Originally Posted by
arod
I've spoken with Dinotte and they have given me some discount on trading in my 200L. I can actually get the Niterider and L&M lamps on special such that they are slightly cheaper than the Dinotte, even after the trade-in. My decision therefore is mainly based on which one is the better lamp...the Niteride and L&M are usually nearly double the price of the Dinotte XML-3 so are they actually that much better?
Not saying the Niterider and L&M aren't good lamps, but no I don't think they would be worth double the price. The L&M lamps are known to have a very good beam pattern for MTB'ing. That said the people who I've read commenting about their ( older model ) XML-3's have really liked them. If you are seriously considering getting the new ( upgraded ) XML-3 if it were me I wouldn't hesitate. DiNotte is listing it as ( +1600 lumen ). That said DiNotte ( historically speaking ) has never over estimated the output of their lamps. Although I've never seen the beam pattern of the XML-3's in person I trust that DiNotte has improved the product. Heck, for that matter if you don't like the beam pattern you could always return it and try something else. Customer service with DiNotte has always been one of their strong points.