Good rain proof lighting system?

[Ashek]

Ive been looking around, and pretty much the only thing with a really good rep are JET's. Anyone know if theres something comparable out there that wont, ahem, cause you to refinance your house?

[Millstone]

MEC sells some reasonably priced stuff. www.mec.ca

[davet]

I've got a Nite Hawk Dual from MEC, seems good, dual lights 10 watt or 20 watt or both. I've never needed more than the single 10 watt, but with both on it's like daylight (well almost) I have them both mounted on my helmet, where you look is where you go after all. I haven't seen a good lighting system that doesn't break the bank, but the Dual goes for $220.
click here to see (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=1f019OHfNjAfDE2viYat V5RGKGFR7yA9xeXlxokfq3i0pOqufUvs!1835296461!170918 944!2003!7002!523965296!170918943!2003!7002?FOLDER %3C%3Efolder_id=669195&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=508039&bmUID=1063253055820)

[Nelson]

whatever you do get a helmet and a bar....

bar gives you the shadows, so you can pick a line....

helmet gives you light where you want it, and is higher up.

[Ashek]

Hrm, ive looked at those.
Anyone ever put a few of those triple-led lights on the bars? or are those only good for area lighting, rather than beam...

Also, can those nitehawks take a hit and not shatter?

[davet]

I fall often, but I don't usually take a hit on the top of my head, where I have them mounted. So I can't give them a direct hit rating, but they seem durable.

[Millstone]

hey dave, do you have the "pheonix dual" or just the dual?

[davet]

It's the Phoenix Dual with the NiMh battery.

[speed metal]

I've used a Nite Rider Digital Pro 6 helmet mount for three west coast winters without a problem. It has 6, 10 & 15 watt settings in one light and a NiMh battery which is so small you wont notice it.

[$lack]

Nite Rider Storm - helmet only.
Lights up 60 feet through the darkest woods in the rain.
Has 4 hrs. of burn time and is the equivalent of a 40 watt halogen.
I've actually had cars pull over near me while riding on the street.
I can't see the need for a handlebar light - even with my old 20 watt homemade job, 'cause it always worked great!

[Rat]

How much are those storm HID going for these days?

[Rusty]

HID systems are still about $400US. I personally like Light and Motion systems.

[Oldfart]

The Storm or Blowtorch will cost you around $800 Canadian unless you can get the shop to give you a deal. Pretty damn expensive. Only buy one if your truly committed to night riding. Do not borrow one to try out because everything else sucks in comparison. I biught one seasons ago and its been trouble free. My buddy had to get one last year because his lights were weak in comparison. He had a dual beam Niterider. He has had a few issues with his Storm though as did another friend of mine. They all get warranteed. Basically, OGC fix them very quickly. They figure any light that costs that much should be perfect.

I recommend the minimum for trail riding is a headlamp which goes to 15W. I found a 10W covers a lot of ground but when speed goes up its not enough and on those rainy nights, the ground is black. Always bring a back up light too. A small flashlight will do the trick or ride with others.

[ATN]

Any thoughts on http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=669215&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=16857&bmUID=1063299791799

I think I should get a setup for riding wide paths (xc training) and easy singletrack (know like back of my hand)

Or would 2 of http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=669215&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=576211&bmUID=1063299791805 work?

[Oldfart]

Those won't cut it at all unless you want to walk a lot. All those do is make you visible to others and maybe let you find the key hole when you forgot to leave the porch light on.

[ATN]

I would need 1 or 2 small handlebar lights and a helmet mounted Pheonix NiMH from MEC to be really safe?

[sanrensho]

Originally posted by Oldfart
Those won't cut it at all unless you want to walk a lot. All those do is make you visible to others and maybe let you find the key hole when you forgot to leave the porch light on.

Ditto what Oldfart said. Note that those types of lights are labeled for commuting use and are really intended to make you visible to drivers in road situations. And also for compliance with bike light regulations when riding at night (front and rear light if I recall correctly).

I sometimes see older BLT systems selling for about $80 via the Buy & Sell.

I have the Planet Bike 5/10/15-watt handlebar light that sells for about $150 at MEC. It would probably be sufficient for your application, as long as you are not bombing twight and twisty singletrack at mach speeds.:)

[ATN]

OK, I'l budget $150 for a decent light in after

Bike
Shoes & Clipin Pedals
Proper-fitting XC helmet
Bike Computer

[switch]

Originally posted by $lack
I can't see the need for a handlebar light - even with my old 20 watt homemade job, 'cause it always worked great!

Well, it's an extra light in case your helmet light dies due to failure (or crash).

Also, having lights mounted down low helps with shadowing, depth perception, and especially with visibility when it's misty or raining.

On ascent, I use the helment light. On descent, I turn on a 10W flood and 20W spot mounted on my handlebars. Lights up the trail very well, and the helmet light is good for looking around corners (or where you're landing).

The MEC Nighthaw Phoenix Single. $129, quite bright for a 10W, run-time of 2 hours, can be mounted on helmet/bar, and has a small/light battery pack. I'm thinking of getting the double battery pack.

Another light from MEC that's pretty good is the Planet Bike. It has 3 output selections so you can run low power for climb and have lots of juice for the descent.

Then there's the trusty BLTs. My 8 year old setup is still going strong.

[Rat]

I looked onlne and you can pic up the HID's for 350 US. thats about 550 Candian frieght included. Not to bad.

I use a 15 Watt BLT Helmet and a 10 Watt BLT Handlebar mount, its a pretty good system but I have seen the light (excuse the pun) and the HID's are unbeleiveble. you should ride behind Pablo on the board with his dual HID system it's unreal.

[$lack]

I know they're pricey, but I love my Storm. I had a warranty issue with the switch and it was solved in 2 days. I carry it with me all winter even during the day in case something happens and we run out of light. It only weighs 34 ounces complete with battery so it's no big deal!