider]

If you use the AW rcr123's rechargeables from fenix store, the safety issue is gone.. They have added a vent hole to these batteries which was a primary concern with other 123 batteries.. I have been using the fenix lights as a helmet and handlebar light for well over a year with no issues..

The fenix store has a package deal for batteries and charger..

you can get 1:20 in turbo mode with the aw-rcr123's. It goes to over 3 hours in high mode..

http://lights.chevrofreak.com/runtimes/Fenix%20P3D/Fenix%20P3D%20-%20max.png
http://lights.chevrofreak.com/runtimes/Fenix%20P3D/Fenix%20P3D%20-%20high.png

[Tyrell]

Is there a safety concern with CR123 primaries as well or only the rechargeables? I've only seen ppl take issue with the rechargeables...

[Ziemas]

I'm not so much sold on one battery type over the other, I'm more concerned with the brightness levels and duration. It appeared to me that the 123 battery-powered flashy's yielded better brightness and decent duration times (for my use). I do see that there is some safety concern with the 123 batteries though. I guess what it all boils down to is how many lumen I will need for my purposes. Maybe you can lend me some advice there?

My commute is ~30 minutes (10 miles) on pitch-dark 2-lane country roads (paved) and I generally ride at ~20mph. I haven't ridden in the dark yet since I don't have a suitable light but that's gonna change soon here.

You won't be able to tell a difference between 180 and 215 lumens. I use a LD2 on my helmet and one on my bars in the pitch dark. It's more than enough on country roads with no light. The places where you actually need more light is in the city where there is a lot of ambient light that floods out your bike light.

[Tyrell]

Alright, get your reading pants on because here comes a long-winded post...

After seeing some good comparison shots, I think 180 lumen will be adequate for my needs so the advantage of 215 lumen with the P3DQ5 is moot. Therefore it all comes down to run-time and battery type. L2DQ5 wins the run-time battle but the battery fight is a tough one to call.

NiMh AA batteries have advantages such as safe and easy charging (assuming you have a good charger) while it is important to check the voltage of Lithium-Ion batteries before and after charging to ensure safety. It is also recommended that you keep an eye on charging lithiums in case drama ensues. I want to be able to plug my batteries in to charge and go to sleep so they're ready for me when I wake up in the morning without fear that they’ll catch fire or something. NiMh wins in that regard.

One down-side to NiMh though is that they have memory effect and have significant power loss after 300 cycles or so when Lithium-Ion can handle 1000 cycles w/ no problem. In addition, NiMh will self-discharge pretty quickly if not used where Lithium Ion will self-discharge very slowly. In my case, I don’t plan to leave the batteries to self-discharge for days at a time and the 300 cycles should last me a couple years. This argument is a win for Lithium-Ion but not a strong one in my case.

So, after reading and contemplating and comparing and researching and wringing my hands, I’m leaning toward the L2DQ5 using NiMh AA’s instead of the P3DQ5 using Lithium-Ion RCR123A’s. When it comes down to it, the cost difference between an L2DQ5 and a P3DQ5 setup (light, mount, batteries, and charger) is negligible so it’s really about what kind of batteries I want to use and how long I want the batteries to last. In my case, I’m thinking that NiMh AA’s will do the trick though I believe Lithiums are the batteries of the future. They’re just not developed enough yet I think.

I have read that the key to NiMh battery longevity is to have a good charger and from what I've read, the La Crosse BC-900 is a good one. I'll probably get that (comes with some free batt's) from Thomas Distributing. Another side-benefit of the L2D is that I would be able to use the charger for the AA’s and AAA’s in my blinkies and other future AA or AAA-requiring purchases.

Here's what I'm looking at cost-wise for my L2DQ5 set-up:
L2DQ5 from Fenix - $57.50 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
LockBlock from Fenix - $6.43 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
La Crosse BC-900 plus Batt's from Thomas - $43.68 shipped
Total: $107.61

Link to some great flashlight comparison shots: http://ledmania.ceskyblog.cz/souhrn-recenzi/fotky-venku/
La Crosse Charger on Thomas Dist.: http://www.thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php

[Ziemas]

Alright, get your reading pants on because here comes a long-winded post...

