Light(s) for use around a Boy Scout Camp
 

I have posted in a sub-forum a few questions about working at a Summer Camp and wanting to have my bike ready (SS 29er).

I am pretty new to this whole thing and am welcome to any/all suggestions.

The light suggested on the subforum was http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...CREE-Q5/Detail with mount - it was also suggested I post up here.

I would like to have a light that I can use after camp as a light used for quick runs, dusk rides, etc. If the above light is the way to go - great, I just am looking for suggestions.

My Summer job is being the Camp Director of a 1,000 acre facility. In years past I have walked or used a golf cart when in a hurry. I thought I would switch to my bike this year and walk or ride the bike. Most rides would be along the unlit gravel/dirt road - and a few here and there on a trail.

Any light suggestions?

Thanks!

Just get a maglite. Also, they look mean as hell so you won't have to worry about kids giving you trouble. I recommend: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=7812746

I am a camp director...not a warden.

Buy a nice P7 torch and a handlebar mount.

As well as being a great cycle light you'll also have a powerful torch you can use the rest of the time.

When I went to camp the director was the warden...:roflmao2:

lol

+1 on the original suggestion.

I have that Rominsen Cree from shiningbeam.com and am really happy with it. They are great to deal with too. Get a two-fish lock block and you'll be set. The Cree is not too hard on batteries, especially using it with AA's and that may be important. P7's are brighter but you need to use 18650's for most of them, and you'll need to have a charger handy because the runtime isn't so great. Also, if you get one from Dealextreme, it'll take forever. If you don't you'll pay a lot more.
The Rominsen's are cheap enough to get two.

The same Rominsen model is available in a 2 mode (Hi-Med) for more runtime.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...II-Cree/Detail

I have this one too but it doesn't seem quite as bright on high as the single mode model. Be aware that if you use rechargeable 3.6v RCR123A's, it'll revert back to 1 mode (high) for some reason. But it'll be bright as hell.

You can save a few bucks also with discount code CPFUSER and they ship fast.

In the long run...is it worth the extra buck for the two mode one? Is the "high" mode brighter?

If there is no real perk - I'd be just as happy with the simplicity of the single mode.

Thanks for all the input!

What's your budget? Romisen lights are decent quality, but if you expect the light to take some abuse I'd suggest the Fenix LD2. It's more expensive, but also much more robust. It also has an optional defuser so it can light up a room like a lantern.

As for modes, they can be helpful when using the light off the bike.

More seriously, your best bet really is a nice P7 torch, some 18650 batteries and a charger.

It's not a huge outlay and you'll have a reliable torch with a good light output.

Of course, if your Summer Camp doesn't have mains electricity, you could buy a Q5 AA powered torch instead.

:)

If you only go with the 200 lumen light, single mode is okay. I am going to say look at the P7 lights as well. Deal Extreme has a 2 mode MTE SSC P7 that is under $40. A charger and a pair of blue trustfire 18650 batteries will bring your total to around $60.

The light output on high is amazing and the low mode would be great for walking, etc.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12623

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4151

Yeah, definitely go for the P7 if runtime and batteries are no issue. This one is only $30.50 and it's worked well so far for me.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22567

One thing I like about the Romisen is the option for AA's and the runtime I can get with them as opposed to the 123A's. But it's really compact with the 123A's, about 3-1/2" long.

The lower mode is handy to extend the runtime significantly and sometimes 200 lumens is just too bright. I think it's worth the extra dollar. It's not complicated either like some multi-mode lights. It always starts in high and a tap on the clickie knocks it into low mode. Anyway, you can save the extra dollar back with the discount code.

Also, I like dealing with shiningbeam. These Romisens have been modded somewhat by them I think, (I may be wrong though, but they are a little different than at other outlets). At any rate, it seems like less of a crapshoot than DX. Plus, you won't have to wait a month for delivery.

The L-Mini from Shining Beam would be a good choice for using on the bike and small enough to carry around for long periods of time.. They do use 18650 battery too..

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...ni-1081/Detail

For simple convenience of using AA batteries, the romisen you mentioned is a solid choice too..