Which battery operated light should I get?

[jberenyi]

I'm in the market for a lithium ion battery operated light. So far, I keep leaning on the Supernova Airstream model which costs about $210 online. I would get the Trelock 950 but they have issues with the mount/strap design from what I read in reviews. Does anyone else have something else to consider? The batteries have to be self contained in the unit and lithium ion. Oh, and my budget is a little above $200.

[gdw]

What type of riding will you be using it for...road, mountain, commuting? How long is your average ride after dark?

[Jack Brunk]

I've been using this light for a while now and it's terrific. It meets all of what you want and cost almost half of your budget. It's light, has a great beam spread and charges pretty fast.

JB

[dmurphey]

Check out Lezyne. I had a NiteRider 650 that was good. I needed a light that could get through a long night ride. The Lenyne Super Drive has interchangeable batteries. I got a spare charger and 2 spare batteries for next to nothing of the nothing. I can get 3-4 hours out of each battery, so all night with one plus 1-2 spares. Lights are getting better every year.

[xjoex]

For $200 you should go buy the Lezyne Mega Drive.
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-lezyne-mega-drive-light.html
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nb2qFM5UVVs/UMQUzr8tEDI/AAAAAAAAI4c/w4KZG54pczA/s912/PC080111.jpg

I have the Super DriveXL which is also great, a bit smaller and 500 lumens.
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-lezyne-super-drive-xl.html
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-up9f82G5ezk/UJ7JCFhOHhI/AAAAAAAAIEw/McA9To8VklU/s912/PB100015.jpg

But for $200 you get a 1000 lumen light that just rocks. I ride with mine on singletrack 3 or 4 times a week.

-Joe

[one60]

Bikeradar site has a great visual comparison of all the lights mentioned & then some. Check it out, its accurate & well done. Personally, i have a magicshine from geomangear. It cost about $85 a few years back now they are even cheaper (others have posted on this). This light is durable, has decent run time on full power ( 2+ hours) and is as bright as a supernova E3 considered by many to be the one of the best & ..wait for it...brightest. (sorry couldnt let it pass). I've used it for trails & street riding. The beam is wide & piercing, providing plenty of time to react to unexpected obstacles.

[jchasse]

I've done a bunch of night riding over the years and recently got back into it. I've owned Night Rider, NightSun, Light & Motion etc. I did a lot of research, including all of the offerings from the well-know manufacturers and ultimately bought a Gloworm X1. I think it's a great light for the money. I got it through the US importer, Action LED Lights - great service and I received the light in 2 days.

http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike/products/gloworm-x1-850-lumen-bike-light

[oldpotatoe]

I'm in the market for a lithium ion battery operated light. So far, I keep leaning on the Supernova Airstream model which costs about $210 online. I would get the Trelock 950 but they have issues with the mount/strap design from what I read in reviews. Does anyone else have something else to consider? The batteries have to be self contained in the unit and lithium ion. Oh, and my budget is a little above $200.

I use this one. USB chargable, reliable, easy on/off, bright for my dark to home commute. $65. Blackburn Scorch.

[dekindy]

Light and Motion is a high quality light manufacturer with a long track record of quality and an honest presentation of their light specs. The brand you are considering would fall in the same category.

Take a look at the Urban 550. Could not tell the Airstream's battery capacity at various lumen outputs.

[LesMiner]

I've been using this light for a while now and it's terrific. It meets all of what you want and cost almost half of your budget. It's light, has a great beam spread and charges pretty fast.

JB

I second that suggestion. I have the earlier 600 model. The beam spread does make a difference especially where there may be debris on the roadside where you are riding. I also had a positive customer experience with Nite Rider. I had trouble with the mounting clamp. On the model I have the clamp is racheting type where you squeeze two levers to tighten. I sent an email describing my issue and asked if the mount on the later 650 model that uses a bolt to tighten could be used on the earlier 600 model. Also could I purchase just the clamp. Nite Rider responded and shipped to me free of charge the newer clamp.

