Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Planet Bike Blaze 2W LED Headlight?

This is on sale for 29.99 (was 59.99), and I am about to pull the trigger. But LED lighting is not an area that I am current on -- and for all I know there are better options out there in the same price range. If there is something substantially better, even if the cost is slightly greater, it would be good to know.

What do you think of this light?

How does it rate or compare in brightness or lumens with others out there that are similarly priced?

Can anyone recommend other lights (and sources) that might be worth a look?

Thank you.

I think the equivalent lumen of that light is about between 100 to 150 lumens. If you are not after the strobe, then there are other lights at the same price with more lumen. Many have tried and like the Terralux (http://www.amazon.com/TerraLUX-TLF-3C2AAEX-LightStar220-Aluminum-Flashlight/dp/B001IMCU66) which also uses AA battery. There are also Rominsen flashlight that worth looking at. However they don't come with a strobe mode nor do they have a mount which you will have to get like a Two Fish mount to hold the light.

Thanks for that reply. The ones you mention look good.

After some searching today, came across this little light, rated at 360 lumens by shiningbeam.com:

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-152/***NEW***-ShiningBeam-S-dsh-mini-XP-dsh-G/Detail

And these, which include strobe modes:

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-91/ITP-C10R-Cree-Q5/Detail

And a 190 lumen AA version: http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-84/ITP-C7R-Cree-Q5/Detail

I like all these lights, but don't want to become a collector just yet -- trying to choose one.

Do these look like good quality lights?

Reading about the ability of some lights to be upgraded with new plug-ins has me wondering, do any of the lights mentioned in the previous posts allow for this?

I've used the 2W Blaze for over a year now. I am happy with it. It is easy to mount and change batteries on and is bright enough for my use. It does not brown out or fade noticeably when batteries get weak, but just turns itself off. Battery life is excellent but a couple of spare AA's isn't a bad idea. I have no problem giving it 5 stars.

C$34.00 is regular price at mec.ca

I have this light. It's fine to be seen with, but it's not bright enough for me (age 43) to actually see the road with at speeds in excess of 12-13 mph. I am admittedly clueless about lighting technology, but I'd say the 2W throws about 1/4 of the light as compared to my NiteRider 250 lumen light. This is comparing them side by side. I would say 29.99 is a really good price. I think I paid about $50 for mine.

Reading about the ability of some lights to be upgraded with new plug-ins has me wondering, do any of the lights mentioned in the previous posts allow for this?

None of those light listed can be upgraded. You willl need a host flashlight such as a solarforce L2 from Battery Junction.

Of the three light listed, only the last one uses AA. Personally I have the first one list which is the 360 lumen S Mini. That little light pack a punch for it's size. It works best with Lithium Ion 18650 but it can use non rechargeable 2 x cr123 battery if you are not yet ready to use 18650. Rechargeable 2400 mah LiIo 18650 do last 3 hrs while using two non rechargeable CR123 might last at least 1.5 hrs of runtime on hi and a lot longer on medium. I've seen CR123 for sale for $1 a cell in bulk quanity. It still cheaper to run rechargable AA NiMh on a AA light unless you decide to run rechargeable 18650.

I have the Blaze 2W and I love it.
I use it as a flashing "see me" light, not as a see-the-road light.