Need advice on a light!!!

[Evo.]

Hello all,

I am sure you have had this question 1000 times, but technology continues to get better.

Some friends and I are interested in doing some night rides. We know nothing about what a decent light is or what it would cost. We are looking to spend around $100 - $200 (give or take). What brands should we look at and what lumen rating should we be looking for? The longest ride we would be on is 3-4 hours (max).

Any suggestions or comments are much appreciated!

Thank you.

 

[yellow]

depends very much on Your "needs"

f.e. I use a single die Led-Light, similar to Jetbeam Jet III Pro Ultra,
because it is bright enough - for me - to be used on the bike, is extremely light and small, very rugged.
Use it for trail riding, hiking, backpacking, beginners caving, ...

You have cells and charger for AAs?
Fenix LD20 or similar. something like a 2*AA light
no chager?
18650 Li-Ion light (houses 1/3 more engery at about same size/weight)
--> jetbeam Jet III Pro Ultra being the top of the line.


"Real bikelights" = much brighter, much bigger, much more weight
in Your price region: LUPINE TESLA, get just the head of the light and build Your own battpacks from Camcorder batteries.

cheap version: the dealextreme P7 light http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149
You can find much info on that, when reading here in CPF,
I doe not recommend it 1st hand, because I do not know Your knowledge in electronics and lights, and that light's production quality can be up to par with its price
(= lowered quality for lower price)

 

[Zeruel]

:welcome:

Some have bought the MG PLI for their bike rides and are pleased with it. But you have to get yourself 18650 batteries and a charger too.

 

[alanmushnick]

I am also looking for a bike light. I have a lot of AA batteries and a serious charger, so I would prefer them. How do I compare the MPGL1 to the Fenix LD20 and the dealextreme P7?

I have a niterider HID. it's an older model, I think called the "storm" it is very bright, but I am looking for something brighter, still reliable to replace it or add to it.

It is really tought to compare lux, lumens, watts, with the width of the beam and pattern etc.

thanks for your help

Alan

 

[Evo.]

Thank you for the advice people. We found a great deal on a Seca 900 Ultra from my LBS, got it for almost cost!

We figure we will just get a good light so we don't have to deal with not enough light or out-growing the light.

Thanks for the replies!