Originally Posted by
Juha
The problem with general flashlights (torches) is the conical beam shape. I have a Fenix L2D myself, and for the price it's great. But it does waste a lot of electrons up in front, in thin air. Bike specific lights usually have better reflector design. Someone wants to pay for that, kewl. It's not necessarily waste of money in their books.
--J
I have no experience with lights what-so-ever. That being said:
-If money was no object, and all I had to do was get from secure point A to secure point B, I would probably opt for the heavier cycle specific lights, with their bigger batteries. However, I have to go to a lot of places that aren't secure, like the school, bank, store, bus station, etc.. A torch or two would make sense for me.
-As far as the 'wasted' light, there is a thread in the Electronics sub on BF that is attempting to address that issue. The idea is somehow mount a small mirror at the top to reflect the light back down.