Originally Posted by 2manybikes
On the first post in this thread there ia a group of links a little way from the top. They all go to beam comparison photos. You can figure out the power of any light you want from these links.
Click on the link under "courtesy of 2manybikes". on the left is a list of albums, click on "bike light photos"
double click on a thumbnail to get a full size photo. The photos are captioned right in the photo.
There is a 10w HID and a 15 watt halogen, and a few others. The HID is better.
In that link is a light called the USE Exposure. This is actually the Race version of the lamp and is an old model. I have the new Enduro Turbo. Longer battery life and a more powerful light. The Race is good for anyone road or trail riding but for those of us that ride offroad then a lot more powerful light is required. That is where the Enduro comes in. Instead of two Floods- it has a spot and a flood. It also has a longer battery life. This year the lamp has been upgraded and instead of just two power setting of Low and high- This year the Turbo Enduro has low- high and Turbo. The turbo does eat battery life but is a more powerful light than the old model without the turbo.
http://www.use1.com/exposure/product...race/index.php
To take all these comparisons into perspective you have to have the latest data. In this case- it is not the latest data. The only way to check to see if a lamp is good enough for you- is to try it. Saves you spending a fortune on advertising hype that does not evolve into the quality of lamp you want. And even the beam comparisons do not give you the true comparison of trying a lamp.
Very few of us will be doing 6 hour night rides- at 40mph downhill across rutted tracks. Last year I did 6 hours at sensible downhill speeds and I just used a twin 10w halogen. Completely adequate for riding- but not for comfort. I could have done with better lighting and that was where a helmet lamp came in. If you want the benefit of my experience then a GOOD floodlamp to light up 25 ft in front of the bike and Top quality Helmet lamp would be my choice now. Mind you- the exposure Enduro Turbo is fantastic and the 8 hour battery life just about covers my needs for a 6 hour ride. Contrary to what the comparison tests would lead you to believe.