Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - The P7 Flashlight Thread: Part II

I comment on products I have bought and tested.. Just read the last comment in this link from the MOD, to see what is thought of DX on one of biggest flashlight forums on the net..

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=207009&highlight=dealextreme

I comment on products I have bought and tested.. Just read the last comment in this link from the MOD, to see what is thought of DX on one of biggest flashlight forums on the net..

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=207009&highlight=dealextreme

I know this is hard for you to grasp - this is a P7 thread.

Why not start a new DX bashing thread and leave us sensible folk alone to discuss P7 torches ?

:)

How many P7's have you purchased, I have owned about 12 of them over the past year, you seem to shill the same P7 over and over again.. + I have been using lighting products for bike riding, going back 20+ years..

Time for thread III?
:popcorn

Time for thread III?
:popcorn

I really hope not, seems I'm not even allowed to join in a conversation about a torch now.

I didn't even mention DX in that post.

:(

I've contacted Siu Blue Wind to take a look at the thread. I'm not starting a third if you guys get this one locked too.

I have the MTE 5mode P7. Works wonderful and fully recomend for anyone. I rode through a 1.66 mile old rail tunnel and it was perfect. A cyclist coming the other direction said " I thought you were the end of the tunnel."

Great recommendation :thumb:

Where did you get it and what batteries and charger are you using ?

:)

Okay stop.

I come home from work, log onto Bike Forums only to see that AGAIN there are issues in threads regarding lights.

I've deleted a few posts that I felt were not necessary, so if yours is gone, you know why.

First of all, if you have not experienced a particular light, it is probably unfair for you to assess the performance or durability of it. That, in itself is giving a review of said product. How can one give an honest review when never using/owing one for a period of time? That would be giving out false or misleading information.

Second of all, please do not challenge each other here. These are lights, for goodness sakes. The purpose of a light is for safety and we all want everyone here to be safe (I hope). Please post your truthful opinions, for each person has different experiences. Respect each other and allow each other the opportunity to say what they want. If what a person is stating is a bunch of hooey, then I'm sure with more back up, the person reading it will be intelligent enough to make their decision wisely.

Third of all, I do not want to close this thread and I'm tired of having to come here to state what I have stated before.

I've tried to be nice to certain parties but I'm going to have to do what is best for the Bike Forums community. Please choose wisely what you will post. Having respect for others, being truthful and being honest is all it takes.

I will no longer come on here to post another statement like this, for I will have to follow protocol on dealing with high maintenance members.

Thank you

Siu Blue Wind
Forum Admin.

One last question, aren't you even slightly tempted by the new P7 cycle light ?


I am...not that I need another light. :o

First of all, thanks again to Siu Blue Wind.

Secondly, something I've been curious about is when folks here decide you have "enough" light. I know the joke about there being no such thing as too much lighting, but practically, is there anyone out there running 4 P7s/MC-Es, or even more? I sometimes think of running a second light, despite knowing the one I have is already very visible to vehicles.

First of all, thanks again to Siu Blue Wind.

Secondly, something I've been curious about is when folks here decide you have "enough" light. I know the joke about there being no such thing as too much lighting, but practically, is there anyone out there running 4 P7s/MC-Es, or even more? I sometimes think of running a second light, despite knowing the one I have is already very visible to vehicles.

I've found that too much light can actually make obstacles on wet roads hard to see, and there is just a massive hot spot reflecting in front of you.

Another issue I've had which is actually quite dangerous, is being blinded be the reflection of light when it's snowing. I've actually had to use lower modes several as I couldn't see a damn thing because of the light coming off the falling snow. It reflects off the Scotchlight on my jacket too, which is a really weird sensation.

The most I have ever run is 2 - p7's and find it only necessary on very dark roads.. I usually ride with a P7 and Q5 helmet light, around 800 lumens total.. The helmet light is more for being seen, directing the light towards inattentive drivers..

I've been considering going from a P7, Q5 + helmet light to 3 P7s.

The problem is my Q5 is quite a thrower and my helmet light isn't bad - if I upgrade these to P7s obviously I'll have a huge amount of light, but all of it will be 'close' to me if you know what I mean.

I guess the first step will have to be the HA-III SSC P7-C (SXO) 3-Mode 900-Lumen LED Bike Light Set (http://www2.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149) from Deal Extreme (http://www2.dealextreme.com/) and finding out if it is suitable as a helmet light as well as on the bars.....

:)

foggy conditions, use multiple low beams, preferably one that is placed very low on the bike.
2x P7 in high mode on the bars during fog will completely blind you, that's for sure.

foggy conditions, use multiple low beams, preferably one that is placed very low on the bike.
2x P7 in high mode on the bars during fog will completely blind you, that's for sure.

Hi AEO,

I hadn't given much thought to that we only get fog occasionally in the winter.

Perhaps it's time to invent fog lights for bicycles.

