Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Just tell me which light is the best!

I am in awe of the amount of information on this site relating to the finer points of bike lighting. Many thanks to all who share their knowledge.

However, I feel swamped!!!

Can people please comment on their top picks for bike lights?

I am willing to invest as necessary to see and be seen on the angry streets of Pittsburgh. I am virtually car free now anyway so it seems reasonable to invest appropriately to be as visible as possible.

Front and rear lights please.

I am leaning towards Dinotte. Is anything brighter?

Thanks

There is a lot of collective wisdom here....I think it depends on your budget.

For me, I do well with the PB superflash on the back, and a fenix L2D CE on the front (I have two of them but one will do).

Dinotte is amazing, if you've got the coin. If you don't, you'll do well with a Planet Bike Superflash on the rear.

I run dinnotte 400L front and back. I have been more than satisfied, both with with the lights and with dinnotte's support.

I run dinnotte 400L front and back. I have been more than satisfied, both with with the lights and with dinnotte's support.

+1
The 400 road riders kit is great and IMO a good value. I did add a second 400L headlight, but to be honest, not really because I needed it; just becuase I could

ha there is no answer to this

Best for what, exactly?

What bike(s)?
How much run time needed?
Mounting concerns?
Road types?
Riding speeds?

I am very satisfied with my two Dinotte 400L headlights, one on the bars and one on the helmet.

I used to think that dinotte taillights were gross overkill and a superflash was all that was needed, until I recently went on a daylight right with a group of guys. Two of the riders had superflash taillights and one had a dinotte 140L taillight. The dinotte was much brighter and more importantly had a much wider field of view. The superflash lights were really not much value in daylight, but the dinotte sure was.

After riding 60 miles with these guys through various traffic conditions, I was convinced. I'm going to go all out and buy the 400L taillight.

You'll probably have some guys jump on here talking about how you can build it yourself for 1/4 the cost or there is some great flashlight that can be duct taped to your handlebars that is just as good. I'd ignore these comments and spend the money. For me it became worth it when I could truly enjoy night riding and feel safer. Its like one of those Mastercard commercials "Priceless".


Bob

Lupine Betty 14
http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=45

Lupine Betty 14

And if you break down, you can warm yourself by standing in front of it! :lol:

You can spend nearly limitless amounts of $$$ to get brighter and better. It's getting to the point where headlights are actually becoming TOO bright!

The well-tested, generally agreed upon commercially available bang-for-buck performer with little compromise (not DIY) are the combo of:

- FENIX L2D headlight ($59ish). At least 80%, if not 90% of the base Dinotte output.
- Mount with a $6 TwoFish lockblock
- Planet Bike Superflash Rear Blinkie ($25ish)

Short of DIY, it's nearly impossible to get better quality and performance for the dollar. The setup above is sufficient for bike commuting in pitch black conditions, even with car traffic washout. Probably not enough for fast (18+mph) night riding unless there's no traffic, but it's remarkably good for size, price, weight. Also super-light, with NO cables, and fits in a pocket.

There will be invariable posts as well about cheaper lights from the DealXtreme company with more output/bang for buck. I'd take those with a grain of salt - there indeed excellent deals to be had there, but shipping (2wks min) and quality control (VERY sketchy) are a far cry from the rock-solid warrantied FENIX, which has proven strong customer service.

(I have a p7 900lumen light on order from them that still has not arrived, and my precise order date was 12/1/08. Granted, holidays, but still, give 3 wks to arrive. I also will treat this light as "experimental" until weeks of testing demonstrate reliability, versus my FENIX, which has my mission-critical light out of the box.)

Lupine is arguably the best if you have money. Homebrew is the best if you have time. Dinoote is the best value- great light and good price. I run a 600L and 400L front and 400rear. People like it and it is one of the brightest on the road around my commute.

- FENIX L2D headlight ($59ish). At least 80%, if not 90% of the base Dinotte output.
- Mount with a $6 TwoFish lockblock
- Planet Bike Superflash Rear Blinkie ($25ish)

Short of DIY, it's nearly impossible to get better quality and performance for the dollar. The setup above is sufficient for bike commuting in pitch black conditions, even with car traffic washout. Probably not enough for fast (18+mph) night riding unless there's no traffic, but it's remarkably good for size, price, weight. Also super-light, with NO cables, and fits in a pocket.

