My first front light was an early Cateye rechargeable, battery integrated in light body, with a incandescent bulb. Ca 1995.

Upgraded to a Sigma Mirage halogen. Huge difference, also battery pack in bottle holder. This was maybe in 1998-1999.

I wanted more light and considered the Mirage X extra lighthead. I happened to run across a sale on Vistalite 5+10 Nightstick, bought that instead. Lightwise not a huge improvement from the Mirage, and burn time was disappointing. I upgraded the Vistalite halogens to 10+15 (I think) and added a DIY battery built into an old pump frame. OK light, but still not much of a runtime.

I used a couple of early AA/AAA LED lights from Basta-Axa before ordering a Fenix L2D. For the first time I was more or less happy with the amount of light. I still had battery issues, probably due to old rechargeable NiMHs more than anything else.

Currently I have a Supernova E3 powered by a Shimano hub dynamo in my winter bike, considering a hub dynamo for my utility summer bike as well. I'll use the L2D with the lighter CX bike.

For rear lights, I've had a 5 LED Vistalite for several years (it's still in my winter bike) and more recently a re-branded PB Superflash.

--J