[cwoodffr]

I run a cheapo Amazon 2 beam helmet mounted light with remote battery in pack. Works pretty well from an output perspective but the battery was the limitation. I recently got a battery case that allows me to run up to 6 18650's. So battery power solved. Now looking for a better head unit / torch component. Anyone seen the ability to buy one without a battery?

 

[wayold]

Gloworm offers the option of buying just the lighthead, but generic batteries may not be compatible with their new G2 lights. Magicshine.us sells just the lighthead for their older Mj-900 series lights. Kaidomain sells most of their lights as just the head. I'm sure there are others, but those kinda span the cost spectrum.

 

[cwoodffr]

Gloworm offers the option of buying just the lighthead, but generic batteries may not be compatible with their new G2 lights. Magicshine.us sells just the lighthead for their older Mj-900 series lights. Kaidomain sells most of their lights as just the head. I'm sure there are others, but those kinda span the cost spectrum.

Wow, wasn't aware of Kaidomain. Thanks for that reference. I would agree on not combining the higher end stuff with my own battery pack. Is the MJ900 well regarded?

 

[cwoodffr]

No idea how I would pick! Other Bike Lights
The ones with huge numbers of LED's seem crazy.

 

[MRMOLE]

No idea how I would pick! Other Bike Lights
The ones with huge numbers of LED's seem crazy.

If your planning on running whatever you get on your helmet you probably want to avoid the larger multi emitter lights because of their weight. I personally consider the Kiadomain lights "Amazon quality" so not knowing what exactly your current setup is no guarantee any of them will be an upgrade over what you already have. It would also be helpful knowing what kind of mount setup your using in addition to what lighthead and battery connection type. The Magicshine products are very good quality so a good choice if compatible.
Mole

Light Head Only Archives

 

[cwoodffr]

If your planning on running whatever you get on your helmet you probably want to avoid the larger multi emitter lights because of their weight. I personally consider the Kiadomain lights "Amazon quality" so not knowing what exactly your current setup is no guarantee any of them will be an upgrade over what you already have. It would also be helpful knowing what kind of mount setup your using in addition to what lighthead and battery connection type. The Magicshine products are very good quality so a good choice if compatible.
Mole

Light Head Only Archives

This is what I have now. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00U6AIS2Q/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_T8EET2BKSNDEE1ZFQVQ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The mount I am using is the arc shaped bar mount type with rubber strap retainer, that goes on top of the helmet via velcro straps down through the gaps in the helmet. That works fine. The battery connection type is the round style with a threaded interlock over top. The Magicshine 906 or Monteer 3500s look like they would be a step up. Would have to buy their garmin compatible helmet mount it looks like. Someone also mentioned the Lucifer M6 as power / plug compatible.

 

[baker]

If you go the Kaidomain route, be prepared for a randomly long wait for delivery. Also, I've found the stuff they sell to be of questionable quality (and I've bought quite a bit from them over the years). Personally, I'd just get a Gloworm Alpha and be done w/ it (you can choose lighthead only in the dropdown)...

Gloworm Alpha (G1.0) 1200 Lumen Bike Light, Now with Wireless TX (RF) Remote!

Now for 2021, Gloworm Alpha 1200 comes with the Wireless TX (RF) Remote* in the box! Your Alpha can be paired with other X-Series (G1.0) Gloworm lights which allows you to control them all with one remote. *G1.0 lights are not compatible with G2.0 Gloworm Power Pack batteries or Wireless TX...

www.action-led-lights.com

 

[cwoodffr]

If you go the Kaidomain route, be prepared for a randomly long wait for delivery. Also, I've found the stuff they sell to be of questionable quality (and I've bought quite a bit from them over the years). Personally, I'd just get a Gloworm Alpha and be done w/ it (you can choose lighthead only in the dropdown)...

Gloworm Alpha (G1.0) 1200 Lumen Bike Light, Now with Wireless TX (RF) Remote!

Now for 2021, Gloworm Alpha 1200 comes with the Wireless TX (RF) Remote* in the box! Your Alpha can be paired with other X-Series (G1.0) Gloworm lights which allows you to control them all with one remote. *G1.0 lights are not compatible with G2.0 Gloworm Power Pack batteries or Wireless TX...

www.action-led-lights.com

it does seem like a good way to go...seems to include the wireless remote as well.

 

[baker]

it does seem like a good way to go...seems to include the wireless remote as well.

Yeah, the wireless remote seems cool. I took mine out of the box, tested the remote, and never ever used it. That's just me. I switch between bikes on a regular basis and can't be bothered...if I went back to doing long endurance events, I might find it and put it on for a race.

