Aztlan
03-02-09, 11:50 AM
I am thinking for my this light what do you people think.
Aztlan
Aztlan
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra
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Unknown Cyclist
03-02-09, 01:14 PM
Price ?
Specs ?
Pictures ?
Intended use ?
Specs ?
Pictures ?
Intended use ?
svtmike
03-02-09, 02:11 PM
I have 2x of the MityCross 350 on my commuter, a similar model with 2 LEDs per light head instead of 3. They are replacing NiteRider X.2 Duals.
Likes: Bracket is solid, and allows easily removing light and battery for parking. Battery is nice and small. Light is well constructed and reasonably sized. Light head is in front of handlebar rather than on top. Kit came complete with handlebar and helmet mount items, and a battery extension cable.
Dislikes: Right angle connector makes for messy connection of extension cable compared to in-line connectors. Can't easily adjust light when riding.
Likes: Bracket is solid, and allows easily removing light and battery for parking. Battery is nice and small. Light is well constructed and reasonably sized. Light head is in front of handlebar rather than on top. Kit came complete with handlebar and helmet mount items, and a battery extension cable.
Dislikes: Right angle connector makes for messy connection of extension cable compared to in-line connectors. Can't easily adjust light when riding.
Aztlan
03-02-09, 08:22 PM
Price ?
Specs ?
Pictures ?
Intended use ?
Lumens: 600
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
Specs ?
Pictures ?
Intended use ?
Lumens: 600
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
barturtle
03-02-09, 09:52 PM
Lumens: 600
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
Don't waste your breathe with Unknown...he's just going to tell you what kind of wonderful flashlight (sorry, torch) you can get cheaper...
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
Don't waste your breathe with Unknown...he's just going to tell you what kind of wonderful flashlight (sorry, torch) you can get cheaper...
BearSquirrel
03-02-09, 10:45 PM
I have two TridenX lights. I think they're pretty darn good. I got my bike shop discount so I went with these.
As far as usability, construction and size goes, the lights rock. Though, I suspect they did not use the top bin LEDs. They could be brighter. I will probably end up upgrading them with a solder gun.
For the price, look very closely at Dinotte lights and their package deals. You'll probably end up with more lighting. at a cheaper price.
As far as usability, construction and size goes, the lights rock. Though, I suspect they did not use the top bin LEDs. They could be brighter. I will probably end up upgrading them with a solder gun.
For the price, look very closely at Dinotte lights and their package deals. You'll probably end up with more lighting. at a cheaper price.
Unknown Cyclist
03-03-09, 04:34 AM
Don't waste your breathe with Unknown...he's just going to tell you what kind of wonderful flashlight (sorry, torch) you can get cheaper...
You know, for a lot of people that information about torches would be very valuable.
Edit (to be PC)
You know, for a lot of people that information about torches would be very valuable.
Edit (to be PC)
Juha
03-03-09, 06:37 AM
Don't waste your breathe with Unknown...he's just going to tell you what kind of wonderful flashlight (sorry, torch) you can get cheaper...You say it like it's a bad thing? :rolleyes:
Unknown Cyclist
03-03-09, 08:15 AM
Lumens: 600
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
While I don't have this headlight, I would point out that if it is providing 600 lumens for 5 hours - even with the latest most efficient LEDs - that's going to be a fair size battery - unless the output is lower than claimed. Is the light output constant, or does it dim over time ?
I'd also recommend that you have a look at some of the torch threads and perhaps consider a nice P7 torch and bar mount.
You can get the same amount of lumens for a lot less money and also in this case, less weight.
18oz is exceptionally heavy, my 2 x 18650 P7 torch runs for 5 hours 43 minutes and is on the large and heavy side for a torch at 13oz.
I mention this because not only can you get the same performance from a torch it will also cost you a lot less.
It's not unusual for people asking about top end cycle lights to be pleasantly surprised at the price and performance these great torches provide (myself included).
I'm just glad I found out about them before I wasted any more money.
:thumb:
Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours
Charge Time: 7 Hrs
Weight: 18 oz
Price 339.98
While I don't have this headlight, I would point out that if it is providing 600 lumens for 5 hours - even with the latest most efficient LEDs - that's going to be a fair size battery - unless the output is lower than claimed. Is the light output constant, or does it dim over time ?
I'd also recommend that you have a look at some of the torch threads and perhaps consider a nice P7 torch and bar mount.
You can get the same amount of lumens for a lot less money and also in this case, less weight.
18oz is exceptionally heavy, my 2 x 18650 P7 torch runs for 5 hours 43 minutes and is on the large and heavy side for a torch at 13oz.
I mention this because not only can you get the same performance from a torch it will also cost you a lot less.
It's not unusual for people asking about top end cycle lights to be pleasantly surprised at the price and performance these great torches provide (myself included).
