Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Front light suggestion (under $40)?

I'm looking for a front light to shine on the ground because it's very hard to see at night. Any suggestions on which light system to use and good websites to buy them from?

Thanks!

romisen and fenix are brand name flashlights that use a CREE DIODE. the one I have is a few years old, it puts out 200 lumen using 2 aa batteries, its wicked bright. this one says 500 lumen! for 25 bucks it will do the trick. that leaves you another $15 to find a mount for your handlebars. (ebay search " flashlight mount"). the cool thing about them is, its a flashlight! take it with you camping, put it in the glovebox, blind a would be mugger...

http://www.gadgettown.com/rce4-p4-cree-led-flashlight-torch.html?ref=shopzilla-light
(http://www.gadgettown.com/rce4-p4-cree-led-flashlight-torch.html?ref=shopzilla-light)

2 of these: http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-226/Romisen-RV-dsh-235-II-CREE/Detail

For versatility one (or two) of these http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-215/**NEW**-Romisen-RC-dsh-C8-II/Detail might be what you want. Works on a variety of batteries and as either a flood or spot. It can start as a bar flood and later as a helmet spot when you add more lights.

Mounts like these (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=23564) and others can be found at DX, KD etc.

And of course there is a sticky thread all about lights under $50 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/435347-The-best-headlights-under-50-thread).

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.39359 $20 UltraFire WF-501B
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790 $7.88 two 18650 batteries
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274 $1.88 bike mount
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13820 $7.10 charger
------
$36.86 total

If you have a few extra dollars, get this tail light too --

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.35036 $3.46 tail light

And if you want redundancy, buy another $1.88 mount and another $20 light, or you can get this cheaper (and not as bright) one --

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29096 $13.56 UltraFire A10B

You've already got two batteries (each light needs only one) so you don't need more, but another set as a backup would be nice.

Well, this is what I'm planning to use:

Solarforce L2P body (http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FB&s=7&id=17) $19.99 w/ shipping (if you want a cheaper host, there are some under $10)
Kaidomain lens (http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9064) $2.29
DealExtreme 1.4V XM-L drop-in (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-xml-t6-1-mode-6700k-450-lumen-smooth-aluminum-drop-in-module-55025) $13.20 (I would prefer an OP reflector, but they are replaceable)
XTAR WP2 charger ~$16 on eBay after Chinese New Year
18650 batteries (these (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-3-7v-true-2400mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-20392) are popular and cheap)
Mount (http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1924) $1.55 (also available here (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/universal-bicycle-mount-8274))

These are some cheap (<$10) hosts:
Skyray S-R5 (http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.SKY_RAY_S_R5_Flashlight_Body_Tube_Gray_-29782)
Ultrafire WF-501B (eBay)
Ultrafire WF-502B (eBay)

18650 batteries (these (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-3-7v-true-2400mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-20392) are popular and cheap)


One thing with the TFT2400s (flame wrap) is that the wrapper is extremely thin and fragile - it isnt PVC but a film. The tolerances on most chargers being what it is, the wrapper gets torn from inserting them and from your fingernails when removing. Its a little less likely to happen with this style (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105) charger vs the other kind.

Both of mine are well frayed with one peeling off from over the strip. PVC tape works as a repair but using much increases the size enough that it becomes difficult to get it in and out of a P60 style body. These (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-18650-2500mah-3-7v-batteries-2-pack-6979) may be a better choice in terms of durability or the ones dougmc listed.

Might want to look here for the light and p-60 module. http://www.lighthound.com/Solarforce-L2-Host-for-18650-Battery--Body-with-Head-and-Switch-all-Black-Type-2-Anodized_p_2629.html

One thing with the TFT2400s (flame wrap) is that the wrapper is extremely thin and fragile - it isnt PVC but a film. The tolerances on most chargers being what it is, the wrapper gets torn from inserting them and from your fingernails when removing. Its a little less likely to happen with this style (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105) charger vs the other kind.

