When using a helmet light you never rely on that light as your primary rear lamp. That's because your head moves around constantly. As such the lamp rarely points where you want it to point. That's means you are just using the peripheral spread of the lamp and not it's main hotspot ( for the most part ). While not as good as something like a Niteflux RZ4 the Cygolite Hotshot still has something to offer for helmet duties. If Niteflux made a mini version of the RZ4 , something more small and compact and under $50, I might be willing to upgrade.

Last night after posting about this I went out into my parking lot again to test the Hotshot. I sat the Hotshot on top of my car ( mounted to my helmet ) and aimed the beam in typical "head down" fashion with the lamp aimed upward ( roughly 40° into the air ). I walked to the other end of the parking lot and had no problem seeing the lamp flashing. No where near as bright as it would be mounted on a seat post but I have a brighter seat post lamp and so it goes. Better to have "something" on a helmet than no light at all. More is always better even if that "more" is not so bright.

While on the subject of helmet lights, here's a funny story. A couple weeks ago I'm on a road ride and get hungry. With no place better I stop at a McD's to get a drink and quick bite. I hate going in places dressed in bike gear but I was under-dressed for the ride and wanted to take the chill off before starting my way back home. For some reason the people working at this particular MickeyD's were extremely slow. I think I stood in line 10-15 minutes just to get a coke and small cheeseburger. Nothing more humiliating than standing in a slow fast-food line wearing tight riding shorts. When I finally got my food I sat down by a window so I could watch my bike. Then I realized I still had my helmet on. I then took my helmet off only to realize that the rear light was still on... ...Just color me geek and put me to sleep.