Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - front light help.

Alright I am looking to get a new headlight, the current one i have i got for free. it is a nashbar light. not sure what model. It is bright/can be seen from far...but i went down a street that had zero lights, and it just lit up in a white haze infront of me about 15ft ahead. i tried adjusting angle, etc. but def did not continue down that. I want something that wont turn into a blur/haze on a clear night...

I have heard knog boomers are decent. Any other opinions, or has anyone else used a knog boomer and have an opinion?

IIRC, some people have had issues with the Boomer changing modes/turning itself off.

So, what's your budget?

Check this: http://reviews.mtbr.com/2011-bike-lights-shootout

Don't want to spend a fortune on just a light.

I'd like to keep it to, an internal battery operated --> like double A; or a rechargable via usb (like the boomer) thats its biggest appeal to me.

I'd like to stay under 25, but if it's that good i might put a little more into it.

wow just went to that website looigi; so basically what i am getting is, for what i want a light to do, its not in my budget right now.

wow just went to that website looigi; so basically what i am getting is, for what i want a light to do, its not in my budget right now.

yepper, pretty much the way it is man. A lighting system is definitely a big budget item. There are alternatives in the mean time. have you looked at : http://www.candlepowerforums.com (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/) in their Transportation Lighting/bicycle forum?? A lot of ideas for flashlights that are less of an investment $$ wise that may hold you over until the time comes you can pony up for a big $$ system... (fwiw I have 4 200 lumen flashlights I use on the trike - works until I can get a serious set up)

Here's my favorite low-budget lighting system.

Flashlight ($16.70):
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-501b-xm-lt6-5-mode-510-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-55241
18650 cells ($7.99 for two, gives you a spare)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2500mah-2-pack-blue-5790
Charger ($6.90)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105
Handlebar mount ($2.20)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cycling-bicycle-flashlight-torch-mount-holder-105213

$33.79 including shipping. It will take 3 weeks to arrive. I have a MagicShine 900, but honestly, this works just as well and if I were starting over, I'd get this plus a PDW Danger Zone and call it done. I've gotten other flashlights including more expensive ones that were not reliable, but this one has been solid for me. I don't have to run it on high regardless of whether I'm in town or out in the pitch black country going down potholed gravel roads, so I get more than the 50 minutes or so you'd expect to get on high with one cell. More like 90 minutes.

I might get a 2nd flashlight and keep the 2nd battery in it, just to have a full backup of everything when riding. for an extra $17 it seems worth it. I might even buy a 2nd mount and just keep the 2nd flashlight right on the bars so it would just be one button push if the first light went out.

This will blow away anything you can get from normal bike light suppliers for anything close to this price, and as a bonus it's a darn nice handheld flashlight, and it's totally waterproof.

Don't let the weird battery scare you off. They're cheap and the charger is cheap.

Awesome Light. $9.30

Adjustable Beam. 3 modes. Top switch.
Great for night rides.
Great for day light safety.

I have one and another on the way.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-q5-270-lumen-3-mode-white-led-flashlight-1x18650-102636

hub dynamo , and Headlight wired to it.. never needs a battery charge,
always there.
and I can see the road, and avoid riding thru junk, in the dark.

10 Wheels: the beam pattern for that Cree looks lousy, very spotty. Can you see the road for a ways ahead (say, 50 feet) and still see the ground a few feet in front of the wheel? Also, how's runtime on low? One comment says that there's not that much difference between high and low. I like to have a 50% and about a 20% mode, since I can ride at 50% most of the time (except when doing downhills on gravel with potholes) and 20% is more than enough for most handheld flashlight use.

With the adjustable beam you can shine it ahead as far as you want.
Big difference in High and Low.

Bright run time about is 90 minutes, guessing battery quality effects it the most.
My other Cree 5's are bright for 3 hours. Have not tested this one.
It should also have a 3 hour bright period.
I have cheap ones, but getting some good ones soon.
I use it for a Day Time Strobe Safety light.