Both of mine are well frayed with one peeling off from over the strip. PVC tape works as a repair but using much increases the size enough that it becomes difficult to get it in and out of a P60 style body. These (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-18650-2500mah-3-7v-batteries-2-pack-6979) may be a better choice in terms of durability or the ones dougmc listed.
I'm leaning towards buying Panasonic NCR18650. AW and Redilast are more than I'm willing to spend, and I don't think that using quality unprotected cells in single-cell applications seems terribly risky. Still on the fence... I already bought a charger, but I haven't bought any batteries yet.

I'm leaning towards buying Panasonic NCR18650. AW and Redilast are more than I'm willing to spend, and I don't think that using quality unprotected cells in single-cell applications seems terribly risky. Still on the fence... I already bought a charger, but I haven't bought any batteries yet.

The problem is when they over discharge, and kill the battery. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish; protected cells are well worth the few extra dollars.

The problem is when they over discharge, and kill the battery. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish; protected cells are well worth the few extra dollars.
So when the light dims, change the battery. It doesn't seem like it would be difficult to avoid over-discharging them.

So when the light dims, change the battery. It doesn't seem like it would be difficult to avoid over-discharging them.Yes, but the dimming is gradual and you may miss it until you suddenly realize you can't see anymore, and what if you leave the light on and forget to turn it off? Also, I'm not sure if the 18650 cells can be puffed or not (thanks to their metal case) -- but if they can, that would make them hard to get out of your light.

Just spend the extra dollar and get the batteries with the protective circuits!

One thing with the TFT2400s (flame wrap) is that the wrapper is extremely thin and fragile - it isnt PVC but a film. The tolerances on most chargers being what it is, the wrapper gets torn from inserting them and from your fingernails when removing. Its a little less likely to happen with this style (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105) charger vs the other kind.

Both of mine are well frayed with one peeling off from over the strip. PVC tape works as a repair but using much increases the size enough that it becomes difficult to get it in and out of a P60 style body. These (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-18650-2500mah-3-7v-batteries-2-pack-6979) may be a better choice in terms of durability or the ones dougmc listed.

They can be fragile, but I have a pair that's a year old and a couple pair of the blue ones that are 2 years old. If you drop them, they're toast. But if you take reasonable care of them they can last.

Just spend the extra dollar and get the batteries with the protective circuits!
The price difference is not that insignificant; the protected versions of the batteries that I mentioned are about $19 a piece. And I don't know how I could possibly forget to turn off my bike light.

Anyway, it feels like we are drifting too far off topic.

The cells you mentioned are the top of the food chain as far as 18650 cells go.. Protected does work better.. Shining beam sells a trustfire 2400 for about $9.00 which work fine.. Lighthound also sells a few different model of 18650's that goes from 9.00 to 18.75 for the 2900 aw model..

The soshine 2800's are also well reviewed cells for a lot less than the aw or redilast

http://cgi.ebay.com/18650-SoShine-Rechargeable-Li-ion-2x-2800mAh-Battery-/230453257136?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item35a815a3b0

The soshine 2800's are also well reviewed cells for a lot less than the aw or redilast

http://cgi.ebay.com/18650-SoShine-Rechargeable-Li-ion-2x-2800mAh-Battery-/230453257136?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item35a815a3b0

Good to know!
I think the SoShine hi cap NiMH cells are great - same capacity as Sanyo for a lot less. I had considered SoShine Li Ions but the label and packaging was different than shown on their website, making me think counterfeit.

So when the light dims, change the battery. It doesn't seem like it would be difficult to avoid over-discharging them.
I am a long way from being an expert, but my lights have a low voltage cut off above 3 volts. The protected circuit on one failed after I droped it. I use it on a light with the voltage cutoff and haven't had any problems.

So when the light dims, change the battery. It doesn't seem like it would be difficult to avoid over-discharging them.

Good luck. Personally I don't see the value in trying to save three dollars on something that could be easily ruined. If you want to be penny wise and pound foolish it's your choice.