There will be invariable posts as well about cheaper lights from the DealXtreme company with more output/bang for buck. I'd take those with a grain of salt - there indeed excellent deals to be had there, but shipping (2wks min) and quality control (VERY sketchy) are a far cry from the rock-solid warrantied FENIX, which has proven strong customer service.

(I have a p7 900lumen light on order from them that still has not arrived, and my precise order date was 12/1/08. Granted, holidays, but still, give 3 wks to arrive. I also will treat this light as "experimental" until weeks of testing demonstrate reliability, versus my FENIX, which has my mission-critical light out of the
box.)

TwoFish lock block? You mean you don't tape it to your handlebars with duct tape (as was suggested above)?

I think the one thing that makes the Dinotte a good choice is that their rear lights seem to be universally regarded as the best. So if you pair that with one of their headlights, you have a great off-the-shelf system that should meet most folk's needs. But everyone's needs are different which why there is no such thing as "the best" without qualifying the question. There are good options for someone on a tight budget, and most of those start with an LED flashlight (for those who don't do soldering irons).

Keep in mind that my suggestions are for those with budget constraints, I find my lights to be very sufficient to get around the streets of Athens GA with all our college kids in their suv's, I commute about 7 miles either way with a stretch of about 4 with virtually no street lights.

I did a good bit of research and on several forums i found that people were touting this Romisen (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-52/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-CREE-Q5/Detai) light, I got one for xmas and can attest to the brightness to cash ratio.

I would estimate that with no street lights around i could see a good 60 feet ahead of me and the cone of light would illuminate an entire 2 lane road if you rode in the center of it.

Mount it with the aforementioned twofish lock block and you're good to go.
It takes either one cr123 camera battery or 2AA's.

I picked up a set of 2 rechargeable rayovacs from my nearest grocery store that came with a nifty little usb-powered charger for like 6 bucks.

This little light is some serious bang for the buck.

The PB superflash is widely regarded as one of the better rear flashers. I've been pleased with mine.

That's my two cents

From seeing what users have posted and personal experience, there's a LOT of opinion/variation in what the "BEST" is in the commercial headlamp dept, but there's near-unanimouis decision on the best rear-light regardless of money (not-DIY), which is the Dinotte. Completely in its own league, and significantly superior to the PB Superflash, from everyone who has used/seen it. (The Superflash is excellent!)

At least 80%, if not 90% of the base Dinotte output.

Argh! I love these kind of claims - NOT.

There are so many variables. How in the world do you substantiate such a claim? What is "Base output"?

Dinotte makes five different headlights, at last count. Which one are you talking about?

Stick with verifiable facts.

The OP asked for best, not best bang for the buck, not almost as good as... I won't argue with the Lupine Betty. Nothing approaches it.

Bob

Completely in its own league, and significantly superior to the PB Superflash, from everyone who has used/seen it. (The Superflash is excellent!)

I've decided the superflash isn't enough, though its clearly the brightest self contained taillight that will run on AAA penlight batteries. I've decided to ditch it because I don't feel safe with it.

1. i've had it stop working on several rides, especially in damp weather. The battery connections are not rock solid and the case is not water tight.

2. The superflash draws attention from careful drivers who are paying attention.The dinotte DEMANDS attention from the most distracted cell-phone talking unattentive driver on the road. It wakes the dead. It forces drivers to pay attention, stay back or get around the cyclist. Many drivers cannot tell if its an emergency vehicle or a police car in front of them, but certainly do not expect a cyclist.

Bob

Best for what, exactly?

What bike(s)?
How much run time needed?
Mounting concerns?
Road types?
Riding speeds?

+1. We will be willing to help if you are willing to put forth the required effort!:thumb:

Best for what, exactly?

What bike(s)?
How much run time needed?
Mounting concerns?
Road types?
Riding speeds?


err....

