Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Task Force brightness

Last year or so I have been using the Lowes Task Force light for my night rides and I've been pretty happy with it. Now that my riding is taking me farther I'm encountering roads that have less light so I have been looking to upgrade.

There are many choices out there and I'm trying to wade through them all. One thing that's making it tough for me is using my current light as a reference. Anyone know what type of output the Lowes Task force light has? I'm looking at AA lights, P7's, the Magicshine, ect and having some type of number for my current light will help me compare what type of upgrade I'll be getting.

I'm starting to think I just need to by a generator since all my riding is occurring at night, it would make a lot more sense.

Thank you for your help!

It seems there is a flashlight that puts out 150 lumen (rated), and a headlamp that puts out 45 lumen. Not sure which you have. The Magicshine has a ridiculous amount of output for the price. But another thing to consider when you make a purchase is to think of long term durability. Or at least a balance of quality vs. cost. Therefore I always look for the best price on the highest quality item I can afford at the time. An example would be the light I have. It's a Cygolite Mitycross, and it's a great compromise of quality and price. Esp. how I was able to purchase it. It listed for $200, and I found it on sale for half price.....then an additional 10% off with a code. So for less than $100 including tax, I have a well built light that provides more than ample illumination for my commutes. It's extremely small and lightweight, has lithium rechargeable battery, multi modes, and fairly long run time. No need for a generator. For reference to your Task Force it has 350 lumen, so more than twice the output and I'm guessing is a better built product.

My advice is if you are relatively happy with your Task Force right now, I would wait for the best deal on the best light you can find. Don't jump into something unless money doesn't matter to you that much.

I've you're handy...you can build an 800lm light fairly cheap. Order an aluminum pipe and round bar from an online metal dealer. Use the round bar as a heatsink and the pipe as the outer sleeve for the body of the light. (should cost about $15) A P7 and 2 1.4amp 3.7v drivers from DX will run you about $19. Two 18650 batteries will be somewhere around $8-$9. You'll also need a cheap reflector and lens for the P7.


-Use either Arctic Alumina Adhesive or thermal paste between the round bar and the pipe to transmit heat. If you don't use adhesive, drill and tap the alu and screw the pipe to the round bar from the sides.
-screw or adhere the P7 to the heatsink
-solder the two 17mm circuit boards together in series to get 2.8amps
-either drill an 18mm hole in the back of the round bar // or build the two PCB's into the battery pack after the switch.
-fashion a 2x 18650 battery pack or buy one from LuminousDIY.com

Or just buy a MagicShine.




If you make the battery pack with the boards in it...you can order a 4cell pack and put the two 18650's in parallel on one side and build the switch and PCB's into the opposite side.