Best light to be strapped on a bicycle helmet?

[jacktheclipper]

Kind of need a thrower for a lookin' around light
leaning towards the single AA format
RC G2?

 

[a1penguin]

I have a 35-40 minute commute, mostly on city streets with no traffic and some dim street lights. I also have about a mile on a paved trail that is pitch black.

Since you mentioned an inexpensive light and this is the budget forum, I'll recommend cheap lights.

I have a 18650 batteries and flashlights so that's what I use on the helmet. I charge up the batteries after two rides.

I've been using either a JetBeam Pro-III ST or a cheap Trustfire TR-801 strapped to the helmet. About 200 or so lumens in a small, light form factor.

I don't have many AA lights. I'm not sure if you can find 200 lm with decent run time in a single AA battery light. I have an Eagletac T100C2 and I like the quality. The P100A2 looks like a nice light but it's 6" long. The Akoray K-106 is $20 and gets a lot of praise in this forum. The Ultrafire A10 is a solid light too. I have the 18650 version and it's a solid light. They are rated at over 200 lm, which is probably overrated, but still probably decent lights.

 

[chefgrill]

I'd also recommend the Trustfire TR-801 it's a really great light, especially if you consider the price.

 

[jacktheclipper]

Thanks for the replies . I really want to stay with the AA format , because I think they're probably lighter than 18650.
Additionally , what mount do y'all recomend ?
Twofish ?

I posted here instead of the bike forum because I wanted a wider audience , and because most of the lights discussed there are a little pricier than I want.

 

[joe1512]

Actually the 18650s are pretty light. About the weight of an AA alkaline, which is heavier than rechargable AAs or lithium ones.

If you dont already have AA charger and batteries, an 18650 light is a good choice.

 

[a1penguin]

sku.12000 is what put on the helmet. For the bars you need the two velcro straps to be at 90 degrees. For the helmet, you need a gun mount where the velcro straps are aligned with each other. Pics here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/penguin/BikeFlashlights#

If you have a bunch of Eneloops, go for AAA flashlight that has 200+ claimed lumens and good reviews. That's how I made my initial purchases and I think I chose well.

For AA, the Romisen lights have good quality. The RC-G2 has a Q5 emitter which will be a thrower. I'd spent the extra money and purchase the RC-G2 from Shiningbeam. You'll avoid the crapshoot at DX and get a brighter light.
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-149/Romisen-RC-dsh-G2-II-Cree/Detail

 

[jacktheclipper]

sku.12000 is what put on the helmet. For the bars you need the two velcro straps to be at 90 degrees. For the helmet, you need a gun mount where the velcro straps are aligned with each other. Pics here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/penguin/BikeFlashlights#

If you have a bunch of Eneloops, go for AAA flashlight that has 200+ claimed lumens and good reviews. That's how I made my initial purchases and I think I chose well.

For AA, the Romisen lights have good quality. The RC-G2 has a Q5 emitter which will be a thrower. I'd spent the extra money and purchase the RC-G2 from Shiningbeam. You'll avoid the crapshoot at DX and get a brighter light.
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-149/Romisen-RC-dsh-G2-II-Cree/Detail

Thank you . I already have an iTP SA2 mounted on the bar with a Twofish lockblock and a generic set of 'be seen ' led lights on the front and rear . Now a nice throwy helmet light and I will be able to see around sharp curves .

 

[jacktheclipper]

Ordered an RC G2 WW from Shiningbeam
Thought that maybe the warm tint would help with detail viewing.

Thanx for the replies everyone , I'll see you on the trail...and you will sure as heck see me . :devil:

 

[jacktheclipper]

Took the RC-G2 WW out for a spin tonight and it worked just fine.
Great throw , great beam tint , and the lithium primary gave me one and a half hours so far with no dimming .

Thanks for the help .