Looking for a good small yet powerful water-proof rechargeable front light. I love my MetroFlash Ignita - but it can't handle the rain. Don't like big honking logs sittin on my bars.

Cygolight Metro 400. Is this enough lumens for you? I've ridden in downpours.

I have the Cygolite Dash 350 and have also used it in pouring rain with no issues.

Cateye volt 800. It's a great light.

Cygolite Streak. The clamp mechanism is very nice, and you can make it tight, if you like.

My Light & Motion Urban 500 has been fine in the rain. Rode it home in the rain right after buying it. And while L&M recommends mounting it only with the sealed USB port facing downward toward the road, I've used it several times mounted sideways on my bikes' head tube or fork. The USB port seal is very snug and effective -- in fact I've chipped fingernails several times prying the seal open for recharging.

And no problems in the rain with my Serfas SL-255, despite the twist apart opening for swapping AA batteries. It has a very effective seal that may be replaceable. Based on my experience with that light I wouldn't hesitate to get a USB rechargeable Serfas for all weather rides.

And there are dozens of bright LED flashlights on Amazon, ebay and elsewhere that are claimed to be weatherproof. The tricky bit is finding a mount that won't pop loose on rough roads, potholes or crossing railroad tracks, but some folks report good results with several mounts. The types that supposedly hold the flashlight barrel with just tension from a U-shaped block of rubber don't seem reliable, based on my observations in local group rides. I've seen those things pop loose several times on rough stuff. Get a strap that wraps around the flashlight barrel and handlebar for security.

I've had a Niterider MiNewt 500 for four years...been very happy.

How big is too big?

I've had a NiteRider, and currently like the Cygolite Streak 350. Both are roughly the length of a cell phone, and 1 1/2 inches wide and high. If that's too big, you'll have to accept a compromise. You're hard pressed to get 2 hours of reasonable light from a smaller package. If the goal is to be more visible, versus to illuminate, a small light like the Spok might work.

I have the 320 and recently picked up a 460 and have been extremely happy with both of them.

To add on to this- My wife and I have used the Two Fish flashlight holders for years and they are very good! Eventually the plastic piece on the strap will break (after a lot of use) but you can find replacement velcro straps. The mounts are inexpensive, low profile, and secure. We have a Convoy S2 flashlight currently. We use the three modes setting- low, medium, and high. Plenty of light, completely waterproof, and takes 18650 rechargeables. All very compact and lightweight. I would highly recommend the Two Fish mount and high powered flashlight of your choice.
Bruce

I use a similar cheap general purpose cree led 1x18650 flashlight, but with a zoomable head. I can get the beam-width just right. I've ridden it some in the rain, not a lot, but I don't see why water would be a problem for this thing.

The Magic Shine MJ-872 never gave me any trouble in the rain. It uses a sealed, external, rechargeable battery pack. 1800 lumens I believe, but it's a trail light so it has a very wide beam and no blink/pulse mode.


I just replaced that, however, with a Cygolite Expillion 850. It's USB rechargeable, has a removable, internal battery, and a few different pulse modes. Great coverage and beam pattern, plenty of bright enough for my semi-lit night commute, and so far no troubles in wet weather.


I'm not sure exactly what your definition of a big honking log is, but if you want something that's effective beyond 25 feet - especially in the rain - then you might consider stepping your game up a little.

Axiom Lazer 200. Commuted with one for 1.5 years and used it on a few tours. Works well, very small and light, and if you know you'll be riding all night you can use the light while its charging via an external battery like you use with phones. It goes up to 200 lumens and has flashing modes. Not the brightest but you said you wanted something small. It was enough to get me through some night time descents on those tours, and ride from sunset to midnight a few times.

They're about 30$ from Performance bike. I've since upgraded to a brighter Cygolite Metro 750 lumen light but the Axiom I still use as a back-up / flashing strobe light. Take alook at both models...the Cygolite is relatively small for its output, and the battery will last about twice as long as the Axiom's if you're running each on 200 lumens.

I've used both lights in complete downpours, even while charging from external batteries. No issues at all with the waterproofing.

If you really need water-proff (so not just weather-resist), mining lamps can be the choice.
Like this german made one:
out-led.de

Otherwise the Knog Blinder or Nextorch B10.
knog.com.au/bike-lights/hi-power-bike-lights/pwr-commuter.html
NEXTORCH B10