General Cycling Discussion - New Vistalite white LED Nebula frontlight

http://www.touringcyclist.com/img/g/13489_1.jpg

Same design as the Super Nebula, but with three bright white LEDs for great frontal visibility. The White Nebula has three flashing modes and a variety of mounting options.
http://www.touringcyclist.com/gear/model_13489.html

Has anyone bought this new white LED version of the Vistalite Clear Nebula? If so, what's your opinion about it?

http://www.touringcyclist.com/img/g/13489_1.jpg

http://www.touringcyclist.com/gear/model_13489.html

Has anyone bought this new white LED version of the Vistalite Clear Nebula? If so, what's your opinion about it?



Sad to say, but in front lights, looks are important to me, and that is fugly. ;)

Odd that they drop from 5 LEDs to just three for their front-mount version... especially when they've left the holes where the other two belong!

-chris

Sorry, but those lights SUCK. I have yet to have one of the rear ones last when attached to a rear bag. The lenses fall off and the clip never holds it on the bag. Even when using the post mount that comes with the light, the lens cover inevitably falls off. I have never managed to use a set of batteries in one of them without it falling apart on the road and breaking or cracking pieces.Their new Total Eclipse light is a much better design so far, none of the same problems as the nebula.

If you choose to purchase it, duct-tape the thing together and hope for the best!

Agreed, I used electrical tape on each end to secure mine & then banished them to clip on use on my dog's collars. They are going strong after several sets of batteries & it really helps keep track of the dogs when we're out in the woods or down by the lake.

Well Belfast-biker, I actually like the looks of the Nebula. To each his own I guess. :)



Odd that they drop from 5 LEDs to just three for their front-mount version... especially when they've left the holes where the other two belong!

I've noticed that with more LED lights. I think they've done that to maintain a reasonable battery life as five white LED's powered by 2 AA batteries would mean a shorter runtime then some other white LED lights on the market (with 3 LED's, 4 AA's, etc.). But that's just guessing. At least they leave holes so you can put LED's in there yourself. Three white LED's are way brighter then 5 of those green ones anyway. :)

As for durability, I don't have too much experience with them but I bought some Nebula VL-300's on clearance and put one on one of my friend's fork crown (with a bracket). A couple of days ago, we where riding and passed a small park where some kids where playing football. One of the kids accidentally kicked the ball over the (short) fence, it went in the direction of my friend and hit the right side of the Nebula. Other then a slightly bent bracket the light was fine. Nothing broke or came apart. Could be good luck but that ball went pretty hard.

Forgot to ask, does anyone know if you can buy the Nebula reflector (see pic) and mounting bracket and clip separately?

http://www.lickbike.com/lickimages/3328.gif

Thanks. :)

Anyone?...