Does anyone have any recommendations of LED flashlights for use as a headlight? My riding is 90% city streets/10% off-street paths, so I mostly need a "be seen" light. I have a Cateye EL530 headlight that I liked, but it quit working after being dropped. Am wondering if an LED flashlight might be a less expensive and (possibly) more durable option. Thanks!

For mostly as a "be seen" light, I actually like the Planet Bike Beamer5 (or 1W Blaze) But if you're looking at flashlights, then I'd say either the Inova Bolt 2AA or possibly the Coleman MAX 2AA. The Bolt has riden on my wife's commute daily for a couple of years and I use one for work so I know it'll take the punishment. The Coleman's a bit brighter and cheaper, but it's a newer light so I'm not sure on it's durability yet.

I had previously posted some thoughts on flashlights as headlights in this thread... here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=441808). It might give you an idea of what kind of lights you may want to consider. Hope that helps!

Type fenix in the search and limit it to this forum. You will find all you could ever possibly want to know regarding flashlights as bicycle lights.

I just picked up an Ultrafire WF502 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3371) and the R2 drop in (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11836) for my wife and I. They are very bright, more of a thrower and less spill than the Ultrafire C2 Q5 it's replacing, but it seems to be enough spill for commuting/riding at night. The hotspot is very intense with the Cree R2 :) It should be in the 150Lumen range I'm guessing (4.2V from the 18650), which is pretty good for $30 IMO. Cheaper than paying for the Fenix name when you're getting the same thing. Also check out candlepowerforums.com for more info.

I just picked up an Ultrafire WF502 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3371) and the R2 drop in (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11836) for my wife and I. They are very bright, more of a thrower and less spill than the Ultrafire C2 Q5 it's replacing, but it seems to be enough spill for commuting/riding at night. The hotspot is very intense with the Cree R2 :) It should be in the 150Lumen range I'm guessing (4.2V from the 18650), which is pretty good for $30 IMO. Cheaper than paying for the Fenix name when you're getting the same thing. Also check out candlepowerforums.com for more info.

Thanks for this information. A friend and I are looking for flashlights for night riding. We ride rural areas so we aren't drowned out by ambient light.

What batteries/chargers work with this?

As part of your research, you could check the pages on my site as linked in the signature line of my post, and you can also look at this thread:

Dual Fenix L2D 100 Premium Headlight Setup (Photos) (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=340472)

And there are quite a few other threads in this forum about using flashlights as bike headlights, as dekindy indicated. You won't have to search very hard to find a lot on the topic.

In another thread, I decided to look for a front blinky to complement my rear blinky. Initially looking at something like the PB Blaze (1/2 w or 1w), I've sorta begun looking at the Fenix L2dQ5 with a lockblock mount.

I have been unable to find any info about the strobe effect and longeviety of the L2DQ5. I'm primarily interested in being seen, but thought it might be nice to have some light in case I were to run later than planned and get back after dark. Normally, I only ride in the daytime.

Would the L2DQ5 and lockblock be overkill for my needs (@$70)?

I have been unable to find any info about the strobe effect and longeviety of the L2DQ5.

Just to clarify this, are you asking how long it will run in strobe mode (strobe mode run time)?

This flashlight is getting very good reviews as a bicycle light. Make sure you order a couple of batteries and a charger as well if you get this one. 600 to 700 Lumen on hight so it's very bright. Extended run times on lower power modes and has strobe and SOS modes as well.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12060
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_12060_4.jpg

Just to clarify this, are you asking how long it will run in strobe mode (strobe mode run time)?

Yes. I didn't make that clear did I? How long will it run in strobe mode and what is the strobe pattern? I didn't find anything on Youtube showing the strobe pattern.

I anticipate 99% of my usage will be in strobe mode for daylight use.

This flashlight is getting very good reviews as a bicycle light. Make sure you order a couple of batteries and a charger as well if you get this one. 600 to 700 Lumen on hight so it's very bright. Extended run times on lower power modes and has strobe and SOS modes as well.
...


