The best headlights under $50 thread
04-16-10 | 11:31 AM
#326
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
As of this date. I just found the Planet Bike Superflash for $11 here. https://stores.ebay.com/Abaxo_Lights_...34Q2ec0Q2em322
I just paid $29 for it at my LBS. Which happens to be a Performance store. Next time.
I just paid $29 for it at my LBS. Which happens to be a Performance store. Next time.
Last edited by scoatw; 04-16-10 at 11:34 AM.
04-16-10 | 01:17 PM
#327
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 625
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As of this date. I just found the Planet Bike Superflash for $11 here. https://stores.ebay.com/Abaxo_Lights_...34Q2ec0Q2em322
04-16-10 | 01:24 PM
#328
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
As of this date. I just found the Planet Bike Superflash for $11 here. https://stores.ebay.com/Abaxo_Lights_...34Q2ec0Q2em322... I just paid $29 for it at my LBS. Which happens to be a Performance store. Next time.
Shipping: $13.83
Total: $24.70
... not such a great deal. You can find it online at reputable dealers for about $19. And if you want, print out the page of one of those dealers and take it to Performance Bike, and they'll pricematch it. So you can get it for $19+tax with no shipping, and have it today.
04-16-10 | 02:06 PM
#329
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 945
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From: Western Burbs of Chicago
I ordered one PBSF from Abaxo also but paid $21.85 with free shipping. Should be here as early as tomorrow. I could get most of my cycling stuff from local stores such as REI or Performance but then the sales tax is a killer at 10%. Shopping on e bay is like going into a virtual flea market and I'm satisfied with all my online purchases. Saves also on gas by not driving to the
store and fighting traffic.
store and fighting traffic.
04-18-10 | 04:11 PM
#330
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
I didn't even think of looking at the shipping price of them. I had my eye on a set of brakes in which they offered free shipping and assumed it was free shipping for everything. My mistake........they still have nice components at good prices.
05-03-10 | 01:54 PM
#331
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28
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Bikes: Gary Fisher Suger 2+
Ok, I read this thread twice and my head is spinning with so many options. I'm looking for a light, a set really for head and tail, for early AM riding... I have a ton of Ni-MH rechargables in AA and AAA, but no Li ion. I don't have any mounts, so I need those two, and would like to keep everything around the $60 range, but care about safety and function and so an somewhat flexible (but not Dionette flexible).
I think the Blackburn Mars 4.0 seems like a good way to go for the tail, but I haven't been able to figure out what to do up front. Please help, because I can't figure out all the choices from this thread.
Thanks in advance!!
***EDIT
I realized I left off the part about not wanting an external battery pack...I am hoping to have the lights mounted on the bike and self-contained with rechargeables.
I think the Blackburn Mars 4.0 seems like a good way to go for the tail, but I haven't been able to figure out what to do up front. Please help, because I can't figure out all the choices from this thread.
Thanks in advance!!
***EDIT
I realized I left off the part about not wanting an external battery pack...I am hoping to have the lights mounted on the bike and self-contained with rechargeables.
If you would like to see what I came up with, try here.
I thought I would add this photo just to give you an idea
Let me know if you decided to make your own. It is easy and fun!
Last edited by riderInTheDark; 05-29-10 at 07:29 AM.
05-10-10 | 07:36 AM
#332
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 48
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From: DFW
Inova is made in USA as well. None of the others mentioned in this thread are. I've had one of their lights for years and now that I'm ready for an upgrade, I'll go with them.
humb:
The Inova Bolt 2AA / Beamer5 combo has run on my wife's bike daily for around two years without fail, so I have no problem recommending it. Others can chime in with other lights they've used (I have no experience with any other than the Inova on bike duty) - I often see Fenix coming up, but they're close (or over) $50 usually. Like I said, I'm trying a new Coleman light this weekend, so I'll be able to see at least if it flickers or something bad when on a bike.
.
Hope that helps!
The Inova Bolt 2AA / Beamer5 combo has run on my wife's bike daily for around two years without fail, so I have no problem recommending it. Others can chime in with other lights they've used (I have no experience with any other than the Inova on bike duty) - I often see Fenix coming up, but they're close (or over) $50 usually. Like I said, I'm trying a new Coleman light this weekend, so I'll be able to see at least if it flickers or something bad when on a bike.
.
Hope that helps!
05-11-10 | 12:55 PM
#333
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 260
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shiningbeam has a relatively new rc-n3 up for sale https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-N3-II/Detail
for a dollar more than the Q5 you get a tad bit of a brighter light with a slight green tint.
though i wouldn't say it's a *better* bike light than the 2-mode Q5, since it does have a very white tint which i think would be more noticeable making the output difference between the lights negligible.
for a dollar more than the Q5 you get a tad bit of a brighter light with a slight green tint.
though i wouldn't say it's a *better* bike light than the 2-mode Q5, since it does have a very white tint which i think would be more noticeable making the output difference between the lights negligible.
05-20-10 | 11:24 PM
#334
shiningbeam has a relatively new rc-n3 up for sale https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-N3-II/Detail
for a dollar more than the Q5 you get a tad bit of a brighter light with a slight green tint.
though i wouldn't say it's a *better* bike light than the 2-mode Q5, since it does have a very white tint which i think would be more noticeable making the output difference between the lights negligible.
for a dollar more than the Q5 you get a tad bit of a brighter light with a slight green tint.
though i wouldn't say it's a *better* bike light than the 2-mode Q5, since it does have a very white tint which i think would be more noticeable making the output difference between the lights negligible.
