Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
I'll ask again... why do I want to buy a tactical flashlight with the exact same LED assembly and maybe even the exact same reflector housing as a MagicShine or Gemini Titan? I mean... the MagicShine and Titan and other bike specific lights will have handlebar quick release clamps and/or helmet mounts as standard and will usually have external packs with 4400 or more ma/hrs. Why do I want a tactical with one or two cells and I have to look elsewhere to buy a handlebar mount for it????
I bought a NiteRider Classic for $130 and crashed the very night I tried it out. Needed a new mount. $30. Both NR Classic and new mount, unopened in its package are sitting in my garage. My MagicShine which is now on its third season is a thing of joy for me. I got a 'Y' connector when I bought it and one of these days I am going to get another MS light head to reach night riding nirvana. I am doing my part to spread the knowledge. Somone did the same for me in this very forum, three years ago. I listened. I see more and more flame throwers on the roads at night. Sadly I still see too many of you cranking away in the dark with puny lights that are barely bright enough to make you seen let alone allow you to see anything.
H
The reason's why to buy a flashlight are plentiful:
-Generally cheaper than bike specific lights, i.e. more output for the dollar.
-Not everyone needs the runtime of an external pack
-Not everyone wants the hassle of a battery pack
-Flashlights can easily be used off the bike, but bike specific lights (depending on design) aren't.
IMO, if it wasn't for the popularity of of the inexpensive tactical flashlights being adopted by commuters on a budget and other frugal folk, I suspect that we currently would not be seeing 400+ lumen lights for less than a $100 now from the dedicated bike light manufacturers.