After seeing some good comparison shots, I think 180 lumen will be adequate for my needs so the advantage of 215 lumen with the P3DQ5 is moot. Therefore it all comes down to run-time and battery type. L2DQ5 wins the run-time battle but the battery fight is a tough one to call.

NiMh AA batteries have advantages such as safe and easy charging (assuming you have a good charger) while it is important to check the voltage of Lithium-Ion batteries before and after charging to ensure safety. It is also recommended that you keep an eye on charging lithiums in case drama ensues. I want to be able to plug my batteries in to charge and go to sleep so they're ready for me when I wake up in the morning without fear that they’ll catch fire or something. NiMh wins in that regard.

One down-side to NiMh though is that they have memory effect and have significant power loss after 300 cycles or so when Lithium-Ion can handle 1000 cycles w/ no problem. In addition, NiMh will self-discharge pretty quickly if not used where Lithium Ion will self-discharge very slowly. In my case, I don’t plan to leave the batteries to self-discharge for days at a time and the 300 cycles should last me a couple years. This argument is a win for Lithium-Ion but not a strong one in my case.

So, after reading and contemplating and comparing and researching and wringing my hands, I’m leaning toward the L2DQ5 using NiMh AA’s instead of the P3DQ5 using Lithium-Ion RCR123A’s. When it comes down to it, the cost difference between an L2DQ5 and a P3DQ5 setup (light, mount, batteries, and charger) is negligible so it’s really about what kind of batteries I want to use and how long I want the batteries to last. In my case, I’m thinking that NiMh AA’s will do the trick though I believe Lithiums are the batteries of the future. They’re just not developed enough yet I think.

I have read that the key to NiMh battery longevity is to have a good charger and from what I've read, the La Crosse BC-900 is a good one. I'll probably get that (comes with some free batt's) from Thomas Distributing. Another side-benefit of the L2D is that I would be able to use the charger for the AA’s and AAA’s in my blinkies and other future AA or AAA-requiring purchases.

Here's what I'm looking at cost-wise for my L2DQ5 set-up:
L2DQ5 from Fenix - $57.50 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
LockBlock from Fenix - $6.43 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
La Crosse BC-900 plus Batt's from Thomas - $43.68 shipped
Total: $107.61

Link to some great flashlight comparison shots: http://ledmania.ceskyblog.cz/souhrn-recenzi/fotky-venku/
La Crosse Charger on Thomas Dist.: http://www.thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php

Much of your information regarding batteruies is dead wrong. Ni-Mh will last for many more cycles than Li-ion. Plus AA Ni-Mh are dead cheap. You are really over thinking this.

See the above site I gave you a link to and the following site for more info. Also check out the Maha C-9000 charger, it offers some nice features the LaCrosse doesn't have. http://www.batteryuniversity.com/

[Tyrell]

Oops! The bit I got the cycle info from was pertaining to Cell phone batteries: http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-36.htm
Nonetheless, I think I've talked myself into it. L2DQ5. Done.

[daredevil]

Oops! The bit I got the cycle info from was pertaining to Cell phone batteries: http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-36.htm
Nonetheless, I think I've talked myself into it. L2DQ5. Done.

It's a great light, you won't be sorry. I'll bet anything that after you get it, you'll get one for your helmet. These things are addicting!

You might take Z's advice and get the Maha charger although I don't know its cost. I got the Lacrosse for $39 and free shipping from amazon.

[agarose2000]

I just got the Lacrosse charger (which comes with 4 x 2400mA AAs, a few 800mA AAAs, and C batt adapters), and I love it. Works great, and the included batts get me over 1:40hrs of runtime with the FENIX L2D. Happy as a clam.

[annihilatorpro]

Alright, get your reading pants on because here comes a long-winded post...

After seeing some good comparison shots, I think 180 lumen will be adequate for my needs so the advantage of 215 lumen with the P3DQ5 is moot. Therefore it all comes down to run-time and battery type. L2DQ5 wins the run-time battle but the battery fight is a tough one to call.

NiMh AA batteries have advantages such as safe and easy charging (assuming you have a good charger) while it is important to check the voltage of Lithium-Ion batteries before and after charging to ensure safety. It is also recommended that you keep an eye on charging lithiums in case drama ensues. I want to be able to plug my batteries in to charge and go to sleep so they're ready for me when I wake up in the morning without fear that they’ll catch fire or something. NiMh wins in that regard.

