Originally Posted by
InTheRain
I have had the Chinese lights, they are plenty bright. My issues with those lights has been with them changing modes or going off when I hit the slightest of bumps. I've also had problems with battery packs and some the individual rechargeable lithium cells. Also, I found that the very bright light spills all over and can be annoying to oncoming riders or traffic.
I have 4 cheap Chinese lights and have not had that problem. You probably have a bad connection in there or a dodgy switch. Just the price of paying 1/5 as much I guess.
As for light spill, I buy the very spotty ones (I think any with a smooth reflector rather than orange peel will do it) then put on an aftermarket wide angle lens. This gives a nice low/wide pattern.
Cycling Bicycle Head Light Lamp Headlamp COMUNITE 1200LM CREE XM-L T6 LED Torch | eBay
plus
Wide angle lens for Cree XML T6 Bike Headlight, bicycle light, includes O-Ring | eBay
The battery that comes with a $25 light is likely to not be very good. But you can buy the light without a battery (be sure to pick up a charger) and get something like this:
New 8.4V 4x 18650 Waterproof Battery Pack Case House Cover For Bicycle Bike Lamp | eBay
Then go to Amazon and pickup 4 name brand Panasonic 18650 unprotected cells. You'll have a MUCH better battery and the ability to replace the cells eventually. And it will ACTUALLY be waterproof (few of the cheap ones really are).