Recently I've done a lot of research on rechargable headlights and I've decided on either the Cygolite TridenX Li-Ion Xtra, or Cateye HL-EL830RC Triple Shot Pro. However, before I spring for such an expensive light I wanted to see if anyone else has any experience with them. I'm not a trail rider or commuter, but I ride at night about 95% of the time to avoid the traffic, and to beat the Houston heat. It may seem like overkill too buy such an expensive light for city riding, but they both have LED heads with Li-Ion batteries and either setup should last me for several years of use. I have a new riding buddy who has a Cygolite DualCross 300 and I like the bright and wide beam his puts out, but I'm not familiar with the Cateye. Currently I'm using an inexpensive Serfas SL-30WP. I thought that was adequate until I started riding with this fellow who has the DualCross 300. Boy, did that open my eyes,:eek: literally. Now I'm obsessed with the TridenX or Cateye HL-EL830RC. Does anyone have any experience with either Cygolite or Cateye lighting products, and if so, what are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Ride Happy aka Roy

I'm using a TridenX (not Xtra). From what I read, the Cateye Triple Shot is around 130 lumens. If the pro version is 50% brighter, it will be around 190 lumens. The TridenX, some people say it probably gives out 500 lumens, I'm not too sure about that, but let's say they're wrong, I don't think it will be too far away. Even it only gives out 400 lumens, it is still twice as bright as the Triple Shot Pro. On top of that, TridenX has 8 modes: 4 constant, 1 walking (constant), 2 flash, 1 SOS. I sometimes turn to the lowest beam, which is still brighter than those mid-end LED lights, and I can have a much longer runtime.

I don't think there are many people buy either light. Perhaps they are not as good as other lights (eg. DiNotte 600L), I don't know. I personally think TridenX is a really good light, and it looks cooler than 600L. I definitely will go for TridenX when considering between these 2 lights. I think you should consider a few more LED lights first before making your choice.

PS. I have a few Cateye compact lights, I think Cateye is quite good at making to-be-seen lights, but I'll go for other companies for a to-see light.

I have the Li-on Dual Cross Pro. After an initial problem with the battery charger....I absolutely love this light! Cygolite promptly diagnosed the problem I was having with the light and replaced the charger free of charge. This was a light I purchased on Ebay used (though it was just a few months old) and didn't have the original sales receipt. They didn't even bat an eyelash. The new charger has performed flawlessly.

The light is VERY bright. I imagine the Tridenx is considerably brighter. I use mine in mostly rural settings in very dark conditions with almost no supplemental artificial lighting (street lights, etc.). It's actually too bright for me on the highest setting.....the reflection off esp. asphalt is uncomfortable to view. I use the medium high and it is perfect...increases the battery life too. The cross lighting works well.....it's a nice compromise between a spot and flood (though at times I wish the spill was a bit more). The color of the light is quite white, not a lot of that annoying bluish tint that seems to not illuminate as effectively.

It's been through rain and various impacts with no effect. The mounting seems a bit unsturdy, but it's amazing how firm it seems to stay once you get it latched tightly. I wholeheartedly recommend you get the Cygolite. I think randomint's impressions are correct, and I think you'd be very pleased with the performance.

I have the Li-on Dual Cross Pro. After an initial problem with the battery charger....I absolutely love this light! Cygolite promptly diagnosed the problem I was having with the light and replaced the charger free of charge. This was a light I purchased on Ebay used (though it was just a few months old) and didn't have the original sales receipt. They didn't even bat an eyelash. The new charger has performed flawlessly.

The light is VERY bright. I imagine the Tridenx is considerably brighter. I use mine in mostly rural settings in very dark conditions with almost no supplemental artificial lighting (street lights, etc.). It's actually too bright for me on the highest setting.....the reflection off esp. asphalt is uncomfortable to view. I use the medium high and it is perfect...increases the battery life too. The cross lighting works well.....it's a nice compromise between a spot and flood (though at times I wish the spill was a bit more). The color of the light is quite white, not a lot of that annoying bluish tint that seems to not illuminate as effectively.

It's been through rain and various impacts with no effect. The mounting seems a bit unsturdy, but it's amazing how firm it seems to stay once you get it latched tightly. I wholeheartedly recommend you get the Cygolite. I think randomint's impressions are correct, and I think you'd be very pleased with the performance.

GREAT, Thanks for the input ccd rider. You, and the other respondant, have convinced me that the TridenX will probably be overkill for city night riding. Plus, it'll save me about $110. That's enough for me to buy the other accessories I have in mind, too. I'll be placing my order for the DualCross Pro tomorrow.I was mainly interested in the extended light time, but I can usually live with it on a lower setting, except for darker streets and the bayou trails.

Rid Happy:thumb:

Cool. I think you'll be very pleased. As a side note I wouldn't disregard the benefits of having your light on even brighter in city enviros. It may not help you see any better, but to make yourself more visible I ironically suggest you put the DualCross on its brightest setting......particularly during those times when around dawn and dusk where the ambient light is minimal and the street lights, etc. have less impact on illumination than when it's fully dark. You can also set it to strobe effect, though induction of seizures could be a problem!