I've got low loaders on one of my cycles, maybe I should strap my WF606A to the low loader as a fog light.....

:)

Jaa, that's exactly what I've heard the fake ones do. I hope you don't still use the fake one; god knows what it's capable of doing......

FWIW, my real one also blinks red-green while charging. I bought it from the battery seller AW over on CPF.

One day I'll make a video. I'm just too lazy to deal with DX over warranty issues.

One day I'll make a video. I'm just too lazy to deal with DX over warranty issues.

Jaa, I think they kind of count on that. I had a bunch of rubbish blinkies from them and also didn't bother returning them. I just caulk it up to experience and won't buy any more blinkies from them.

Can someone help me, I seem to be lost.

I think I've taken a wrong turning, is this the p7 thread ?

:)

Interesting responses re: front lights. It's good to know that others have found more light isn't always better. Now if only the taillights would catch up. The Ultrafire is great, but I'd really like one with a strobe function, as it would garner even more attention than the solid beam does (particularly in the daytime) while prolonging battery life.

Interesting responses re: front lights. It's good to know that others have found more light isn't always better. Now if only the taillights would catch up. The Ultrafire is great, but I'd really like one with a strobe function, as it would garner even more attention than the solid beam does (particularly in the daytime) while prolonging battery life.

I'm also surprised that no one but DiNotte is making a super bright bike specific light. I hope some of the cheaper light makers step and make one with a decent mount.

Interesting responses re: front lights. It's good to know that others have found more light isn't always better.

I haven't managed to reach that point yet, but then my Q5 does put the light in a different place to my P7 so I guess it assists it really. Likewise my helmet lights are directional and fill in any gaps.

I'm just placing an order for a Magicshine P7 Cycle Light, so it should be interesting to see if it performs best as a bar mount or helmet mount.

I've also found an unusual accessory bar that bolts to the front of the stem and should have enough room for it.

I particularly like the niterider/dinotte/lupine style mounting - classy :thumb:

Yup. Now Ultrafire has put this out, I think more companies will start to tap into the market, especially when realizing a large percentage of people buying high-powered flashlights are cyclists and other outdoors enthusiasts. It may also have the effect of forcing traditional manufacturers like Dinotte, Lupine, etc, to lower prices to stay competitive.

I'm confused, are you talking front lights or rear lights now ?

Rear lights. There are very few red LED flashlights on the market at the moment. I'm hoping the Ultrafire (https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.20333) will be the beginning of a new wave of development in this area.

Aha...

I was trying to stick to P7s ;)

Though the red WF-501B is a perfect partner to a P7...

:)

would like an amber/yellow/orange flash light.
the odd part is luxeon K2 is offered in amber, but dx or ultrafire decided it's not worth it.

would like an amber/yellow/orange flash light.
the odd part is luxeon K2 is offered in amber, but dx or ultrafire decided it's not worth it.

KD have it in green or red - though they claim it has a Cree LED and may well be right.

:)

Or maybe they just haven't been convinced it would sell. After all, the red light did not exist a few months ago. Maybe in a few months, they'll have a new batch of lights out.

You don't think a red P7 might be too much for the rear ?

I think a Red P7 would be overkill.. Consider that some of the brighter rear lights like the Superflash or NR Tailight are only using 1/2 watt luxeon stars.. 3 watts like the K2 is a lot of light out the rear, a P7 would be unreal and not really practical..

I think a Red P7 would be overkill.. Consider that some of the brighter rear lights like the Superflash or NR Tailight are only using 1/2 watt luxeon stars.. 3 watts like the K2 is a lot of light out the rear, a P7 would be unreal and not really practical..

Plus the runtime would be way too short. Who needs a taillight with an hour runtime? More batteries and it would be huge.

First of all, thanks again to Siu Blue Wind.

Secondly, something I've been curious about is when folks here decide you have "enough" light. I know the joke about there being no such thing as too much lighting, but practically, is there anyone out there running 4 P7s/MC-Es, or even more? I sometimes think of running a second light, despite knowing the one I have is already very visible to vehicles.

4 MCEs has already been done.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=487467
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/amticoman/INSANE%20QUAD%20MCE/TROUT-BIGLIGHT009.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/amticoman/INSANE%20QUAD%20MCE/TROUT-BIGLIGHT002-1.jpg

You don't think a red P7 might be too much for the rear ?

I would *love* a red tail with P7 brightness. With 8-modes, I could see myself using low, medium, high, 1/sec strobe, and 3/sec strobe, depending on the situation--just as I do with my forward P7.

I would *love* a red tail with P7 brightness. With 8-modes, I could see myself using low, medium, high, 1/sec strobe, and 3/sec strobe, depending on the situation--just as I do with my forward P7.

Wouldn't you need two ?

One on steady and one on blink ?

4 MCEs has already been done.

I know; I read the MTBR forum as much as this one. However, it's one thing to use those lights on trails; it's quite another to use them on roads with car traffic.


