Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - The best headlights under $50 thread

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beowulf7
07-15-08, 12:22 AM
I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-13001-SIGMA-TRILED-Front/dp/B000JIXJJ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1216088107&sr=8-2
That is my review.
Given the 4/5 you gave it, you're happy with the lights. :thumb: The price is also very good. Is that HL available with a TL as a set?
Given the 4/5 you gave it, you're happy with the lights. :thumb: The price is also very good. Is that HL available with a TL as a set?
http://www.amazon.com/SIGMA-TRILED-CUBERIDER-Front-Light/dp/B0013D1M00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1216165258&sr=8-1
Both quick release! I bought mine in a store or I would have ordered that combo.
jrafael
07-15-08, 09:17 PM
2 x UltraFire Cree C3 Flashlight with 2xAA $20.57 ea (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4452)
2 x Universal Bicycle Mount $1.90 ea
(http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274)
41.14 + 3.80 + free shipping ( 10-15 days ) = 44.94
This flashlights can use 1 or 2 (longer runtime) AA, so no need to buy special chargers or batteries :thumb:
Runtime - about 1.5hrs on 1xAA and about 4hrs on 2xAA
huskertko
07-15-08, 09:36 PM
I posted this same question earlier in the Road Cycling forum without thinking of lookin here. I am not opposed to flashlights, in fact it makes some sense, but my question is, are bicycle mounts flashlight specific or are they more generic? Meaning do i have to buy a certain type of light to use in a mount, or will most lights work in the bike mount?
With a 2AA type flashlight, you can use Twofish Lockblocks to mount them onto your handlebar. They do a pretty good job holding position with a light this size. I've made it work with a 2C type light, but it's more likely to shift due to weight.
Just be sure to mount the light close to the center of gravity, and snug the velcro straps tight.
beowulf7
07-23-08, 10:12 PM
To those who recently bought bike HLs and TLs, how are you liking it? I know a couple of you recent buyers got your sets earlier this month. Now that you've had it for a week or so, any pros and cons? I'm getting close to ordering lights for my bike.
I ordered 3 Ultrafires from Dealextreme.com. It took FOREVER (18 days) to get here, so I also ordered 2 Fenix L2D lights for comparison while I was waiting. I have ridden once at night with one Ultrafire, and it worked pretty well. For max lighting I plan to put two on my bike and one on my helmet. Otherwise I could probably get by with one on bike, one on helmet.
beowulf7
07-25-08, 09:29 AM
I ordered 3 Ultrafires from Dealextreme.com. It took FOREVER (18 days) to get here, so I also ordered 2 Fenix L2D lights for comparison while I was waiting. I have ridden once at night with one Ultrafire, and it worked pretty well. For max lighting I plan to put two on my bike and one on my helmet. Otherwise I could probably get by with one on bike, one on helmet.
Cool, so how would you compare the Ultrafire and L2D head-to-head in terms of light output, weight, stability (i.e. light doesn't shift when going over bumps), battery requirement, etc.? :thumb:
the sheer amount of light should be similar. The differences come in build quality and possibly how good the heat management is.
beowulf7
07-25-08, 12:56 PM
the sheer amount of light should be similar. The differences come in build quality and possibly how good the heat management is.
I agree about the efficiency and build quality. I wonder which one is better.
Cool, so how would you compare the Ultrafire and L2D head-to-head in terms of light output, weight, stability (i.e. light doesn't shift when going over bumps), battery requirement, etc.? :thumb:
I haven't received the L2D's yet. I guess I didn't make that clear. When I receive them I will do a direct comparison.
So far I have been impressed with the Ultrafire's for $20 shipped. :thumb: Had they arrived in a decent time frame I would have been happy with those. But since they didn't come, I got anxious and just ordered a pair of Fenix L2D's to try since I got the 180 lumen version at a good price. The Ultrafires don't give a lumen rating which makes me think they may not be as good. But they Fenix's are going to have to be quite a bit better for me to keep them for the much higher price (2.5X).
I've toyed around with mounting the flashlights on my bike. I installed a Minoura SwingGrip extender bar yesterday (longer and more versatile than the one varuscelli had in his write up -- I actually bought that one first and returned it because it was too short for my application). Positioning is OK with the bar, but the cables coming off the handlebars may get in the way when I have them mounted down low.