[jr59]

I use this;

http://www.amazon.com/Klarus-XT11-Flashlight-Military-KLARUS-XT11/dp/B006UEZIJS

and a 2 fish mount!

I have the nite rider 600 and the lezyne super drive.
The Klarus is MUCH better. Brighter, better beam, easier on and off the bike!

You won't be disappointed!

[christian]

I have a Light & Motion Urban 300. I use it on my 80-mile r/t commute once or twice a week. I roll out at 4:45am so it's pretty dark this time of year. I find it sufficient up to speeds of 20-25mph.

[fatallightning]

I'd look here closely. http://reviews.mtbr.com/2013-bike-lights-shootout

At the sliding pricepoints, I'd start with the Niterider Illumina 650, then the Lezyne Megadrive, and then the L&M Taz 1200.

[fiamme red]

I really like my CygoLite Expilion 700. It's available at Modern Bike for under $120.

[bluesea]

Dinotte, three options at your price point.


http://store.dinottelighting.com/dinotte-xml-1-headlight-p172.aspx
http://store.dinottelighting.com/400l-plus-headlight-p90.aspx
http://store.dinottelighting.com/dinotte-xml-3-headlight-p174.aspx

[fiamme red]

Dinotte, three options at your price point.


http://store.dinottelighting.com/dinotte-xml-1-headlight-p172.aspx
http://store.dinottelighting.com/400l-plus-headlight-p90.aspx
http://store.dinottelighting.com/dinotte-xml-3-headlight-p174.aspxThese are all good lights, but they don't satisfy the OP's condition of having the batteries self-contained in the unit.

[bluesea]

My bad (reading comp). :)

[jbal3242]

FWIW the Light & Motion Seca 750 Light is on Chainlove for $165. 15 mins remaining..

[roydyates]

I have a Light & Motion Urban 300. I use it on my 80-mile r/t commute once or twice a week. I roll out at 4:45am so it's pretty dark this time of year. I find it sufficient up to speeds of 20-25mph.

80 mi rt commute at 4:45am in Northern Westchester county ... in January??

You have my respect.

[charliedid]

I have been using the L&M Urban 550 and rear 180. Generally happy though I have had some wonky issues charging the headlight and the rear light mount broke within a few weeks. Both seem to be known issues with them and they were great about service.

I think the lights are nice but for that $ I want bomb-proof.

[arcadian]

I love my Exposure lights Diablo. Have a friend who bought one as well. Great light.

http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000092/diablo-mk4-%28new%29/#.UPFkN7bqKis

[oldpotatoe]

i love my exposure lights diablo. Have a friend who bought one as well. Great light.

http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000092/diablo-mk4-%28new%29/#.upfkn7bqkis

$320

Obviously lotsa lights out there..OP han't really said what he will need it for other than riding at night. Like so many things 'bike', it depends.

My L&M and Blackburn work well for me but my night commute is about 30 minutes tops.

[djg]

I've been using this light for a while now and it's terrific. It meets all of what you want and cost almost half of your budget. It's light, has a great beam spread and charges pretty fast.

JB

I've got this too and think it's a great commuter light. Small and light if you want to toss it into a bag, easy on and off, easy USB re-charge, and tons of useful light -- mostly I use the middle setting rather than the high. It's a few hours of run time between charges, which is great for a 40 minute ride each way, and dandy if I tack on a few extra miles (I still get 2 days without worrying about it), but it's obviously unsuitable for all night mtb races (unless you've just got an extra one in the pits) or rando-type events.

[jberenyi]

What type of riding will you be using it for...road, mountain, commuting? How long is your average ride after dark?

I will be using this light on the road mostly in suburban and rural night riding. Amount of time is about 2 hours. I might use it for commuting as well. Sorry for the late response to a comment.

