Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - 18650 powered light

I'm starting to realize that my Planet Bike Blaze 2W is not close to being sufficient for riding at night. In fact, at $50, it doesn't seem like a good choice.

I did buy a Niterider Minewt 250 a few months back and it was a lot better, but I want something brighter still. I think two of those would have been great.

I was hesitant to venture into the world of 18650 powered lights but I think that is something I'm going to have to do for more light. I'm sure that Niterider had some kind of 18650 inside. I have a bunch of Sanyo Eneloop AA, but it takes 4 to 5 of them to replace one 18650 assuming 3.6V and 2.9AH per 18650 and 1.2V and 2AH per AA.

I think I know what I want:
Xtar WP2 II two 18650 charger
AW 18650 2.9AH protected battery

Now the question is what light? I'm thinking of this P-Rocket XM-L 530 Lumen light (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-182/P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L-530-pls--Lumens/Detail) The reason I went with this light over the P-Rocket 810 lumen (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**--P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L/Detail) model is because I need about 1.5 hours run time per charge and the 530 lumen model will go for about 2 hours on high since they're driven at 1.4A. The 810 lumen model is driven at 2.8A but has a medium mode that runs at 1A giving me about 2.5 hours run time per charge. Will that extra 0.4A make a big difference or should I go with the 830 lumen model instead and run at the medium setting.

I'm a little bit confused by the LEDs though. Do I need XM-L, XP-G, or SST? I'm not entirely sure what the differences are.

Also how do I mount these flashlights on my bike? Shiningbeam these bike mounts (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-131/Adjustable-Universal-Flashlight-Bicycle/Detail), but I'm not sure how well they work. What are others using? I have also contemplated pipe or hose clamps from the hardware store along with some PVC hose or something to prevent slipping and marring the paint on the bike.

Lastly, do I get a second flashlight with flash or keep my PB 2W Blaze flasher? I'm thinking about running a strobe on one side and steady on the other of my bars. Seems like an expensive strobe, but also I have some extra light output when I need it. Maybe something like a Yezl Z1X (http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1060) 5 mode; at $30, they aren't a huge cost. Plus the option of having an additional 800 lumens when I want it doesn't hurt either even if only for a few minutes. Only thing is I cannot find much about the strobe mode and whether it is a slow or fast strobe.

I have a P-Rocket and I don't think it is good for a single light or the main light. It is torch so it is a single straight on beam. If you plan on doing 10MPH or more, you would definitely want something with a bit more flood to it. There isn't much of a halo on the P-Rocket. You could of course do a couple of these on the bars to give you something a bit more floody, and one on the helmet. I ride multi-track and some single track at night on my cross bike using a 200 lumen CygoLite on the bars and a Serfas TLS-250 on my helmet. Plenty of light for me. Most of the time I will use the CygoLite in a Medium/Low mode and not even use the Serfas light, unless I am flying on a trail. When on high/boost with both lights, I can do 25MPH+ on the cross bike and see way ahead of me. Haven't flown off the side of the trail yet into the river :)

I have the p-rocket and it works okay for my city ride. I think nixternal is right, though. I wish I had a second light, maybe on the helmet. I've also used the twofish bike mount and it's fine for me. There was a discussion about is somewhere around here, too. A search should call it up.

An XML light would be fine for most riding, adding a second light is always a good solution, using the S-mini as a helmet light is a good option.. I think Colleen has some beamshots of that model..

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-208/***NEW***--ShiningBeam-S-dsh-mini/Detail

The mounts that SB sells are just OK.. I prefer using lockblocks, easily found at lighthound, they also sell many cells - chargers and holders..

http://www.lighthound.com/Twofish-Lockblocks-Flashlight-Bicycle-Mount_p_2252.html

also sold at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Fish-Unlimited-FH1-Flashlite/dp/B001CJXB5E/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1319548800&sr=1-1

the zefal doodad plus, which is a pump mount works great as a bike helmet mount..

http://www.amazon.com/Zefal-Doodad-Plus-Bicycle-Strap/dp/B000AO3FTE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1319548842&sr=1-1

I have both of these models from Manafont.com:

C-8 Q5 (http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/palight-c8-q5-led-5mode-memory-led-flashlight-black-118650-p-5649)

- Good thrower, 2 hours strong run time on high, 2:30 total. Medium beam is not much of a step down and extends run time.

XM-L T6 (http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-c8-xml-t6-3mode-led-flashlight-118650-p-5271)

- Also a good thrower, a little brighter, same run time.