Alright I am looking to get a new headlight, the current one i have i got for free. it is a nashbar light. not sure what model. It is bright/can be seen from far...but i went down a street that had zero lights, and it just lit up in a white haze infront of me about 15ft ahead. i tried adjusting angle, etc. but def did not continue down that. I want something that wont turn into a blur/haze on a clear night...

I have heard knog boomers are decent. Any other opinions, or has anyone else used a knog boomer and have an opinion?
I've used just about every Knog LED unit they make and IMO they're fine for MUPs and bike paths, but I wouldn't want to count on them to see with or to be seen on streets shared with motor vehicles. The Boomer is rated for 50 lumens which definately doesn't cut it as anything other than a running light.

There's also the problem with light intensity varying with the square of the distance so any light that needs to throw a beam any distance needs some serious power. More-so if you actually want to light up the lane you're driving in rather than being limited to the narrow pencil-beam spotlights that flashlights and most bike lights want to try to convince you is 'normal'.

I run with a PAIR of 900 lumen headlights in unlight areas. On the other hand, daylight visibility 'be seen lighting' requires a lot less than that.

Awesome Light. $9.30

Adjustable Beam. 3 modes. Top switch.
Great for night rides.
Great for day light safety.

I have one and another on the way.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-q5-270-lumen-3-mode-white-led-flashlight-1x18650-102636

What kind of mount are you using with this? I'd imagine the strap from a Twofish mount would cover that switch...

What kind of mount are you using with this? I'd imagine the strap from a Twofish mount would cover that switch...

The switch is just in front of where the strap holds the light.

magicshine rules

magicshine rules

If there was any truth to that statement they'd be winning all the awards in all the light comparisons - and they aren't. There are other lights available that have higher output, more reliability, better beam throws or are less expensive. Some systems offer all of those compared to some magicshine models.

Just when I think I've found it, something better comes along. Here is my latest bookmark-
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/808881-CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Light

what about catseye??

what about catseye??
Basically, it boils down to this- when looking a cycling specific lights (Cateye, Knog, bunch of others)... they make decent "to be seen" lights, but aren't worth the plastic as a "to see by" light, unless your willing to drop at least a C-note. Even then, a flashlight powered by a 18650 lithium cell will put out more power for less money.

Here's my favorite low-budget lighting system.

Flashlight ($16.70):
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-501b-xm-lt6-5-mode-510-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-55241
18650 cells ($7.99 for two, gives you a spare)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2500mah-2-pack-blue-5790
Charger ($6.90)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105
Handlebar mount ($2.20)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cycling-bicycle-flashlight-torch-mount-holder-105213

$33.79 including shipping. It will take 3 weeks to arrive. I have a MagicShine 900, but honestly, this works just as well and if I were starting over, I'd get this plus a PDW Danger Zone and call it done. I've gotten other flashlights including more expensive ones that were not reliable, but this one has been solid for me. I don't have to run it on high regardless of whether I'm in town or out in the pitch black country going down potholed gravel roads, so I get more than the 50 minutes or so you'd expect to get on high with one cell. More like 90 minutes.

I might get a 2nd flashlight and keep the 2nd battery in it, just to have a full backup of everything when riding. for an extra $17 it seems worth it. I might even buy a 2nd mount and just keep the 2nd flashlight right on the bars so it would just be one button push if the first light went out.

This will blow away anything you can get from normal bike light suppliers for anything close to this price, and as a bonus it's a darn nice handheld flashlight, and it's totally waterproof.

Don't let the weird battery scare you off. They're cheap and the charger is cheap.

Okay, you've sold me. I was going to just get the cheapest MS clone I could find, but this set up is at least $10 cheaper. Plus, it will be easier to use off the bike (and thus easier to justify the expense). Got every item in the shopping cart, but their server is down or too busy... they told me to go have a cup of coffee and try again later...

