|   Can't decide between TURBOCAT and LIGHT & MOTION bar lights | seth
Sep 27, 2001 3:19 PM | | basically I'm between the 2 brands to match my heavy but solid shwinn head lamp. Not sure whether I'll go fer single or Dual mount--- since I'll be going solo 80% of the Time.
Has anyone tried both. The turbocat seem to be built solid but the lack lights intensity settings kinda blows. Also the dual mount don't last very long. But their S15(15 watts for up to 2.8 hours) might be enough light when also using a 12 watt head lamp. The L&M seems awesome: light, lots of settings, but the options make it big $ and if yer spending $200+ on their single mount, you mine as well spring for the dual mount for another $100. What the heck. any help suggestions would be great. |
| Check out Cygolite. . . | Halfnuts
Sep 27, 2001 3:41 PM | | Check out Cygolite at http://www.cygolite.com . Their lights are very affordable ($90-100 for 16-25 watt dual systems) yet have good wattage and excellent burn times. Great review here too. I have Rover NiCad Extra on order right now. Plus with the savings, you could buy another battery (or two) and burn twice as long. Downsides are there isn't a remote switch (on the light itelf) and you have to be more careful about charging because it's not a fancy intelligent charger. People recommend using a standard lamp timer (like you use when you go on vacation, turns the lights on and off at certain times) to make sure you don't overcharge. Couldn't justify another $100 and shorter burn times for a remote switch and fancy charger. |
| Thumbs up for the L&M | OldSchool
Sep 27, 2001 3:56 PM | | Note, I haven't tried both brands. In fact, I've only had the L&M a couple of weeks. So I'm a newbie. I'll give it a couple of months before I post a review, but two enthusiastic thumbs up so far.
I got a single light for the helmet and a single light for the bar, and I often travel with just one of the two lights on. I only fire both lights up when I'm in twisty single track or moving at speed. I haven't felt the need for more light coming off the bar.
ERGO..... I don't think you'll need the dual beam if you go with L&M.
Just my limited $0.02,
Tim |
| why do you need more light levels? | John Frank
Sep 27, 2001 11:13 PM | | Have to say that I haven't tried the LM lights, but the feeback online seems to be positive. I own a TurboCat dual source 30 light system and could not be more pleased. The construction of the eniter system puts anything I have ever seen or handled to shame as far as bike lights go. The lights ar machined from aluminum, fastened with SS hardware that actually remains mounted and is concurrently easily removed with no tools I might add. The 30 watts is plenty of light for me, the quality of light is extremely good as well. Macho lead acid batteries are available for 2:30+ burn time at full power. Yes, other lights offer different power settings, but to be totally honest, I'd never use them even if I had them. Most cars only have low/high, right?
Anyway, quality lights are crazy expensive. Aside from quality, TurboCat has phenominal service. Just write Elaine an email and see how fast she responds. |
| Turbocat | The Squeaky Wheel
Sep 28, 2001 2:55 AM | | I ride with the turbocat S15/10 system which puts 15 watts on the helmet & 10 on the handlebars. It really is more than enough light and the lack of control over light levels is a non-issue. I don't know much about your schwinn light, but if its a good lamp, then the s10 on your bar is plenty. As for the L&M, some of my pals ride with them. Its an excellent system, but no better than turbocat and a lot more $$$$$.
FYI: I often ride solo at night and still find my Cats to be excellent.
Save some money & get the turbocat.
The Squeaky Wheel (MCM#1211) |
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