For the price, you could buy 2 of these for what you linked to. I power mine with Ultrafire 3000 batteries, carry a couple of spares in case I ride longer. Pared with a Twofish lock-block or even a cyclop-block (even better), these make fine night riding torches, especially with both going on medium. I ride mostly flat trails or roads, no technical. I've been very pleased with mine.

Charger (http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/dual-liion-18650-battery-charger-p-3290)
Batteries (http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-brc-18650-37v-3000mah-rechargeable-batteries-protected-pair-pack-p-5137)

If you do a search for XM-L T6 on ebay, you can find endless iterations of this light, just make sure to buy from a high rated seller.

I have the P-rocket 810 powered by an 18650 and the mount from Shiningbeam you ask about. I don't have enough experience with other lights to do a good comparison, but I am very happy with the light. I ride a road bike on mainly rural roads, and the light is very good. The mount works very well (the picture is misleading - I don't use the fat bushing shown since it's not needed), but the P rocket is a little too slim for the mount. I wrap a very thin piece of cardboard around the light to make a better fit.

Now the question is what light? I'm thinking of this P-Rocket XM-L 530 Lumen light (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-182/P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L-530-pls--Lumens/Detail) The reason I went with this light over the P-Rocket 810 lumen (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**--P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L/Detail) model is because I need about 1.5 hours run time per charge and the 530 lumen model will go for about 2 hours on high since they're driven at 1.4A. The 810 lumen model is driven at 2.8A but has a medium mode that runs at 1A giving me about 2.5 hours run time per charge. Will that extra 0.4A make a big difference or should I go with the 830 lumen model instead and run at the medium setting.

I'm a little bit confused by the LEDs though. Do I need XM-L, XP-G, or SST? I'm not entirely sure what the differences are.



Here is something worth noting. I could never get the same reading off the tail cap current draw as to what the driver spec. I read about 2 amps at the tail cap with drivers that claims 2.8 amp at led. Typically there is a difference in led current draw after the driver in comparison with tail cap current. Here in this case, you are more concern with tail cap current draw to approximate your runtime.

That being said, using AW 2900mah battery may yeild more than the one hour runtime. AW has low internal resistant which helps with heat build up in the battery from high current draw allowing more consistant ampacity from a high current load. When I used to run my SST 50 X thrower with a 2.8 amp driver, I get less than 60 minute from ultrafire 3000ma battery but the AW2600 gave me over 1hr 15 minutes. I don't have a XML P Rocket to test with my AW2900 but I suspect you will get 1.5 hours of runtime from AW2900 if you run the flashlight on high and medium mode combo.

I have yet to find yet to find a single flashlight that fullfill my need as a combo thrower and flood for commuter light. They are usually one or the other. You should get a second light to compliment the first light. If the XML p rockect has a hot spot as reported by other user, then a good flood as your second flashlight would be ideal. Running a second light as flood will also allow you to run low on the XML rocket which help achieving your 1.5 hr runtime.

The S mini XPG from Shiningbeam is not a bad light. I think the S mini XML might be brighter. I also own three Yezl Z1 3mode XML I bought from SBflashlight. They are very bright and floody beam. The beam and throw from the Yezl is similar to a MS900 P7. It is also very bright, much brighter than my S mini XPG. It is a cheaper quality flaslight so you might find yourself having to tighten up the tail cap switch or cleaning the thread.

XML, XPG and SST 50? They are just different led. The SST 50 is less energy efficient and tends to be floodier on a same given size reflector. The XPG is more of a thrower but is limited as how much power you can drive it and that is why you see most XPG is rated with less lumen. The XPG is also more power efficient. The XML can be driven hard. It is efficient when driven in the normal current range. The led can be design to throw or flood with a slightly reflector design. Both, the XPG and XML has a lower Vf allowing better lumen output regulation as the battery drops in voltage.

I managed to find a review of the 810 lumen model at CPF (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?323065-Object-Subject-Review-P-Rocket-Neutral-XM-L-%28Woodland-Camo%29).

The discharge curves seem like there is little or no regulation; otherwise the discharge curve would be much flatter.

The reviewer used Trustfire 2.4AH 18650s and got 47 minutes run time. The AW 2.9AH cells I bought are rated about 15% higher so probably I'll get 54 minutes run time on high. Does that sound right? I'm not familiar with internal resistance, but I'm guessing the Ultrafires you had were not very good cells.

