Buffalo Buff

I tend to ride in the dark at least 6 nights a week, usually 7.

My current setup is a red Nite Ize twist it on strobe in the rear, and a Fenix PD22 set to strobe on the front.

The Nite Ize is pretty dim. The Fenix is about 200 lumens and is impossible to not see when I set it to strobe.

I've been thinking about upgrading my lighting.

I know I need a brighter rear light, but I'm not sure where to start.

With my front light, I don't know if I should stick with mounting a CR123A light like I'm currently doing. If so I'll probably upgrade to the 510 lumen version of my light, if not I have no idea what I'd do. Part of the reason I use this setup is I like using the fenix as a general pocket flashlight too, but I could always just toss one in my bag if I bought a dedicated bike headlight.

Mainly interested in a new rear light since my headlight works well for me. I'm just interested seeing what others think would be a better headlight and comparing it to what I've got.

mrtibbs_here

I'd suggest moving to 18650 batteries, getting a quality charger and buying a Zebralight H600w MKII or SC62w. For rear light, the Cygolite Hotshot is pretty good and not too expensive (under $30 I think).

The SC62w can be mounted to bars or helmet with a TwoFish lock block ,...the H600 MK 2 can go on the bars with a lock block or at the front of the helmet by tying its headband holder on with a strap or zip ties.

The Zebralights will provide the option of more light, far better runtimes and they're about as light and pocketable as what you're using (the SC62w is actually 5g lighter than the Fenix PD22, according to specs on the web?)

a1penguin

There are many threads on front lights where people describe inexpensive 18650 solutions, including a $25 magicshine clone on Amazon which gets good reviews. Personally, I worry more about rear lighting than front lighting. Front lighting is for seeing the road and pot holes and glass. I am watching where I am going and have the ability to react to drivers. But I don't see what is behind me and I worry about that a lot. I have three $30-40 blinkies on my bike/backpack. Then there is side lighting. I keeping thinking about adding side lighting, but while I bike in the dark, it's never during rush hour and I think the light on my helmet is sufficient. I also don't know what the most appropriate color for side lighting would be. Probably not red or yellow. Blue does not seem right either, so side lighting would be more white lighting. I think wheel based lights that rotate and produce a circular motion when riding would be my first choice.

What is your budget for upgrades?

chinkroadrunner

I agree with the penguin ... Rear lights are the most important to me. I have a Cyglolite Hotshot and two Serfas Raiders. I like having more than one light on the rear. I use all three on every ride with two blinking and one steady. I like the newer and more powerful rear lights and considering an upgrade. They are pricey but worth it when considering your safety. I don't do battery packs. The Light & Motion Vis 180 looks good for $100. The Dinotte quad red looks awesome in videos but is $190. There are a lot of options but get a good set up on the rear especially the amount of time you are on the roads in the dark.
I have Niterider Lumina 500 and 650 I have used for 2-3 years and they have done a good job for 1 - 1.5 hour rides. I recently got a L&M Taz 1200 and really like it. The bottom spread LED diffuser is great. I can ride for 2 hours set at 1000 lumens and 3 hours at 600 lumens. All of my riding is on rural less traveled roads with no shoulders. A helmet mirror is a must for me.

ItsJustMe

On the rear, the Hotshot isn't bad but if it's an option go with the Axiom Pulse 60 from performance bike. It's much brighter and has a much wider pattern than the Hotshot and costs about the same, maybe 3 or 4 bucks more. I have both and I only use the Hotshot if the Pulse 60 is already in use elsewhere.

Up front, you could go with a flashlight, or one of the generic lights off eBay for $30. honestly they are not bad.

I have one of these:
US Stock Powerful 4MODE 5000LUMEN 2XCREE XML U2 LED Bike Bicycle Front Light Hot | eBay

Good light but the battery it comes with is weak. Maybe an hour runtime on medium. it says 5000 lumens, it's actually at best 1200 or so, but that's great for $30. Also it's a very round beam pattern, probably kind of glary to oncoming drivers.

Here's another I own and like:
2000 Lumen CREE XM L XML T6 LED Cycling Bicycle Bike Headlight Headlamp Kit Set | eBay
And add this for extra goodness:
Wide Angle Lens for MagicShine Gemini Lupine Bike Light | eBay

That's an excellent light for the money, and the lens gives it a flat pattern that goes a long way towards keeping the glare out of the eyes of oncoming drivers, and spreads the beam out to cover the whole road.

noglider 

For what it's worth, I use a Nite Ize Spoke Lit on my rear wheel plus a B&M Topline Plus and also a Cygolite Hotshot. The spoke light compensates for any possibility that my two tail lights might not be seen from the sides. I get compliments on my spoke light, which is a good sign. I would use one in my front wheel, too, but it distracts me too much.