FWIW after reading some responses and looking around, I think my next taillight will be a Cygolite Hotshot, not a Danger Zone. For the current < $30 price it's unbeatable.

FWIW after reading some responses and looking around, I think my next taillight will be a Cygolite Hotshot, not a Danger Zone. For the current < $30 price it's unbeatable.
I currently have a Cherrybomb and a 4D Toplight. Since I'm beefing up my lighting a bit, I'm torn between the Hotshot or getting a pair of the PBSF clones from Pricepoint...

And the DX order has been placed and confirmed. Once it gets inside CONUS, which carrier handles it? FedEx, UPS, or the USPS?

I currently have a Cherrybomb and a 4D Toplight. Since I'm beefing up my lighting a bit, I'm torn between the Hotshot or getting a pair of the PBSF clones from Pricepoint...

And the DX order has been placed and confirmed. Once it gets inside CONUS, which carrier handles it? FedEx, UPS, or the USPS?

USPS.

I have the chinese PBSF clones. IMO they're as good as the superflash as far as brightness goes, but they're a bit less durable - the snaps have broken on two of mine, so they have zip ties holding them together. The Superflash isn't great shakes for build quality, they're just "OK" in my opinion. The SuperFlash and the clones are a great step up from department store "Bell" lights, and I use one on my helmet as a backup in case my main light dies without me knowing it, but I don't count the PBSF as a "serious" taillight.

When I say "serious" taillight, I mean one that, if I have it on my back, I feel pretty confident riding on 55+ MPH roads in bad conditions - either rain/fog or (worst case) heading into the sun. Though in heading into the sun situations, I don't know if any light is really good enough - this is one of the few situations where I'm scanning my mirror CONSTANTLY and ready to bail into the ditch, or I try to find an alternate route.

Basically, it boils down to this- when looking a cycling specific lights (Cateye, Knog, bunch of others)... they make decent "to be seen" lights, but aren't worth the plastic as a "to see by" light, unless your willing to drop at least a C-note. Even then, a flashlight powered by a 18650 lithium cell will put out more power for less money.

Okay, so then can't afford the "to see by" lights. What is the best value/price for the "to be seen" lights? (like best brands or specific models you may use)

Well, the Knog Boomer is rated at 50 lumens with pricing all over the board, depending on power supply and color of the body. For $25.60 shipped, you can get the Rominsen C8 (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-215/**NEW**-Romisen-RC-dsh-C8-II/Detail) from Shiningbeam that runs off of either 1x18650 or 3xAAA that will give you ~200 lumens. You could either order a mount or DIY using hose clamps, rubber bands, inner tubes, zip ties...

Knogs are overpriced pieces of plastic weird looking junk.

You didn't mention how much you were wanting to spend.

If you want to spend less the $100 is difficult to beat the Cygolite ExpiliOn 300. It puts out 300 lumens, has a self contained replaceable rechargeable battery. You can generally find these for around $79. However there is also a ExpiliOn 410 that is even brighter that can be found on sale for $89, so for $10 more you get 110 more lumens. These are great lights that will work great as main lights.

