Finally found the perfect front light....

[jkbrwn]

Originally Posted by prototoast

I don't want to derail this thread too much, but how does this work. In my experience, the biggest determinant of whether or not lights are blinding is the angle they're set at, and since most lights mount on a round bar, how the light is positioned seems far more critical than any inherent beam pattern. How does the beam pattern come into play?

It all depends on the mirror design within the light body itself. E.g. my SON EDelux mirrors the light down onto the road in a specific beam pattern as to not blind drivers.

These images illustrates it well. Only the road ahead is illuminated. No wasted light points up to the driver. The light will still be angled 'normally'. As in, it'll point straight forwards. You wouldn't want to angle it downwards because then the ground covered by the light beam will be minimized.

[jpw]

Originally Posted by saab2000

This is correct. Germans mandate a beam pattern on road-legal lights to avoid blinding oncoming vehicles. Most other manufacturers make little or no attempt at a focused beam pattern.

I’m pretty sure buried in Lupine’s language there are statements about most of their lights not being road-legal in Europe.

The "StVZO" standard.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by jkbrwn

I find it disappointing when light manufacturer's don't publish light beam photos or diagrams. Definitely reads as though it's a MTB light rather than road going?

However, I did manage to find a video reviewing their Lupine SL and that definitely has a road going beam pattern, much like a German dynamo headlamp from B&M or Schmidt. Certainly an easier and more straight forward investment than a dynamo + wheel setup.

https://scandinavianoutdoor.com/lupi...o-x4-sc-900lm/

[Spdntrxi]

I have a Wilma from 2006.. still goes strong. On high will last 3hours.. 10 hours on low on the same old battery. Only drawback is it gets pretty hot on high, but I dont need high.

Lupine makes quality stuff.

[akelman]

What's the least imperfect front light that has no external battery? I mostly want it for visibility reasons. I don't often ride in the dark (because I'm a coward).

[mtechnica]

Originally Posted by akelman

What's the least imperfect front light that has no external battery? I mostly want it for visibility reasons. I don't often ride in the dark (because I'm a coward).

Exposure whatever road light with the metal quick disconnect clamp.

[NHAero]

One disadvantage of the German beam standard with its low cut-off is that you can't see road signs or similar. I have a B&M IQ-X on the big Dummy, and this is the only drawback.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by joosttx

Technically the MTB lights are “headlamps” or “flashlights”.

Yup. Don’t get me wrong, I like your light choice. I think Lupine makes the best lights. I also like my Light and Motion Seca. But Lupine is even nicer I think. Just not technically road legal in some places. But on the trails and gravel roads of the US I’d use them all night long.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by NHAero

One disadvantage of the German beam standard with its low cut-off is that you can't see road signs or similar. I have a B&M IQ-X on the big Dummy, and this is the only drawback.

Germans have all road signs and similar memorized, so this is only an issue with visitors.

[Keith A]

You guys are always full of good information, and that's interesting stuff about the beam patterns.

[ddeand]

Lots of great info here! Nice light.