REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Suggestions on a new bike light.

3036 Views 14 Replies 11 Participants Last post by BBW, Feb 8, 2010

losimaster117

Discussion Starter · Dec 27, 2009 (Edited)

Hello MBTR members! I need your help with me deciding on a new bike light. My requirements for this new bike light is it has to be bright. 350 lumens and up, $300ish or under and reliable. I would use this new light for some trail riding so it does have to have a good beam pattern. So these are some lights I like.

Topeak Whitelite HP 2W Dual $250 lumens: 4W (20Lux/10M) 2W (10Lux/10M) ( Seems a little dim if you ask me.)

Exposure Race MaXx-2 $283 lumens:480

Hope vision 2 with a standard battery $238 lumens:480

Niteflux Enduro 8 $250 lumens:500

Sigma Powerled black pro $140 Lux:90

Baja Designs Stryker $298 lumens:700

Ayup lights. $ varies lumens: varies

If you have one of these lights or lights with similar light output or price please feel free to tell me. Note: I do not want to buy a Magicshine! :nono:

The beam-shot goes with the Niteflux fyi.

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mtb_robs-x

· #2 · Dec 27, 2009

Baja handlebar, due weight,...would still need a helmet light,....
and you'd need a battery and charger,...
hmm there is a big differnce between 90 lux and 700 lumen,....

ab138501

· #3 · Dec 27, 2009

+1 for the Baja Designs Strykr

I would also avoid the Magicshine.

I would also go with the Baja Designs Strykr on the handlebar.

onyourbike

· #4 · Dec 27, 2009

I'd be tempted to get the Exposure. It seems quite bright, and there are no cables/connectors/external batteries to worry about.

Jello Sundae

· #5 · Dec 27, 2009

Another option:

My Niterider HID for my bars just died. Rather than replacing another bulb, ballast or big-ole battery, I spent $147 delivered for a much brighter (2x my HID) setup.

When my helmet HID dies I'll do the same thing.

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losimaster117

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 28, 2009

mtb_robs-x said:
Baja handlebar, due weight,...would still need a helmet light,....
and you'd need a battery and charger,...
hmm there is a big differnce between 90 lux and 700 lumen,....

Yeah I know that there is a difference between 90 lux and 700 lumen. What is 90 lux in lumens? Are they interchangeable?

indebt

· #7 · Jan 21, 2010

Enduro 8???

I'm sure that i'm a bit late for this reply on your light decision. I have a Enduro 8 single and found it had poor range. It is alright as a helmet light with it's very wide beam pattern, but been lumen hungry, i upgraded to the brand new Enduro 12 single with med optic $378. I've spent probably to much time reading reviews and comments on all the top lights out there,but what i've concluded is under $300 i think the Baja Stryker would be your best light.Very well constructed and better than expected light output,just ask Francis.For a hundred bucks more the Trailled Darkstar will be all you will ever need in that price range.Good luck on your decision!!

losimaster117

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 23, 2010

indebt said:
I'm sure that i'm a bit late for this reply on your light decision. I have a Enduro 8 single and found it had poor range. It is alright as a helmet light with it's very wide beam pattern, but been lumen hungry, i upgraded to the brand new Enduro 12 single with med optic $378. I've spent probably to much time reading reviews and comments on all the top lights out there,but what i've concluded is under $300 i think the Baja Stryker would be your best light.Very well constructed and better than expected light output,just ask Francis.For a hundred bucks more the Trailled Darkstar will be all you will ever need in that price range.Good luck on your decision!!

Yeah I was thinking that the baja would be better for my money. I think I will get it. You say that the Enduro 8 sucks??? Is it bright enough?

indebt

· #9 · Jan 23, 2010

Enduro 8 sucks???

No, i wouln't say it sucks.i think the optic is way to wide for a single 8 watt led.It is spreading the light so wide it has no range.If it had a narrow beem pattern say like a NR usb,it would be awesome and very bright with range. I haven't seen many brands of lights in action for comparison but it would be an alright helmet light for $249.But for the handle bars the Stryker should give you plenty of light.One thing, you may find it a little heavy if you decided to use it as a helmet light.Enjoy!!!

zarr

· #10 · Jan 23, 2010

why no magic shine?

hows it goin

· #11 · Jan 31, 2010

I would reccomend the ay up lights, i have the mtb set up and i run one on the helmet and one on the bars. I have done many night rides with them and a few 12hrs. I have also tried niterider trinewts and there is no comparison. Ay Ups are light, burn for a long time and awesome value for money.

losimaster117

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 7, 2010

zarr said:
why no magic shine?

Its a trust thing. The magic shine says that their light puts out 900 lumens but its really more like 300-400. Also its beam pattern is WAY TOO narrow for my liking and the fact that it has a really crappy mounting system plus they stole the designs of the Tesla light. NOT COOL!!! :nono: Lastly because it is so cheap that means the quality will be not very good. I need a light system that I can trust. (I am sorry if I offended you magic shine users though.)

J_Hopper

· #13 · Feb 7, 2010 (Edited)

According to the LED manufacturer, as reported in this thread, the MS puts out around 640 lumens. A far cry from the claimed 900 lumens, but significantly more than your 300-400 lumen comment.

Quality is subjective. If the MS doesn't meet your standard of quality (despite users here and on other forums reporting very, very few problems with them), then so be it. Look at the MTBR poll: No problem (286), Light Failed (8, one of which was Stefan Lupine). The charger issues have been resolved. The battery issue is easily fixed with some silicone sealant. And, Geoman has been successful at getting the manufacturer to clean up the inside (remove the swarf) and put thermal paste in the right places, which should reduce failure rates of the light head.

Have you thought about a DiNotte?

TyRod

· #14 · Feb 7, 2010

Exposure!! The quality of the light, the simple and very nice on/off handlebar mount, and not messing around with any cables or batteries is very nice and why I would suggest trying Exposure. The quality of these lights are awesome. I personally have the Maxx-D, but a riding partner uses the Maxx-2 and loves it.

BBW

· #15 · Feb 8, 2010

losimaster117 said:
Its a trust thing. The magic shine says that their light puts out 900 lumens but its really more like 300-400. Also its beam pattern is WAY TOO narrow for my liking and the fact that it has a really crappy mounting system plus they stole the designs of the Tesla light. NOT COOL!!! :nono: Lastly because it is so cheap that means the quality will be not very good. I need a light system that I can trust. (I am sorry if I offended you magic shine users though.)

What about the trademark? could Lupine sue? many people maybe doing a damage to light builders that pay money, design, etc and then a little group design and take buyers from Lupiine. Would it be honest?
its funny that everything is about "what can I do for me whith no regret for others"
Buy and support somebody that is trying to distroy a company with their stolen model and the people that buy those MS does not care; its is not cool and people here supports it (they don't care for a light company) but the don't want to pay fo something else (more lumens made USA, DIY) they are all better and designs out there compete with big manufactorers as lumen and custom. But buying a robbed design?:nono:

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