Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
So let's look at the cost of everything. By my calculations the light, lens, battery case, 4x 18650 Panasonic cells, and a charger capable of charging 4 cells at once is going to approach or even exceed the cost of a good self-contained light that charges with only a simple USB cable. Plus there will be more light modes, and it's almost certainly much closer to its actual stated brightness than that Chinese junk.
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metr.../dp/B01IO12B30
Your calculations are wrong. The Magicshine clones are $20 to $40
all inclusive. The one I linked to includes the battery pack, charger, mount and a case for the battery pack. A better mount is additional...about $10...but the stock mount is completely usable and used by many.
And, while I agree that the output is overrated for the clones, it is brighter than the Cygolites. I have them for direct comparison and would estimate that the Cygolite I have is from 85% to 90% the brightness of the light I linked to.
And, finally, there is the run time issue. The clones run about twice as long. I suppose I could charge the Cygolite at the office for the ride home but that quickly reduces the convenience of the self-contained nature of the light. I'd have to have the cord and ability to charge it
and remember to do it. I have done it at work and didn't find it to be all that convenient.