I guess that's the problem. Every question adds at least one variable. I just want to know who sells the brightest light. Perhaps there really is no answer to that one :lol:

Can you tell I'm a newb? (not to riding but a newb to forums)

REI road bike
HP Velotechnik recumbent
Fisher hardtail
Run time not a massive issue...I am not a long distance rider
No mounting concerns (I don't think??)
City streets are main thing....I want to be seen.
Riding speeds of up to 30 mph but more likely <20mph

thanks!

Lupine Betty 14
http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=45

GULP!!!
$1200 eh?

GULP!!!
$1200 eh?

Naw, if you email and ask for the best price, its $1085. The dinotte 800L might be one of the next nearest competitors. Its "only" $439.

By the way, its difficult to find every dinotte light on their website. Some are listed under "Products" and others are listed under "online store".

Bob

For less weight and money, another really bright light is NiteRider's TriNewt. 3 1/2 hours on high, 7 hours on low. Weighs a little over a pound. Brighter than my car's headlights. Available for around $350.

The agony of choice!!!:)

I am leaning heavily towards the Dinotte range.

I can see that there are probably cheaper options that maybe require require more thought, imagination and effort but I just don't have the required focus for that.

Interestingly, I am suddenly aware of the visibility of other bikes. I rarely use the car but just came back from a run to the beer store (I wouldn't trust a full case on my rack). I noticed a guy with coming towards me with a nice array of blinky LEDs and plenty of reflective tape but the car behind him completely drowned out his lighting...I really had to struggle to see him. It's dangerous out there!!!!

Thanks for all the input/comments etc.

GULP!!!
$1200 eh?

That's not the most expensive or the brightest light.

http://www.supernova-lights.com/newsite/products.html

This is probably the brightest bike light company now, but it's more money too. Do you have a real budget limit? That's something you need to pin down.

But, Lupine lights are probably the best in the world. There are much cheaper models, half that $1200 number, always have been, it depends on the run time you want to buy (Bigger, more expensive battery for long run times). Most people don't seem to know that. If you don't decide on the run time you want/need then you can't pick a light. The run time changes things a lot.
Also do you need to see the ground in the rain, in traffic?

"Best" is different for everyone.

Scroll down this page and see how the run time changes the price and the size of the battery. Here is a Lupine for $488 and then they go up depending on what you want.

http://gretnabikes.com/lupine_lighting_systems_lightsets.asp

The agony of choice!!!:)

I am leaning heavily towards the Dinotte range.

I can see that there are probably cheaper options that maybe require require more thought, imagination and effort but I just don't have the required focus for that.

.

Sounds like you answered your own question in your original post!! :) I don't think you can go wrong with that choice if it fits your budget.

Argh! I love these kind of claims - NOT.

There are so many variables. How in the world do you substantiate such a claim? What is "Base output"?

Dinotte makes five different headlights, at last count. Which one are you talking about?

Stick with verifiable facts.

The OP asked for best, not best bang for the buck, not almost as good as... I won't argue with the Lupine Betty. Nothing approaches it.

Bob

True, Dinotte makes many different variations. However, on their website, it seems that most of their lights are 200 lumens; there is one 600 lumen light listed, but the rest are 200 lumen or less, unless run in pairs, I believe. The FENIX runs at or close to 160-180 lumens, as listed, and confirmed by some beamtests posted somewhere on these forums. So the facts are verifiable, although I'll agree that if you spot for the 600lumen Dinotte ($400 vs $50 Fenix), it's a much brighter light than the Fenix.

Can't argue with the Lupine Betty choice as well - amongst the absolute brightest out there, likely. Although I suspect that anybody who doesn't already know their way around bike lights will benefit much more from a single Fenix + PB Superflash than going out and dropping $1000+ on their first bikelight.

http://www.dinottelighting.com/Products.htm

That's not the most expensive or the brightest light.

http://www.supernova-lights.com/newsite/products.html

This is probably the brightest bike light company now, but it's more money too. Do you have a real budget limit? That's something you need to pin down.