Looking at the discharge curves, I'm think I'm better off with the 530 lumen 1.4A because the curve will be flatter. After 30 minutes, the discharge curve for the 810 lumen model on high has already fallen to 1.5A from 2.8A when initially powered on. The difference in my use is that rather than have it run continuously, I would be running for about 40 minutes at a time. How will that affect the discharge curve?

I did consider less exepensive 18650, but the AW cells seem to be most consistently recommended for quality. I think I read somewhere the chemistry is also supposed to be a bit safer on the 2.9AH version. I have witnessed the aftermath of a lithium batteries explosion that embedded glass and plastic shards from the device into drywall so it's not exactly something I want to skimp on. I do not know the chemistry of the battery that exploded other than that it was a lithium battery though.

18650??? whats thats mean? aa,aaa,watch batteries?? must be "that there fancy talk"

18650??? whats thats mean? aa,aaa,watch batteries?? must be "that there fancy talk"

http://www.dealextreme.com/c/18650-batteries-and-chargers-1321?page=1&pagesize=20&pagesort=relevence&gclid=CLnq5tn9hqwCFRKn7Qod-VTOAg

The trouble with any "thrower" is how and when the user can use the "spill" effectively.

I've been around the block - and have discovered too many situations to settle on any kind of "one-size" advice.

And in total contradiction of the line I just wrote - all I can say is that you will always need more than one light to effectively illuminate road pavements at differing speeds.

Use the torch to "throw" - use a bike light for near sight light.

The trouble with any "thrower" is how and when the user can use the "spill" effectively.

I've been around the block - and have discovered too many situations to settle on any kind of "one-size" advice.

And in total contradiction of the line I just wrote - all I can say is that you will always need more than one light to effectively illuminate road pavements at differing speeds.

Use the torch to "throw" - use a bike light for near sight light.

Couldn't agree more. My typical riding setup is a Baja Designs Strykr with the flood (orange peel) optic. The C8 or XM-L T6 is also mounted on the bar as my thrower. By adjusting the flood near the bike and the torch up the road a bit, it's a perfect combination for near and far vision.

I've been using a Four Sevens Quark AA2 Tactical that can be programmed for the type power you need. I also carry a backup Four Sevens AA2 if power is drained before I finish my ride. All are rechargeable AAs. However, I am looking at upgrading for more light and now considering 18650 options and the new Niterider MiniNewt offerings. Four Sevens has some new lights with XM-L that I will be investigating. All the lights easily mount using TwoFish mounts.

I have the P-Rocket 850 (not the dimmer neutral-white emitter), the S-Mini XP-G and the S-Mini XM-L. Like you said, I was thinking of using the P-Rocket 850 on Medium. But the light I end up grabbing is the S-Mini XP-G. Its runtime is long enough that it's not utterly critical if I accidentally leave it running for 10 minutes or something. It's also superlight, compact and easy to stick in my pocket if I'm running into a store. The P-Rocket... not so much.

The XM-L variant of S-Mini has more of a flood beam. It doesn't reach as far forward, but the spread could be useful if you're on an MUP and need to keep track of how close to the edge you are.

One of the Planet Bike 2W's strengths is the attention-getting SuperFlash strobe pattern. If you have issues with motorists overlooking you and pulling out into your path, keep it for that function.

For mounting the S-Mini, the smaller TwoFish LockBlock would suffice, and I recommend a rubber band as a keeper, I've lost my S-mini before because it can slip right through. I retraced a 70-mile ride to find my XP-G S-Mini, that should tell you how much I like it :D For any larger 18650 light like the P-Rocket, I use the beefier CycleBlock: http://www.boomerdirect.shoppingcartsplus.com/catalog/item/1719053/1226129.htm

...now considering 18650 options and the new Niterider MiniNewt offerings...

You might want to reconsider the NR MiNewt lights. They seem to have problems. I'd wait and let someone else be their beta testers.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/776873-Anybody-have-any-trouble-with-Niterider-MiNewt-Pro-750

One of the Planet Bike 2W's strengths is the attention-getting SuperFlash strobe pattern. If you have issues with motorists overlooking you and pulling out into your path, keep it for that function.



The PB 2W flashing does get attention, but the beam is so narrow, I really its effectiveness. The Niterider Minewt 250 I had was better since it had a larger beam and the fast strobe was just as effective. IMO, I think the Minewt 250 was better at punching through the fog than the PB 2W.

I did buy a Niterider Minewt 250 a few months back and it was a lot better, but I want something brighter still. I think two of those would have been great.