If you want a great light that puts out enormous amount of light for a reasonable price there is the Phillips LED BikeLight that has 1000 lumens and cost about $210. I just got this light and it is truely fantastic. My previous main light was a Cygolite Mitycross 480 ($190), which was very bright, bright enough to win a light war hands down with a friends 1200 lumen MagicShine (there's a reason they don't charge much for that light). However, the Phillips beat the Cygolite handly. It projects a pear shape beam with the smaller (stem) end forward that reaches out at least twice as far as the Cygolite. Then the body of the "pear" shape behind that spreads a flood pattern about twice as large as the Cygolite. Then the Phillips has a fairly dim side spillage that the Cygolite does not have at all in it's round very focused shaped beam that projects light out to the side of your bike in front of you about 9 feet in both directions. Add on top of that a unique lens design that is larger then others in surface area, and the edge of the lens is about 1/16th of an inch thick goes around the light glows making you more visible from the sides. The light uses 4 self contained replaceable and rechargable AA bats, but that could be a downfall for some because they only store enough energy to run the light for about 1.75 hours on high (they claim 2 hours), then the light automatically dims to the low setting and runs another 30 minutes. The Cygolite Mitycross on the other hand will burn for 3.5 hours on high and up to 17 hours on low, but it has a seperate battery that must be seperately attached to the bike which really bugs me. There is also no strobe feature on the Phillips which I found a bit odd. But dispite the Phillips shorter run time ( I never ride for more then 2 hours at night anyways), and the lack of a strobe, it is now my main light and the Cygolite is the helmet light.

Technology for LED lights are rapidly changing, when I got the Cygolite it was the best light I could find for the money, now the Phillips has doubled that for about the same amount of money in just a one year period.

Tail lights it's the same story. Currently the best tail light for the money (under $35) is the Cygolite Hotshot, the Hotshot is rechargeable and brighter then anything on the market under $100.

Once you get a good head light and a good tail light, then later get a good front flasher. A flasher will attract attention to you faster then a headlight alone will. Then later get either a set of Soma Road Flares for the barends, these are very bright single red LED lights, or get a rear helmet light, then later a front helmet light. You need to be lit up like a christmas tree to get noticed better. Yes they cost money, but they could save your life, just add a light as money allows. Also consider reflective clothing, bands that go around your legs and arms, reflective tape on the helmet (put it on without looking like a dork of course).

Okay, so then can't afford the "to see by" lights. What is the best value/price for the "to be seen" lights? (like best brands or specific models you may use)

Les than $40 for a great "to see by" light - see my earlier post on flashlights. Seriously, a cheap 18650 based flashlight, with 2 batteries, charger and bar mount, is as good as most dedicated bike lights in the class.

Just received e-mail that 3/4 of my DX order has shipped- the light, mount, and cells. No idea when the charger will ship :(...

Just received e-mail that 3/4 of my DX order has shipped- the light, mount, and cells. No idea when the charger will ship :(...

What you ordering in light, mount and cells?

I got a 26550 single cell light, about 5 more two fish copy mounts, and 2 trustfire 26650 cells coming from DX. I hope they ship this year ;)

What you ordering in light, mount and cells?

I got a 26550 single cell light, about 5 more two fish copy mounts, and 2 trustfire 26650 cells coming from DX. I hope they ship this year ;)
It's the stuff IJM linked to in post #7. I was torn between a cheap MS clone off of ebay, but this set up was cheaper and more user friendly off of the bike.

Les than $40 for a great "to see by" light - see my earlier post on flashlights. Seriously, a cheap 18650 based flashlight, with 2 batteries, charger and bar mount, is as good as most dedicated bike lights in the class.
For a while, at least.

I went this route a couple of years ago. After a few months, the flashlight stopped working consistently. There have been a few threads on this forum telling me I am not alone in this experience.

Since I already had 18650 batteries and a charger, I got a non-DX 18650 light. Then the batteries stopped holding a charge. Since I already had a light, I bought some non-DX 18650 cells. Then I added another (non-DX) light, for more flood and backup. So now I have a fantastic light set with zero reliability concerns, but I have also spent $150 more than my original DX order.

The DX charger still works fine.

It's the stuff IJM linked to in post #7. I was torn between a cheap MS clone off of ebay, but this set up was cheaper and more user friendly off of the bike.

You on a roll!! :thumb:

For a while, at least.

I agree some of the DX lights are pretty flaky. The one that I listed, despite being one of the cheapest ones, has outlasted all the others including ones that cost more than twice as much.

Even the flakiest ones I've had so far only needed their rings tightened to get them working again, however.

