Okay, so for about a year I've been running this light:
http://www.cygolite.com/products/new...2LED_Xtra.html
It's okay, but it's kinda heavy. The whole unit weighs in at about 12 ounces. Also, it's the type of light that steadily dims over time. Most of my riding is streets and MUPs both with good lighting and without. Even on the MUP where there is decent lighting for most of it, I still like a really bright light because there are sections where the pavement is pretty crappy and I like to avoid the potholes and larger cracks. There are also the occasional geese and coyotes to deal with. So, I was looking at a brighter and hopefully lighter weight lighting system.
So, I found through searching all about using high intensity Cree LED flashlights for primary lighting. Many seem to be awfully inexpensive too, which is good. I need to outfit up to three bikes so I'd like to keep the lighting for each bike below about $50/light, preferably much less. The Cygolite unit I have is only 150 Lm on its highest setting and frankly I really wish I had something a lot brighter than that.
So, for flashlights I found these:
1600 Lm - with two batteries (18650) and charger - $23.39
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110912766066...84.m1423.l2649
1800 Lm - again with two batteries (26650) and charger - $32.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180902810500...84.m1423.l2649
Of course mounts would be extra, but I've seen some simple ones that are probably only $5 each or so.
So, to further complicate things, I've found through the search function and all the various "what light is best under x$?" threads that you can buy highly rated Magicshine knock-offs over on Amazon for $37.87:
http://www.amazon.com/Lumen-Bicycle-...sim_sbs_misc_1
So, darn it - I don't know what to think at this point. I want really bright light, good run time, and ease of charging. Also, the ability to use the light off the bike, say in camping or perhaps around the house would be nice too. I like that the Magicshine knock off has a headband set up - seems like that would be very useful for camping. Finally, I'm also thinking that I'd like to add a light to my helmet so that I can turn my head and light up cars with inattentive drivers during those occasions when I'm riding the streets and not the MUPs. So, I could see doing both, eg. having a bike specific light mounted on the handlebars and maybe a flashlight on the helmet. Also, I can mount lights either on the bar or on a front rack since I have both options available. Anyway, please help me decide.