I went back and read your original post again. I think those Minewt are more flood then and not throwers. From the sound of it, if two Minewt seem right for you, then a XML P rocket might be too much throw. Are you looking for a flood or a throw beam? There is the second option. You can run a XML P Rocket in conjuntion with your Minewt. This may yeild some throw and little bit more flood.

The current curve for that 850 lumen P Rocket is probably because the lack of regulation from the CC driver. Then there is also the minium Vf requirement for the XML led to remain a constant brightness at 2.8 amps. The 550 lumen P rocket XML should provide better consistent light output because it draws less amp. Also with that light, you can run battery like trustfire or ultrafire with little worries about high current draw.

I've bought three AW 2900 cells and Xtar WP2 II charger so I'm set there. I just ordered MG P-Rocket 530 and S Mini XPG and two of their bike mounts.

I actually don't have the Niterider Minewt 250 any more. I sold it on CL a few months back because I decided to go the modular route with LED flashlights and separate lithium cells. It does last 2:30 to 3:00 hours but at $100 it didn't seem worth it especially since non-dedicated bike lights seem like a better value. I managed to get $90 for it, so it wasn't a huge loss, plus I got about 3 months of use out during the summer which also happened to be when I got scheduled for early shift when I was out the door by 6am almost daily and 5am a few times. I ran the Minewt on high and my Planet Bike 2W on strobe. The Minewt strobe was already really nice and probably my favorite feature. Every flash is the same brightness unlike the PB but the Minewt was far brighter and wider beam.

I was once riding through the morning fog with the Minewt 250 in strobe and had a LEO pull up next to me at a red light and ask me what light I was running. He passed me going the other way and made a U-turn at the intersection to catch me. Said he couldn't see anything but fog for but saw the Minewt strobe from about 500-800 ft. Cars further than about 200 ft may as well have been invisible without lights that morning.

Fog is the only kind of weather that scares me a little even with bright lights and using strobe mode.. If you need to try some of the lockblocks, I have a bunch of them, just drop me a pm.. You will love the aw cells, one the best performers out there, only thing close are the panasonic 2900's and the japanese ultrafire cells.

I thought the AW 2900 is a Panasonic cell inside and that AW just puts their own wrapper and IC on it. I think Panasonic is the only one to make the LiNiCoO2 cells right?

I thought the AW 2900 is a Panasonic cell inside and that AW just puts their own wrapper and IC on it. I think Panasonic is the only one to make the LiNiCoO2 cells right?

that is what they found out at CPF, that the new aw cell is a panasonic..

that is what they found out at CPF, that the new aw cell is a panasonic..

I think there was a post that showed that when the OP did a comparison test between the AW and Redilast cell. The OP found that both cell uses the Panasonic NCR (http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-data/pdf2/ACA4000/ACA4000CE240.pdf) cell.

I recently bought three Redilast cell and I have been running those cell very hard. I have a hacked 11.1v 3 cell flashlight that I mod shhort to make it a handle bar light driven externally by three Redilast 2900 cells. Those cells are being worked hard as they are drawn at 2.8 amp a piece (yep, the light draw over 30w). So far so good. I am also tempted to try some 3100 mah Callies Kustom (http://callieskustoms.com/CalliesKustoms-Batteries.html) batteries. I like their video where they short out the cell and then recharge it back to life and load test it.

I ordered a pair of Callie's Kustom 3100s. These are newer chemistry and are probably less likely to explode than LiIons. They use Panasonic batteries. People at budgetlightforum.com give them high ratings. The Redilast 3100s and the new AW 2900s are also using the new chemistry batteries. If you are considering 2x18650 flashlight, the newer batteries can deliver higher current.

I have cheap flashlights from DX. They have held up well *in dry weather*. I received a $ spot bonus at work and am thinking about a real bike light, although I hate battery packs and wires. The Dinotte XML-3 looks like it has the best bang for the buck and it delivers 1200 lumens. Yes, very, very bright, but the price is right. There are lots of choices out there in a wide price range. mtbr.com people tend toward very bright, long running, high end lights. But there are threads where people discuss lower power, inexpensive torches.

People outside of the US should look at Redilast 3100s over the Callie's Kustom as Callies charges $9 extra per battery plus international shipping charges. Extra shipping costs for international postage is totally normal, but a $9 surcharge per battery on top of that is insane.

http://www.redilast.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=55

I got my lights today, but still waiting on my batteries...I ordered the batteries from a CPF user several days prior to the light.

I tried out the P-Rocket using three AA Eneloops that I don't know the condition of. I bought about a year ago at Costco and have never used them. I used a alligator clip test lead and was able to get the light on and switch through the three modes. At high, the light is seems plenty bright though the real test will be when I have to ride with the light.