I'm just glad I found out about them before I wasted any more money.
:thumb:
Aztlan
03-03-09, 08:19 AM
I have two TridenX lights. I think they're pretty darn good. I got my bike shop discount so I went with these.
As far as usability, construction and size goes, the lights rock. Though, I suspect they did not use the top bin LEDs. They could be brighter. I will probably end up upgrading them with a solder gun.
For the price, look very closely at Dinotte lights and their package deals. You'll probably end up with more lighting. at a cheaper price.
What LED are you thinking of adding?
As far as usability, construction and size goes, the lights rock. Though, I suspect they did not use the top bin LEDs. They could be brighter. I will probably end up upgrading them with a solder gun.
For the price, look very closely at Dinotte lights and their package deals. You'll probably end up with more lighting. at a cheaper price.
What LED are you thinking of adding?
Juha
03-03-09, 08:20 AM
The problem with general flashlights (torches) is the conical beam shape. I have a Fenix L2D myself, and for the price it's great. But it does waste a lot of electrons up in front, in thin air. Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.
--J
--J
Unknown Cyclist
03-03-09, 08:50 AM
Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.
--J
When I said 'waste of money' I was refering to my own exploits rather than any or all cycle specific lighting. :)
I've got a selection of halogen and LED front lights that I don't use now, the bikehut LED headlight I bought promised much but delivered little; upgrading the LED only seemed to enhance it's unreliabilty, having said that the Vista and Sigma halogen lights have been very reliable if somewhat lacking in output.
I haven't really noticed any wasted light with the P7 torch, just a lot of light where I want it, if any is being wasted it isn't obvious and/or doesn't seem to matter :)
The HID cycle light I've built is similar, it's beam isn't ideal (I'd like narrower) but there is so much light there it doesn't really matter.
Certainly I'm more concerned about the beam on my dynohub projects as there is a lot less power available.
I didn't mean to imply that any headlight costing hundreds of $$$ isn't good quality or good value for money, but I do believe that anyone considering them should be aware that a $50 torch can (for the most part) perform as well.
:thumb:
--J
When I said 'waste of money' I was refering to my own exploits rather than any or all cycle specific lighting. :)
I've got a selection of halogen and LED front lights that I don't use now, the bikehut LED headlight I bought promised much but delivered little; upgrading the LED only seemed to enhance it's unreliabilty, having said that the Vista and Sigma halogen lights have been very reliable if somewhat lacking in output.
I haven't really noticed any wasted light with the P7 torch, just a lot of light where I want it, if any is being wasted it isn't obvious and/or doesn't seem to matter :)
The HID cycle light I've built is similar, it's beam isn't ideal (I'd like narrower) but there is so much light there it doesn't really matter.
Certainly I'm more concerned about the beam on my dynohub projects as there is a lot less power available.
I didn't mean to imply that any headlight costing hundreds of $$$ isn't good quality or good value for money, but I do believe that anyone considering them should be aware that a $50 torch can (for the most part) perform as well.
:thumb:
X-LinkedRider
03-03-09, 08:52 AM
I really dig my blackburn LED's. Work fine, batteries last, and havent had any problems in the rain either.
Unknown Cyclist
03-03-09, 09:04 AM
I really dig my blackburn LED's. Work fine, batteries last, and havent had any problems in the rain either.
What's the light output like ?
What's the light output like ?
no1mad
03-03-09, 09:12 AM
The problem with general flashlights (torches) is the conical beam shape. I have a Fenix L2D myself, and for the price it's great. But it does waste a lot of electrons up in front, in thin air. Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.
--J
I have no experience with lights what-so-ever. That being said:
-If money was no object, and all I had to do was get from secure point A to secure point B, I would probably opt for the heavier cycle specific lights, with their bigger batteries. However, I have to go to a lot of places that aren't secure, like the school, bank, store, bus station, etc.. A torch or two would make sense for me.
-As far as the 'wasted' light, there is a thread in the Electronics sub on BF that is attempting to address that issue. The idea is somehow mount a small mirror at the top to reflect the light back down.
--J
I have no experience with lights what-so-ever. That being said:
-If money was no object, and all I had to do was get from secure point A to secure point B, I would probably opt for the heavier cycle specific lights, with their bigger batteries. However, I have to go to a lot of places that aren't secure, like the school, bank, store, bus station, etc.. A torch or two would make sense for me.
-As far as the 'wasted' light, there is a thread in the Electronics sub on BF that is attempting to address that issue. The idea is somehow mount a small mirror at the top to reflect the light back down.
Unknown Cyclist
03-03-09, 09:31 AM
-As far as the 'wasted' light, there is a thread in the Electronics sub on BF that is attempting to address that issue. The idea is somehow mount a small mirror at the top to reflect the light back down.
