Originally Posted by
pdlamb
Quick answer: buy two NOW! One to use, one to replace it with or put on N+1.
Though I've adopted a "smile and move on" philosophy when I see the "How do I make this cheap light work?" post. I've spent the money for a package that lights what I want lighted for the duration I need it lit, and I don't regret it.
I can't really say that I've seen too many "How do I make this cheap light work?" posts. Even the batteries of expensive lights have problems and can fail...and problems with lights are more often related to the battery than the lamp. If LED technology was mature and not in a growth phase, it might be worth spending more on lamps. But when the NiteRider MiNewt that you paid $200 for 3 or 4 years ago is way under performing the $40 Magicshine knockoff today, it's kind of hard to justify that kind of cost. On the other hand, if the $40 knockoffs are way out performing a $40 Planet Bike Blaze, it's hard not to choose the $40 knockoff.
I, too, have lights that give me bright light for the duration that I need them and I don't regret spending ~$120 to get 3 of them.