brian@bain.org

I have a Dinoette headlamp and am thinking about getting the Lupine Betty X Pro because it's 1500 lumens versus the dinoette at 400 lumens. Has anyone used the Betty X? Is it really that bright?

paulrad9

Based upon your budget and type of riding you described, I recommend you stick with the Dinotte

Eclectus

Here is some info on lights

https://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/lights-...-introduction/

https://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/lights-...-measurements/

The Betty 14 and X Pro have 1500 lumens, claimed, versus 12's 1400 lumens. Not yet tested by mtbr.

Here is where things get interesting. We don't look INTO the light, we see the REFLECTED-OFF-OBJECTS light produced by our headlamps.

mtbr's reflected-light lux measurement showed 68 lux for the 12.

Now, assume the 14 /X Pro is 7% brighter than 12, or 73 lumens (1500 v. 1400 lumens)

How much does the DiNotte 800L reflect? 55 lux. It's not in Lupine's class, but for $449, you get 5 hours of light, versus X Pro's 3 hours for $1017.

Now, suppose you were to discover that an 800L bar light, with an 800L headband light (DIY, not offered by DiNotte, but not hard to rig), at 110 lux, which is way more than Lupine X Pro's likely 72 lux, were considered.

DiNotte double 800L minuses:

1) More than double the Lupine's weight to carry.
2) Somewhat heavier neck-load, maybe 50 gms.
3) Not as bright head-aimable light. Half the DiNotte output would aim with your handlebar.

DiNotte double-800L plusses.

1) Lower price for DiNotte double ($898). Even lower if you bought a couple combo special packages and sold the extra lights on eBay. For example, an 800L + 400L can be bought with 2 4C batts (5 hrs) for $469. Sell the 400L lighthead sans batt for $100 (a steal for buyers)=> $369 your net cost. Times two: $738.

2) Redundancy. If one DiNotte goes out, 800 lumens/55 lux will get you home at a pretty fast, if not full race, speed.

3) Waay more total light output, as measured reflectively.

4) Direct, fast dealing with the manufacturer. I had a batt go out at 5 mos. It took 6 days from dropping it at the post office to getting a new one. I paid $5.00 Priority Mail one way, DiNotte paid the return PM postage.

Outside of warranty period, your turnaround with repair is less than 2 weeks.

IF Lupine provides "loaners" to its US dealers, so while your unit is shipped back to Germany, you're back on the trail quickly, or if the dealers can do diagnosis and repair quickly here, that's great. If they make you wait, sans light for 1 month or whatever for Lupine to work on it, tough luck. Find out what they do, if downtime is important to you.

5) If cost is an object, also consider battery-replacement / or extra batt costs. Li-ions don't last as long as NiMH or li-polymer batts. Maybe 10-12 months with daily use? Nobody competes with DiNotte on battery prices.

6) What are upgrade policies? DiNotte is good on this.

If you get the Lupine, give us a review.

Eclectus

correction to above I meant 73 lux for 1500 lumens

SSP

I run a DiNotte 600L on the bars, and a 400L on the helmet. With 1000 lumens up front, I get a lot of respect (and "WTF!?") from cars and peds. Nobody does not see me.

The 400L is powered by one of their smaller 2-cell batteries. With the battery mounted on the back of my helmet, and the light at the front, the weight is barely noticeable on trips up to an hour. I really like having a helmet light in addition to the bar mounted light, because it allows me to see around corners, and aim the beam right at cars approaching from side streets.

I power both the 600L and my 140L tail light from a single 4-cell battery that sits in an old water bottle on my seat tube. DiNotte sells a Y-connector that I've zip tied to the seat tube, allowing both lights to be run off of one battery.

Their warranty and customer service is unsurpassed, and they're made in the USA.

Bottom line - DiNotte FTW.

brian@bain.org

thanks so much for your detailed feedback!!! I didn't expect such detailed responses. The reason I want a brighter headlamp is that I am in Search and Rescue and having a brighter headlamp can be very helpful.

Eclectus - it's interesting you talk about measuring the reflective light. I hadn't thought about that, it does seem like it could be a really good measure but if you are casting light a long distance away, like 1/2 mile then maybe it would be harder to measure. It does seem like it would be a great indicator.

ssp - I haven't used the dinotte support yet but I have heard it's great. i am hoping I can upgrade to better LEDs when they become available. I wonder if dinotte will come up with a higher wattage bulb soon.

SSP

For their 400L model, they sell an optional headband mount. I bought one so I can use the headlamp on night snowshoe treks, or maybe night trail runs. The only downside is that it's so bright you would have to be careful to not aim it at anyone else.

I've run their 600L unit mounted on my helmet, but that's about the upper limit for comfort due to weight of the light and batteries.

Eclectus

I use the extension cord and keep my 2C battery in my pocket for my 400L helmet light. They sent me a headband, which I think I'll try using for camping like cooking dinner after dark.