Hello Everyone,
I'm a new bicycle commuter. I have a 10mi round trip commuting, taking 30 minutes each way through mostly residential neighborhoods and some backroads (but decent amount of traffic on the backroads w/ no street lights, don't think in the middle on nowhere, I am 1hr North of NYC
).
Have ability to have a charger at home and work, but I want to avoid swapping out the battery during my ride. I like the 18650 batteries for their voltage.
I'll connect the flashlight to my handlebars with this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/univer...-mount-for-flashlights-2cm-4cm-diameter-31871
(note the .98 diameter)
I'm trying to decide between the C8 and the 501B for my commute. Weight is not an issue, it's all about the ability to light up what is in front of me in a useful manner. I've seen video comparing these lights shining like the batman symbol in the sky, but I really don't have a good idea how well each would do on my bike. I want something that let's me see decently ahead (throw) but also doesn't give me tunnel vision so I can keep and eye on my peripheral (flood).
Some other things to consider...
- I believe both of them to be ok in a rain shower w/ o-rings and such, no? (Similar construction)
- What is the diameter of these two flashlights around the base? (Specs seem to show diameter of the larger reflector)
- 501B seems to have legit XM-L LEDs... I've heard of C8s with XM-Ls, but they were scammers on EBAY.
- Only C8 XM-L I've seen is unreviewed / unverified here: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultraf...white-led-flashlight-1-x-18650-110264?item=10 and here it is again, but not labeled as an Ultrafire: "http://www.meritline.com/1000-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-led-flashlight-torch---p-82258.aspx":http://www.meritline.com/1000-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-led-flashlight-torch---p-82258.aspx
- It also concerns me, it appears the C8s are run with unregulated circuitry.... meaning it's bright as hell, but by drawing so much, the battery charge won't last me an entire day of commuting. And now I find reviews of the 501B running 3amp draw as well...ugh. Are any true to their specs?!
Sorry I've throw so much out there... I tend to research a lot and I've blown my entire weekend on this learning about LEDs and such. I appreciate any help in advance!
I'm a new bicycle commuter. I have a 10mi round trip commuting, taking 30 minutes each way through mostly residential neighborhoods and some backroads (but decent amount of traffic on the backroads w/ no street lights, don't think in the middle on nowhere, I am 1hr North of NYC
). Have ability to have a charger at home and work, but I want to avoid swapping out the battery during my ride. I like the 18650 batteries for their voltage.
I'll connect the flashlight to my handlebars with this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/univer...-mount-for-flashlights-2cm-4cm-diameter-31871
(note the .98 diameter)
I'm trying to decide between the C8 and the 501B for my commute. Weight is not an issue, it's all about the ability to light up what is in front of me in a useful manner. I've seen video comparing these lights shining like the batman symbol in the sky, but I really don't have a good idea how well each would do on my bike. I want something that let's me see decently ahead (throw) but also doesn't give me tunnel vision so I can keep and eye on my peripheral (flood).
Some other things to consider...
- I believe both of them to be ok in a rain shower w/ o-rings and such, no? (Similar construction)
- What is the diameter of these two flashlights around the base? (Specs seem to show diameter of the larger reflector)
- 501B seems to have legit XM-L LEDs... I've heard of C8s with XM-Ls, but they were scammers on EBAY.
- Only C8 XM-L I've seen is unreviewed / unverified here: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultraf...white-led-flashlight-1-x-18650-110264?item=10 and here it is again, but not labeled as an Ultrafire: "http://www.meritline.com/1000-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-led-flashlight-torch---p-82258.aspx":http://www.meritline.com/1000-lumen-cree-xm-l-t6-led-flashlight-torch---p-82258.aspx
- It also concerns me, it appears the C8s are run with unregulated circuitry.... meaning it's bright as hell, but by drawing so much, the battery charge won't last me an entire day of commuting. And now I find reviews of the 501B running 3amp draw as well...ugh. Are any true to their specs?!
Sorry I've throw so much out there... I tend to research a lot and I've blown my entire weekend on this learning about LEDs and such. I appreciate any help in advance!
