Aztlan

I am thinking for my this light what do you people think.





Aztlan

Unknown Cyclist

Price ?

Specs ?

Pictures ?

Intended use ?

svtmike

I have 2x of the MityCross 350 on my commuter, a similar model with 2 LEDs per light head instead of 3. They are replacing NiteRider X.2 Duals.

Likes: Bracket is solid, and allows easily removing light and battery for parking. Battery is nice and small. Light is well constructed and reasonably sized. Light head is in front of handlebar rather than on top. Kit came complete with handlebar and helmet mount items, and a battery extension cable.

Dislikes: Right angle connector makes for messy connection of extension cable compared to in-line connectors. Can't easily adjust light when riding.

Aztlan

Lumens: 600

Runtime: High - 5 hours / Low - 24 hours / Walking - 120 hours

Charge Time: 7 Hrs

Weight: 18 oz


Price 339.98

barturtle

Don't waste your breathe with Unknown...he's just going to tell you what kind of wonderful flashlight (sorry, torch) you can get cheaper...

BearSquirrel

I have two TridenX lights. I think they're pretty darn good. I got my bike shop discount so I went with these.
As far as usability, construction and size goes, the lights rock. Though, I suspect they did not use the top bin LEDs. They could be brighter. I will probably end up upgrading them with a solder gun.

For the price, look very closely at Dinotte lights and their package deals. You'll probably end up with more lighting. at a cheaper price.

Unknown Cyclist

You know, for a lot of people that information about torches would be very valuable.

Edit (to be PC)

Juha

You say it like it's a bad thing?

Unknown Cyclist

While I don't have this headlight, I would point out that if it is providing 600 lumens for 5 hours - even with the latest most efficient LEDs - that's going to be a fair size battery - unless the output is lower than claimed. Is the light output constant, or does it dim over time ?

I'd also recommend that you have a look at some of the torch threads and perhaps consider a nice P7 torch and bar mount.

You can get the same amount of lumens for a lot less money and also in this case, less weight.

18oz is exceptionally heavy, my 2 x 18650 P7 torch runs for 5 hours 43 minutes and is on the large and heavy side for a torch at 13oz.

I mention this because not only can you get the same performance from a torch it will also cost you a lot less.

It's not unusual for people asking about top end cycle lights to be pleasantly surprised at the price and performance these great torches provide (myself included).

I'm just glad I found out about them before I wasted any more money.

Aztlan

What LED are you thinking of adding?

Juha

The problem with general flashlights (torches) is the conical beam shape. I have a Fenix L2D myself, and for the price it's great. But it does waste a lot of electrons up in front, in thin air. Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.

--J

Unknown Cyclist

When I said 'waste of money' I was refering to my own exploits rather than any or all cycle specific lighting.

I've got a selection of halogen and LED front lights that I don't use now, the bikehut LED headlight I bought promised much but delivered little; upgrading the LED only seemed to enhance it's unreliabilty, having said that the Vista and Sigma halogen lights have been very reliable if somewhat lacking in output.

I haven't really noticed any wasted light with the P7 torch, just a lot of light where I want it, if any is being wasted it isn't obvious and/or doesn't seem to matter

The HID cycle light I've built is similar, it's beam isn't ideal (I'd like narrower) but there is so much light there it doesn't really matter.

Certainly I'm more concerned about the beam on my dynohub projects as there is a lot less power available.

I didn't mean to imply that any headlight costing hundreds of $$$ isn't good quality or good value for money, but I do believe that anyone considering them should be aware that a $50 torch can (for the most part) perform as well.

X-LinkedRider

I really dig my blackburn LED's. Work fine, batteries last, and havent had any problems in the rain either.

Unknown Cyclist

What's the light output like ?

no1mad 

I have no experience with lights what-so-ever. That being said:

-If money was no object, and all I had to do was get from secure point A to secure point B, I would probably opt for the heavier cycle specific lights, with their bigger batteries. However, I have to go to a lot of places that aren't secure, like the school, bank, store, bus station, etc.. A torch or two would make sense for me.

-As far as the 'wasted' light, there is a thread in the Electronics sub on BF that is attempting to address that issue. The idea is somehow mount a small mirror at the top to reflect the light back down.

Unknown Cyclist

I'm really not sure the wasted light thing is an issue, at least it hasn't been for me.

I'm using a Ultrafire WF606A which has a Q5 LED and is quite a thrower, lots of bang for your buck and also an Aurora AK P7 3 which is obviously a P7 torch, also superb.

Both are angled to point far enough ahead for me to be able to see well on completely unlit roads, I have no need or desire to angle them up so they are parallel to the ground - maybe the people complaining of wasted light are using their torches in a different environment or for different reasons ie. to be seen ?

Having said that isn't the 'wasted light' making you more visible ?

BearSquirrel

I don't know. But someone else out there has done the mod and really souped up their TridenX unit with the same power consumption. I plan on emailing that person and asking for their recommendation.

As far as battery size goes, the regular LION model is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. I strap it directly to my helmet, it's easier that way. I don't notice it up there. It lasts 2.5 hours. The "Extra" unit is twice as large. You would not want to strap that to your helmet, but it ain't that big.

Unknown Cyclist

Does the battery pack look like it is assembled from 18650s ?

Aztlan

I love my new light



Aztlan

evblazer

With the exception of certain lights for dynohubs I have found most of the bicycle lights I have had or see others using are no better than a flashlight in the reflector department.

jack002

One thing I've learned about the P7 "torch" is that it takes special batteres and a special charger that you most likely will not have yet. Factor that into a P7 too before you buy.

evblazer

Somewhat special yes but not something with special connectors or special circuits that will mean you need to get your battery from the manufacturer only or hack apart their pack to replace.

I got 2 protected (short circuit, low and high voltage) 18650 batteries plus charger for less than $20.

Unknown Cyclist

There are some P7 torches that run on AAs, Fenix make one.

I don't think an extra $20 for batteries and charger is really a deal breaker though, anyway.

jack002

Ok, ok! I never said it wasn't worth it. These hidden costs are now out in the open! Pay for whatever you like, just let us make an informed decision, ok?

Unknown Cyclist

No one was trying to hide anything from you, honest.