Here is a nice deal for two lights ... :thumb:
Available on February 8 only at http://www.woot.com/

Serengeti 160 Lumen Cree LED Flashlight 2 Pack $12.99+ $5 shipping
Features:
High Intensity Tactical LED Advanced CREE XRE - 160 Lumens
Spotlight to Flood Adjustable Focus
50% & 100% light output levels
4 Position Momentary Tactical Switch
- Position 1: Off
- Position 2: 50% (Medium: approx 70-90 Lumens)
- Position 3: 100% (High: 160 Lumens)
- Position 4: Strobe (160 Lumens) Flashing Emergency
Water Resistant – 30 minutes at 1 meter & Shockproof to 1 meter

http://sale.images.woot.com/Serengeti_160_Lumen_Cree_LED_Flashlight_2_PackxglStandard.jpg

Good luck. Personally I don't see the value in trying to save three dollars on something that could be easily ruined. If you want to be penny wise and pound foolish it's your choice.
You can buy the Panasonics for under $5 vs $19 for the protected version of the same battery. So you could buy three or four, ruin two or three, and still come out ahead. And it's a stretch to say that ruining them is "easy." Anyhow, you've made your opinion clear, so you can stop being a condescending jerk about it now. There is no point in repeating what you've already said.

I agree with both sides: The uber protection on AWs and Redilast is nice but does make them very pricey. OTOH, I am not all that thrilled with the basic quality of most of the DX level cells - in capacity, construction, protection reliability, service life etc. Even the good ones like the TFT are mainly just not as bad as the rest.

Something in between the $19 premium level and $3 DX *Fire brands seems sorely needed. The SoShine cell socalrider posted looks like a promising middle ground.

You can buy the Panasonics for under $5 vs $19 for the protected version of the same battery. So you could buy three or four, ruin two or three, and still come out ahead. And it's a stretch to say that ruining them is "easy." Anyhow, you've made your opinion clear, so you can stop being a condescending jerk about it now. There is no point in repeating what you've already said.

Where can you buy them for $5? EBay and China sellers are full of counterfeits, and I wouldn't waste my money on them.

Btw, do you actually have any experience using 18650 or other Li-ion cells, or do you simply assume that they are like ni-mh cells?

For versatility one (or two) of these http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-215/**NEW**-Romisen-RC-dsh-C8-II/Detail might be what you want. Works on a variety of batteries and as either a flood or spot. It can start as a bar flood and later as a helmet spot when you add more lights.[/URL].

This Romisen Looks good and the price is right.... any comments on durability?

This Romisen Looks good and the price is right.... any comments on durability?

Been using this light for a while, dropped a few times, no problems.. This is a good starter light if you have not committed to 18650 cells yet. If you are using 18650 cells already, I would look at: http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-218/Romisen-RC-dsh-2R4-II-R5/Detail

This is much brighter light for under 40.00 price range..

Been using this light for a while, dropped a few times, no problems.. This is a good starter light if you have not committed to 18650 cells yet. If you are using 18650 cells already, I would look at: http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-218/Romisen-RC-dsh-2R4-II-R5/Detail

This is much brighter light for under 40.00 price range..

That light is only 2 bucks more, do you own one?....can you recommend a good 18650 charger+battery kit/combo that wont break the bank?

yes I have both lights.. There are some decent charger / battery combos on ebay.. I will give links later when I am home. The R5 light is right at 300 lumens, They do have a model of the R5 that is 450 lumens, that one of the BFers reviewed quite extensively but is just over the 40.00 price..

Isn't XM-L both floodier and more efficient than XP-G? It seems like XM-L would be a better choice. And there is really no difference in cost.

