Originally Posted by
seeker333
Nearly all other taillights are powered by replaceable AAA or AA cells. The Hotshot is powered by a non-user-replaceable Li cell. One has to wonder how long this cell will last, because in a light that sells for $33 shipped, it is likely this is a cheap cell. I have had cheap Li cells last for days or years.
Most of the other taillights will continue operating in rain, which is apparently not always the case with the Hotshot, based on comments in that thread.
Finally, although the beam of the Hotshot is very bright, it is a very narrow beam for a taillight, with no spill whatsoever. You'll be visible only from directly behind with the Hotshot.
Those are three compelling reasons to consider lights others than the Hotshot.
Well, you've got the point with the AAA or AA batteries. I also prefer the battery to be replaceable. However, I do not think that such a reputable company as Cygolite would source the bottom of the barrel Li cells. Definitely not the state of the art but not some trash either. A safe assumption seems to be 500 cycles or five years, whatever comes first. 90% of people do not need to recharge it more often than once a week, so five years it is. $33 every five years is not much really, especially taking into account the price of the replaceable battery, if there was one. $200 for Dinotte 300R which also has a non-replaceable battery is another story... The point is: this is a moot point at best but the time will tell...
Operating in the rain: you'll find many more links of people complaining of Superflash & the like letting the water in. Come to think about it, they are more likely to do so because of the replaceable batteries so let me disagree with you on this point.
As far as the narrow beam goes, it seems to have a wider one than Superflash & Radbot both of which I also own & use. I mostly use Hotshot for daytime riding when the other cheap lights are just not bright enough & it has performed splendidly.