I do a complete write up with photos after the Fenix's arrive and I get the time. Probably in a week or so.
beowulf7
07-25-08, 02:55 PM
I haven't received the L2D's yet. I guess I didn't make that clear. When I receive them I will do a direct comparison.
So far I have been impressed with the Ultrafire's for $20 shipped. :thumb: Had they arrived in a decent time frame I would have been happy with those. But since they didn't come, I got anxious and just ordered a pair of Fenix L2D's to try since I got the 180 lumen version at a good price. The Ultrafires don't give a lumen rating which makes me think they may not be as good. But they Fenix's are going to have to be quite a bit better for me to keep them for the much higher price (2.5X).
I've toyed around with mounting the flashlights on my bike. I installed a Minoura SwingGrip extender bar yesterday (longer and more versatile than the one varuscelli had in his write up -- I actually bought that one first and returned it because it was too short for my application). Positioning is OK with the bar, but the cables coming off the handlebars may get in the way when I have them mounted down low.
I do a complete write up with photos after the Fenix's arrive and I get the time. Probably in a week or so.
I see, so the other HL hadn't arrived yet. Thanks for the update and I look forward to your review when you get around to it in a week or so. :thumb:
I see, so the other HL hadn't arrived yet. Thanks for the update and I look forward to your review when you get around to it in a week or so. :thumb:
Mail just arrived, and a pair of Fenix L2D Premium Q5's with it. Something tells me my review will come sooner than a week. :beer:
beowulf7
07-25-08, 03:13 PM
Mail just arrived, and a pair of Fenix L2D Premium Q5's with it. Something tells me my review will come sooner than a week. :beer:
Woohoo, nice gift at the end of the week. :D
I agree about the efficiency and build quality. I wonder which one is better.
The cheap DX/Kai lights tend to be more erratic in build quality - sometimes you get a really nice light, sometimes you get a real dud where the switch flakes on you, or the circuit blows out. The waterproofing tends to be not as solid, either.
The Fenix lights are more consistent in their build quality, with good customer service and fancy features like multiple modes, etc. Then again, they're more than $50, too. For myself, with a bike application, my sweet spot lies somewhere in between. On a bike, I don't want all the fancy modes, but if I can find a well-made light for about half the price, then I can get two of them. :D
agarose2000
07-25-08, 09:00 PM
I think it's great that everyone here loves trying out cheaper lights and reviewing them for all of us - thanks!
However, I've been more than happy with the $50 I spent on my Fenix L2D. I was riding pretty fast last night, and in reading this post, I was reminded at the peace of mind I've had knowing that the Fenix lamps are rock-solid, stable, and extremely well built. I'd gladly pay $30+ for a uber-reliable light source than save $30 and find myself wondering if my light would go on a fast night ride.
Those ultrafires do look pretty sweet, though!
The cheap DX/Kai lights tend to be more erratic in build quality...
Do you know this from first hand experience, a couple user reviews on the web, just guessing because of the low price, or ???
I'd gladly pay $30+ for a uber-reliable light source than save $30 and find myself wondering if my light would go on a fast night ride.
I'd rather buy all the crap and test it myself and resell what I don't want and not have to wonder at all. :)
I've done my testing and will be creating a posting a new thread soon (either tonight or tomorrow).
Do you know this from first hand experience, a couple user reviews on the web, just guessing because of the low price, or ???
Combination of the above. Plenty of experiences to go around with us over at Candlepowerforums. Whenever anyone brings up a bargain at KD/DX inevitably one (or both) of two things comes up.
1) It took a hella long time to get to them. ;)
2) It's a great light for the money
It's not that they're universally suckage for lighting. Just the CPF guys are a tough crowd and there's usually something just a little off with the lights. The runtime is shorter than average, there's funny artifacts in the beam, the o-rings don't hold up past a brief dunking, whatever. Switches are sometimes temperamental (often repaired by disassembly and tinkering, but some just end up unrecoverable). Yeah, everybody has their share of problems, but some lights tend to be more hit n' miss than some of the others.
I mean, take me. I'm hard on my lights for work (building surveys). They don't last long in my kit when they let me down for one reason or another. Those differences tend to stick in your mind when you still carry an Inova for years when the Maglite LED gets tossed out after just a couple of months.