Here is a another deal for a 100 lumen light ... :thumb:
Available on February 13 at http://sellout.woot.com/
Smith & Wesson Luxeon LED Tactical Flashlight $18 + $5 shipping

Features:

Combines State of the Art Luxeon LED technology with
(2) AA batteries for up to 100 lumens of pure white light Luxeon solid state lighting combines the energy savings of
LED plus the brightness and beam range of a conventional flashlight
Twist on-off momentary tactical switch
DC/DC regulator technology maintains constant brightness over battery life
Runtime: 2 hours on constant on setting

http://sale.images.woot.com/Smith___Wesson_SW775LX_Luxeon_LED_Tactical_Flashlight8hqStandard.jpg

Not that great of a deal considering you can get a romisen with 2x to 2.5x the output for the same price range..

Not that great of a deal considering you can get a romisen with 2x to 2.5x the output for the same price range..

Link please?

Link please?

Costco also sells a 150 Lumen 3 flashlite pack for $20.
It replaced this older set:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxHYkhzLM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

That light is only 2 bucks more, do you own one?....can you recommend a good 18650 charger+battery kit/combo that wont break the bank?

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/dsd-18650-cr123a-charger-black-936 price is $6.87


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96fIh307fc0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

the dsd charger works fine, a little slow but that is ok.. Never had any issues with mine, they can be bought with cells for under 16.00 shipped from us based sellers. The top end of 18650 chargers is the Pila but it is 50.00 shipped..

http://cgi.ebay.com/new-18650-charger-2-18650-2400MAH-rechargeable-Battery-/190476050649?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5941e0d9

http://www.bontrager.com/model/06990 This is Trek's BontRager Ion 6, which uses 6 white LED lights with a rated output of 500 candlepower and only costs US$35. It has a runtime of 60+ hours on three AA-batteries. The light can illuminate objects out to 100m but can be seen from more than 300m away.

4Sevens has a new charger out. It's $25 shipped worldwide.



This is our own single-bay smart charger. It has a constant-current, constant-voltage (CC/CV) circuit. This means it will maintain a constant current to the battery until the terminating voltage (user selectable) is reached, then it will maintain a constant voltage; thus, the current is naturally reduced as the voltage approaches the terminating voltage.

Our charger can also be powered by USB and comes with a USB/MiniUSB power adapter!

Charger Specifications

* Two user-selectable voltage settings:
o 3.6V
o 4.2V
* Two user-selectable current settings:
o 0.5A
o 1.0A
* Compatible with the following battery sizes:
o 14500
o 16340 (RCR123A)
o 17670
o 18500
o 18650
o 26650
* Primary Input Voltage: 12.0V, 1A
* Secondary (USB) Input Voltage: 5.0V, 500mA
* Wall/outlet Power Supply Input Voltage: 100-240VAC
* Output Voltage: 3.6V~4.2V, 500mA~1000mA
* Included adapters: wall/outlet power supply, car accessory port adapter, and USB-to-MiniUSB adapter

http://www.4sevens.com/images/4sevenscharger_1.jpg
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=53_434&products_id=2582

How $11.99 sounds?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlzGoV6BQQc

I bought it from this guy on Ebay. And he is "local" - USA ;) You don't have to wait months - like from China.
Really fast shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/Blue-240-Lm-CREE-Q5-Bicycle-Bike-Flashlight-Holder-/270688282717?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0647685d

http://www.bontrager.com/model/06990 This is Trek's BontRager Ion 6, which uses 6 white LED lights with a rated output of 500 candlepower and only costs US$35. It has a runtime of 60+ hours on three AA-batteries. The light can illuminate objects out to 100m but can be seen from more than 300m away.

Now this is where the vendors try to trick you.. Candlepower output is based on a distance of 1 foot from source, I don't know too many people who are pointing there lights straight down.. I imagine this type of light is using the old nichia leds, which may put out in the range of 30-40 lumens at best..

Vendors will use terms like 'BLINDING - EYE SEARING" to lure people in who do not realize that if they spent the same $$ on a quality flashlight, lockblock they would have 3x-5x more light at seeing down the road..

Candlepower output is based on a distance of 1 foot from sourceNot exactly. It's based on the light over a solid angle -- which could be measured at one foot, or it could be measured at a mile. You seem to be thinking of the foot-candle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-candle).