Wouldn't you need two ?

One on steady and one on blink ?

I'd only get one; I'm not a fan of mixing and matching strobe and steady in the same direction.

I'd only get one; I'm not a fan of mixing and matching strobe and steady in the same direction.

I'll only have mixed lights on the rear and I would never have just a blinky on the rear - a fast moving car with a driver who isn't particularly alert could easily miss a flash or two and have run over you before he has accurately judged where you are.

I know there are arguments for front strobes and maybe they are useful in metropolitan areas, but where I live they are somewhat redundant. This is somewhat evidenced by the number of cyclists around here who use daytime front strobes - none.

I do believe in redundancy though and would never rely on just one light at either end.

:)

Different strokes for different folks. In the daytime, I run a strobe in front and a solid tail, though I'd prefer a strobing tail, which is why I hope a multimode Ultrafire (or another brand) is released. At night, I run a solid front and solid tail.

Different strokes for different folks. In the daytime, I run a strobe in front and a solid tail, though I'd prefer a strobing tail, which is why I hope a multimode Ultrafire (or another brand) is released. At night, I run a solid front and solid tail.

Sounds like your thinking is pretty similar to mine, apart from redundancy - doesn't that worry you ?

Sounds like your thinking is pretty similar to mine, apart from redundancy - doesn't that worry you ?

Not really; I've never had a light fail, and wouldn't use it in any combination if I didn't think I could rely on it alone. My preferred setup is one light at each end of the bike, but with more modes (for my tail) and brightness (for both) than I currently have. I can understand the desire for redundancy, but I prefer as few lights and batteries to keep track of as possible. :O)

My preferred setup is one light at each end of the bike, but with more modes (for my tail) and brightness (for both) than I currently have.

I've just taken my WF-501B apart.

The LED sits on a copper/brass slug with the driver soldered into the back.

If you were determined to have a flash mode you could swap the driver as long as you could find one the correct size (16mm) and current rating.

:)

I could also just buy this light http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16241 and swap tailcaps with mine. However, what I have will do for the time being. It's already a huge step up from the PBSF, which I no longer use, thanks to the UF. It feels great to look back at twilight or night and see a red aura on the ground behind me.

I could also just buy this light http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16241 and swap tailcaps with mine. However, what I have will do for the time being. It's already a huge step up from the PBSF, which I no longer use, thanks to the UF. It feels great to look back at twilight or night and see a red aura on the ground behind me.

Unfortunately the driver is at the bright end.

Changing the tailcaps wouldn't be likely to achieve much. Either it would make no difference or it's possible that the 5 mode has a momentary switch and not a make or break switch.

:(

Something like this might do it:

http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_6190_1_small.jpg

5-Mode 1000mA 7135 Circuit Board (http://www2.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6190)

Though I suspect 1000mA is a bit more than the LED is currently run at....

^ No big deal; I'm happy with the light as it is for now.

I'm also surprised that no one but DiNotte is making a super bright bike specific light. I hope some of the cheaper light makers step and make one with a decent mount.

Heres one:
http://www.nightlightning.co.nz/adventure_lighting_products.htm#AftaBlasta

4 MCEs has already been done.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=487467
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/amticoman/INSANE%20QUAD%20MCE/TROUT-BIGLIGHT009.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/amticoman/INSANE%20QUAD%20MCE/TROUT-BIGLIGHT002-1.jpg

bet that confuses the hell out of all the little nocturnal animals in the woods.

bet that confuses the hell out of all the little nocturnal animals in the woods.

I'm not sure it confuses them, I think you suspend them over it on a spit ?

Great recommendation :thumb:

Where did you get it and what batteries and charger are you using ?

:)


Dealxtreme, Blue Ultrafire protected batteries. some cheap charger.

Fried critters are yummy.

Some of the betters Mods are getting crazy, Wayne at Electrolumens is building 12 - P7 Flashlight, yes you read right 12 - p7's with 8000+ lumens..

I wonder what that's good for... replacement bulb for street lights?

it would be nice if someone could figure out a lens/reflector shape that will aim all that spilt light to somewhere more useful.

hey, light and motion, big chance here.

I think the Big Names are reluctant at bringing out P7 based lights, if you did that, especially at a good price under $200-250 retail, why would you spend 2x that for one of there high end HID or LED Lights..

L&M seca 700 just moved up to LEDs I think they are Q5 or P4 in a well aimed array.
quite pricey however, yes.

i do hope that his is the right thread to post in and i apologize in advance if its not, my question is about the popular p7 flashlight that is a bit shorter than the regular one, its supposed to be made especially for bikers. i have checked the dx website quite a few times and its always OOS. i was wondering someone knew of another place, maybe an ebay seller, that sells it. i'm going on a long bike trip and i could really use 2 or 3 of these (one for the helmet).