Light Recommendations

[Jordansrealm]

Looking to get some night riding in one of these days and need some 411 on good lights. What do you run? Do you like it? What would you like to run? Hopefully we'll get some good opinions not just buy the most expensive unit

Thanks!

Jordan

[gurp13]

I like my Cygolite LED light. It's not superbright, but it's enough for a moderate pace on a dark trail. I has a 5-6 hour run-time on high. I'm a big fan of LEDs. If I was going to upgrade, I'd get an LED light that was brighter, maybe with 3 or more LEDs. You'll never have to replace a bulb which can be pretty expensive with those halogen and HID systems.

Probably others can give you more recommendations with more experience.

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

Looking to get some night riding in one of these days and need some 411 on good lights. What do you run? Do you like it? What would you like to run? Hopefully we'll get some good opinions not just buy the most expensive unit

Thanks!

Jordan

Try the Niterider Firestorm HID. Runs about $350. You get 4 hrs of very bright light. 2,5 hr charger. Can run on helmet or bars.

I have been running a Niterider Flamethrower(same as above only 3 years old) with out any trouble. I niteride regularly during the winter and have used mine alot. I have killed one bulb. Way worth the money.

Don't really need anything more than that. There are systems that will burn for longet times, but you are looking at $600 for those systems.

For a little less, try the Niterider Classic Plus. Dual light system. 3 light levels. Burn times from 1:20-3:10. This is the LX of the lighting systems. Nothing fancy, but always reliable. Not bad either for $270.

If you plan to do a lot of night riding....buy a quality system. Buying a cheap system that doesn't work well or isn't very bright will only cause your night riding experience to suffer.


mtnbikej

[mtnbikerdude87]

If you want a reliable unit go with the Light and Motion. Ive been running the Li-Ion ARC for about 2 years now and probably my favorite lighting sytem. The beam pattern is very clean compared to the Niteriders. Ive noticed this espically when riding with my friends, who have niteriders. There isnt a dark spot in the middle compared to the niteriders. I not sure if they fixed this on the newer models but it was on the previous models. L&M are a lil bit more expensive but they are reliable.

[Von-Skipp]

Ive been borrowing the NiteRider FireStorm with the LEDS. I did a 5 hour nite ride with em the other night to Upper HolyJim. These things are super bright and efficient. Climbing to Upper HJ on the fireroad I just used the LEDS and that was enough light.

When it gets DUSTY the HIDS kind of fade the trail out. I think this is the only advantage of HALOGENS.

Id recommend the HIDS + LEDS.

[FoShizzle]

i am not an avid night rider so my opinion is probably more worthless than usual.....

I run a Niterider HID Blowtorch bar mounted light with a Light and Motion HID helmet mount and both work fine.

[ShinKen]

I've had the NR flametrower for a few years now (I think) and really dont see a reason to buy a new one!! it's freaking strong light and will last @ least 6 hours!! great light and great deal from e-bay.

but George's light is very nice and powerfull!! not sure what the name is

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

I've had the NR flametrower for a few years now (I think) and really dont see a reason to buy a new one!! it's freaking strong light and will last @ least 6 hours!! great light and great deal from e-bay.

but George's light is very nice and powerfull!! not sure what the name is

Light & Motion ARC I love it - although I really should use it more often.

[killa Cali Kid]

i got a NR digital evolution (at least 4 years old???). It's okay but certainly not the brightest out there and run time on high (has 3 levels) is weak. Think I'm getting ~90-100 minutes on high burn.
mostly run lower on climbs and then switch to full on for downs. light has treated me well but would suggest a stronger light for local night riding i expect you are doing if specs on current model are similar

[erider]

I run both a Niterider Blowtorch HID handlebar mount and helmet mount. Jenson had them for 285 last December and Pricepoint may have them for 300. Both battery packs run 4hrs and come with quick chargers. The helmet mount is best for singletrack so you can look around without having to turn the wheel.

[tkblazer]

i must be the only guy stuck in 2005 with the Jet Lites Phantom 20w halogen.. works fine for me and is plenty bright.. i should really use it more often then i should, but most of my riding pals don't have lights.

[Von-Skipp]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

I've had the NR flametrower for a few years now (I think ) and really dont see a reason to buy a new one!! it's freaking strong light and will last @ least 6 hours!!

6 hours ehh?? your light didnt last more 30minutes tonight!!!!!!!

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Anybody have any time with the Blackburn x3/x6 lights?

[ShinKen]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

6 hours ehh?? your light didnt last more 30minutes tonight!!!!!!!

dood u suck!! I knew this was comming!! so much for that freaking 6 hour thing muhahhahaa!! but than again it's a few years old!! it's showing signs of old age he he...

[dstepper]

Man I am still gettin 90 minutes out of my 4 year old $80.00 Niterider Evolution.

[dirttorpeedo]

i've gotten along very well with the turbocat systems,i just replaced the batt.for an 8yr old lite of thiers,6w and it working well.this year ive bought the 350$ turbocat 47s? 12w low w/35w high nice lite but 40min. on the high.check out the blackburn that frank is speaking of both work well,have great things about them.

[Neccros]

I got the Niterider Flamethrower and love it.... 4, 5, or 6 hours of run time on a 2.5 hr charge....

Thats better than my old lights... charge for 13 hours and hope you get 2-3 hours out of them!!!

[Murmur]

Take the plunge, spend the money on a Niterider HID system. I've got the Cyclone - 4,5 or 6 hrs., depending on the setting. It also has an integrated petzel light for when you're dinking around, fixing your flat (right Matt?) but don't want to use the HID. I've had no problems with it for 2 years - have never gone home in the dark. Knock that wood.

I'd recommend a helmet mount - personal choice, but I like being able to see in the directiion I'm looking, not necessarily turning my wheel. It's a little heavy on long rides, but worth it in my opinion.