But, Lupine lights are probably the best in the world. There are much cheaper models, half that $1200 number, always have been, it depends on the run time you want to buy (Bigger, more expensive battery for long run times). Most people don't seem to know that. If you don't decide on the run time you want/need then you can't pick a light. The run time changes things a lot.
Also do you need to see the ground in the rain, in traffic?

"Best" is different for everyone.

Scroll down this page and see how the run time changes the price and the size of the battery. Here is a Lupine for $488 and then they go up depending on what you want.

http://gretnabikes.com/lupine_lighting_systems_lightsets.asp

I only ride two hours a day so I guess I need a run time of 4 hours max to be safe.
Yes I would like to see the ground in the rain and yes I ride alot in traffic.
My budget maxes out at $1,000 for front and back combined.
Any advance on Dinotte?

And...again.....thanks for the insight and knowledge. Very helpful!

I also agree that longer runtimes account for a large amount of the added cost of the pricier bike-specific light solutions out there. I don't think there are any handheld flashlights that can approach the runtime of the LiOn battery back bike lights.

For bike racing at night where every second count, I'd definitely say that those extra $$$ would be worth it.

For commuting though, I'd beg to differ. I can change my Fenix 2xAA batteries in about 30-60 seconds every 60-80 mins (they run on turbo mode for over 80minutes reliably) and I rarely go more than two. Seems like a tiny price to pay and a very minimal inconvenience. I'd actually usually prefer my Fenix to use on a daily basis to a bigger LiOn-powered light because it's incredibly convenient to remove and drop into my pocket (no wires!), plus, it's small and inexpensive so I can easily get a new one or backup if necessary.

It's also funny how tastes change round here. Last year, at this exact time (do a search), the FENIX lights were so hot that they literally sold out for large portions of Dec-Jan, in many models. At one point, there were no less than 5 simutaneous Fenix posts occupying the top 15 topics of this forum. Fast forward to today, and there are few, if no Fenix posts a year later. Still, they're really great lights, especially for their price.

http://www.supernova-lights.com/newsite/products.html

This is probably the brightest bike light company now, but it's more money too. Do you have a real budget limit? That's something you need to pin down.

You didn't point out that several of the supernova lights run from a dynamo, rather than battery. That will be very important to touring types.

Bob

True, Dinotte makes many different variations. However, on their website, it seems that most of their lights are 200 lumens; there is one 600 lumen light listed, but the rest are 200 lumen or less, unless run in pairs, I believe. The FENIX runs at or close to 160-180 lumens, as listed, and confirmed by some beamtests posted somewhere on these forums. So the facts are verifiable, although I'll agree that if you spot for the 600lumen Dinotte ($400 vs $50 Fenix), it's a much brighter light than the Fenix.

Dinotte makes single body headlights in 200, 400, 600, and 800 lumen ratings. They are all listed on their website, but difficult to find. Look in their online store under the endurance series lights.

Lumen rating doesn't tell the story about effective, useful light on the road. The light pattern greatly affects the useful illumination. A 400 lumen light with 15 degree conical beam will be almost twice as bright on the road as a 1500 lumen light with a 40 degree conical beam.

Dinotte pays a lot of attention to their reflectors and lenses, which translates to useful light on the road. Their 400L light has two bulbs with 3 choices of lenses for each bulb to fine tune the light pattern for the rider's needs.

Bob

I only ride two hours a day so I guess I need a run time of 4 hours max to be safe.
Yes I would like to see the ground in the rain and yes I ride alot in traffic.
My budget maxes out at $1,000 for front and back combined.
Any advance on Dinotte?

Your budget is more than needed to have a great setup. I would call Dinotte and talk to the sales rep. They will mix and match combinations that may not be shown on their website. The rep I spoke with was very knowledgeable and honest about the differences. At the time, the 400L had just been released and was the most efficient unit they made. The rep told me that the 600L would be brighter but not that much brighter because it did not have the efficient beam pattern available in the 400L and it wasn't adjustable. Even though the 600L looked to be 50% brighter on paper, he said effectively, it was only 25-30% brighter. The 600L does have a quick release mount which may be important if you are commuting and need to leave the bike locked up and take the light with you to prevent theft.

