LED battery headlight recommendations

[p nut]

Wow, some deep discounts at Light&Motion.

If I were buying now, I’d just get one of these at 50% off. Even if you have to replace it after 2 or 3 seasons.
I’m going to pick one up for my other bike.

https://lightandmotion.com/collectio...s-1000-trooper

[ChainNoise]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

Nah, that's a pass for me.

Integrated battery lights are all dumpster-bound (like the OP's light is already).

I use an Acebeam BK10, handy light that integrates well w/ the GoPro mounts that are on most OTF headunit mounts nowadays. Remember you have to flip the diffuser though so the anti-glare cutoff is correct when the light is flipped. Takes standard 21700 lithium batteries, carry extras for infinite runtime.

That beam pattern is a REALLY hard pass. I'd rather have a 'dumpster-bound' headlight that allows me to actually see what's coming

[BdaGhisallo]

Originally Posted by sparky33

The Boost-R rear light from Exposure is intriguing. Any real world feedback on that one? Turns out my L&M taillight needs replacing too.

I use Exposure running lights and they are an outstanding product. You can't go wrong with the Boost, TraceR or Blaze rear lights. I would choose between them based on how much battery time you want and where you want to mount them.

The Boost and Blaze both have longer run times than the TraceR thanks to their larger battery capacity, but they have a larger size.

I actually switch between the three of them. The one caveat on the Boost-R is that the seatpost mount is not as solid as the ones for the TraceR and the Blaze. Both of those grab the light around the cylinder circumference and have a firmer hold than the Boost-R that locks into its mount via a lug on the end of the cylinder.

I do use the Boost-R with the seat rail mount, which clamps the light, as the TraceR and Blaze seatpost mounts do, and that is rock solid.


If you look on Exposure's site, they offer a myriad of mounts for a ton of different locations and tube profiles.


Another plus wiht the Exposure tail lights is there side visibility, thanks to the design of the lens that allows light to escape sideways out of the light and not just straight backward.

[ridethecliche]

I'm intrigued by this magicshine as well:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285471793783

Link at magicshine:
https://magicshine.com/products/evo-...xoCx_UQAvD_BwE

[Old School]

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

I'm intrigued by this magicshine as well:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285471793783

Link at magicshine:
https://magicshine.com/products/evo-...xoCx_UQAvD_BwE

I had to give up on Magicshine. I now have "Outbound" setup, but they are HEAVY to mount.

[mniklaus]

Outbound lighting without a doubt has been my go to for wireless lights. I have the Hangover which is typically a helmet mounted light, but I have a gopro mount on the bars and it works well. multiple light output modes including blinky. I run it in the woods on my trial bike, on my gravel bike, and on my fatbike.

[jdp211]

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

I'm intrigued by this magicshine as well:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285471793783

Link at magicshine:
https://magicshine.com/products/evo-...xoCx_UQAvD_BwE

I just picked up one of these and really like it. Clever mounting, wide variety of light modes/patterns, plenty bright, battery life seems pretty solid. I will say that its much larger than appears in pictures.

[verticaldoug]

Originally Posted by sparky33

The Boost-R rear light from Exposure is intriguing. Any real world feedback on that one? Turns out my L&M taillight needs replacing too.

Get the boost+ReAKT. The accelerometer really brightens when you brake. It’s worth it.

[rice rocket]

Originally Posted by ChainNoise

That beam pattern is a REALLY hard pass. I'd rather have a 'dumpster-bound' headlight that allows me to actually see what's coming

What do you find so objectionable about the beam pattern?

In my use, it's a fairly well thought out. If I were describe it versus my other lights, it provides way more focused light where you need it (i.e. where you're riding towards), less on the edges where you don't need as much light.




You'll find that most cars are designed with a similar trapezoidal beam.

[hummus_aquinas]

I was in the market for a helmet-mounted lamp, leaning towards the light/motion vis 360 system but after reading this thread and considering a more standardized, replaceable battery type I went with the lumintop b01 that uses the 21700 battery; https://www.lumintoponline.com/produ...39741081092132

I found this helmet mount for a different lighting system, looks to be acceptable to use with the B01 but does anyone have any other suggestions for helmet mounting? This is my first time using a non-bike specific type system and I'm replacing a dead light/motion randonneur (?) model.

https://oxbowgear.com/product/maveri...v=e75edac1b83f

[ridethecliche]

Are there any other decent lights that have replaceable batteries or packs?

I know I mentioned magicshine but I've only ever used one of their lights from like.... 2010 or so. It's really not great but it still works and holds a charge so it comes out every now and then! I think things have become significantly more efficient since then though!

[deluz]

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

Are there any other decent lights that have replaceable batteries or packs?

I know I mentioned magicshine but I've only ever used one of their lights from like.... 2010 or so. It's really not great but it still works and holds a charge so it comes out every now and then! I think things have become significantly more efficient since then though!

I have several Magicshine lights and they are really good.
I recently got the SeeMee 200 tail ight and it is way better than the Bontrager Flare I was using. I don't ride at night anymore so I use the headlight around the house for a flashlight.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

What do you find so objectionable about the beam pattern?

This is going to come off fan-boyish, but you need to ride the outbound lights to see just how damn good they are. I don't have the Detour, but the Trail Evo is incredible, its genuinely changed how I ride and approach riding at night. I descend just as fast at night as I do during the day, they're really that good.

I used to use 2x nightrider 1200s, which should be the same output as my Outbound, but its nothing like it.

[makoti]

Originally Posted by ChainNoise

Outbound Lighting Detour for road use. End of story, close the thread.

I have the Hangover, if you want something for the helmet, too. I really like it. My older light (with external battery) from Outbound is solid.
I'm confused by the comments about the beam pattern. I can see everything I think I need to and I don't have to worry about blinding people.

[trener1]

I'm a big fan of Cygolite.
I have 2 headlights, the Expilion 800 that has a replaceable battery and the Urban 1100, does not have replaceable battery but the battery lasts a really long time and has many light modes including a great daytime flashing mode along with nighttime flash mode.
I also have their Hotshot rear which is also has great battery life and is super bright.
I also use the go pro mount to run the headlight under my Garmin mount.
Here is a combo deal
https://www.thebikesmiths.com/produc...61cd112c&_ss=r