I'm really not sure the wasted light thing is an issue, at least it hasn't been for me.
I'm using a Ultrafire WF606A which has a Q5 LED and is quite a thrower, lots of bang for your buck and also an Aurora AK P7 3 which is obviously a P7 torch, also superb.
Both are angled to point far enough ahead for me to be able to see well on completely unlit roads, I have no need or desire to angle them up so they are parallel to the ground - maybe the people complaining of wasted light are using their torches in a different environment or for different reasons ie. to be seen ?
Having said that isn't the 'wasted light' making you more visible ?
:)
I'm really not sure the wasted light thing is an issue, at least it hasn't been for me.
I'm using a Ultrafire WF606A which has a Q5 LED and is quite a thrower, lots of bang for your buck and also an Aurora AK P7 3 which is obviously a P7 torch, also superb.
Both are angled to point far enough ahead for me to be able to see well on completely unlit roads, I have no need or desire to angle them up so they are parallel to the ground - maybe the people complaining of wasted light are using their torches in a different environment or for different reasons ie. to be seen ?
Having said that isn't the 'wasted light' making you more visible ?
:)
BearSquirrel
03-03-09, 10:48 PM
What LED are you thinking of adding?
I don't know. But someone else out there has done the mod and really souped up their TridenX unit with the same power consumption. I plan on emailing that person and asking for their recommendation.
As far as battery size goes, the regular LION model is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. I strap it directly to my helmet, it's easier that way. I don't notice it up there. It lasts 2.5 hours. The "Extra" unit is twice as large. You would not want to strap that to your helmet, but it ain't that big.
I don't know. But someone else out there has done the mod and really souped up their TridenX unit with the same power consumption. I plan on emailing that person and asking for their recommendation.
As far as battery size goes, the regular LION model is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. I strap it directly to my helmet, it's easier that way. I don't notice it up there. It lasts 2.5 hours. The "Extra" unit is twice as large. You would not want to strap that to your helmet, but it ain't that big.
Unknown Cyclist
03-04-09, 04:10 AM
As far as battery size goes, the regular LION model is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. I strap it directly to my helmet, it's easier that way. I don't notice it up there. It lasts 2.5 hours. The "Extra" unit is twice as large. You would not want to strap that to your helmet, but it ain't that big.
Does the battery pack look like it is assembled from 18650s ?
Does the battery pack look like it is assembled from 18650s ?
Aztlan
03-04-09, 09:29 AM
I love my new light :thumb:
Aztlan
Aztlan
evblazer
03-04-09, 09:58 AM
The problem with general flashlights (torches) is the conical beam shape. I have a Fenix L2D myself, and for the price it's great. But it does waste a lot of electrons up in front, in thin air. Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.
--J
With the exception of certain lights for dynohubs I have found most of the bicycle lights I have had or see others using are no better than a flashlight in the reflector department.
--J
With the exception of certain lights for dynohubs I have found most of the bicycle lights I have had or see others using are no better than a flashlight in the reflector department.
jack002
03-04-09, 10:15 AM
One thing I've learned about the P7 "torch" is that it takes special batteres and a special charger that you most likely will not have yet. Factor that into a P7 too before you buy.
evblazer
03-04-09, 10:21 AM
One thing I've learned about the P7 "torch" is that it takes special batteres and a special charger that you most likely will not have yet. Factor that into a P7 too before you buy.
Somewhat special yes but not something with special connectors or special circuits that will mean you need to get your battery from the manufacturer only or hack apart their pack to replace.
I got 2 protected (short circuit, low and high voltage) 18650 batteries plus charger for less than $20.
Somewhat special yes but not something with special connectors or special circuits that will mean you need to get your battery from the manufacturer only or hack apart their pack to replace.
I got 2 protected (short circuit, low and high voltage) 18650 batteries plus charger for less than $20.
Unknown Cyclist
03-04-09, 10:34 AM
One thing I've learned about the P7 "torch" is that it takes special batteres and a special charger that you most likely will not have yet. Factor that into a P7 too before you buy.
There are some P7 torches that run on AAs, Fenix make one.
I don't think an extra $20 for batteries and charger is really a deal breaker though, anyway.
:D
There are some P7 torches that run on AAs, Fenix make one.
I don't think an extra $20 for batteries and charger is really a deal breaker though, anyway.
:D
jack002
03-04-09, 11:05 AM
There are some P7 torches that run on AAs, Fenix make one.
I don't think an extra $20 for batteries and charger is really a deal breaker though, anyway.
:D
Somewhat special yes but not something with special connectors or special circuits that will mean you need to get your battery from the manufacturer only or hack apart their pack to replace.
I got 2 protected (short circuit, low and high voltage) 18650 batteries plus charger for less than $20.
Ok, ok! I never said it wasn't worth it. These hidden costs are now out in the open! Pay for whatever you like, just let us make an informed decision, ok?
