Same Lumens. What is the difference between 1W and 2W?
12-15-09 | 09:02 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Snowy midwest
Same Lumens. What is the difference between 1W and 2W?
I want to buy a flashlight and mounting hardware for a casual rider friend for Christmas.
The hardware store has two nearly identical lights. Same brand, same look. Both LED Price is only $1.00 different.
Both say 70 to 80 Lumens.
One light is 1W. The other is 2W.
What is the difference? Will the 2W be brighter?
I know that the lumens are supposed to be the indicator of brightmenss, but I am confused about the offering of two different watts with the same lumens.
Any suggestions or feedback or info would be appreciated.
The hardware store has two nearly identical lights. Same brand, same look. Both LED Price is only $1.00 different.
Both say 70 to 80 Lumens.
One light is 1W. The other is 2W.
What is the difference? Will the 2W be brighter?
I know that the lumens are supposed to be the indicator of brightmenss, but I am confused about the offering of two different watts with the same lumens.
Any suggestions or feedback or info would be appreciated.
12-15-09 | 10:22 AM
#2
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Joined: Feb 2009
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Better yet get one of these. https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-N3-II/Detail
12-15-09 | 12:37 PM
#3
Gear Hub fan
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Reno, NV
Bikes: Civia Hyland Rohloff, Swobo Dixon, Colnago, Univega
If both are the same listed Lumens range then the 2 watt could well be using an older technology LED or a less efficient driver circuit. It could also be that one manufacturer is exaggerating output more than the other. If the store will allow it put batteries in both and try them side by side.
If the watts listed are actual battery drain then go for the 1 watt as the batteries will last longer.
If the watts listed are actual battery drain then go for the 1 watt as the batteries will last longer.
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Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
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12-15-09 | 01:24 PM
#4
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From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
you are better off leaving the decision to your friend. when folks get me cycling gifts it is usually a waste of their money - thoughtful, but a waste of time effort and money. also, if any mistakes are to be made - let your friend make them. just put the money in a home made flashlight wrapper - make it our of an empty toilet paper roll or something ...
12-15-09 | 01:51 PM
#5
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: New Zealand
Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek 1.7c, BMC GF02, Trek Marlin 6, Scott Sub 35, Kona Rove, Trek Verve+2
Its likely marketing BS. The 1W may give better runtimes which might be the most important thing for a casual rider.
12-16-09 | 09:38 AM
#6
Truck Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 328
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From: Portland, OR
I tested these two side by side at a store. The 2W is brighter, but only by a bit, not quite twice, maybe one and a quarter.
1W will do, its still blinding to on coming traffic, so show your friend the right way to aim it.
1W will do, its still blinding to on coming traffic, so show your friend the right way to aim it.
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