Blackburn lights???

[Bird-O]

I see that Jenson has a special on the Blackburn system x6 lights on sale for $95 down from $250. Anyone try these lights before and if so what do you think? Thanks for the input.

[pitmang1]

My Dad got me this system and I have it charged up, but I haven't used them on a ride yet. Most reviews say that battery time isn't as claimed, but the lights seem pretty bright in my living room.

[kamaekia]

I have these lights and like them very much. They are bright enough for me to use at night and feel safe in riding. Of course, I am not bombing down a hill at night. I agree, on full power, you don't get 4 hours, more like 3 hours.

[autoduel]

I picked up an X3 at the REI sale but haven't had a chance to use it.
Seems at least as bright as my 10W halogen with whitish and not blueish light.
The battery pack is bulky, but surprisingly lightweight. I read about the low battery life and I want to adapt it to some 3500 sub C's, but the connector has 3 contacts? I guess i'll have to cut the battery pack open to find out.

[jeffj]

Steve, sometimes on the Niterider packs with three wires, one is smaller and that is the one you can ignore.

BTW: DBD has one of the Blackburn lights. Maybe he'll see this or you could PM him.

[DBD]

Originally Posted by Bird-O

I see that Jenson has a special on the Blackburn system x6 lights on sale for $95 down from $250. Anyone try these lights before and if so what do you think? Thanks for the input.

I have 'em and faded1004 just bought a set as well.

I mainly bought it to use just the helmet mount as I already have a bar mount system.

The single light up top gives off plenty of light and I can see the trail and what I am coming up on well in advanced. The issues people have are wiith the battery not lasting as it should.
With the single light I get 3hr25min of run time. You are supposed to get 3.5hrs with both lights and close to 4 with a single.

faded1004 tested his and he got 1:20 with both lights running I believe. He said he will be posting more about them when he gets the info.

For the money it is not bad but realize it is a flawed system. The reviews for the X6 over at MTBR seem to say the same thing, battery is not the best.

[Bird-O]

Thanks for the input, I was looking at the MiNewt x2 dual as well but they are a little more pricey. Thanks again everyone.

[Lor]

I agree, the burn time is shorter than mentioned. If you put it on low or even off when climbing though you can get in a good long ride as long as you are careful and don't leave it on all the time. Good lighting, there are brighter ones but for the price, it's good.

[northshore]

Not the best in the world but they do the job. It got me through Fully many times without problems. More technical high speed stuff I would probably look for another system.

Edit: Bulky battery and difficult to mount if you don't have a water cage.

[faded1004]

yea, i got mine from performance price matched, and battery was short. i got about 1 hour and most 1 hour and 20 minutes.

the light is pretty good. i actually wanted to mess around with it. i am confident i can modify it and get it to work better in terms of brightness... and i like how it comes with everything... helmet mount and handle bar mounts that work well. the battery is big, but only cause it has the driver, charger and controller inside of it. all you need to charge is a power supply which is nice.

comes with luxeoan 85 lumen leds? i wanted to swap out with cree 228 lumen leds... which is a huge difference in brightness for the same power requirements... this should make the x6 up to par with most high end systems? i picked pu the leds already so i am ready to mod as soon as i can get one with good battery...

i am going to buy another straight from jenson. performance gave me the runaround when i tried to call them. blackburn just shot me over to performance, which wasn't the best thing either...

i just need the battery to give me about 2.5 hours... i think that will be a good number... 2 hours is good enough though. i just need it to be enough on high to finish the fullerton loop... i like the beam patterns and stuff as is... i think for my level (beginner) it was perfect out of the box... except for the batter issue... hahaha... alot of people have complained... but i think it may be a manufacturing issue combined with a first set charge issue... definatelly and problem that is identified right away...

then from there i can modify it, and void all the warrenties... so i just need a good start... : )

i might try to drop by and pick one up tomorrow if i have time before my class...today i had too much at work...

[TrailJesus]

I think Sarboats has a blackburn light system. Don't know much about the light though. Maybe he can chime in.

[faded1004]

omg, such a crazy drive... got to jenson at 6:59pm! called ahead saying i am on my way to pick up light!!!! and they said... sorry, we have to close right at 7... can't ring up anything after...

so, i booked it like a river dancer in a flood... and made it there... barely...

anwyays, i am charging it now, it is already at 90% charged... i am hopeful with this set... i hope to report good news... imma let it go over night... just to make sure i get the first tries correctly as instructions say...

[Bird-O]

Originally Posted by faded1004

omg, such a crazy drive... got to jenson at 6:59pm! called ahead saying i am on my way to pick up light!!!! and they said... sorry, we have to close right at 7... can't ring up anything after...

so, i booked it like a river dancer in a flood... and made it there... barely...

anwyays, i am charging it now, it is already at 90% charged... i am hopeful with this set... i hope to report good news... imma let it go over night... just to make sure i get the first tries correctly as instructions say...

I think I may try to get there tomorrow and pick up a set as well. I guess for the price you get what you pay for and for now all I'm doing is the loop so thanks for the input and see you on the loop.

[faded1004]

yea, i think it will be acceptable only if it will last close to 2 hours... other then that, i think i will have to find another to work with... at that point it might be too much work for the kit cost.

i have so much high hopes for this light if it works out... this will be a crazy camping light too...

[jeffj]

Throw in a $20 LED commuting light to use for the climbing portions of the Loop and you'll be fine.

[epicriderat]

There seems to be some interest in lights. Here's a nice set of lights that will handle all your night riding needs.

Complete lightset

[faded1004]

just wanted to post... returned th x6 to performance, and bought one that was in stock at jenson... and... i got... drum roll please... 40 minutes! hahahaha... even lower! man... what is up with the lights... i don't know why i am getting such bad run times. i am going to try to cycle it a few times, but i gave it 48 hours of time to charge... 4.5 hours charge and trickle the rest... it should have been good enough... but... the system isn't working... honestly want to give it 1 more return before totally giving up on blackburns name...

[Rockinthecasbah]

cheap things are cheap for a reason, zIm glad i didnt buy those i was really temped to a while ago

[faded1004]

yea, i want to exhaust this whole thing out... i want to leave no question... 3 seperate units should clear it up once and for all... right? there can't be that many flukes? so imma cycle this one (this is second set from differnt retailer) and see if it gets better... then try one more return and then call it, good or bad... i will keep you all posted...

[DBD]

I will hook up both lights and see what I get out of 'em and let you know.