Thanks. Looks attractive, but I prefer to stick with AA batteries.

Yes. I didn't make that clear did I? How long will it run in strobe mode and what is the strobe pattern? I didn't find anything on Youtube showing the strobe pattern.

I anticipate 99% of my usage will be in strobe mode for daylight use.

Interesting question on strobe run time. If I see something on that in my own collection of info I'll post it back here, but at a quick glance I'm not seeing an associated run time. I do believe that the strobe is at the same intensity as turbo mode (brightest setting of the light) and the pattern is just a steady and rapid blinking pattern (maybe 5 blinks per second or something close to that).

Fenix L2D Q5. End of story.

It will give you results as good as any AA flashlight can is my guess no matter what mode you choose.

Yes. I didn't make that clear did I? How long will it run in strobe mode and what is the strobe pattern? I didn't find anything on Youtube showing the strobe pattern.

I anticipate 99% of my usage will be in strobe mode for daylight use.

Purchase the eight mode P7 if you are buying it for the strobe. It has two strobe rates. A fast one (3 Hz) and a slow one (1 Hz).

single mode: UltraFire Cree C3 Flashlight with 2xAA (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4452) $18.98 + free shipping

Multi mode: UltraFire Cree C3 5-Mode Flashlight 2xAA (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7938) $20.29 + free shipping

Purchase the eight mode P7 if you are buying it for the strobe. It has two strobe rates. A fast one (3 Hz) and a slow one (1 Hz).

But this gets away from the AA batteries which I'd rather not do.

single mode: UltraFire Cree C3 Flashlight with 2xAA (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4452) $18.98 + free shipping

Multi mode: UltraFire Cree C3 5-Mode Flashlight 2xAA (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7938) $20.29 + free shipping

Interesting. Reading the reviews, I notice both suffer from complaints about heat after 10 minutes of use. Is that true of the L2DQ5 too?

Fenix L2D Q5. End of story.

It will give you results as good as any AA flashlight can is my guess no matter what mode you choose.

A plus is that I can get the Lockblock with free shipping from Fenix too. Still, $70 is a bit pricey for this option when I could get the 1w Blaze for ~$40 or so shipped. Is the L2DQ5 $30 better for my application?

A plus is that I can get the Lockblock with free shipping from Fenix too. Still, $70 is a bit pricey for this option when I could get the 1w Blaze for ~$40 or so shipped. Is the L2DQ5 $30 better for my application?

Please refer to this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=441808) for that question. The Blaze will be somewhat (but not that much more) brighter than the Blackburn I photographed. The Fenix would be a bit brighter than the Coleman in Turbo Mode. Probably about the same when in "high"

Hope that helps!

A plus is that I can get the Lockblock with free shipping from Fenix too. Still, $70 is a bit pricey for this option when I could get the 1w Blaze for ~$40 or so shipped. Is the L2DQ5 $30 better for my application?

It's a great light as many in this forum will attest to. Another little expense though will be necessary. You're going to need a charger. There are some good deals on those with batteries included though if that helps at all.

If you are primarily doing daytime riding and it's a be seen light, this may not be the best option. On the other hand if there's any chance you'll be doing any night riding at all (get an L2D and you'll want to) get the Fenix.

Many of us get a 2nd one after we see how cool they are!

Many of us get a 2nd one after we see how cool they are!

And some actually pick up a third one... :o

But those must be the real fanatics.

:D

http://www.ruscelli.com/images/Biking/070914-044c.jpg

In another thread, I decided to look for a front blinky to complement my rear blinky. Initially looking at something like the PB Blaze (1/2 w or 1w), I've sorta begun looking at the Fenix L2dQ5 with a lockblock mount.

I have been unable to find any info about the strobe effect and longeviety of the L2DQ5. I'm primarily interested in being seen, but thought it might be nice to have some light in case I were to run later than planned and get back after dark. Normally, I only ride in the daytime.

