Commuting - Lights: Vistalite, Cateye ABS 20?

Hello.

I am considering a new commuting light. LBS sells 5w Vistalite systems at a very reasonable price, but I have read some disturbing reviews about Vistalite products. I seem to remember Vistalite was acquired by Bell and that there were issues concerning spare parts and replacements. Does anyone have up-to-date information or experiences on this?

The LBS's Vistalite package is called NS0, which sounds strange, as the current name is Nightstick Code 5 according to Vistalite's web site. Are they selling old stock? (And yes, I am going to ask them the same question soon, but right now the shop is closed for inventory).

I told LBS I might want to have more light. They suggested the newish Cateye ABS-system, which is significantly more expensive than Vistalite. I took a look at the manual and noticed that they recommend batteries (NiMH) to be fully discharged before recharging to avoid "memory effect". I thought memory effect is a myth?

If you have used Cateye ABS's, I would like to hear your opinions on the product.

Thanks!

--J

It depends on where you plan to ride and at what speeds.
The memory effect generally is a myth and it's not that good of an idea to drain a battery down to the point where the light's completely dim. You'd want to shut it off when it first starts diming dramatically.

I ended up buying a Vistalite 5+5W halogen with a NiMH battery. The LBS was getting rid of all things Bell, so it was cheap (by local standards at least). I also bought a nice basic Bell helmet at 50% of their normal price. Total cost 75 euros for the light and helmet.

I could not check out the light in the shop because their few remaining Vistalites were out of charge, so they agreed to let me test it for a week and return for a full refund, if I am not happy with it. Now I am forced to do some night riding to see how it works :beer:!

--J

any updates on the Vistalite?
I just ordered the code 15 off of supergo for $70.00. It was $124.99 at the LBS. can't wait till it gets here. Looked pretty brite in the store.

The Vistalite is ok for its price. I was not happy with the 5+5 watts so I went to a local electrical supplies store and bought one 10w bulb. The fact that they use standard MR11 bulbs was a factor in purchasing the light. Now I am pretty much ok.

I plan to use this setup for several years before upgrading. By then I hope either HIDs have come down in price or these newish bright led lights have developed to a stage where they actually let you see instead of just being seen.

--J

The Vista-lites are very good. I have had a 10W/15W combo for over 5 years and they work in any conditions. I can ride in complete darkness. They spent a year on a downhill MTB and are now used for commuting. I have been very happy with them.

CHEERS.

Mark