Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - buying a new front light for my bike..

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enfilade
10-25-09, 08:06 AM
i've got a Smart 5 LED one at the moment. it was a good light for the money, but i want to upgrade now.


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Hope_Vision_1_LED_Front_Light_2009/5360035056/

i'm looking around this price range, give or take twenty pounds.

does anyone else have this light, or recommend any others?

i'd prefere one with a longer burn time really, even if it wasn't quite so bright.

these two also look good:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Cateye_EL610_Single_Shot_Plus_Front_Light/5360031622/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/NiteRider_MiNewt_Mini_USB_Front_Light/5360038148/

thoughts?

cheers

dekindy
10-25-09, 08:45 AM
If you already have a battery recharger and rechargeable AA's, then I would recommend the Hope. I have a Fenix flashlight that puts out 180 lumens and only holds two AA's and will last almost 2 hours in freezing temps. With AA's you can carry spares.

If you don't already have a charger, then the Cateye is the best choice because it has an internal battery and recharger included. The reviews indicate it might have a little better beam.

Niterider probably puts out less light than the Hope or Cateye and has a separate battery pack and wires so I would not recommend it.
enfilade
10-25-09, 11:06 AM
yeah the Hope looks decent i'll go with that. i have a charger and 4 rechargeable AA's.

the thing that puts me off is this:

Not all rechargeable AA batteries can keep up with the power draw of this light. If the battery is of a low quality then the light may shut down without warning and the batteries may require 20 mins recovery time before continuing on Low Power. Wiggle suggest testing any rechargeable batteries to make sure they can keep going for at least an hour before using on the road!

it's a five year old Energizer charger. hope it works.

if not i'll be dishing out an extra £20.