Just received e-mail that 3/4 of my DX order has shipped- the light, mount, and cells. No idea when the charger will ship :(...
The first shipment is now officially in the pipeline, but the charger is still waiting to be picked/processed/shipped. :(

Do the 18650 cells come pre-charged? Otherwise, I'm going to have some rather interesting paperweights...

Do the 18650 cells come pre-charged? Otherwise, I'm going to have some rather interesting paperweights...
I have never used the 18650 cells, but my understanding is that they are shipped at "storage charge" which is essentially discharged. You can draw more current from them, but it's really not a good idea. I actually have a lipo charger that will charge these too, but I've never felt compelled to get more cells. I usually use the lipos from my model airplanes if I want a high capacity battery. Haven't done that in a while.

I was afraid of that. Wonder if I can substitute or get a refund on that charger so that I can order another...

I was afraid of that. Wonder if I can substitute or get a refund on that charger so that I can order another...
My apologies to the OP for kinda taking over the thread, but FWIW my light, mount, and batts are now in NY- and no sign of the charger. I've contacted DX via e-mail to cancel that charger and refund my card. I'm going to pony up the extra dough and order one from Shiningbeam.

My apologies to the OP for kinda taking over the thread, but FWIW my light, mount, and batts are now in NY- and no sign of the charger. I've contacted DX via e-mail to cancel that charger and refund my card. I'm going to pony up the extra dough and order one from Shiningbeam.

i don't care, it's giving me ideas that i can work with. thanks everyone, post a pic of your setup when you get it going no1mad

FWIW, my order from DX came in today. Still waiting on a charger, but the cell I popped into the light still has some charge on it. Don't know how much power is actually left in it, but there is enough to tell that this sucker is going to get noticed. I'll see if I can figure out a way to take/post pic later.

FWIW, my order from DX came in today. Still waiting on a charger, but the cell I popped into the light still has some charge on it. Don't know how much power is actually left in it, but there is enough to tell that this sucker is going to get noticed. I'll see if I can figure out a way to take/post pic later.

Congrats. Yes, you will get noticed, and a lot of respect as far as right-of-way is concerned. Also, with the high powered lights, you are going to find out that that batteries will make a big difference in how much runtime you have. I started with the cheaper cells, but quickly found out, that the run out quickly. I also, saw where there are 18650 batteries that cost $10 to $15 each. Now, I know why they cost so much.. They are way better.. Right now, I have Hi Max 18650 batteries. They are rated at 2600Mah, and they cost me $6 each.

Luck to you,

Congrats. Yes, you will get noticed, and a lot of respect as far as right-of-way is concerned. Also, with the high powered lights, you are going to find out that that batteries will make a big difference in how much runtime you have. I started with the cheaper cells, but quickly found out, that the run out quickly. I also, saw where there are 18650 batteries that cost $10 to $15 each. Now, I know why they cost so much.. They are way better.. Right now, I have Hi Max 18650 batteries. They are rated at 2600Mah, and they cost me $6 each.

Luck to you,
Hi! Great to see you having fun with all those lights! I'm still way over my head in work but will have a few items trickling in that I'll post on later this month.

Maybe a simplistic view on lights and run time but here it is: Basicly I feel that we're just talking about converting electrical energy into light, which is another form of energy. So the more energy you start with, the more light you can end up with. Which means high capacity batteries to store more of that energy. Higher capacity and higher build quality ( to deliver longer service life) both cost more money.

Another way to have more energy to convert is to start with a higher voltage. Combine a higher voltage AND higher capacity and its like riding a high horsepower machine with a big gas tank - you get high performance for a loooooooooong time!

So I got that DX Trustfire in the other day. Haven't had a chance to ride with it yet, but it is rather bright. Took it outside during the daylight, placed it on the trash cart lid with it on the slow blink mode, walked to the end of the driveway, turned around, and :eek:.

Since this is currently the only light I have up front, I need to get another. Don't know if I should go for another just like it or something else...