That's the same criteria I put on picking a bike light - considering the context is my wife's the commuter and I'm not gonna give her a light that I won't trust to work day in and day out in all weather conditions. I'm sure quality's getting better, but my past experiences haven't been good enough to sell me on putting them on her bike. Same reason I haven't put the Coleman on her bike, because it's yet to pass muster for me. (although it's getting there, and she'll probably still carry the Inova as backup)
But it's different strokes for different folks. If the $15 light means you can strap 3 on the bike, then more power to you! :thumb: More light, and plenty of backup in case one goes glitchy on you. :) I can't convince my wife to clutter her ride with more than a couple of lights, so I gotta kick it up a notch. ;) Same reason I pick two $30 lights with pretty good reliability over one $70 Fenix.
Go with what works for you.
beowulf7
07-26-08, 01:11 PM
Do you know this from first hand experience, a couple user reviews on the web, just guessing because of the low price, or ???
I'd rather buy all the crap and test it myself and resell what I don't want and not have to wonder at all. :)
I've done my testing and will be creating a posting a new thread soon (either tonight or tomorrow).
If/when you create the thread with your review, please link it here. Looking forward to it. :thumb:
Yeamac's review is here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=446019
beowulf7
07-26-08, 03:26 PM
Yeamac's review is here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=446019
Thanks, I'll check it out. :)
beowulf7
08-03-08, 04:35 PM
My HL and TL search is over (for now). I went to a "Perf. Bike" store yesterday and picked up a Cat Eye HL-EL510 (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23650&subcategory_ID=4320) headlight and NightRider 5.0 (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22985&subcategory_ID=4322) TL for < $40 total (after the "457" 15% off coupon). Installing them on my bike was relatively simple, but note that NightRider comes w/ no instructions whatsoever. I'll report back when I do some dusk/night bike riding.
Look man, your already willing to pay up to $50 for a light, why not another $40 for a truly bright light? Then you would not be later wishing for a brighter light. You can find that easily with this http://www.cygolite.com/products/halogen/Rover_Xtra.html Just do a web search for best price.
Or this for about $15 dollars less then the above but not as bright: http://www.cygolite.com/products/halogen/Rover_NiMH.html
daredevil
08-03-08, 05:20 PM
http://www.cygolite.com/products/halogen/Rover_Xtra.html
I've got that light. The Fenix L2D blows it away. I haven't used the Cygo since.
Somewhat related query: it seems apparent that bike-specific lights are not nearly as bright or inexpensive as flashlights....but WHY?? (also how does one convert from lumens to candlepower, when comparing lights?)
leamcorp
08-14-08, 01:42 PM
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_12623_4.jpg
MTE SSC P7 C-Bin 900-Lumen 8-Mode LED Flashlight. $45.90 free ship.
Brighter than automobile headlights on high mode, medium and low power modes for longer run times. Flash modes make you visible even in bright daylight.
P7 flashlights are selling out almost as fast as there listed. Hurry if you want one.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060
Just want to say, Thanks so much for sharing this info. I bought 2 of these along with 8 batteries/charger and its working great.
For a while, I had 2 Fenix L2D setup on my swingbar (Minoura) for my night commuting. Although it did a pretty good job, I wanted a bit more light - especially at higher speed (20-30mph).
So I bought 2 more lights - this time UltraFire to supplement the Fenix. They were bit disappointing as I didn't find them too bright and didn't mix well with Fenix as it had a similar light pattern, which just made the white spot - whiter. I also didn't like managing 4 light and all that batteries.
So I bought 2 of those SSC lights. Holy crap - now one of this light is replacing the entire setup. The way I have it now is - 1 primary SSC, 2nd (spare or in casebattery runs out on 1st) and 1 fenix mounted on my helmet.
This thing lights up the road and for the first time last night - I see cars waiting for me as they come out of side road or they come up very slow behind me. I think they had a hard time figuring out what was in front of them - maybe they thought is was a motor cycle that was going slow (due to breakdown?). I don't care why, because it works, not only as a front light, but also as a "be seen" light at 12:00am.
I thought I wasn't going to like having non-common battery - but its no different than having a AA battery. You just have to buy them in advance and have enough spare on your bag. In actuality, I think I'll like the lithium battery more as they hold better charge and have longer lifespan than Nimh.
