A few years ago I purchased a 4AA Gen3 ViewPoint light, but it just didn't have the oomph I needed/wanted. So...after wading through all 70 pages of geek postings ()...and bookmarking more than two dozen Internet sites, I've decided to take the leap and build my own 20-30W headlight.

I thought about using the Optronics fog-light housings, but was a little concerned about recent comments about the rivet connecting the body to the bracket loosening up over time. I also debated modifying a flashlight (i.e., cutting off the handle), but wasn't sure how to make it weather-tight.

So, I started down a slightly different path of using a submersible pond light (what can be a better all-weather unit?). I liked Jay Buthman's approach (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=245737), but decided to try and find a housing that natively used a MR16 bulb. Well, it turns out that Intermatic makes just such a beast...compete with swivel and 20' of cable! And, while most sites sell the units for $90 or more, it turns out PoolsAZ sells them for only $33 +s&h. Although, of course, after I'd already placed my order I discovered that Amazon was selling them for even less (see here: http://www.shopping.com/xPC-Intermat...mersible-Light)!

Yes, the Intermatic unit is a little more expensive than either the Optronics or Harbor Freight options, but my hope is that it will require little or no modification. My idea is to integrate it with a handlebar mount, waterproof switch, rear amber strobe and a SLA battery.

More after my parts arrive.