I don't think an extra $20 for batteries and charger is really a deal breaker though, anyway.
:D
Somewhat special yes but not something with special connectors or special circuits that will mean you need to get your battery from the manufacturer only or hack apart their pack to replace.
I got 2 protected (short circuit, low and high voltage) 18650 batteries plus charger for less than $20.
Ok, ok! I never said it wasn't worth it. These hidden costs are now out in the open! Pay for whatever you like, just let us make an informed decision, ok?
Unknown Cyclist
03-04-09, 11:33 AM
Ok, ok! I never said it wasn't worth it. These hidden costs are now out in the open! Pay for whatever you like, just let us make an informed decision, ok?
:) No one was trying to hide anything from you, honest.
:) No one was trying to hide anything from you, honest.
barturtle
03-04-09, 11:58 AM
Ok, ok! I never said it wasn't worth it. These hidden costs are now out in the open! Pay for whatever you like, just let us make an informed decision, ok?
Don't forget the two extra batteries (that you must remember to keep charged) since you can't just go to your corner store and pick up extras (like you could with a AA powered light, and it's even a bigger problem with proprietary battery lights) plus finding a good mount (the Twofish would be universally panned as a mount if it came on a commercial bike specific light)
Don't forget the two extra batteries (that you must remember to keep charged) since you can't just go to your corner store and pick up extras (like you could with a AA powered light, and it's even a bigger problem with proprietary battery lights) plus finding a good mount (the Twofish would be universally panned as a mount if it came on a commercial bike specific light)
Unknown Cyclist
03-04-09, 12:11 PM
Don't forget the two extra batteries (that you must remember to keep charged) since you can't just go to your corner store and pick up extras (like you could with a AA powered light
I'm a bit confused by this - is the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra" AA powered ?
If not, can you buy a spare battery for the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra2" for the same price as 2 x 18650 - $10 ?
:thumb:
I'm a bit confused by this - is the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra" AA powered ?
If not, can you buy a spare battery for the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra2" for the same price as 2 x 18650 - $10 ?
:thumb:
barturtle
03-04-09, 12:25 PM
I'm a bit confused by this - is the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra" AA powered ?
If not, can you buy a spare battery for the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra2" for the same price as 2 x 18650 - $10 ?
No, and if you'll read the whole quote, instead of creative editing, You'll notice I didn't give the Cygolite a pass on this.
Don't forget the two extra batteries (that you must remember to keep charged) since you can't just go to your corner store and pick up extras (like you could with a AA powered light, and it's even a bigger problem with proprietary battery lights) plus finding a good mount (the Twofish would be universally panned as a mount if it came on a commercial bike specific light)
If not, can you buy a spare battery for the "CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra2" for the same price as 2 x 18650 - $10 ?
No, and if you'll read the whole quote, instead of creative editing, You'll notice I didn't give the Cygolite a pass on this.
Don't forget the two extra batteries (that you must remember to keep charged) since you can't just go to your corner store and pick up extras (like you could with a AA powered light, and it's even a bigger problem with proprietary battery lights) plus finding a good mount (the Twofish would be universally panned as a mount if it came on a commercial bike specific light)
Unknown Cyclist
03-04-09, 12:33 PM
No, and if you'll read the whole quote, instead of creative editing, You'll notice I didn't give the Cygolite a pass on this.
:) I didn't edit anything.
It's a very valid point that you have made and one that I hadn't fully considered before.
Obviously being able to stop somewhere and buy some extra AAs is a feature worth considering.
And strangely enough I just invested $10 in a couple of extra 18650s to carry around, because of their very low self discharge rate they can just be stowed with tools or kept in a pocket.
Now that you've pointed out the drawback of having a battery pack unique to a headlight and only made by the manufacturer, suddenly using a torch seems like a much brighter idea than before.
You've convinced me, torches are best - long live the P7 !!
:) :thumb:
:) I didn't edit anything.
It's a very valid point that you have made and one that I hadn't fully considered before.
Obviously being able to stop somewhere and buy some extra AAs is a feature worth considering.
And strangely enough I just invested $10 in a couple of extra 18650s to carry around, because of their very low self discharge rate they can just be stowed with tools or kept in a pocket.
Now that you've pointed out the drawback of having a battery pack unique to a headlight and only made by the manufacturer, suddenly using a torch seems like a much brighter idea than before.
You've convinced me, torches are best - long live the P7 !!
:) :thumb:
BearSquirrel
03-06-09, 10:29 PM
I haven't had much trouble remembering to recharge my batteries.
Unknown Cyclist
03-07-09, 05:27 AM
I haven't had much trouble remembering to recharge my batteries.
+1 :thumb:
How difficult can it be ?
+1 :thumb:
How difficult can it be ?