VistaLite Nightstick
 

I got a VistaLite Nightstick kit the other day, and then found out immediately why it was half price. One of the lights didn't work and I broke the other one in the middle of my first ride with it. The plastic in the mounting mechanism just crumbled.

Anyone have better luck with them?

I also just got a nightstick system. I haven't had any problems so far. I had an older Vistalite system for several years. This used the same lamp design as the nightstick system and I never had any problems with those lights either.

It sounds like you got a defective setup.

I've been using a Vistalite Nightstick CODE 15 (dual 10W/5W) for a couple of months now. I love it. Sorry you are having problems.

I have had the same experience. I bought it because it was cheap, opened it with much anticipation and the first light broke within less than a day. I shipped it back and got a refund no problem. Shame. For $50 it sounded like a bargain. I could really do with one night light.

Humm. I am going to try and get them to replace the damaged light. I made on good one so I can stil use it. I used it last night and it was OK. I think that because it was $50 and my bike shop gave me an extra stick, I am going to try and keep it. Thanks

I used the old Vista set ups for years, then passed it on to a friend who is still using it. He also bought a Nightstick, but had some problems w/ the connector.

Vista is owned by Bell (http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/main/...ellbrands.html), which has a very good return policy.

Here is their contact info:
Mail:
Customer Service
Bell Sports, Inc,
1924 County Rd. 3000 N
Rantoul, IL 61866

Phone:
(800) 456-2355
(217) 893-9300
8:00am to 5:00pm Central Time

My LBS was selling out way cheap their stock of Vistalights. I asked the owner why, and he said he was not going to carry them anymore, and that Bell was going to sell Vista which would make their future (warranties, replacements) uncertain.

You're the man riderx.

Thanks

I've been using the Nitestick System w/ 2 batterries, one light on the bars, and a remote switch every day for over a year now with no problems. My LBS was selling them at 1/2 price too($75), but he's still selling them--just not this model. I recently added Niterider's digital 6W tail light--awesomly bright, you can see it clearly in broad daylight. All electrical connections were compatable. I can't believe the batterries have lasted so long but no sign of wearing out.

I just ordered one on sale from PerformanceBike - the two light system (5 and 10W). I think, after reading this post, I am sorry I did it. Well, if it is broken, I will just return it!!

Dnvrfox - you should be fine. Vista makes decent lights for a good price.

I talked to customer service at Bell and they told me they no longer support Vista Light. They will honor the warrantee, but will not send replacement parts. They said they no longer stock them and that I needed to deal with my bike shop for store credit or a refund.

I got a 12 watt performance light for about 50 bucks on closeout, and love it. No problems for me.

Six months ago I bought the Nightstick single 15W light w/ 2 nightsticks. The past few times I have recharged them, they have not held the charge very long. I have since tested their charge and discovered they are only half-charging. I have never over-charged them, and have followed the recommended schedule of charging time. They have been charged ~10 times since I bought them, so I am disappointed that they no longer hold a full charge. Other than that it still works fine.

Does anyone know if nightsticks can be replaced or something retro-fitted to take it's place?

bvelo - that's a bummer. Did Bell sell Vista or are they just discontinueing the Vista name?

Steele - If I remember correctly, the nightsticks generally take around 10 full charge/discharge cycles to until they will hold charges properly. This means burning them all the way down (or to the point your manual recommends) and then fully charging them. When I do this, I usually time it so I can tell what kind of burn time I am getting. If you need to get a new battery, you should be able to use just about any type provided you fit it w/ the proper connector to attach to the light housing.

I'm not so sure about fully discharging NiCad's.


Sheldon Sez,

"...Both NiCd and SLA batteries can be severely damaged by being deeply discharged to down below 75% of their rated voltage. With either system one must never run the battery "into the ground", letting ones lights go from yellow to orange to dim orange. Turn your lights off when they get noticeably yellow, else you risk permanantly damaging your battery..."

from:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/marty_sla-nicad.html

Vistalite Nightstick Batteries
 

I asked by local bike shop owner yesterday about the batteries... he said Batteries Plus can replace the inside of the battery and restore them to like-new. I'll take one of mine in and ask if they can do it... will let you know.

Bo...

Thanks - but that post was written in 2001.

The vista lights are long gone!!

I am now using LED's on rechargeable D Cells.