Would the L2DQ5 and lockblock be overkill for my needs (@$70)?

underkill

you need tk11's from fenix
tk11's

It's a great light as many in this forum will attest to. Another little expense though will be necessary. You're going to need a charger. There are some good deals on those with batteries included though if that helps at all.

If you are primarily doing daytime riding and it's a be seen light, this may not be the best option. On the other hand if there's any chance you'll be doing any night riding at all (get an L2D and you'll want to) get the Fenix.

Many of us get a 2nd one after we see how cool they are!

Thanks all for the input. Actually, I believe I'm already covered on the little extra expense. I already have a LaCrosse BC900 charger (http://tinyurl.com/oyclm) which is one reason I wanted to stay with an AA battery device. I assume NiMH batteries do good in these type of lights?

Edit: I had to cut short my ride tonight because of a lack of light. I recently began riding with a group and we typically finish around 8pm. Ran a bit late tonight and would have been pushing 9pm getting home, but I cut it short due to the lack of a headlight. Time to pull the trigger.

And some actually pick up a third one... :o

But those must be the real fanatics.

:D

http://www.ruscelli.com/images/Biking/070914-044c.jpg

Heheh. Yeah... a r e a l fanatic!

That almost looked like my helmet yesterday when I got surprised by a pop-up thunderstorm. When the lightning closed to 1/2 mile away, I knew I couldn't outrun the storm, so I took refuge on the porch of a church and had to have someone rescue me.

Alrighty. Just pulled the trigger on the L2DQ5... and got the 3 lockblock pack... just in case. :innocent:

I might add, and you may already know this if you've searched at all, the Fenix is very easy to install on the helmet with some common rubber bands.

One on the bar, one on the helmet for me. That baby on the helmet is deadly, you need to be real careful where you aim it. :D

In fact as I think of it, as a be seen light the helmet is probably the best place for it no? Aim it directly at whoever's attention you may need.

Alrighty. Just pulled the trigger on the L2DQ5... and got the 3 lockblock pack... just in case. :innocent:

That's just what I ordered, and I've got the same battery charger. I think you'll be happy. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7129763#post7129763 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7129763#post7129763)

Thanks all for the input. Actually, I believe I'm already covered on the little extra expense. I already have a LaCrosse BC900 charger (http://tinyurl.com/oyclm) which is one reason I wanted to stay with an AA battery device. I assume NiMH batteries do good in these type of lights?

My favorite rechargeable batteries for use with the L2D are Maha Powerex 2700 mAh batteries (http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/-maha-powerex-2700-mah-aabr-1-nimh-rechargeable-batterybrsold-by-the-piecebrnew-5-year-warranty-by-maha-p-581.html?SP_id=&osCsid=gl0b1vdhjmn925ns61uv1jffq0) from ThomasDistributing.com (http://www.thomasdistributing.com/)and Duracell 2650 mAh batteries that are available at lots of retail stores.

The Powerex 2700 mAh batteries run about $3.50 each if bought individually, closer to $3 each if bought in a set of eight. They're worth it.

If you watch for the Duracell 2650 mAh batteries on sale somewhere, you can usually get 4-packs for less than $10 (they'll run several dollars more if not on sale). They're worth it, too.

My favorite rechargeable batteries for use with the L2D are Maha Powerex 2700 mAh batteries (http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/-maha-powerex-2700-mah-aabr-1-nimh-rechargeable-batterybrsold-by-the-piecebrnew-5-year-warranty-by-maha-p-581.html?SP_id=&osCsid=gl0b1vdhjmn925ns61uv1jffq0) from ThomasDistributing.com (http://www.thomasdistributing.com/)and Duracell 2650 mAh batteries that are available at lots of retail stores.

The Powerex 2700 mAh batteries run about $3.50 each if bought individually, closer to $3 each if bought in a set of eight. They're worth it.

If you watch for the Duracell 2650 mAh batteries on sale somewhere, you can usually get 4-packs for less than $10 (they'll run several dollars more if not on sale). They're worth it, too.

