Solarstorm X2 ; Helmet test
Tonight I took a Trail ( mountain bike ) ride with the SS X2 on the helmet. As usually my Gloworm X2 was on the bars but this time running the brighter "Trail Programme".
First thing I noticed was that my Gloworm ( on the bars ) had much better output than last night while the Solarstorm X2 was working real well on the helmet. Definitely the SS X2 has more throw vs. the GW X2. Not by much but still better. As such it makes a decent helmet lamp and better than the GW when used on the helmet.
It's quite amazing how well the beam pattern spreads out with the SS. Regardless I got a chance to put it to the test and found that it could illuminate very well in the 200ft. range. *
When comparing both the GW and the SS in the 200 ft. range both worked very well but the SS with it's more focused beam was noticeably brighter at distance.
( *note: I should mention that my GW X2 on my mountain bike is set-up with one spot/one standard/medium optic. As such the GW was not only bright but had a superior beam pattern when used on the bars. )
With both lamps going at the same time I had an absolutely perfect amount of light. Even with both lamps on low I could see great. The Solarstorm continues to impress me with it's bright LOW MODE. Even in LOW it has considerable reach.
Toward the end of my ride tonight I rode a short section of straight gravel road that I used to do beam shots on. I stopped at the usual spot and took my helmet off. There I did some quick comparisons by holding the helmet at bar level. Very impressive how well the Solarstorm X2 lights things up at that 200 ft range. This surprises me because the light at that range is quite dispersed. Even so I could still see very well. The only other lamp I own that can beat it for intensity is the Xeccon X-12 but the X-12 has a much more confined and narrow beam pattern. As such it is not as useful when dealing with trails that are twisty, have shorter lines of sight and offer more dangerous trail features . On trails like those a helmet lamp with wider beam pattern is preferable. ( IMO )
Has anyone seen this?
SolarStorm X3 3 x Cree XM-L T6 2000lm 4-Mode White Bike Light - Deep Pink (4 x 18650) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
I don't know how the third led in the middle will perform in comparison with the other two because the reflector seems to be a little wider. I'm thinking about buying the SSX2 but I need a light for trailriding and I'm reading all about throw that this light has, although I prefer more floody beam like the P7 I have right now...
yes, those triples have been talked about. I hope to be able to get one to review. The original link that I used listed the lamp as using a 6A driver. The one on the link that you provided is only listing 3A.
I think the SS X2 would make a good bar lamp. If you think you want more side spill you might consider one of the D99 clones that use optics. Optics generally supply a wider more dispersed beam pattern. They are also available in XM-L U2 and XM-L2 so they should be almost as good as the Solarstorm's ( as long as they are not under-driven ). Either way, these duel XM-L lamps will beat the pants off a single P-7 lamp with flood lens. :yesnod:
The Solarstorm triple listing a 6A driver should have a fantastic output. As far as I know no one has one yet but if I get one I want the 6A version. Be careful ordering from D/X as they offer different versions of the same lamp. Read the product descriptions carefully.