Recumbentracer

How goes your efforts with this? It's certainly NOT an easy or inexpensive task to undertake. I found that getting the light to the point of marketability is a whole other level of complexity and cost. I was completely delusional to think that I could build something like this for much less than the Dinotte 400R. Even with the luxRC concept, you're already upwards of $150 in materials alone after you factor in some sort of reasonably capable case with a mounting system, and that's not including batteries, charger, labor, etc. This is why I wanted to create something that was just totally over the top bright. If you're going to throw down good money on something like this, then by golly, it needs to have the capability of being the single brightest moving spot you'll ever see on the road. JMHO

smasha

1- when a car is a mile or so away on an otherwise empty road, that's when you want max brightness to switch on. it would take something more complicated than a photo-cell to distinguish that from a street-light.
2- if a car is running in ninja mode, you'd need a heat sensor to detect it . that's when active lighting is all you've got because the reflectives are useless in this situation.

dougmc

Looks perfect for use during the day. Probably overkill for nighttime use.

Cheshire

I think the fact that it was compared to emergency vehicles in the video was the best way of putting it.
I think it's too bright. Personally, I prefer the multiple lights approach. Anytime a driver is blind, they're just guessing where you (and the road!!) are until they get their night vision back.

dynodonn

I shelved my 400R if favor of the less powerful MS taillight, even the 400R was way too overkill at night in an urban setting. This particular tail would be OK on a lonely road, day or night, with poor lines of sight.

Personally, I've gone to a night combo of a more reasonable wattage/non strobe taillight and the addition of a considerable amount of SOLAS reflective material.

I want to be seen by motorists like everyone else here, but I don't want to blind motorists in the process.

hopperja

I watched the videos via Youtube and at no point did it appear the driver was blinded.

That being said, there is a point where enough-is-enough. I suppose that point would be opinion based on the user's comfort level.

Recumbentracer

Just to clarify some of the questions here:
1. The YouTube video was made with the light on it's highest power level, just to showcase the extreme power (I probably ought to do a low power vid).
2. The DS-500 uses a very full featured controller circuit (TaskLED's MaxFlex) and is controllable from it's lowest power level (1 watt), which is nearly identical in intensity to the three watt MS taillight all the way up to 500 lumens (10 watts), which is more than twice the output of the 400R.
3. Plug-and-play compatible with the magicshine battery packs.
4. It produces a good amount of side illumination (all the way to +/- 90 degrees and more) that is highly visible at night, but nowhere close to blinding.
5. It has both a steady and flash mode.
6. All power levels are available in both modes.
7. It has an infinitely variable alignment feature, so you can precisely set the "angle of attack" and lock it down with a single Allan set screw. The quick release function of the light is independent from the alignment mechanism.
8. Because of the high efficiency at the low power levels, run times with a small battery pack are very high (30+ hours, steady burn at level 1)

That's the beauty of this light, it's not only the brightest bicycle-specific taillight in existence, but it's also extremely usable at night.

You can get some of the early user's feedback over at the web site:
https://sites.google.com/site/design...t-testimonials

Falchoon

I get complaints from other riders behind me about my PBSF (1/2W version) and Tioga Dual Eyes being too bright. I reckon there would be a lynch mob forming if I rocked up with a 10W light!

Recumbentracer

I like the Dual Eyes... It's the only low-power flasher out there similar in design to the DS-500 almost like the little cousin, and I'm sure it works very well at night.

You could always use those 10watts to your advantage... wouldn't have too many wheel suckers. I used to ride with a group where I was convinced that one of the guys intentionally didn't wash his jersey just to keep from being drafted. But I digress...

Seriously though, I've ridden directly behind the DS-500 in the daytime, and at level 5, yes, it's somewhat difficult to ride behind, primarily because you just can't stop yourself from looking at it, and subsequently seeing spots. (Now I know how the moths feel). But if you turn it down to level 3, it's on par with the Dinotte 400R, which is a little more tolerable. But then again, when you're in a big pack, the visibility issue isn't quite as much of a concern. When you're out solo, you'll be very glad of ever single watt (lumen) you can get.

smasha

i haven't seen the dual-eyes before... looks like a re-branded Serfas TL-200, but maybe with a better seat-post bracket - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx9HcaiKF8k

to my eyes it's the same light output as a PDW danger zone, radbot-1000 and PBSF turbo, all of which are good lights, for my needs. any two of them on the back of my bike and i'm confident that i'll be NOTICED even in daylight.