Go for a Shiningbeam S-Mini in the XP-G led and slap it to the helmet. You can then point your head at the sides of the road or around the corners you are approaching.

Go for a Shiningbeam S-Mini in the XP-G led and slap it to the helmet. You can then point your head at the sides of the road or around the corners you are approaching.

Suggest a mount? Last time I rolled with a flashlight on the helmet (Coleman 3xAAA), I used rubber bands it didn't work out so well...

Here's my favorite low-budget lighting system.

Flashlight ($16.70):
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-501b-xm-lt6-5-mode-510-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-55241
18650 cells ($7.99 for two, gives you a spare)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2500mah-2-pack-blue-5790
Charger ($6.90)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-li-ion-18650-battery-charger-6105
Handlebar mount ($2.20)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cycling-bicycle-flashlight-torch-mount-holder-105213

$33.79 including shipping. It will take 3 weeks to arrive. I have a MagicShine 900, but honestly, this works just as well and if I were starting over, I'd get this plus a PDW Danger Zone and call it done. I've gotten other flashlights including more expensive ones that were not reliable, but this one has been solid for me. I don't have to run it on high regardless of whether I'm in town or out in the pitch black country going down potholed gravel roads, so I get more than the 50 minutes or so you'd expect to get on high with one cell. More like 90 minutes.

I might get a 2nd flashlight and keep the 2nd battery in it, just to have a full backup of everything when riding. for an extra $17 it seems worth it. I might even buy a 2nd mount and just keep the 2nd flashlight right on the bars so it would just be one button push if the first light went out.

This will blow away anything you can get from normal bike light suppliers for anything close to this price, and as a bonus it's a darn nice handheld flashlight, and it's totally waterproof.

Don't let the weird battery scare you off. They're cheap and the charger is cheap.Regarding the mount, how long will it survive the various weather elements and/or how many times can the light be put in/taken out before it loses its grippy-ness?

Regarding the mount, how long will it survive the various weather elements and/or how many times can the light be put in/taken out before it loses its grippy-ness?

Mine has been on the bike every day for 2 years in all weather, it still seems like new. It is still extremely grippy, I don't think it's likely to ever lose its grip, it's very stiff and seems very resilient.

Mine has been on the bike every day for 2 years in all weather, it still seems like new. It is still extremely grippy, I don't think it's likely to ever lose its grip, it's very stiff and seems very resilient.

Mine still feels as snug as the day I put it on the bike. These are rubber and if you leave the bike outside in the hot sun for days on end, the mount will age faster. I think it will last for years. These are inexpensive; buy two :-)

Another little trick I learned on mounting flashlights on bikes. I used the two fish copies and the open clamp mounts. Although none of the mounts have failed, I have been reinforcing the clamps with black rubber bands. Cheap insurance..

Here they are on my open clamp mounts. You can see the little thin black rubber bands..They increase the security on all my mounts..
http://www.cehoward.net/helmtor509.jpg

Well, the Knog Boomer is rated at 50 lumens with pricing all over the board, depending on power supply and color of the body. For $25.60 shipped, you can get the Rominsen C8 (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-215/**NEW**-Romisen-RC-dsh-C8-II/Detail) from Shiningbeam that runs off of either 1x18650 or 3xAAA that will give you ~200 lumens. You could either order a mount or DIY using hose clamps, rubber bands, inner tubes, zip ties...

Regarding flashlights, keep the following in mind.

You might need to shim the batteries (with packing tape or o-rings) to keep them from rattling around (and keep the flashlight from turning off or changing modes).

This might be more true for flashlights that accommodate different battery types.

Regarding flashlights, keep the following in mind.

You might need to shim the batteries (with packing tape or o-rings) to keep them from rattling around (and keep the flashlight turning off or changing modes).

This might be more true for flashlights that accommodate different battery types.

I use masking tape.