Originally Posted by
gear
The video clearly proves that the DesignShine is a better DAYLIGHT tail light than the Dinotte tail light. How do they compare at night?
Most any light at 1 watt or better is acceptably bright at night. The distinguishing factors at night are more concerned with how the light is focused and what mode you're running it. I always prefer to run the DS in steady mode at low power (1 watt) at night, sometimes combined with a low power blinky.
One of the unique features of the DesignShine is that it capitalizes on the "spill" light that is normally lost through the sides of the optics. The clear polycarb lens cover allows this light to pass directly out the sides for good coverage at night when going through intersections, etc. You can see a comparison of the side light detail here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7MLxEF9kRQ
Both lights were on high in this case, which is WAY too much light at night. But as others have pointed out, the camera is horrible at capturing this kind of thing at night. Really only useful for direct comparison, and then only barely.
A better image is attached here showing a comparison between the bike with the DS system and a car. The intensity of the side marker lighting is very similar to a motor vehicle. It also puts a lot of red on the ground around the bike and lights up the back wheel, so you take the shape of a bicycle. In combination with the front light, almost the entire bike itself gets illuminated.
Also, it uses two separate lenses, one pure spot lens for distance penetration and one elliptical pattern lens to disperse the light in a flat and wide pattern (43 degree beam width) so that the light still has good intensity even when viewed from a perspective that is not directly straight behind. It prevents you from disappearing as you make turns or as you are being viewed from behind on curvy roads or from close range in another lane, etc...