HID headlamp

[Mark620]

Are there any HID headlamps that are usable?

I found this: http://www.viciouspower.com/ViciousArc.htm
but they are not currently in production.

 

[greenLED]

NiteRider has several HID models.
Light & Motion does as well.

There must be more, but those are the ones I'm familiar with.

 

[stollman]

HID Headlamps

There are some bright headlamps out there (Sten), but the mountain bike guys have been using bright lighting systems for years. HID (High Intensity Discharge) are as bright as halogens, but use less energy. Some of the headlamp units available are rated up to 16W (FYI a HID Watt is different than a Halogen Watt), and pumps out a massive 660 lumens of light. Several manufacturers also sell lithium ion batteries with run times over 6 hours. Most of these systems are waterproof (i.e. from rain), but I would not suggest swimming with them. You can purchase these off Ebay for 1/2 - 2/3rds the cost of new. I purchased a Light & Motion Arc Ultra off Ebay, which puts out over 500 lumens, and has a lithium ion battery with a 6 hr runtime. The light output from this light has a smooth pattern (no lighting artifacts) due to its stippled reflector (reduces lumen output slightly). I have used this light for 3 years (caving) and love it! As a side note, I made a diffuser for this light, which works out well with my helmet camera system. Helmet cameras tend to pick up hot spots from lights resulting in over exposure, so you have to diffuse your light source.

Below is an older article from MTBR Magazine which talks about HID lights.
http://www.mtbr.com/spotlight/lightshootout/

Below are some HID Light Manufacturers:
http://www.jetlites.com/products.html

http://www.bikelights.com/Products/arc_liion_ultra.htm

http://www.lumelighting.com/store/index.asp?prid=49

http://www.niterider.com/bike.shtml

http://trailtech.net/helmet_lights.html