I highly recommend,...no... INSIST that you include a helmet mount light as part of your arsenal. There is nothing that matches the flexibility of a helmet light for lighting up a curve or getting a better look at obstacles on the side of the road. In my part of the world, I scan the country side for wild boars grazing on the side of the road. A helmet light and handlebar light combination is awesome.

Bob

Dinotte pays a lot of attention to their reflectors and lenses, which translates to useful light on the road. Their 400L light has two bulbs with 3 choices of lenses for each bulb to fine tune the light pattern for the rider's needs.



Incorrect. The lens offering Dinotte uses is available to everybody else, Cygolite Trion has the same identical lens as Dinotte 600L.

Incorrect. The lens offering Dinotte uses is available to everybody else, Cygolite Trion has the same identical lens as Dinotte 600L.

I never said Dinotte was exclusive. The lens choices I mentioned are not available on the 600L. I was referring to the 400L which is a different light altogether. The 600L does not have multiple lens choices. its fixed at 18 Degrees.

Bob

http://www.niteflux.com/Products_photonMax.aspx

http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/niteflux-photon-max/
50 Lux at $400. Wow! "Upstages the pricier Lupine Wilma 6 at 44 Lux".

Here is a good summary.
http://reviews.mtbr.com/files/2008/01/mtbr_claimedandmeasured.gif

2009 updates
http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/lights-shootout-light-meter-measurements/
Exposure Maxx D and BR Lights C-K both at $399 are attractive.

Lux per dollar. Jet Lites is halogen but attractive.
http://reviews.mtbr.com/files/2008/01/mtbr_luxpergand_.gif

Have fun!

I agree with Agarose, the fenix is good enough for most of us. I have two of them, but usually have only one on (if I am going >20MPH I may turn the second one on).

If you are lucky enough to have $1000 as your budget, you will certainly do brighter than the "budget" setup....but for those of us on a budget, the PB superflash in back and the Fenix up front is a good choice.

Just like there's custom frame and wheel makers, there's got to be custom light makers. I can see it now, a handle bar with built in light emitting diodes.

i bought a L&M ARC for over half off...
http://www.geartrade.com/browse/114/523/543/item/71678

I can see it now, a handle bar with built in light emitting diodes.

Somebody already made it a while ago. I believe this is a 1200 lumens light.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/amticoman/newlights175-1.jpg?t=1230675729

Whatever you are thinking of, there's high likelihood someone has already made that idea a reality.


i bought a L&M ARC for over half off...
http://www.geartrade.com/browse/114/523/543/item/71678

Still not worth it. There's a reason why, for bike lights application, LED is superior in every way. Bike light manufacturers don't use HIDs anymore.

Still not worth it. There's a reason why, for bike lights application, LED is superior in every way. Bike light manufacturers don't use HIDs anymore.[/QUOTE]

in what ways are they superior? I'm on a budget, and it turned out to be cheaper to buy the arc than to make myself an led light. thats probably because i wouldve gone all out building an led light. but i'd like to hear the advantages of leds.

in what ways are they superior? I'm on a budget, and it turned out to be cheaper to buy the arc than to make myself an led light. thats probably because i wouldve gone all out building an led light. but i'd like to hear the advantages of leds.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=493600

Bright as your Arc and move versatile.

in what ways are they superior? I'm on a budget, and it turned out to be cheaper to buy the arc than to make myself an led light. thats probably because i wouldve gone all out building an led light. but i'd like to hear the advantages of leds.

You are the honored receipient of a thoughtless bike forum judgemental comment. Just ignore it. I think you got yourself $200 worth of commercial light value that will give you a lot of pleasure and safety.

Leds have been making incredible progress in the last 3-4 years. Some of their advantages include lower heat, longer life than any other technology, high efficiency (longer battery life), smaller packaging. Really there's virtually nothing negative about them, since the LED's became powerful enough to put off some serious light.

Bob

Bright as your Arc and move versatile.

Please name a quality commercial LED bike light package complete with mounts, battery, and charger that sells for $200 and is rated 650 lumens.