My initial impressions are that the P-Rocket and Smini are pretty well made. I only have an Energizer AA LED light from Target to compare to though.

The bike mounts though are too big for the P-Rocket. I'm going to need cut up an old inner tube or something to get it to fit right.

I got my lights today, but still waiting on my batteries...I ordered the batteries from a CPF user several days prior to the light.

I tried out the P-Rocket using three AA Eneloops that I don't know the condition of. I bought about a year ago at Costco and have never used them. I used a alligator clip test lead and was able to get the light on and switch through the three modes. At high, the light is seems plenty bright though the real test will be when I have to ride with the light.

My initial impressions are that the P-Rocket and Smini are pretty well made. I only have an Energizer AA LED light from Target to compare to though.

The bike mounts though are too big for the P-Rocket. I'm going to need cut up an old inner tube or something to get it to fit right.

Try a Cyclopblock from Two Fish. They are perfect for 18650 lights. http://www.lighthound.com/Twofish-Cyclopblock-Flashlight-Bicycle-Mount_p_2251.html

Also, ShiningBeam lights generally are excellent quality, and best in class for the price.

Try a Cyclopblock from Two Fish. They are perfect for 18650 lights. http://www.lighthound.com/Twofish-Cyclopblock-Flashlight-Bicycle-Mount_p_2251.html

Also, ShiningBeam lights generally are excellent quality, and best in class for the price.

+1 on the cyclop or lockblock, both will work fine with the P-rocket light.. amazon also sells them

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Fish-Unlimited-FH1-Flashlite/dp/B001CJXB5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320164175&sr=8-1

the new fenix mount is very solid too, will not work with 31.8 bars though..

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Mount-lights-18-28mm-Diameter/dp/B0040JRHG2/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2

There seem to be some experienced and knowledgeable lighting people here. Can you give me your evaluations on this light, which I am seriously considering buying?:

http://brightstonesports.com/shop/index.php/magicshine-mj-816e-1800-lumens-bike-light-set.html

Is there anything else you would recommend over this one, in the under-150.00 range? In the under-200.00 range?

Any accessories or additional lights you would recommend?

Also, any evaluations or comments on these lights, which I am also considering:

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-114/***NEW***-ShiningBeam-I-dsh-mini-/Detail

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-208/***NEW***--ShiningBeam-S-dsh-mini/Detail

There seem to be some experienced and knowledgeable lighting people here. Can you give me your evaluations on this light, which I am seriously considering buying?:

http://brightstonesports.com/shop/index.php/magicshine-mj-816e-1800-lumens-bike-light-set.html

Is there anything else you would recommend over this one, in the under-150.00 range? In the under-200.00 range?

Any accessories or additional lights you would recommend?

Also, any evaluations or comments on these lights, which I am also considering:

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-114/***NEW***-ShiningBeam-I-dsh-mini-/Detail

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-208/***NEW***--ShiningBeam-S-dsh-mini/Detail

That MJ 816E seem to be a nice step above the older MJ816 now that the old P7 is replaced by a XML and the XPE are replace by XPG. This seem to be a much better setup than the old style. The runtime is listed at 1.8 hour which probably mean this thing will put out a bit of lumens since it use the XML and XPG which are pretty efficient LED. I like to see a beamshot of this light. The only thing that I would consider is will there be sufficient spill for the close range flood from this light?

The I mini listed has a neutral tint to the LED. Some like that tint while other do not. I prefer a more cool tint when used around black color asphalt or pavement. If I was trail riding, a neutral tint has much better color definition of lighting shrubs and tree.

The S mini XML beamshot I've seen posted had a slight green tint to it. Don't know if it has been change then, and shiningbeam does not list the tint either.

Other recomendation will be the MJ 872 which uses 4 xpg. Good flood if that is what you are looking for. Another good light that is getting decent review is the Gemini Xera. Very small and light and capable is yielding 800 lumen in a very small package. Good runtime also. However if you are looking for more lumen, they might be releasing a 3 xml soon. Not sure what the price tag will be yet.

Still waiting on batteries...tracking number says USPS received packaged on 10/25. I wonder if they are sending it by ground transport...lithium primaries are prohibited from air transport but secondaries are not if they are installed in a device or have terminals covered.

most likely sent parcel post.. should be there soon..

