Thread: dinotte lights
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Old 02-25-10 | 10:04 PM
  #14  
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ks1g
Because I thought I could
 
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Wash DC Metro

Bikes: November, Trek OCLV, Bianchi Castro Valley commuter

Originally Posted by GriddleCakes
Hey 10 wheels, since you have both; how does the DiNotte taillight compare to the PB Superflash? And does the DiNotte have a flash setting?
Not 10W but I also have both - let me go look....... MY EYES!

....OK, afterimages have decayed sufficiently that I can type. Ran a Dinotte, ViewPoint, PBSF, and cheap blinkie. All on flash: ViewPoint and PBSF on main strobe, Dinotte on single flash (has a rapid flash and intensity-cycle flashing modes, too), blinky on all-lights flash pattern. The Dinotte (LI-powered model) is definitely the brightest by far (AA-version is on back of road bike & I didn't feel like taking it down to check). From trailing someone on local bike trail who has the same light, I know it is visible at night for at least a 1/2 mile, probably further. Next brightest (but noticably down from the Dinotte) is a new ViewPoint Flashpoint Ultra. The PBSF is slightly less obnoxious than the Viewpoint, may be due to significantly older batteries. Cheap blinky provides a nice garnish on the scene when the flash cycles leave it the only one visible.

I *think* I can attach a video I took with my phone.

Yeah. The rapid flashing light on left is the Viewpoint, the periodic big bloom is the Dinotte. The PBSF is the smaller flasher to the right, was pointed a bit off-axis for this shot. (And the shot needs to be rotated 90 deg right for proper orientation). Cheap blinkie is almost unnoticable. Range is about 10 ft inside a dark garage.

Here's another one I found that also gets the idea across:

If you feel your life is worth the money (mine is), get the Dinotte (either AA or Li model) and a PBSF or the Viewpoint as backup. If you can only afford $20-$30 now, PBSF or Viewpoint are way better than blinkie or nothing. If you are in a contributory negligence state (or if not), check local laws for cycling at night then get a reflector anyway just in case you or your heirs need to sue the cretin who nails you from behind because of the light show.
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