need helmet light

[Rogue_monkey]

I'm looking for a good helmet light for trail riding. My budget is $150 max. I enjoy DIY so thats not out of the question. Run time of over 2 hours would be good but at least an hour. Ican or Led. the brighter the better and the lighter the better as this will be on my head and in a back pack.

So what do suggest.

Thanks in advance

 

[cave dave]

For the do it yourselfer:
Princeton Tec Apex (4AA). Modified with SSC P4 LED and a longer cord. 120+ lumens will make a nice addition to a LED Handle bar unit.

The Pro version (2xCR123s) is light enough you don't need a cord extension. The Extreme has a longer cord and runtime but the 8AA's might be a bit "extreme" for you.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170763

mod instructions here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=188163
and in several other threads. for helmet use keep the stock optic.

The new Niterider and Dinotte are nice too.

 

[dom]

This looks good!
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=174344

Would just have to sort a helmet mount.

Cheers
Dom

 

[Rogue_monkey]

Thanks for the replies. I've looked at both and will have to decide after the up comming bike show in Toronto.

Thanks

 

[Zero_Enigma]

Rouge,

Oi, I'm in the T.O as well. I went with a DIY 2 x SSC P4 U-bin LED's which gives me ~300lm (using 5 degree L2 optics, 3.6-9v @ 800mA regulator, and a 8.4v 2500mAh (6xAA hot off the charger) battery.

I made mine using AchesAlots cube design , some file I had around, hacksaw, cheap plastic saw guide, and a portable drill (could not find my dremel but gained some handling skills with the portable drill for light work). THat's the hard work there and the tools I used.

I did it the hard way so I can say it can be done with little to no tools. If I had to do it again (i plan on making 1-2 more lights) I would use a stationary sander at the very least for the big power tool. I'm not a good free hand saw person and the plastic guide was crappy. Anyone that has tried sanding 1-2mm on sandpaper and a file knows my pain and how long it would take.

Ideally a sander and some power chop saw or bandsaw (what Allen/AchesAlot used) but hey a cheap disc/belt sander is $$50ish and might be worth it for this and many other projects.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49184877@N00/page3/

Some photos and beamshots there of my DIY.

Check www.canadiantire.ca in the local stores I've seen some small hobby belt/disc sanders for ~$50 on the 1ch model is $69 CDN. Good deals can be had right now.

 

[nightrider]

Yes, you should be able to build a triple LED for under $75 which only leaves you $75 for a battery & charger. Might be close but you, should be able to make the budget... if you already have the tools as Zero_Enigma said above. Of course you could save a little by building a double. less battery reqmt as well.