18650 flash lights are the best way to go IMHO. They are relatively cheap and there are no proprietary battery packs to fail, no wires etc. I just ordered a P-Rocket XM-L Neutral White 810. (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**--P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L/Detail)

Flashlights with a lot of throw don't work well on a bike alone. That is why you simply couple a flood to throw with them. IOW, you need a flood flashlight to accompany the throw flashlight. The flood helps you see near and the throw helps you see far. Problem solved.

Currently I am running a MG P-Rocket XP-G R5 (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-221/MG-P-dsh-rocket/Detail) for throw and a Romisen RC-C8 II R2 Flood-to-Throw (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-215/Romisen-RC-dsh-C8-II-R2/Detail) for flood.

No it's definitely first class. Probably USPS sent it surface due to its contents even though it is permitted for air transport. I've had them do that once when I sent out oil samples out via Priority and it took 10 days or so to arrive (not during holiday rush).

jsdavis, thanks for an informative thread. Just wondering why you chose that charger, and i whether you are happy with it. And why you didn't choose the Pila.

Colleen, thanks for the helpful reply. Wondering what you think of the Spoke Grenade SG1000, and the ATC XM-L T6 1000 lm lights .

@ Niles H, I never seen the beam pattern for the ATC XML light. I did saw a sample of the Spoke Grenade posted at SoCal forum. It looks brighter than a MS900 P7. I suspect both of those light will have a hot spot and whether it has enough spill is questionable because they are XML on those reflectors. Problem with any hot spot light is that your eyes will start focusing on the distant and you lose close quarter defintition view.

The run time on those light is listed as 3 hrs. That tells me they are probably not driving the XML as hard as a Magicshine MJ808E. There might be less lumen but it probably not that noticeable.

Color tint on those light is unknown. It may be slightly green, neutral or white. Hard to say when there is no listing of the tint or color temperature.

Colleen, thanks for that. If you were choosing two flashlights from shiningbeam, to work together well, with good spill and throw, which would you go with? Also, is there anything else under 200.00 that you would choose over two (or even three) of the shingbeam.com lights?

If I had to order only from Shiningbeam, I will choose a P Rocket XML cool white 850+ lumen as my thrower and use that along with either one or two S mini XPG or the S mini XML. The S mini XML will be brighter than the S Mini XPG. You can mount either the Rocket or Mini on your helmet. Nice thing with the Mini is that you can use those as a handy flashlight for roadside flat repair.

Another alternative thrower is a Kaidomain C8 XML flashlight. I have one of those and the larger reflector on it makes it if not the best but one of the best single cell throwing flashlight I used. It was recomended to me at the MTB forum. It also draws only 1.5 amps and last easily over an hour on a single 18650.

I have a Yezl Z1 compact XML rated at 450 OTF lumen. It is almost as small as the S Mini. It is one darn bright flashlight for it's size. However, I don't think it has a low voltage cutoff and I think my battery been shutting off the light after an hour or so. Regardless, it is my most brightest mini light I have. Very noticably brighter than the S mini. It is about $35.

Finally got my batteries...Th open voltages measure 3.90V to 3.99V according to my DMM.

Dropped them in my light and it seems fairly bright but I haven't been able to try them in the dark yet.

If I had to order only from Shiningbeam, I will choose a P Rocket XML cool white 850+ lumen as my thrower and use that along with either one or two S mini XPG or the S mini XML. The S mini XML will be brighter than the S Mini XPG. You can mount either the Rocket or Mini on your helmet. Nice thing with the Mini is that you can use those as a handy flashlight for roadside flat repair.

Another alternative thrower is a Kaidomain C8 XML flashlight. I have one of those and the larger reflector on it makes it if not the best but one of the best single cell throwing flashlight I used. It was recomended to me at the MTB forum. It also draws only 1.5 amps and last easily over an hour on a single 18650.

I have a Yezl Z1 compact XML rated at 450 OTF lumen. It is almost as small as the S Mini. It is one darn bright flashlight for it's size. However, I don't think it has a low voltage cutoff and I think my battery been shutting off the light after an hour or so. Regardless, it is my most brightest mini light I have. Very noticably brighter than the S mini. It is about $35.

Colleen, thanks for this and other thoughtful replies. I'll be ordering lights next week.

If I had to order only from Shiningbeam, I will choose a P Rocket XML cool white 850+ lumen as my thrower and use that along with either one or two S mini XPG or the S mini XML. The S mini XML will be brighter than the S Mini XPG. You can mount either the Rocket or Mini on your helmet. Nice thing with the Mini is that you can use those as a handy flashlight for roadside flat repair.