You are absolutely right - they've been out of stock for quite a while (5 and 8 mode version). I just bought 2 mode version, which is perfect for cycling as you only want high or low, depending on your ambient light condition. I'm getting 2 more to replace the fenix on my helmet and a spare.
The lights are much larger than Fenix, so keep that in mind. Instead of Fishblock, I had to use a larger mount. The cost of 2 light and charger/batteries were about equal to 2 fenix lights (last year) without the batteries/charger.
trekker pete
08-15-08, 10:23 AM
I have a PB super spot back ordered. Should get here soon, I hope. I am also looking for 1 or 2 ultrafire/fenix flashlights. I plan on mounting 1 on the helmet and 1 on the bike if the super spot isn't enough.
Would any of you guys that have compared these and now would like to sell one, be interested in selling it to me? This would allow me to skip the shipping delay of buying new.
Drop me a PM.
joelw135
08-17-08, 08:50 AM
I use this. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-200-Lumens-CREE-LED-XR-E-P4-Bike-Bicycle-Light-B200_W0QQitemZ320281140441QQcmdZViewItem
I just picked up the Cat Eye HL-EL135 for $19.19 on sale at my LBS. Super bright and has a constant as well as flashing mode.
daredevil
08-17-08, 05:33 PM
I use this. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-200-Lumens-CREE-LED-XR-E-P4-Bike-Bicycle-Light-B200_W0QQitemZ320281140441QQcmdZViewItem
Any pics or reviews? Anybody else have one? 200 lumens with that kind of run time? Wow! Is there a catch?
I just noticed an $18 shipping fee? Still a darn cheap light in spite of that if it performs as advertised.
hammond9705
08-17-08, 08:49 PM
Don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but the Cateyes are a waste of money. If you can only spend <$50, get the Fenix or similar LED flashlight. I have a Dinotte that I am very happy with, but it is >$100. Once I got a better light I sold the Cateye on ebay, and wouldn't recommend them.
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_12623_4.jpg
MTE SSC P7 C-Bin 900-Lumen 8-Mode LED Flashlight. $45.90 free ship.
Brighter than automobile headlights on high mode, medium and low power modes for longer run times. Flash modes make you visible even in bright daylight.
P7 flashlights are selling out almost as fast as there listed. Hurry if you want one.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060
After reading this thread, perusing several others, and spending loads of time reading through various P7 reviews on DX, I decided to go with the 8-mode P7 recced here (primarily due to the extra strobe modes and voltage regulation), as well as a set of blue protected Trustfires, the white safe charger, and a cheap bike mount. Crossing my fingers and awaiting their arrival. Also ordered a Superflash for the taillight. Considered building one from a cheaper DX flashlight + the red plastic cover for a cheap tailight, as that could easily have exceeded the Superflash's brightness, but I figured that's something I can look into later, and that the Superflash would do the job for the rear. What I really want is the ability to see well in front of me, and after perusing the P7 reviews, it seems these are the best lights available for under $100 dollars. Sweet!
Any pics or reviews? Anybody else have one? 200 lumens with that kind of run time? Wow! Is there a catch?
I just noticed an $18 shipping fee? Still a darn cheap light in spite of that if it performs as advertised.
There's nothing amazing about this. It's just a regular LED flashlight modified to run off a battery pack. Not worth the money in my opinion. Just buy a couple of $20 Cree flashlights from DealExtreme and switch out rechargable batteries as needed. How much time does it really take to pop a couple of new batteries into your flashlights? Do it during your waterbreaks. Double the light, $14 cheaper after factoring in shipping (free from DealExtreme).
The Cat Eyes may seem "pretty bright", but are actually many times dimmer than these flashlights.
daredevil
08-18-08, 07:18 AM
There's nothing amazing about this. It's just a regular LED flashlight modified to run off a battery pack. Not worth the money in my opinion. Just buy a couple of $20 Cree flashlights from DealExtreme and switch out rechargable batteries as needed. How much time does it really take to pop a couple of new batteries into your flashlights? Do it during your waterbreaks. Double the light, $14 cheaper after factoring in shipping (free from DealExtreme).
The Cat Eyes may seem "pretty bright", but are actually many times dimmer than these flashlights.
The Fenix flashlights have generally gotten rave reviews on these forums. I bought a couple because of this and couldn't be happier. This light that you say is nothing special is supposedly brighter with longer run times than the Fenix.
