I'm trying to find a good light for use during hiking/biking. I currently own Shiningbeam's RC-F4 Q5 as my EDC and it's nice and bright, but I want something even brighter and "floodier," preferably with better a runtime as well. I'm willing to spend around $50 max, any suggestions?
Best ~$50 LED Flashlight for Biking/Hiking?
- Thread starter REVENGE
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Zebralight H501 with a 14500?
As far as brightness, all the small lights are about the same.
You *might* get a little brighter with 18650, or find an MC-E with 18650, but the battery life would be horrific.
If you really want to go beyond the brightness of 1-2 cells, you really need something that has an MC-E or multiple LED dies in it. These all vary with how many batteries you want throw in them.
I don't think people would appreciate a bike with an MC-E on it tho.
In any case, think BIG!
As far as brightness, all the small lights are about the same.
You *might* get a little brighter with 18650, or find an MC-E with 18650, but the battery life would be horrific.
If you really want to go beyond the brightness of 1-2 cells, you really need something that has an MC-E or multiple LED dies in it. These all vary with how many batteries you want throw in them.
I don't think people would appreciate a bike with an MC-E on it tho.
In any case, think BIG!
If you want something bright and flood light for $50 maybe you might want to check around the CPF market place for Zebra Light H30/H501. IMO this is a multi purpose Headlamp, it is also serve you well as an EDC. If you want more floody light you can check on Zebra Light H50-Q5.
I have Zebra Light H50-Q5 but the new circuit on Zebra Light H50-Q5 won't throw brighter output using 14500. I tried mine using AW Protected 14500 and it's less brighter than using Nimh. Few CPF member also confirm this on ther Zebra Light H501, please refer on this thread for more info about using 14500 on Zebralight H50/H501
Backpacker Light
Enlightened
You may want to consider an additional $10-15 for a set-up that will knock your socks off, last you many, many years, is one of the most effiicient lights available, and comes with awesome reviews.
A Fenix 1-AA LD1O
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_50&products_id=466
or a Fenix 2-AA LD2O
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=362
While biking I normally only need the medium setting of 47 lumens, or the high 94 lumens. The throw is excellent, but it also still has enough flood to make you feel comfortable as you ride.
Of course I do not hold the light. I purchased a Nite-Ize headband from Walmart for about $7. I don't think they carry them anymore, but they are available on-line.
http://www.brightguy.com/products/Nite_Ize_Headband_NPO-07_NPO-03.php
With this set-up, you can slide the light into the headband for bike riding, but still have an awesome flashlight for hiking!
Happy trails!
Backpacker Light
Enlightened
Ah well, forget it. I'm getting the MG PLI.
Why do you post a thread asking for advice for a specific light......
and an hour later say "Ah well, forget it. I'm getting a ........ light "
It sounds like your mind was already made up before you posted.
Hey, that headband looks pretty nice, I might just pick one up, thanks.
I know the Fenix is a nice light, but I think I'm going to settle for something with more output and less runtime. The PLI seems to offer decent runtimes on med, and I like having the hi in case I need to use it. I'll carry spare bats anyways.
I know the Fenix is a nice light, but I think I'm going to settle for something with more output and less runtime. The PLI seems to offer decent runtimes on med, and I like having the hi in case I need to use it. I'll carry spare bats anyways.
Outdoors Fanatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
Anything from Lupine.
lovecpf Didn't know Lupine and $50 could be used in the same sentence though
I'd get a Quark neutral white AA or 2AA (tactical would be my choice) if I had to keep it around $50.
Sverre
Ah well, forget it. I'm getting the MG PLI.
For biking the MG PLI it is probably one of the best "bang for the buck" deals. Or anyone of the MG lights from Shiningbeam.com. (A shame he hides stuff that is out of stock; it is real hard to see the whole range. Search CPF to find out...)
Zebralights are great, but on a bike they are too floody for anything except being seen. When biking you want to see further than just 10-30 feet. Hiking with a zebralight is certainly feasible, and you will see where you put your feet, but if you need to check out things further ahead to find your way you need another light with more "throw".
I find that both quark AA and fenix ld20 work very well for biking on dark paths... I would have thought that the quark would be too much throw for this application, but it isn't.
Well you might think it's odd that I made up my mind so suddenly, but I just wanted to see if there was going to be some sort of consensus at all on which ~$50 light is the best. As there really is none (which was tbh what I expected), I'm seeing the same advice repeated by the same people, so I might as well not hassle everyone for a new recommendation thread and just go by what I've read so far.
But seriously, I appreciate the suggestions.
Edit: Also, my evaluation of the situation is pretty much what jankj stated. Thus, PLI if it's in stock.
But seriously, I appreciate the suggestions.
Edit: Also, my evaluation of the situation is pretty much what jankj stated. Thus, PLI if it's in stock.