One down-side to NiMh though is that they have memory effect and have significant power loss after 300 cycles or so when Lithium-Ion can handle 1000 cycles w/ no problem. In addition, NiMh will self-discharge pretty quickly if not used where Lithium Ion will self-discharge very slowly. In my case, I don’t plan to leave the batteries to self-discharge for days at a time and the 300 cycles should last me a couple years. This argument is a win for Lithium-Ion but not a strong one in my case.

So, after reading and contemplating and comparing and researching and wringing my hands, I’m leaning toward the L2DQ5 using NiMh AA’s instead of the P3DQ5 using Lithium-Ion RCR123A’s. When it comes down to it, the cost difference between an L2DQ5 and a P3DQ5 setup (light, mount, batteries, and charger) is negligible so it’s really about what kind of batteries I want to use and how long I want the batteries to last. In my case, I’m thinking that NiMh AA’s will do the trick though I believe Lithiums are the batteries of the future. They’re just not developed enough yet I think.

I have read that the key to NiMh battery longevity is to have a good charger and from what I've read, the La Crosse BC-900 is a good one. I'll probably get that (comes with some free batt's) from Thomas Distributing. Another side-benefit of the L2D is that I would be able to use the charger for the AA’s and AAA’s in my blinkies and other future AA or AAA-requiring purchases.

Here's what I'm looking at cost-wise for my L2DQ5 set-up:
L2DQ5 from Fenix - $57.50 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
LockBlock from Fenix - $6.43 shipped (CPF8 8% off coupon code)
La Crosse BC-900 plus Batt's from Thomas - $43.68 shipped
Total: $107.61

Link to some great flashlight comparison shots: http://ledmania.ceskyblog.cz/souhrn-recenzi/fotky-venku/
La Crosse Charger on Thomas Dist.: http://www.thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php


That's funny, I have the exact set up that you just described: the same flashlight, lockblock, and charger.

[Tyrell]

That's funny, I have the exact set up that you just described: the same flashlight, lockblock, and charger.
And how do you like it? I'm excited to get it all set up and start using it!!

[annihilatorpro]

And how do you like it? I'm excited to get it all set up and start using it!!

Well, I suppose the L2DQ5 does it's job as well as I could have hoped for. At the turbo setting, it goes for a good 2 hours, and then it'll automatically decrease the current to the lowest setting when the battery is running low. I don't ever use the high settings - I'm not using it so much as to illuminate the road, but rather to inform other drivers that I'm there (I live in LA). The fact that it uses AA batteries really makes things easier. I can just pop in the same rechargeable batteries I use on my xbox 360 controllers and I'm good to go for weeks. I don't think you want to be dealing with a specific charger for CR123a batteries. And if I do remember correctly, NIMH will last much longer than Lithion ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries do have a higher density of energy and in ways are superior to NIMH, but they're more expensive, have a finite lifespan that's independent of charge/discharge cycles, and have a nasty tendency to explode violently if mistreated (not applicable to lithium polymer batteries, but that's a whole different beast of a battery).

So really, my flashlight set up is way more than I need, but since it's not attached to my bike, I can use it for other purposes around my apartment or when I go camping, etc.

[jterribili]

I got the AA model because I already had a AA charger set up and AA's are so readily available. We always have some around the house if I ever needed em.

I use two of the L2D models. One on the helmet, one on the bike. They give me all the light I need at any speed. Even one on turbo would do the job at 20 mph. I love these lights, man. :D


hey daredevil - how you it to your helmet? I have one on my handlebars now and want to get another one, but am debating on whether to put on handlebars or helmet. I also have a Niterider 10W halogen on the handlebars.

[daredevil]

hey daredevil - how you it to your helmet? I have one on my handlebars now and want to get another one, but am debating on whether to put on handlebars or helmet. I also have a Niterider 10W halogen on the handlebars.

I've done it a couple different ways and it was easy. First I used a couple strips of velcro and switched to some fairly heavy rubber bands. Whichever, just run em through the vents and over the flashlight. Some people have even used Livestrong bands. Put the flashlight though the band, pull the band through the vent into the helmet and pull it out another vent over the other end of the flashlight. Where you position it on the helmet will depend on how aggressive your riding position is.