[azrider]

For $200 you should go buy the Lezyne Mega Drive.
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-lezyne-mega-drive-light.html
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nb2qFM5UVVs/UMQUzr8tEDI/AAAAAAAAI4c/w4KZG54pczA/s912/PC080111.jpg

This looks pretty badas*s......

[jberenyi]

Holy crap...that thing weighs almost 300 grams with clamp. That sucker is a beast. Not sure if I want something that heavy for road riding. It is nice though. The supernova airstream is only 165 grams and yes it is 370 Lumens instead of 1000. But does a road rider really need 1000 Lumens of output. Heck if I know...I'm just a newbie on the light thing.

[azrider]

Holy crap...that thing weighs almost 300 grams with clamp. That sucker is a beast. Not sure if I want something that heavy for road riding. It is nice though. The supernova airstream is only 165 grams and yes it is 370 Lumens instead of 1000. But does a road rider really need 1000 Lumens of output. Heck if I know...I'm just a newbie on the light thing.

Ehhhhhh......yeah I guess its a little beefy, but I'd primarily use it MTB'ing if i got it. Even if i threw it on the road bike i doubt 300 grams would be that noticeable. Plus it aint like you're going to be using it while racing.

I think that the inclosed battery option and the ability to bring additional batteries is genius. I just went for nite ride with a buddy and seems to me that once you start flirting with the 900+ lumen range you're talking light, separate battery back, wires, etc.

I'm a fan of the Lezyne so far.

[kestrel]

.......... Plus it aint like you're going to be using it while racing...................

Meh, you've never seen how long it takes a few of us old birds to finish a race.........;)

[arcadian]

$320

Obviously lotsa lights out there..OP han't really said what he will need it for other than riding at night. Like so many things 'bike', it depends.

My L&M and Blackburn work well for me but my night commute is about 30 minutes tops.

25% off an free shipping with HNY code

[BumbleBeeDave]

I second that suggestion. I have the earlier 600 model. The beam spread does make a difference especially where there may be debris on the roadside where you are riding. I also had a positive customer experience with Nite Rider. I had trouble with the mounting clamp. On the model I have the clamp is racheting type where you squeeze two levers to tighten. I sent an email describing my issue and asked if the mount on the later 650 model that uses a bolt to tighten could be used on the earlier 600 model. Also could I purchase just the clamp. Nite Rider responded and shipped to me free of charge the newer clamp.

I also have the 600 and it's a dynamite piece. The 650 has some nice improvements including a better clamp and a bit more light. Hard to go wrong . . .

BBD

[gdw]

Read the reviews in the MTBR Shootout. Niterider, Lezyne, Cygolite, and Cateye are established companies and offer lights which meet your requirements. Shop the internet for discounts. An improved version of the Cree XML led, the led used in most all of the modern powerful models, is already on the market so the lights being recommended here are obsolete.:banana:

[oldpotatoe]

25% off an free shipping with HNY code

Allrighty-$256..

My point was that the OP didn't mention what he was going to use the light for but did mention that his budget was $200.

Lots of fine lights..I am always surprised by the post, number, 'energy' behind questions about lights.

Probably there are instances when some will need a multi hundred dollar light with a whole bunch of lumens, that last for hours and hours..but most of us aren't rando-ing at night for 12 hours.

[markie]

If you are going to use it for commuting, have you thought about mounting it on your helmet? Then you do not have to worry about taking it off your bike.

If you ride unlit, dark streets you will probably want 500 lumens or more depending on the beam pattern.

I used to commute with a magicshine and that was pretty good, till I pulled the wires out of the back of it after nearly 5 years.

So I just bought:

http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike/products/gemini-duo-led-light-system

But I have not received it yet.

[MarinRider]

25% off an free shipping with HNY code

Where can I use the discount code for exposure lights? Thank you.

[azrider]

Dude there are just way too many options out there for lights. Just when you think you've found one that fits the bill another comes into focus thats either slightly less expensive or one appears to come in with more lumens for same price.

