Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,727
Likes: 2,105
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Whatever you do, do not use a flashing headlamp at night. If you want a flasher during daytime when drivers won't be blinded, go ahead.
The better lights have a fairly flat and wide beam to project the vast majority of the light on the pavement and not in the eyes of drivers coming towards you.
That said, if you are riding on gravel or dirt trails, then a flashlight type of beam may be better for you.