ModeratedUser

Hello all,

I'm starting to shop around for a new headlamp. I'm thinking in this day and age I should be able to get a pretty darn good light for ~$100.

I'm pretty open to what that would get me for a rolling light, but I would think that I would be able to get something that is 1000 lumens or more, something that has good overall coverage, and be able to burn 3-4 hrs. It does need to be powered by one preferably two 18650 batteries that would be easy to swap it out for a couple of fresh batteries.

Any links regarding this subject would be most appreciated.

2manybikes

I have a few lights from this company. They work well and have a great reputation. Many on line reviews.

Fenix 18650 Battery Powered Flashlights

ModeratedUser

Yeah something along the lines of the BC30 is what I'm looking for. There happens to be a return they are offering right now; Fenix BC30 LED Bike Light - RETURN - Fenix Outfitters Too bad I haven't done my homework or I'd be looking at this hard.

EDIT:
Actually I'm watching this item on ebay. So it was on my radar.

davidad

Fenix BT20 LED Bike Light - Fenix OutfittersI have this one and it works.

tcs

I've been using one of these for the last couple of years with a Panasonic 3400mha battery. Works.

tarwheel 

I'm pretty sure that Lezyne bike lights use 18650 batteries.

ItsJustMe

I don't think you're going to get 3-4 hours of runtime out of a 1000 lumen light with only 2 18650 cells. LEDs are not that efficient. That's about the runtime you get out of a 1000 lumen light with 4 cells.

I think this is probably a good bet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X90ZYJ0

I just bought one of their batteries, they seem well sealed (I haven't had time to do a run-down test with it yet). They include the diffuser lens that I love.

2manybikes

A friend just got one for Christmas. It's OK. There is a hot spot in the middle and the spill is not as bright. He's only used it once. I got to play with it. The next thing is to try the diffuser. I think it's worth the money.

ModeratedUser

Seems like a nice light. I like the feedback on Amazon. I've yet to read more than the first page but will later. I know getting up to 4 hrs on high (< 1000 lumens) is more than likely asking for too much, I really was looking at my riding habits and considering my needed energy needs. I do want to have at least 1000 lumens for my max, but what is more important is how well is the light working. Is there a nice uniformed light on the sides and in front of you? Or is there a hotspot?

It's great that far more riders can now afford some decent lights without spending the big $$$$.

On your example I'm not crazy about having the batteries sealed. I'd much rather be able to take my batteries out and be putting in some fresh 18650 batteries.

ModeratedUser

Would be great to see the comparison between the diffuser and none. There must be something someone posted on Amazon, but I haven't seen it yet.

2manybikes

When we have time we'll do that. Give us a couple of days.

ItsJustMe

My favorite light is to intentionally get one with a bad hot spot and add the diffuser lens. It results in a relatively good cutoff, a decent pattern for lighting the road surface, and a wide coverage of the lane. It's not as good as an engineered beam, but since most of those conform to German "not allowed to be very bright" rules, it's the one I prefer.

2manybikes

In the driveway. 1-4-16. I would use the diffuser if it were my light. It works fine at 20F.

3 photos

1) light off 2) no diffuser lens 3) duffuser lens on.

ModeratedUser

Thanks for posting! Is this set at high or med? Does the diffuser look like it would be of little trouble or does it look like something one might loss?

tigris99

Check this one out, Ituo Wiz20. just shy of 2.5 hours on max setting, could hit 3+ on modes (programmable) down around 1k lumens. Theres a thread on MTBR about it too. Pretty sweet light for all around use.

2manybikes

It's on high. It looks like a better beam shape in person. The camera can't always get it right. Even your monitor setting could make it look worse or better.It would also be more realistic if the houses were not on each side. But, it was 20f and windy. The camera battery was getting weak from the cold, so I did it quickly in a place without much wind.

My photos may look brighter or dimmer when compared to other photos from other forum members. Also tipping the light up moving the hot spot in the middle away from the bike more would change things, possibly making it better.

Edit - Also, to attach the diffuser one takes the front of the light off and puts the diffuser under the front part of the light. Nothing could get it off then. I just held it in place by hand.

2manybikes

I read the reviews, it seems like an excellent light. $99 without batteries. $129 with batteries.

ModeratedUser

I'm a little confused why someone would use his helmet light when demo'ing a handlebar mounted light?

The Wiz20 sounds really promising. I really like that it's programmable, batteries are swappable, and fairly cheap.

Looks like I'm going to have to start trolling the MTBR site. I'm not necessarily looking for lighting off road, but somethings I do like with what they are striving for. Obviously their yearly review on lights is pretty good.

Hopefully the light manufacturers follow this format. Programmable light, easily swappable batteries (18650?), 2 emitters, at least 1000 lumens, compact wireless body. What did I forget?

tigris99

Because I ride with dual lights always, its a matter of preference and safety. I'm not going to sacrifice my ability to ride at speed because I'm reviewing a light. It doesn't interfere with the bar light. Its a mountain biking thing, need to see around corners and other areas the bars aren't pointing for safety and line planing.

2manybikes

You forgot to mention run time. If it does not go long enough for your rides, all the other things don't matter. I need 5 hours run time for a 4 hour night ride. This allows for things like a flat tire, or too cold to get enough run time. Most new lights are regulated to give you the same brightness until the battery is too low. With cold enough weather you just get short run times. You need to know what you get at say-- for me-- today--- 26 degrees. Or what ever you do.

edit - just noticed you live in Ca. never gets this cold. oops.

ModeratedUser

Actually run time does not become that important when you have batteries that are easily swapped out. Kinda makes your light system a little more usable for a longer length of time. Your system is no longer lasting as long as the original battery is lasting.

2manybikes

A good point. You do however have to think about it and bring the appropriate amount of batteries along. Not a problem really, just something to remember.

ModeratedUser

You basically can easily update the battery as the technology improves without having to toss the rest of the system. Not only that, as a manufacturer, you don't have a charger to worry about. You pretty much are centered on the light and the controls of it. Yes you also have the reflector(s) and the body, but that's pretty much an easy job. Even for the user, you don't have a charger for every light system you have. Does the charging technology really improve all that much as time goes by? I would argue that it hasn't.