bicycleflyer

Just FYI folks,

Dinotte is having another sale on their products. Just in case you've been lurking and thinking about that uber-bright tail light

https://www.dinottelighting.com/

AEO

oh boo, just as I was trying to get rid of my dinotte headlight

BarracksSi

I've been thinking of moving up to Li-ion; AA is handy, but the extra runtime would be nice.

bicycleflyer

I did just that this year... have not regretted it either. Longer run times and a lot less hassle. You can still use AA if you want to build a six pack, or just build a 18650 pack.

calbrner

would the AA version be better than 2 fenix l2ds??

BarracksSi

Does the Fenix have an always-on flash pattern?

bicycleflyer

I've owned a Dinotte 200L pro-series and I use a Fenix L2D-Q5 on my job. A simple comparison of the two showed me that the Dinotte's beam pattern was wider, and it was a tad bit brighter. The throw was about the same. That being said ... If I was wanting strictly a AA battery powered system I would still opt for the Fenix. If I were to choose Dinotte I would go for the Li Ion battery system (which I presently use).

My reasons are ..

1. Two AA batteries (vs 4 in the dinotte)

2. Lack of external cords and battery pack.

3. More battery flexibility. The Dinotte cannot use Alkaline batteries, it drains them in about 10 minutes. The fenix truly can use alkaline, albeit with a slightly diminished performance. Both systems can use Lithium batteries and NiMh.

Dinotte does have one major advantage over the Fenix.... The customer support is the best in the industry. That is why I stuck with them.

Don't get me wrong, the 200L was a good light. I just did not get the performance I wanted using the AA powered system. I came up with some "tricks" like creating a parallel wire system that allowed me to use two battery packs simultaneously for slightly more than twice the run time. I used to carry a spare battery holder loaded with Lithium batteries as a "last chance" battery pack. The Dinotte actually performs very well with Lith batteries, just too expensive to use as anything but a backup. This year I ordered a 400L that utilized the Li Ion system. What a pleasure to use! I liked it so much I upgraded my tail light to it as well.

bicycleflyer

The Fenix has two flashing modes ... SOS and Strobe. The strobe is the closest to an always on mode.

Some argue that the strobe is too fast. I don't think I agree, but I guess you would have to try it for yourself.

The SOS is the slowest, maybe too slow as the flashing pauses between each letter. That could amount to the time a car doing 55 mph coming around a curve would have to spot and react. Some don't like the idea of running an SOS signal. Personally I don't think you're going to cause a SAR or EMS response. I think 95% (or more) drivers wouldn't even put that together. That feature was designed for someone lost or trapped in a remote area to signal a passer by or a helicopter overhead.

I do agree that a Dinotte has better flash modes.

veggie_lover

It is showing $129 + $3 for shipping for the 140 taillight without batteries. Is there any coupon code someone can PM me to get it lower?

KingOfTheHill

I think you're looking at the wrong one.

Look at: https://store.dinottelighting.com/sha...unt2=639121651

That one is $103.20 No AA batteries or charger, so you have to provide your own.

10 Wheels

Thanks for catching that.
Good prices on the other lights also.

KingOfTheHill

Just noticed the link I posted doesn't work...ugh.

Go to Dinotte's store, click on the AA lights, and it's the second one from the top.

veggie_lover

Before I take the plunge, does anyone know if it will be easy to install on a folding bike? My seatpost diameter is larger than average and never fits the standard rings that comes with usual blinkys.

Second question, if I go for the no-charger option it only shows 2 hour runtime on high. Is high the recommended setting, or do most run it on lower modes?

bicycleflyer

Mine came with two O-rings, so you should be able to use it. If not you can always shop around for larger O-rings, or use a cross section from an old inner tube. I would make that old tube something like 2.0 or larger. Bottom line is there is more than one way to use this light if you get creative enough.

Call and speak to Dinotte about your concern. Tell them the diameter of your seatpost and I bet they can advise you the best course of action.

You, and maybe others might disagree with me. But I would spend the extra 56.00 and get the Li Ion system at it's sale price. Longer run times and easier battery maintenance.

I run mine on High-Steady mode when I'm on roads with cars. If I am group riding or using a MUP then I use low-steady mode. In daylight conditions I go fast-flashing.

Crast

Both the front and rear dinotte lights use a fairly unique system involving O-ring rubberbands. They can fit pretty much any size handlebars/stems/seatposts out there.

An image of the rear mount:

10 Wheels

veggie_lover
I just got one last week.
Easy to install, mine came with 4 o-rings.
The battery charger is great.
You can use your own if you already have one.
I get 7 hr run time on the fast strobe mode.
That seems to be the favorite mode for visibility.

veggie_lover

Thanks for the info! Their website says 6 hours runtime on rapid pulse with the AA. Is rapid pulse operating at full intensity or lower intensity?

127.0.0.1

pulses are full intensity spaced with lower intensity or none depending on mode

veggie_lover

Thanks to all, I have just placed my order for the tail light for $108 incl. shipping. Any suggestions for what I should do with my planet bike superflash light? It came with a small clip, should I mount it on the side of my bike?

BarracksSi

Put your Superflash on a seatstay; it'll be good as a backup or when the Dinotte feels like overkill.

hopperja

I clip my PBSF onto the back of my hat when I run in the darkness of early morning. Other than that, it would make a good back-up for the DiNotte, but I've never had to use it for this b/c I carry an extra set of batteries.

bicycleflyer

A back up is always a good idea. Just don't waste your batteries if the Dinotte tail light is on because it will wash out the PB. Wait till you have a problem, then switch it on.

mechBgon

My way of thinking is that if the DiNotte goes out, I want the PB SuperFlash to already be running, so I have a working taillight even if I'm not aware of the failure at first. The SuperFlash is very economical on battery power, plus I use rechargeable NiMH in it anyway, so hey In computerese, this would be called a "hot spare."

Don't die with your taillight turned off, that's what I say

tarwheel 

I finally broke down and ordered a Dinotte 140L tail-light since they are on sale. It only took 2 days to arrive in the mail, so I installed it yesterday. My main hesitancy in ordering a Dinotte was the limited mounting options. Since I use a large seatbag (Carradice Barley) for commuting, I couldn't mount the tail-light on my seatpost. I ended up figuring out a very simple way to mount the light. I added an 8" piece of PVC pipe just behind my seat, held in place by the straps on my Barley. The light is perfectly centered just behind the seat at a good height. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet, but will have it on my commute tomorrow.

crackerdog

One of the nice things of the 140L tail light is that I can tell if it is on by looking at signs in my mirror. If they are not red as I pass, the tail light is off.