So who can tell me if this is really better than the Fenix L2D's?
tstartrekdude
08-22-08, 03:16 AM
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909
runs of 2 aa's. is very cheep(get 5 :) ) and puts out about 150+ lumens. i use one of these(well its an older one modded to make this same light) and it gives me more light than i have ever needed.
i would recommended the scc p7 also, but soon cree is going to put out a four die kile the p7 emitter that will KILL the p7 in turms of brightness and efficiency, you will be able to get the same 400 ish lumen's out of the cree at 1 amp that you get at 2.8 amps with the p7, so i am holding out for them.
daredevil
08-22-08, 10:14 AM
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909
runs of 2 aa's. is very cheep(get 5 :) ) and puts out about 150+ lumens. i use one of these(well its an older one modded to make this same light) and it gives me more light than i have ever needed.
i would recommended the scc p7 also, but soon cree is going to put out a four die kile the p7 emitter that will KILL the p7 in turms of brightness and efficiency, you will be able to get the same 400 ish lumen's out of the cree at 1 amp that you get at 2.8 amps with the p7, so i am holding out for them.
I just placed an order. 230 lumens possible no matter what the run time for $24 is hard to pass up.
After reading this thread, perusing several others, and spending loads of time reading through various P7 reviews on DX, I decided to go with the 8-mode P7 recced here (primarily due to the extra strobe modes and voltage regulation), as well as a set of blue protected Trustfires, the white safe charger, and a cheap bike mount.
Where on that web site is the bike mount? I can't find it. I'm also interested in a sub-$50 light. I don't see a bike mount for the flashlite type lights.
2 x UltraFire Cree C3 Flashlight with 2xAA $20.57 ea (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4452)
2 x Universal Bicycle Mount $1.90 ea
(http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274)
41.14 + 3.80 + free shipping ( 10-15 days ) = 44.94
This flashlights can use 1 or 2 (longer runtime) AA, so no need to buy special chargers or batteries :thumb:
Runtime - about 1.5hrs on 1xAA and about 4hrs on 2xAA
Do the universal bicycle mounts linked above fit oversized handlebars?
You are absolutely right - they've been out of stock for quite a while (5 and 8 mode version). I just bought 2 mode version, which is perfect for cycling as you only want high or low, depending on your ambient light condition. I'm getting 2 more to replace the fenix on my helmet and a spare.
Is the two mode version voltage regulated? I was going to get the 8 mode because it supposedly is.
madscot13
08-23-08, 09:57 PM
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_12623_4.jpg
MTE SSC P7 C-Bin 900-Lumen 8-Mode LED Flashlight. $45.90 free ship.
Brighter than automobile headlights on high mode, medium and low power modes for longer run times. Flash modes make you visible even in bright daylight.
P7 flashlights are selling out almost as fast as there listed. Hurry if you want one.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060
I think I would like one of these for my bike. I may add on a fenix light because it would also be handy to have a helmet light/ light that is not so bright so that I may use it off the bike. the fenix also has some handy attachments (or what I think may be a handy diffuser cone).
I have never thought of batteries beyond AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and rechargeable. Could someone help me out? I prefer rechargeable; it is worth the hassle to me. I can't decide between the lithium rechargeable (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1879), the rechargeable 18650's (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.933) or the un- rechargable 18560's (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4757). Other than saving on cost of buying more batteries by going with rechargeable, I don't know the difference with lithium.
thanks
brokenknee
08-24-08, 09:59 AM
don't really know anything about batteries other than what i have read on the forum. if you go with the lithium ion ones they should be the (protected type). if i understood it correctly this will keep them from exploding during recharging. here is the link to the ones that were recommended from another post. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790
these batteries need to be charged with a charger designed for lithium ion batteries. here is the link to the charger that was recommended in that same post. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1251
Edit: the 18650 are not interchangeable with AAs
The Fenix flashlights have generally gotten rave reviews on these forums. I bought a couple because of this and couldn't be happier. This light that you say is nothing special is supposedly brighter with longer run times than the Fenix.
So who can tell me if this is really better than the Fenix L2D's?
That light has a longer runtime than the L2D because it uses more batteries, stuffed into an external battery pack. This is not an elegant solution. Furthermore, you cannot use it as a regular flashlight when it's off the bike.
