Hello,
All pretty simple (I think).
1. Is there an equivalency chart regarding lumens and candle power? I see that most manufacturers use lumens but some are still sticking to candle power. I assume that watts aren't a fair measure as other things such as bulb, reflectors, etc. come into play.
2. At what point (lumens) does a light go from "be seen" to "see"? I'm on roads and not mountain trails.
3. Since I don't carry a laptop and wouldn't want to carry around a recharger brick, can you suggest a good light that uses replaceable AA or AAA batteries? Can the rechargeable batteries in the USB lights use regular AA or AAA batteries while I tour? (Okay this is Q4 but it's related.)
Thank you.
#1 ; there are mathematical formulas for conversion but truthfully unless you have all the needed variables for the lamp in question you're back to square one.
#2 ; This is subjective and a matter of opinion. A lot depends on the choice of optic or type of reflector and visual acuity of the rider. I can get by and see fairly well with 150 lumen when used below 15mph but to be comfortable I prefer twice that. For down hill at speeds 20mph or more I want at least *500 lumen ( *with the goal of being able to see at least 100 ft. ahead of me. )
#3 ; The B&M Ixon IQ Premium sounds like a winner to me but not cheap. DiNotte also has an AA version of their XML-1. The XML-1 will work with standard Lithium AAs', not sure about the IQ Premium.
@Crazydad; That's some story. So the other guy didn't see your light? I guess that proves your light was crap or the guy was high on something. I think you need a better light AND a flasher. Use a good steady light to see and the flasher to be seen.
I'm dying to know....what happened to the other guy?