I also slid the flashlight through an old section of cut tube so that it would provide a little cushion and tackiness to the helmet. Sorry I can't post pictures but I bet if you searched enough you could find some on here somewhere.

[jterribili]

I've done it a couple different ways and it was easy. First I used a couple strips of velcro and switched to some fairly heavy rubber bands. Whichever, just run em through the vents and over the flashlight. Some people have even used Livestrong bands. Put the flashlight though the band, pull the band through the vent into the helmet and pull it out another vent over the other end of the flashlight. Where you position it on the helmet will depend on how aggressive your riding position is.

I also slid the flashlight through an old section of cut tube so that it would provide a little cushion and tackiness to the helmet. Sorry I can't post pictures but I bet if you searched enough you could find some on here somewhere.

sweet - thanks!

[gadgetadam]

I just picked up 2 L2D Premium Q5s and 2 of those cheap rubber/Velcro mounts from Fenix earlier this week. I haven't done any riding but I think both of my lights (2 AA model) on High(not Turbo) will be fine. I decided to go with the AA models because even though I'm going to use rechargeable I want to be able to use a standard/cheap battery if needed.

It states in the user manual NOT to use turbo mode for more than 10 minutes. Also your battery life goes way down if you use turbo mode. I haven't seen what happens if I run my lights in turbo for 10min+ but I just do what I'm told!

Check out this link to give you some real runtimes of some of the Fenix lights.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews_index/reviews_index_led3watt2.htm (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews_index/reviews_index_led3watt2.htm)

On another note I went with flashlights because I didn't want to spend more on a dedicated bike light. I wanted to spend less with the ability to work on my bike, at home, and camping.

[Ziemas]

[COLOR=black]It states in the user manual NOT to use turbo mode for more than 10 minutes. Also your battery life goes way down if you use turbo mode. I haven't seen what happens if I run my lights in turbo for 10min+ but I just do what I'm told!


Nothing bad happens. I've been doing it every day for months now. The breeze from riding cools the light down just fine.

[daredevil]

Nothing bad happens. I've been doing it every day for months now. The breeze from riding cools the light down just fine.

+1...all reports are that it isn't a problem.

[Tyrell]

Just a quick update: I just got back from using my L2DQ5 as a helmet light on a night mountain bike ride in Palo Duro Canyon near Canyon, TX at the end of a week-long mountain biking vacation. It worked great with the 2-fish lock block!! Combining it with a 20W halogen on the bars was a sweet setup. I didn't notice any significant difference when using High vs. Turbo so i ran it on High to conserve battery power. Plenty of light!!

[agarose2000]

The overheating fears are way-overrated and nonexistent. I run mine on TURBO until the batts literally die (nearly 2 hrs later with 2400mA Lacrosse batteries) and I'm not even cycling, so there's really poor airflow. (I'm a runner and I strap it to my head.) Funny thing is that the flashlight is cool to the touch if its <50F outside, even after all that runtime. In fact, people in snowy climates have been complaining of the OPPOSITE - the FENIX is so efficient at light production that it doesn't waste any extra energy on heat (as an incandescent bulb does), so the NiMH battery life drops some in subfreezing temps unless they "warm up" the flashlight somehow. Crazy!

[sharpstick]

i have a larger UltrafireQ5 and a larger light that has a luxeon 5 watt LED. (my fenix lives in my car)
here is the ultrafire with charger for $40. it took a while to get here from hong kong but it is a pretty good deal.
http://scopeandlaser.com/index.php?sp=&p=6&cat2=0&cat1=161&cat0=45&id=1551&cat1=161&cat0=45&new=&more=&lang=en
they're both mounted on opposite sides of the fork just above the axle.
one uses 2 CR123s and the other uses a rechargeable that is the size of 2 CR123s. i think it will take the CR123s also. those puppies are about $6 each in the stores! but i get them online for a buck. and they last forever, weeks?.
5 watts of LED power and over 400 lumens. the prices were comparable to some of the common Luxeon 1 watt headlights that are overpriced in my opinion.
here is my setup. i think the lower light placement and shallow angle(both are slightly different) lights up the road better than a handlebar mount. in addition there is a smaller LED light on the handlebar so OTHERS can see me!

the right mount was homemade. the left one is made by fenix and has held up pretty well.