Candlepower is actually the obsolete term -- the modern term is candela (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candela") -- though the two words can mostly be used interchangeably.

Either way, your point is correct -- looking at the brightest spot isn't very useful. An extreme case -- a 5 mW laser pointer is probably rated at many thousands, perhaps millions of candlepower, but it would be totally useless for lighting your path. Even lumens aren't perfect, but if you're going to look at only a single number -- lumens is likely the best choice.

I think vendors still use LUX and Candlepower when they are trying to fool people into buying there obsolete products like a light like this.. If you are getting 75 hours of runtime on 3xaa batteries, your light is useless for seeing the road.. If you are just using it for a flashing mode to be seen during the daytime or at dusk it will do the trick but there are better less expensive alternatives..

I think vendors still use LUX and Candlepower when they are trying to fool people into buying there obsolete products like a light like this.. If you are getting 75 hours of runtime on 3xaa batteries, your light is useless for seeing the road.. If you are just using it for a flashing mode to be seen during the daytime or at dusk it will do the trick but there are better less expensive alternatives..

Lux actually is good as it's lumens per square meter. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.

Lux actually is good as it's lumens per square meter. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.

I agree but most people have no idea what LUX is..

Costco also sells a 150 Lumen 3 flashlite pack for $20.

I got a pack of those on a whim and they're fine for what they are. I ended up giving them as Christmas presents to my nieces and nephews for camping and they would also make good 'be seen' lights. I just wish I could figure out how to ditch the AAA setup and fit a 18650 in there.

Lux actually is good as it's lumens per square meter. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.But it's not so good -- the number of square meters so illuminated also matters. Again, a laser has a really high lux value but is useless to light your path. If you give the lux and the number of square meters so illuminated, that's good -- but you just multiply and get lumens.

Ultimately, the "goodness" of a light can not be described by just one number -- but lumens comes the closest to doing so.

Lovin' this thread - at last the information we need without umpteen pages of contradiction, excerpting arguments and pointless debate.

Thank you folks, thank you.

I went and got this light off ebay to see what I think:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=400195778983&si=yp8wpGI0McwflRKF4IJUWEcMKnU%253D&viewitem=

Just over $20 with shipping from China.

I love the "Engrish" translation of the product description.


Output bright can come to above 500 lumens [lm] :)
Our products are firmly wired and comes with two chargers. Firmly wired? :)
The smaller AC adapter and 12V DC car-adapter provides added convenience
(LED indication for Power On / Charging / Full charge ).
Internal wiring applies the high efficient booster circuit, working voltage is wide and can utilize the batteries in the largest extent. Wow! ;)
Waterproofing design :)
Aluminum alloy casing
Aluminum alloy reflector
3 switch Mode: Strong Brightness / Normal Brightness / Flashing
Model of Battery required: 18650, 3.7v
Model of LED: CREE LED
Colour : Black
External Dimension : 46mm x 26mm x 175mm
Weight : 160g

It comes with this stuff - -

100% Brand New
1 x CREE LED Rechargeable Flashlight Torch
1 X Charger (110v-240v) for this flashlight
1 X Car charger
2 x 18650 3.7v 2400mAh Rechargeable Battery
1 x Plug Adaptor to suit your Country

I like the various recharge options and the power adapters. I also imagine that the TWO batteries will give a nice current reserve and I can always get some better ones if the light proves to be satisfactory.
I just want to try it out. I have another Chinese LED light, one of those big 72 LED monsters. It actually works pretty good for the $5 I paid. $20 for this one? What the heck, we'll see.

^^^

Don't let that put you off LED flashlights if it's dodgy quality. In my experience there is a huge difference between a $20 and a $40 light.

^^^

Don't let that put you off LED flashlights if it's dodgy quality. In my experience there is a huge difference between a $20 and a $40 light.

Oh cerainly not. Im going in to this as an experiment - I know the quality may - or may not - be there. Its a cheap price to learn...