When I bought my charger, it came with 2400 Powerex batteries. I just looked at the 2700 batteries on the website .. shipping really runs the price up. I'll have to check around locally for some of those Duracell 2650... although I've read mixed reviews of them.

How do Eneloops do in this light?

I'll have to check around locally for some of those Duracell 2650... although I've read mixed reviews of them.


I wonder if the Duracells might be kind of like the rechargeable Energizers, which are so hit-or-miss performance-wise that they can't be depended on for long-term use (in my experience).

I have just a few of the Duracells, and they've been exceptionally good performers. Been using them for close to a year now with no signs of anything but solid reliability (hold a charge well and run for a very respectable amount of time in whatever I use them in).

How do Eneloops do in this light?

I'd think that Eneloops ought to do just fine, but probably won't get you the run time of the higher-capacity batteries. I have a couple of sets of Eneloops, but since I also have the Powerex and Duracell batteries, I've never had to use them in my L2Ds (except for a couple of short amounts of time that didn't really test the batteries much).

Ok. Thanks for that feedback.

Interesting question on strobe run time. If I see something on that in my own collection of info I'll post it back here, but at a quick glance I'm not seeing an associated run time. I do believe that the strobe is at the same intensity as turbo mode (brightest setting of the light) and the pattern is just a steady and rapid blinking pattern (maybe 5 blinks per second or something close to that).

I don't know anything yet about the run time in strobe mode, but here is Youtube (http://tinyurl.com/5nnkw3) video of the strobe.

How long will it run in strobe mode and what is the strobe pattern? I didn't find anything on Youtube showing the strobe pattern.


Interesting question on strobe run time. If I see something on that in my own collection of info I'll post it back here, but at a quick glance I'm not seeing an associated run time. I do believe that the strobe is at the same intensity as turbo mode (brightest setting of the light) and the pattern is just a steady and rapid blinking pattern (maybe 5 blinks per second or something close to that).

On the strobe mode run time, one of the guys from Fenix-Store/4Sevens.com told me it should be twice as long as turbo mode. I think they were just speculating, but that's what they told me...and they're a lot closer to the source than most of us.

Personally, I suspect that strobe mode could have a longer run time than twice the turbo mode run time. I figure at least twice as long as turbo mode but perhaps quite a bit more. But that's just me doing the speculating. ;)

Thanks Al.

But that's just me doing the speculating.
BTW, play the stock market much? :D

The mailman brought my Fenix L2DQ5 and lockblocks today. Pretty quick service since I ordered them Thursday evening. My email receipt from Fenix was posted at 9:06pm on 7/24.

Rats. I mistakenly put my batteries in the BC-900 charger last night on the default setting of 200mA and test... and it's still running. I shoulda bumped that up to 500 mA.

Is the Fenix L2D sturdy enough to function if dropped or falls off a bike? Does the TwoFish lockblock hold securely and is it easy or a pain to remove and remount?

My experience with other similar 2AA lights is that the lockblock will do a fine job holding it in place.

There is a wonderful light that is ultra bright so that cars will see you and acknowledge your existence and won't run over you. It will save your life.

It also has much better runtime, and better durability than the Fenix L2D Q5 that everyone is barking about.

It is the Fenix TK11, the tactical light, that uses 18650's!
Put a pair of these on your handlebars, and you will be seen by cars, and they won't take your life, you will be protected and safe

couple it with a pair of PlanetBike Superflashes, and you are gold!

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_85&products_id=497

http://i36.tinypic.com/detvns.jpg

underkill

you need tk11's from fenix
tk11's

There is a wonderful light that is ultra bright so that cars will see you and acknowledge your existence and won't run over you. It will save your life.

It also has much better runtime, and better durability than the Fenix L2D Q5 that everyone is barking about.

It is the Fenix TK11, the tactical light, that uses 18650's!
Put a pair of these on your handlebars, and you will be seen by cars, and they won't take your life, you will be protected and safe

couple it with a pair of PlanetBike Superflashes, and you are gold!



I agree that the Fenix TK11 could be a strong candidate for some people.