Another alternative thrower is a Kaidomain C8 XML flashlight. I have one of those and the larger reflector on it makes it if not the best but one of the best single cell throwing flashlight I used. It was recomended to me at the MTB forum. It also draws only 1.5 amps and last easily over an hour on a single 18650.

I have a Yezl Z1 compact XML rated at 450 OTF lumen. It is almost as small as the S Mini. It is one darn bright flashlight for it's size. However, I don't think it has a low voltage cutoff and I think my battery been shutting off the light after an hour or so. Regardless, it is my most brightest mini light I have. Very noticably brighter than the S mini. It is about $35.

+1 on the KD C8. It's an awesome bar light (now that I have tightened the pill). I have the Uniquefire 2100 which I think is the same as the Yezl. I was hoping this would have more throw because of the longer, narrower reflector, but it seems similar to the C8. It's a bit warmer and not quite as bright. I've ordered the S-Mini XP-G R5 from Shiningbeam for the helmet; I'm hoping it will throw a bit further than the C8 on the bars. I think that XM-L lights are all pretty awesome for biking. They are bright and the beam is not floody like P7s, but has a nice hot spot and decent spill. Because these draw a lot of current, I recommend higher capacity batteries for decent run times.

The Zebralight SC600 looks like it would be an excellent bar light. Relatively long runtimess, high output, and great reevaluation. Here's a review of it. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?320986-Zebralight-SC600-%281x18650-XM-L%29-Review-RUNTIME-BEAMSHOTS-comparisons-amp-more!

+1 on the KD C8. It's an awesome bar light (now that I have tightened the pill). I have the Uniquefire 2100 which I think is the same as the Yezl. I was hoping this would have more throw because of the longer, narrower reflector, but it seems similar to the C8. It's a bit warmer and not quite as bright. I've ordered the S-Mini XP-G R5 from Shiningbeam for the helmet; I'm hoping it will throw a bit further than the C8 on the bars. I think that XM-L lights are all pretty awesome for biking. They are bright and the beam is not floody like P7s, but has a nice hot spot and decent spill. Because these draw a lot of current, I recommend higher capacity batteries for decent run times.

Looking at that Uniquefire 2100, I think it is the same as the Yezl ZX1 xml.

The KD C8 (http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S010014) I was refering too will easily out throw the S-mini XP-G R5. The reflecter of the KD C8 is 41mm wide while the S-mini is only about 20mm wide.

The Zebralight SC600 looks like it would be an excellent bar light. Relatively long runtimess, high output, and great reevaluation. Here's a review of it. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?320986-Zebralight-SC600-%281x18650-XM-L%29-Review-RUNTIME-BEAMSHOTS-comparisons-amp-more!

Good timely post because last night I came very close to ordering that light. I like the programable mode selectable and what impress me even more was the weight of that Zebralight SC 600 light was only 90.8 gram not including battery. Throw in a Redilast 3100 at 46 gram and you got a helmet floody light at 137 gram. Not bad in terms of weight.

I ended up not buying that flashlight because I was researching for a thrower with a turbo mode. I did buy a Thrunite TN11 (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?323583-ThruNite-TN10-amp-TN11-Review-(pics-runtimes-beamshots)) becasue the reviews been positive claiming that light has a better throw than the Thunight Scopio V2 with a TB reflector. Now I am just thinking what a good combo a TN11 can make when combine with a Zebralight SC600 or the 800? More pricey when compare to the DX, Kaidomain, or Manfont lower priced flashlight, but great higher entry level light.

I may still buy that Zebra SC flashlight at Christmas like I really need another light.:thumb: I probably got at least 7-10 unused light that uses the P7 ans SST50. Don't know what I will do with all these light. :innocent:

Good timely post because last night I came very close to ordering that light. I like the programable mode selectable and what impress me even more was the weight of that Zebralight SC 600 light was only 90.8 gram not including battery. Throw in a Redilast 3100 at 46 gram and you got a helmet floody light at 137 gram. Not bad in terms of weight.

I ended up not buying that flashlight because I was researching for a thrower with a turbo mode. I did buy a Thrunite TN11 (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?323583-ThruNite-TN10-amp-TN11-Review-(pics-runtimes-beamshots)) becasue the reviews been positive claiming that light has a better throw than the Thunight Scopio V2 with a TB reflector. Now I am just thinking what a good combo a TN11 can make when combine with a Zebralight SC600 or the 800? More pricey when compare to the DX, Kaidomain, or Manfont lower priced flashlight, but great higher entry level light.