Yesterday i was thinking the Lezyne now i'm contemplating the Gemini.


Good luck to the OP :rolleyes:

[jberenyi]

Dude there are just way too many options out there for lights. Just when you think you've found one that fits the bill another comes into focus thats either slightly less expensive or one appears to come in with more lumens for same price.

Yesterday i was thinking the Lezyne now i'm contemplating the Gemini.


Good luck to the OP :rolleyes:

You are so right. For two weeks I've been reading and trying to decide. Its a fruitless effort I tell ya. Probably one of the hardest things for me to be decisive on.

[sjbraun]

So just relax and get one a light from one of the name brands. Personally, I'm partial to L&M, that being said, I picked up a Lezyne Mega Drive recently and am quite pleased with it so far.

For commuting, I second the recommendation for getting a helmet light. You're way more visible with a light up top, plus when you need to look to the side, the light moves with your line of sight, something that noticeably doesn't happen with bar mounted lights.

Steve- who uses a generator hub and E3 on the fork for commuting with the Lezyne as added brightness.

[arcadian]

Where can I use the discount code for exposure lights? Thank you.

http://www.exposurelights.com/

[christian]

80 mi rt commute at 4:45am in Northern Westchester county ... in January??

You have my respect.Ah, it's no big deal. About 2h30 from Chappaqua to Wall St. and then I shower and shave before my 8am meeting. It makes getting base mileage in much easier.

Feet get a bit cold (no winter boots) but otherwise it's just lovely!

[djg]

You are so right. For two weeks I've been reading and trying to decide. Its a fruitless effort I tell ya. Probably one of the hardest things for me to be decisive on.

Beware of the fake dilemma: if it's hard to choose between three or five things because they all seem pretty darn good, hard to rank, and well priced, then take a deep breath and realize that you've got an easy choice, not a hard one. Flip a coin, pull names out of a hat, buy the one you see first when you walk into your favorite lbs . . . whatever. Whatever you get will be pretty good, and whatever you miss out on wouldn't have been all that much better, if at all.

[patstar]

My Lezyne hasn't given me a reason to switch

[jberenyi]

Thanks to all that offered suggestions. I have switched to the Lezyne Mega Drive for serious consideration especially after finding out the actual Lumen output of the Supernova Airstream. At 370 Lumen claim it really only puts out 182 Lumens. I'm not going to pay that much money for a 65% drop in rated claim. At least with Lezyne you get what they say plus an extra battery, case and machined clamps. I think I'm going to slap the coin down on that one. Its the biggest bang for my hard earned buck :)

[jberenyi]

Oh no...I just saw another cool light...the Cygolite Trion 1200. Apparently fairly new but very nice. Choices...choices...choices.:help:

[patstar]

Stick with the Mega Drive.
You.Will.Not.Regret.

[Brucer]

Yesterday i was thinking the Lezyne now i'm contemplating the Gemini.


I just got a Gemini Xera to replace my Night Rider MiNewt. It's a lot lighter and holds its charge longer. I ride it before dawn through some pretty dark bike routes, and it does the job. (www.gemini-lights.com)

[illuminaught]

I got a prodeal on some Lezyne stuff... so that made my decision easy.
But if I din't have that deal - I'd have gone for that xera flashlihgt... 850 lumens!

[jberenyi]

They don't have integral batteries. I'm sticking with Mega Drive for now.



Yesterday i was thinking the Lezyne now i'm contemplating the Gemini.


I just got a Gemini Xera to replace my Night Rider MiNewt. It's a lot lighter and holds its charge longer. I ride it before dawn through some pretty dark bike routes, and it does the job. (www.gemini-lights.com)

[jberenyi]

Well I got the Lezyne Mega Drive. So glad I did and thanks to all that made the recommendation. I bought the loaded version for $225 shipped. Sweet deal.