Show me the light
 

I've ignored light threads in the past but I am really going to need a strong light for my commute in the following months.

I know Magicshine 900 is good, but are there any other options? Is it a pain to have the battery be separate from the light? I wouldn't want to spend more than $100 (I would like that to include shipping).

Sounds like you already know the answer. Having the battery separate is not a big deal to me. YMMV.

No. In fact, I prefer it.

I have two P7's from dealextreme. With batteries and charger they should be less than $100.

In the winter if you can keep the battery warm inside your clothes , it will work better.

Magic Shine is the best bang for the money you can get, period. I extended the cable and keep the battery in my front pannier.

Adam

No, especially when it allows for longer run times.

+ 1 for the Magicshine. The battery separate from the light means you can recharge it without taking the whole contraption off your bike.

This little light of mine..... I'm going to let it Magicshine!

I did a DIY setup for around $50, so there are other options, but the Magicshine is very good for the money.

I'm likin the Magicshine a lot.

Magicshine for President.

Magicshine, or a P7 flashlight. I actually have both on my bike. I use the MagicShine primarily, the P7 is for backup. However, if I were doing it again, I'd personally go for two P7s - I think you should have a backup light, and you can get all that for < $100. I had some trouble with my MTE 5 mode P7 - it's still what I'd buy though. In my case, the endcap switch just got loose, it started cutting out on a ride, I tightened the switch when I got home, no trouble since.

The downside to the flashlight is runtime - about an hour. The upside is, totally self contained, goes on and off the bike in 5 seconds, totally waterproof, no wires or connectors to wear out.