I may still buy that Zebra SC flashlight at Christmas like I really need another light.:thumb: I probably got at least 7-10 unused light that uses the P7 ans SST50. Don't know what I will do with all these light. :innocent:
I just ordered one for a floody light on the bars to go with the R5 on my helmet. I was reading that the Spark SL6-800CW is similar to the Zebralight, but with more throw.

Jaa, it's a strange addiction, isn't it? Luckily I can justify it with dark, dark, northern winters....

I got to try out my P-Rocket 530 lumens tonight since were are no longer in DST. Initial impression is WOW! This light is much better than my Niterider Minewt 250. It's fairly decent the roads I ride. Even for a floody light I think the pattern works fairly well for me. I do kind of wish there were some kind of cut off. With the edge of the hot spot pointed about 25 ft ahead of my wheel, the hotspot is about 6 ft tall at about 50 to 70 ft. The light does seem to get warm when hand held, but I think at the front of a bicycle it should be fine.

In conjunction with a helmet light I think it will work out well. I had problems finding a turn because I have to turn left into a road for service vehicles which is only wide enough for a pickup and it is not illuminated even to indicate its location.

I have not tried out the Smini yet though.

In regards to the bike mounts from Shining Beam, they are usable, but I have two issues with them. Even though they are advertised to work with the P-Rockets, they are slightly to big to hold the P-Rocket tightly without wrapping something around the light body. The only way that it could work without wrapping it first would be to use the mount to clamp the tail cap. Probably a section of old inner tube could work, but my tires are 700x42 so my tubes are too large to fit. That said, it's not really quick release in some ways because it involves unthreading a screw and pulling the light out, but it also means not loosing the wrapper on the light -- I used a strip of newspaper so it can get lost or damaged easily. Without the wrapper, the light can rotate inside the clamp and while it probably won't come out, the fact that it vibrates doesn't sit well with me.

I have yet to find yet to find a single flashlight that fullfill my need as a combo thrower and flood for commuter light. They are usually one or the other. You should get a second light to compliment the first light.

Agreed. However, in a pinch, a thrower with a narrow (and not terribly deep) reflector will provide a lot of spill. My backup light is a Fenix PD-30 with a Q5 XR-E emitter. It's certainly not as good as a good throwing light and a separate floody light working together (which is what my primary lights are), but it's not terrible, either.

18650??? whats thats mean? aa,aaa,watch batteries?? must be "that there fancy talk"

The number 18650 indicates that the cell is 18 mm in diameter, 65 mm in length, and round.

I'm also looking at 18650 lights as my old RC-N3 Q5 keeps fritzing out on me. It turns out there's never a good time for that.
Anyway, I'm a noob when it comes to this stuff and all the letters and numbers make my head spin. I'm looking at these two from Shining Beam, both of which have been recommended by people on this forum:

Romisen RC-2R4 II R5 http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-218/Romisen-RC-dsh-2R4-II-R5/Detail
P-Rocket XM-L 530 http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-182/P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L-530-pls--Lumens/Detail

I can see that the P-Rocket is a brighter light and has a couple extra modes. Is that pretty much the difference or am I overlooking and/or oversimplifying? I'm trying to decide whether that's enough to justify the difference in price. I tend to think I wouldn't run the P-Rocket on bright mode anyway.

Romisen RC-2R4 II R5
1B Bin means it will be a cool white.
Runs about 350 lumens with 2x CR123A, so I would figure a bit lower if you are using 18650
Appears to be non-regulated.

P-Rocket XM-L 530+ Lumens Compact LED Flashlight
1A bin still is in the cool white range, but slightly different tinting. I think it's not going to be as white as a 1B bin if I read the chart right.
Actually around 800 lumens with 2x CR123A's, but probably a comparable drop on high if on a 18650 as above.
Square threads last longer than V/screw treads.
Little less than 2 hours on high mode on 18650.
XM-L is more of a flood emitter


The lights are priced about right. If you are on the fence on which to get, just think about how much lumens you will need to light your way. If the area you bike through is really dark or very spaced out lights, or has trees to block it, go with the p-rocket. If you are under the constant stream of street lamps, you can afford to go with a less intense light. I have a 220~ Lumen light and it does the job, but I am wanting to upgrade to a 600 lumen because I want a bit of extra omph.

If you need a comparable to the RC N3 Q5, the RC-2R4 is going to be about 25 percent brighter visually, and the p-rocket is going to be about 2.5x times brighter than your current light. This is just a rough guess of course.. not really exact...