 

[MRMOLE]

This is what I have now. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00U6AIS2Q/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_T8EET2BKSNDEE1ZFQVQ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The mount I am using is the arc shaped bar mount type with rubber strap retainer, that goes on top of the helmet via velcro straps down through the gaps in the helmet. That works fine. The battery connection type is the round style with a threaded interlock over top. The Magicshine 906 or Monteer 3500s look like they would be a step up. Would have to buy their garmin compatible helmet mount it looks like. Someone also mentioned the Lucifer M6 as power / plug compatible.

Thanks for the update. The MJ906 uses a o-ring mount so it should fit your existing helmet mount but MS sells the Garmin style adapter and mount if that's your preference. Beam pattern on the 906 is wide/flood but it make enough power to still have good throw. You didn't mention if you also run a bar light but the 906 would probably be the best choice if your just running the helmet light. The Monteer 3500 has a much narrower and more intense beam and has quite a bit more throw but would only be my choice if your also running a fairly powerful flood light on the bars. If your decide on a Magicshine light using the discount code THESWEETCYCLISTS worked for 15% off when I last checked a couple of days ago. The Gloweorm Alpha is a very good choice too. It doesn't have as much overall power as either of the MS lights but should still be an upgrade over your current light. It will also come with some very nice mounts. Beam on this light is adjustable via changeable optics from a very narrow/intense spot to a wide elliptical beam (the wide optic doesn't come with the light). I own both the Alpha and Monteer 3500 if you have any specific questions.
Mole

 

[cwoodffr]

Thanks for the update. The MJ906 uses a o-ring mount so it should fit your existing helmet mount but MS sells the Garmin style adapter and mount if that's your preference. Beam pattern on the 906 is wide/flood but it make enough power to still have good throw. You didn't mention if you also run a bar light but the 906 would probably be the best choice if your just running the helmet light. The Monteer 3500 has a much narrower and more intense beam and has quite a bit more throw but would only be my choice if your also running a fairly powerful flood light on the bars. If your decide on a Magicshine light using the discount code THESWEETCYCLISTS worked for 15% off when I last checked a couple of days ago. The Gloweorm Alpha is a very good choice too. It doesn't have as much overall power as either of the MS lights but should still be an upgrade over your current light. It will also come with some very nice mounts. Beam on this light is adjustable via changeable optics from a very narrow/intense spot to a wide elliptical beam (the wide optic doesn't come with the light). I own both the Alpha and Monteer 3500 if you have any specific questions.
Mole

Excellent info and I would be interested in your pick for helmet between Alpha and Monteer 3500. I do run a bar light, a Raveman PR1200 A Simulation of Automotive Headlight's Design

 

[baker]

btw, my regular combo is an mj906 on the bars and either a Gloworm Alpha or XS on my helmet. The 906 puts out a HUGE amount of light, esp compared to the alpha...

 

[MRMOLE]

Excellent info and I would be interested in your pick for helmet between Alpha and Monteer 3500. I do run a bar light, a Raveman PR1200 A Simulation of Automotive Headlight's Design

Either will work fine with your Ravemen light. If you just want the most powerful light the Monteer is the obvious way to go but may be over-kill paired with the PR1200. Output and beam pattern of the Alpha will compliment the PR1200 very well + the additional advantages of the remote, beam pattern adjustability, beam intensity programmability, lower weight that will be noticeable, and a far lower mounting profile. For your application I think the Alpha makes the most sense.
Mole

 

[cwoodffr]

Either will work fine with your Ravemen light. If you just want the most powerful light the Monteer is the obvious way to go but may be over-kill paired with the PR1200. Output and beam pattern of the Alpha will compliment the PR1200 very well + the additional advantages of the remote, beam pattern adjustability, beam intensity programmability, lower weight that will be noticeable, and a far lower mounting profile. For your application I think the Alpha makes the most sense.
Mole

Alpha over 906? based on what @baker says above.

 

[baker]

Alpha over 906? based on what @baker says above.

I've never thought of running the mj906 on my helmet. Lots of floody light and too much weight for my crappy neck. It is also quite a bit more high profile (would get caught on branches etc). The Alpha puts out far less light, the beam profile can be tailored to spot (better for helmet usage), is lighter, and lower profile. For fast night riding, I use the XS, which has a similar low profile, slightly more weight, and more lumens (the downside being more $$$).

 

[MRMOLE]

Alpha over 906? based on what @baker says above.

For your application I'd still go with the Alpha and actually would choose the Monteer before the 906.
Mole

 

[thatalexguy]

I found that a pair of Bright Eye Helios lights from Amazon do fine. I run a pair and can see well enough at night that they don't slow me down any.