I use a generic CREE led flashlight instead of a purpose-made bike-branded one, if yours has a zooming head, narrow the beam, and point it downwards so (almost) all the light is usable for you, not wasted up in the air. Try blink mode, riding down the street -- if all the street signs are flashing back at you, you've got it pointed up too high. Also try a lower power mode. I run mine on medium, it's still plenty of bright, and the battery lasts longer.