|   Lighting systems | DSR
Nov 1, 2001 5:23 PM | | Hate to add another post on lights, but here it goes...
I'm looking for a system for both commuting and (more importantly) offroad night riding. Ultimately I want something that is durable with a good consistent burn time. Price is obviously a factor among options of similar quality.
Here are some thoughts and questions. Appreciate any comments or suggestions.
1) HID - Super bright, but definitely expensive. For its $350+ pricetag, I could instead get a good dual bar system and a helmet light buying me built-in back-up and "two dimensional" light (not sure if that's the correct concept).
2) Combo - Again, seems to be preferable. Downside is more weight.
3) Dual vs. single bar light - If you have the bar/helmet combo, does having a dual on the bar make much difference? Or should I go with a 15W single?
4) Digital vs. non - It seems that the advantages to the digitals is that they generally come with better batteries and chargers. Otherwise it's more bells and whistles that can just break.
5) Brands - People seem to complain about NR's durability. Is this more specific to the digital models? Is the Classic considered to be pretty bombproof? The others I'm looking at are L&M, Turbocat and Jet. Turbocats seem ideal, except that the price is very steep - the dual is almost as much as the HID. And what about Jet? They just don't look nearly as solid and durable. Thoughts?
Sorry for the laundry list, but wanted to get anyone's thoughts who was willing to share. Thanks!
S |
| re: Lighting systems | ibismojo
Nov 1, 2001 5:47 PM | | "Turbocats seem ideal, except that the price is very steep"
What's steep? They're like everyone else, comparable lights. the s25's are 230. I thought they were reasonably priced for the performance they gave. |
| re: Lighting systems | Bonee
Nov 1, 2001 5:56 PM | | DSR -
I can give you this advice. I bought a Marwi Elite Pro (dual, bar mounted lamps - 15w and 20w). They are fine for commuting on streets, but in all honestly I tend to rarely fire up the 20w in addition to the 15w.
For trail riding, the dual lights are overkill. At least with the Marwi, the lights are adjustable with the up down angle, but not left right. The 20w light just adds a little more illumination to the 15w area already lit.
To compensate for better peripheral view, I just ordered and will be getting a Lights and Motion Cabeza logic helmet lamp in a day or two. It was pricey at $200, but has many features like 6w, 10w, or 13w options, adjustable spot or wide angle beam pattern. At 6w, it goes for 4 hours. That'll be nice if I get a flat or two.
IF I could do it all over again, I'd get the Cabeza Logic Helmet light and a simple single lamp bar mount light with 15w. The Marwi is fine for that purpose.
Learn from my mistakes if you'd like. I really find it less pleasurable to trail ride with just a bar light, and I think I'd feel the same way if it was just a helmet light. |
| re: Lighting systems - Jets | damon
Nov 1, 2001 5:58 PM | | I've had the original Jets for a couple years now (used for both commuting and off-road) and have had mixed results - lights and mounts themselves have been fine, but i have had durability problems with the battery and cable.
Battery was apprently a freak thing where i think i was something like the 8th case they had ever seen. They replaced it for free which was quite pleasant.
Cable recently broke where it feeds into the plug (sharp transition). Had to buy a new one and design wasn't consistent with newer model on the website which alleviates this problem.
Overall i am pleased with the system. The guys at the company have done a LOT of research on this product (i've talked extensively with their head engineer). I just can't say if it is any better than other systems.
For commuting, however, a helmet mount is indispensible for warding off cars coming out of driveways, alleys, etc. Look at them to have them look at you. |
| Look at the Turbocat DS-30... | Russ-Ale
Nov 1, 2001 6:12 PM | | plenty bright and reliable. If you really feel the need to add a second bar light later, you can. You should be able to find the DS-30 NiCad set-up for less than the $300 msrp. Get the quick-release bar mount. |
| Here's the way I went... | DaMtnRider
Nov 1, 2001 6:35 PM | | I bought a Marwi Pro-Elite at bikerbob.com then made a 20w helmet light. Now, I almost wish I would have built the bar mount as well. Could have had just as powerful (if not more) system for 2/3 the cost. I love the pro-elite, even though i don't use the 20w light all that much. I've also heard good things about Jett lights for the money. If you have some technical smarts, give building your own a try, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Good Luck. Also try www.mtbr.com/spotlight/lights for more reviews on light systems. |
| how to make my own | Mtn Mike
Nov 1, 2001 10:57 PM | | I'm curious to know where you got your supplies to build the reflector and housing for your helmet light. If I could get the basic parts it would seem simple to wire everything together. Thanks. |
| re: Lighting systems | Paul
Nov 1, 2001 8:22 PM | | Running 2 sets of lights is definitely better than just a single light. another thing to consider is wide angle beams(flood) vs. narrow (spot). running a flood light from your bars and a spot from your helmet greatly increases visulization of objets in the woods, esp. when you are moving fast! I run a dual (NR classic) on my bars but have realized that it is not really necessary. Digital systems are nice to have as well but you can live without them.
I hope everyones post has helped make a good sound decision.
paul |
| Go a combo | Smiker
Nov 1, 2001 9:06 PM | | I own BLT Spectrums (10W and 15W bar combo) and they're great. But for endurance races I've always been able to grab a mates light, a 15W vistalight nightstick. This 40W combo is awesome for racing. I almost never use the 2 bar lights at the same time, the 15W really just washes over the 10W, so I use the 15W for higher speed. A great combo would be a 15W spot head, which you use selectively (mainly on singletrack) and a 10W bar flood which you run all the time. In my opinion, if you can get a set up like that, go for it. It would be perfect.
Mike |
| Thanks | DSR
Nov 2, 2001 9:59 AM | | Thanks everyone. Great thoughts / suggestions. A combo it is. No frills, non-digital most likely. Thanks again. S |
| Your welcome... | Bonee
Nov 2, 2001 10:54 AM | | Let us know what you end up with. I'm fairly new to night riding too, so it is nice to hear of what others decide on. |
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