I would like to get hold of a cheap 2AA torch for use as a visibility light (i.e. to be seen by others) on handlebars. Most of the units at DealExtreme seem built to give a good throw and not much spill. Not bothered about any other features - simple is good. Guess I could do worse than a Romisen N3. Or maybe a 606A-Q5 http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909. Any other suggestions? Many thanks.
Cheap AA torch with wide beam for bike visibility light
- Thread starter drgannet
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TONY M
Flashlight Enthusiast
A diffuser will help with visibility. Are you wanting a light with a blink/strobe capability or just a single mode?
Thanks
Thanks
I have just received the same 606A light in the Q5 version. I think the beam is just too narrow for a general visibility light. The beam is even narrower than the 606A P4 version. It is very very bright and draws 1400ma using 2xAA batteries. It only lasts 1 to 1.5 hrs which I dont think is long enough for serious evening/night riding. Of course you could "reload" with a second set of NiMH batteries. I have a similar light (modified Brinkman AA) that draws 500ma and lasts about 3 hrs on my helmet. I dont mind the narrow beam because it is my "flash at drivers on cross roads" and seeing around pending corners. But it is used in conjuction with my triple Cree light on my handlebars.
csshih
Flashlight Enthusiast
just try putting a translucent bottle cap onto the flashlight, they work well as diffusers.
My observation is that even the spill beam of a modern 2AA torch is plenty bright for "be seen" purposes, without any help from a diffuser. Try it for yourself: prop your bike up on one side of the road, then go to the other side of the road about 25-50 meters away, and face your bike. If you're a motorist, this is where you want to see the cyclist so you don't turn across his/her path.
Where the 2AA lights do fall short, is when the viewer is directly to the side.
Where the 2AA lights do fall short, is when the viewer is directly to the side.
... also, while you're at it, I recommend sticking another light to your helmet. It gets you wide visibility because you can point your head at cars coming in from the sides.
A handlebar light is a good thing to have as well, in particular if you only have a helmet light, then cars will notice you less when you're alongside.
Therefore, I'd a pair of any reasonable AA lights, and you'll be very visible.
A handlebar light is a good thing to have as well, in particular if you only have a helmet light, then cars will notice you less when you're alongside.
Therefore, I'd a pair of any reasonable AA lights, and you'll be very visible.
Hammer Train
Banned
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I've got the same question but for use off road so a floody beam in 1 or 2*AA format is what I'm looking for. I've ordered some of the fenix fishblock mounting things to mount these on the bike but I really don't know what the best 1 or 2*AA torch is to attach! Thinking of using two of them for a 'dual' design. Any ideas anyone?!