05-23-10 | 03:40 AM
#335
cyclepath
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 1
From: "The Last Best Place"
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
The choices for affordable, efficient lighting just keeps getting better. When I started the commuting thing, the Fenix was the way to go. Now I can get a light almost as good as the Fenix for less than $15.
My latest purchase....https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30986
Great little light.
My latest purchase....https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30986
Great little light.
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06-04-10 | 05:23 PM
#336
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 260
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it's a pretty decent seeing light.
i was following a friend riding mt wilson with my headlights off and soley relying on the rc-n3 (though the moon was pretty bright that day). he reached about 45 on the descents.
i wouldn't call it amazing, but it sure is better than a lot of the lights i encounter people using.
i was following a friend riding mt wilson with my headlights off and soley relying on the rc-n3 (though the moon was pretty bright that day). he reached about 45 on the descents.
i wouldn't call it amazing, but it sure is better than a lot of the lights i encounter people using.
06-04-10 | 07:21 PM
#337
Hills!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 7
From: Rolling hills of Piedmont NC
Bikes: 2008 Trek Madone 5.5, 2005 Marin Novato, Trek 7100
The choices for affordable, efficient lighting just keeps getting better. When I started the commuting thing, the Fenix was the way to go. Now I can get a light almost as good as the Fenix for less than $15.
My latest purchase....https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30986
Great little light.
My latest purchase....https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30986
Great little light.
06-16-10 | 04:58 PM
#338
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
I've had an RC-N3 for 3 years now and I can say that its a "perfect" light to been seen and to see with. It lights up the road in front of you to see chuckholes and debris. I use it all winter and have'nt had any problems with it up to now. I'm getting the new one for a back-up. For under $50 you can't beat this light. I get about 2.5 hrs on Ray-O-Vac Hybrid rechargeable batteries. Which ends up being about three days worth of morning commuting for me. I haven't had to buy batteries for over two years now. I stay away from DealExtreme cause they're in Hong Kong. To much hassle with shipping. Shiningbeam is in NYC. Better Customer quality.
06-26-10 | 04:12 PM
#339
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 7
From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
I've had an RC-N3 for 3 years now and I can say that its a "perfect" light to been seen and to see with. It lights up the road in front of you to see chuckholes and debris. I use it all winter and have'nt had any problems with it up to now. I'm getting the new one for a back-up. For under $50 you can't beat this light. I get about 2.5 hrs on Ray-O-Vac Hybrid rechargeable batteries. Which ends up being about three days worth of morning commuting for me. I haven't had to buy batteries for over two years now. I stay away from DealExtreme cause they're in Hong Kong. To much hassle with shipping. Shiningbeam is in NYC. Better Customer quality.
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06-27-10 | 01:32 AM
#340
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If you get a Rominsen make sure to buy it from Shining Beam and not DX. Shining Beam actually has quality control, and excellent customer service. DX is a crap shoot.
06-27-10 | 11:57 AM
#341
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
I know that a bunch of what those three vendors offer can be had cheaper at DX. It's just that I prefer as much of my $ as possible to stay in domestic hands...
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06-27-10 | 02:31 PM
#342
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Joined: Nov 2004
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Actually, I was already considering buying from Shining Beam. Also looked at Geoman and 4sevens. Shining Beam has the most attractive prices, as far as a domestic source for what I'm wanting- small, bright, inexpensive LED flashlight(s) that can be used for riding a bike at night.
I know that a bunch of what those three vendors offer can be had cheaper at DX. It's just that I prefer as much of my $ as possible to stay in domestic hands...
I know that a bunch of what those three vendors offer can be had cheaper at DX. It's just that I prefer as much of my $ as possible to stay in domestic hands...
07-28-10 | 02:04 PM
#343
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
07-28-10 | 02:11 PM
#344
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 763
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From: Riverdale, NY
Bikes: 2002 Seven Axiom
07-28-10 | 02:20 PM
#345
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
I've got the Romisen RC-N3 II R4 (the current model). No blinking mode. High and medium are so close together as to be useless. Nowhere near 220 lumens. My Fenix LD20+, which is supposed to be 205 lumens, is considerably brighter than the RC-N3.
08-01-10 | 11:09 AM
#346
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
Yea but you have to admit. For 24 bucks. The Romissen is a heckuva good deal. The LD20 being an excellent light is over the $50 limit that this thread is all about. And if I had to replace the Romissen, which I've had thru 3 winters now, I'd still go with the RC-N3 because like me, they're cheap.
08-10-10 | 04:52 AM
#347
Victor101
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: McAllen Tx
Bikes: CANNONDALE CAAD4 L00K 566
I came in to ask about the Blackburn Flea light from performance:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400014_400158
I have(had) the MTE light from DX worked awesome for the 3 months I had it. Now it wont turn on. And DX's tech support has the suck. But I might have to give this little guy a chance, Romisen RC-N3 II
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400014_400158
I have(had) the MTE light from DX worked awesome for the 3 months I had it. Now it wont turn on. And DX's tech support has the suck. But I might have to give this little guy a chance, Romisen RC-N3 II
08-11-10 | 10:18 AM
#349
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,065
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From: Rural Missouri - mostly central and southeastern
Bikes: 2003 LeMond -various other junk bikes
Well - it say it specs out at 40 lumen - not exactly a true head light.
If we just talk lights - get this and buy your choice of cheap or super battery and charger.
If we just talk lights - get this and buy your choice of cheap or super battery and charger.
08-11-10 | 03:41 PM
#350
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 306
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try this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKUssR7eXG4
or even this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edikfIC-RJU
or why not this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2uN5...eature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKUssR7eXG4
or even this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edikfIC-RJU
or why not this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2uN5...eature=related