Bob

hi Bob,
I know all about the judgmental comments. Thanks for clarifying the LED advantages. maybe I'll start playing with some now that I have a light to compare them to.
we'll see what happens

Please name a quality commercial LED bike light package complete with mounts, battery, and charger that sells for $200 and is rated 650 lumens.

Bob

the Arc is supposed to sell for $430. I bought mine for $180. are there any LED lights for $430 rated to 650 lumens? I havent done very much research in the area.

the Arc is supposed to sell for $430. I bought mine for $180. are there any LED lights for $430 rated to 650 lumens? I havent done very much research in the area.

$430 buys a lot of stuff these days. I don't know all the brands, but I'm familiar with dinotte which is one of the brands receiving a lot of press these days.

I paid $430 for my headlight setup from dinotte. It included two light units, one for the bars and one for the helmet, each rated at 400 lumens. It included two sets of mounts, two battery units and several lenses. Each headlight has two LEDs, each with its own reflector and lens. You can mix and match lenses in three different project angles ranging from 10 degrees to 40 degrees.

They also sell a $499 package that has an 800 lumen handlebar mount and 400 lumen helmet mount, including two batteries, hardware, etc.

I think these are representative of the current pricing from the leading commercial manufacturers. I bet we see the pricing drop in the next year. Light output has reached the point that adding more is just plain ridiculous, unless bicycles get signficantly faster.

Bob

$200.00 for an Arc is a good deal.. I had mine for over 3 years before the battery started losing its charge.. Overall a very good light and good company to deal with..

On the charge of what can you get for $430.00.. You could buy 3 p7's, 2 for the bars, one for the helmet and have conservatively 1800 lumens at your disposal.. Using the p7's in medium mode which will give you better runtime will still put out close to 1000 lumens and you would only have to spend under $200.00 for lights, mounts, batteries and chargers..

$200.00 for an Arc is a good deal.. I had mine for over 3 years before the battery started losing its charge.. Overall a very good light and good company to deal with..

On the charge of what can you get for $430.00.. You could buy 3 p7's, 2 for the bars, one for the helmet and have conservatively 1800 lumens at your disposal.. Using the p7's in medium mode which will give you better runtime will still put out close to 1000 lumens and you would only have to spend under $200.00 for lights, mounts, batteries and chargers..

You're talking DIY, right? Apples and Oranges comparison.

Please name a quality commercial LED bike light package complete with mounts, battery, and charger that sells for $200 and is rated 650 lumens.

Bob

For clarity, a "commercial LED bike light" is simply a glorified flashlight. If you refuse to believe that, I will cease to argue with you.

These lights are from a company called Exposure, which strictly markets them as bike specific light.

http://reviews.mtbr.com/files/2007/12/img_1959.jpg
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/cache/e/exposure-maxx_e_a8bca24eb449420e2c55732a0f6891d5.jpg

Cannondale also has these "bike lights". http://www.cannondale.com/a_a/gear/08/FW/model-8lf01.html#
http://video.cannondale.com/images/08/afa_fw/spec/8LF01_can.jpg

Planet Bike HID, resembling a flashlight. Planet Bike will discontinue these soon.
http://advcycle.com/images/library/large/planteb_3060_06_m.jpg

Topeak WhiteLight 3w.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KACVK6G5L._SS500_.jpg

The difference between these and those DX P7s? The marketing, and some minor not-worthy-noting features.

The thread I provided on post #40 is to some extent, "commercial bike lights." Now call me "thoughtless" and "judgmental" for not falling in line with your perspective.


You're talking DIY, right? Apples and Oranges comparison.

Incorrect. Perfectly valid comparison. Flashlights aren't DIY.

so whats the burn time like on these 720 lumen flashlights?

I have this one, 1800 lumens and only $300. About 2-1/2 hour burn time.

30 watt HID YES PLEASE

trailtech.net light....
http://www.bansheestuff.com/trail-tech-hid-scmr16-helmet-light-ki17.html

Its a great light. Little on the big side and its no weight weenie, but for winter riding, I could give a crap about weight.