Some considerations, though. In other discussions I've seen about this tactical flashlight as a bike light, people have talked about whether there might be too much throw compared to the amount of spill you get with it. Throw should be fantastic...spill could be questionable, perhaps, in terms of good balance between the two (again, from what I've read).

socalrider had this to say in regard to the TK11:

I like the TK11, not sure if I love it.. The output and runtime make it a good light, the beam is a little tighter than I like for a bike light.. It is a monster thrower and you will get 2.5 hours on turbo and an additional 90 minutes of general mode which is fantastic for a single cell light.. I wish they would put a mode in between the turbo and general mode and if it used an Orange Peel reflector it would give a little better side spill, it would be a perfect light.

Any comments on the throw/spill of the TK11, Maxximum?

In regard to the L2D flashlights, many people interested in a solution that uses common batteries, so that AA flashlights seem to be very popular for that reason. The TK11 requires either 18650 or CR123A batteries (18650 batteries for the longer run time). The rider also must be willing to invest in the rather expensive 18650 batteries at anywhere from $12 to $16 each and a separate charger for those batteries (a good one for safety reasons and for helping prolong the life of the batteries).

Investment in a two-light TK11 setup, a good charger, and probably 4 batteries (can't see going with only two) would be about $250, plus the cost of an additional helmet light for those who want one (probably needed with the TK11) would add another $50 before the cost of batteries...and probably a separate charger. So...a $300-plus investment. Not too bad, but perhaps over what some want to spend. It would probably be a VERY nice setup.

My only other comment...you refer to some of the conversation about the L2D lights as the light that "everyone is barking about." When you put it that way, it sounds kind of like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder, perhaps. Sorry, just the way I take the "barking" comment. ;)

Is the Fenix L2D sturdy enough to function if dropped or falls off a bike? Does the TwoFish lockblock hold securely and is it easy or a pain to remove and remount?

Yes...the L2D is plenty sturdy enough to survive such a fall and still function. The TwoFish lockblocks hold very securely (a light won't fall out of one if properly fastened in). The lockblocks are easy to remove and remount, in the neighborhood of a 10-second operation (faster with practice, slower if you're taking your time).

Here's a cool video on one of the Fenix lights in a "Will it Crush?" YouTube series. This is a pretty cool and revealing 6-minute video.

Will It Crush - Fenix T1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WvhJWE3_Oc)

Maxximum will love this one because of the close relation between the T1 and TK11. ;)

Here's another interesting thread about a Fenix flashlight purposefully dropped from the balcony 5 stories above a parking lot (from the CandlePower Forums).

Arc AAA and Fenix E01 5 Story Drop Test (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=203409)

Investment in a two-light TK11 setup, a good charger, and probably 4 batteries (can't see going with only two) would be about $250, plus the cost of an additional helmet light for those who want one (probably needed with the TK11) would add another $50 before the cost of batteries...and probably a separate charger. So...a $300-plus investment. Not too bad, but perhaps over what some want to spend. It would probably be a VERY nice setup.

Exactly and now you're getting into HID type money.

The spill is actually pretty sick and sweet! I love it more than my L2D.
It also kills in throw. Insane really. I love it. Go for it, without a doubt. If I could go back, I would not have purchased the L2D's that I own. But it's okay. TK11>>>L2D, IMHO. I love the TK11.

The spill is actually pretty sick and sweet! I love it more than my L2D.
It also kills in throw. Insane really. I love it. Go for it, without a doubt. If I could go back, I would not have purchased the L2D's that I own. But it's okay. TK11>>>L2D, IMHO. I love the TK11.

OK, no chip on the shoulder, then...just a solid liking of the TK11... ;)

I gotta admit, I'd love to try one of those myself just to see in person.

I have the L2D's. The TK11 wasn't out when I got the L2D's.

18650 batteries are much better. That, and they are Li-Ion. You could use CR123's if you wish as well, but NiMH is being replaced. I don't like associating my light with camera batteries. lol.