It also uses a P4 LED emitter, which is not a current generation emitter. It is most likely an extremely poorly constructed product. It will likely have poor optics, poor water resistance, and poor durablity for commuting use. The Fenix is vastly superior.
The Fenix L2D is not the brightest flashlight on the market. A Q5 emitter powered by an 18650 battery will be brighter. A P7 emitter will be brighter still.
madscot13
08-25-08, 08:59 PM
Can anyone say anything about the strobe on the MTE SSC P7 C-Bin 900-Lumen 8-Mode or the 5- mode?I would prefer fewer modes but I would also like to avoid giving/getting headaches. 1hz should not give headaches but I do not know the strobe frequency for the 5 mode version, which is in stock- making it more appealing.
fall is approaching and my rides don't start until 6-6:30. These are also 30 mile rides and I am not exactly fast.
I have the 8-mode MTE P7 light. The 1Hz strobe is too slow for cycling use. The 3Hz is great. The rapid strobe, which is too fast to count, is seizure inducing.
The MTE P7 has a rather diffused beam. I have it mounted to the bars, on the 3Hz setting.
At night, I have a second Q5 light mounted on my helmet. I use its very concentrated beam to light up distant objects.
madscot13
08-25-08, 11:49 PM
The MTE P7 has a rather diffused beam. I have it mounted to the bars, on the 3Hz setting.
At night, I have a second Q5 light mounted on my helmet. I use its very concentrated beam to light up distant objects.
I was thinking of that! I don't think that I could find the perfect light but it would beeasyto find the best 2 lights. The diffuse beam would be good for trail riding when I want to be sure of the perimeter and also in the city when I want cars to be able to see me. I was thinking of a light with more throw/ narrow beam for when I want to see farther ahead. I can't decide between the deal extreme super thrower or a fenix l2d
daredevil
08-26-08, 09:00 PM
The Fenix L2D is not the brightest flashlight on the market. A Q5 emitter powered by an 18650 battery will be brighter. A P7 emitter will be brighter still.
I like the convenience of AA's though myself. :)
leamcorp
08-26-08, 09:17 PM
I like the convenience of AA's though myself. :)
Until I got the 18650, I would of agreed with this based on - oh I could get it from local convenient store if it runs out - but now it doesn't make sense.
I think most of us uses rechargeable - and most of us carry spares (me, bunch of spares). I think we also buy these items in advance or via mail order, which also negate "get it from convenient store"
As for my riding condition - I'm never that far from home when commuting or when I go for a long ride (on weekends), there's no stores anywhere on these remote locales.
I love these lithium based batteries. They hold better charges and hold more capacity. And they last longer than Nimh/Nicd.
Am I missing something?
daredevil
08-26-08, 09:26 PM
Until I got the 18650, I would of agreed with this based on - oh I could get it from local convenient store if it runs out - but now it doesn't make sense.
I think most of us uses rechargeable - and most of us carry spares (me, bunch of spares). I think we also buy these items in advance or via mail order, which also negate "get it from convenient store"
As for my riding condition - I'm never that far from home when commuting or when I go for a long ride (on weekends), there's no stores anywhere on these remote locales.
I love these lithium based batteries. They hold better charges and hold more capacity. And they last longer than Nimh/Nicd.
Am I missing something?
At this point I'd need to invest more on another charger. Maybe eventually. I've put enough into all this already.
Another thing is we have a lot of items around the house that run on AA and AAA so the convenience deal again.
leamcorp
08-26-08, 09:28 PM
I was thinking of that! I don't think that I could find the perfect light but it would beeasyto find the best 2 lights. The diffuse beam would be good for trail riding when I want to be sure of the perimeter and also in the city when I want cars to be able to see me. I was thinking of a light with more throw/ narrow beam for when I want to see farther ahead. I can't decide between the deal extreme super thrower or a fenix l2d
I ride with that setup (2 SSC on handle, 1 fenix on the helmet) and I found fenix bit wanting when I needed to look in the distant. There's definitely a cutoff point and its always shorter than what I want to look at.
I may try one of those long thrower, but I am also going to try SSC on the helmet also. I think it may be bit too bright - but its wide beam is just too good.
One thing - the MTE SSC's beam is very white, while Fenix's beam shows much more yellow.
I went riding on some bad roads today and noticed a problem with my MTE P7 light. Every time I hit a large bump, the light cycles to the next mode.
Does anyone else have this issue?
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