Discussion: Lights

In the market for a new light for night navigation for trekking.
Any great ones out there? I've not bought new gear in....ages.

I asked this same question not too long ago. Here's the thread:
http://ar.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/mes...
I ended up going with the Petzl Nao. I like it - the reactive light saved battery, and I have never had to change it during a 24-hour race. It's a little weird if you're using it on snowy trails, though.

Cheers, should have thought to search the old threads.

A concern was raised late in that thread. The NAO is IPX4 rated (splash-resistant) - not waterproof, so it may not be the light for you if there's any chance you might drop it in a creek. However, it seems that people who have used the NAO are usually happy with it.
http://dirtandice.com/2011/02/gear-waterproof-rati...

Look up the Gemini Xera
http://gemini-lights.com/products/xera
or Glowworm X1
http://www.glowormlites.co.nz/gloworm%20x1

if you want a well-made light at a medium price that is powerful enough for biking and adventure racing too,

or a Lupine Piko if you have the budget. These all have multiple settings for greater efficiency, and you won't blast out your night vision if you need to read your map or tie your shoes.

There are a lot of Chinese cheapo lights that are as powerful, but tend to be badly made with lousy batteries and don't have the efficient settings.

This looks promising for trekking and running, for a lower budget.
http://www.fenixtactical.com/fenix-hp15.html
Latest generation LED, but probably not enough oomph for biking.
IPX6, so not really for swimming.

I have really been enjoying the Light and Motion Solite 250 EX. http://www.lightandmotion.com/bike/solite250ex.htm...

It recharges via USB

250 lumens for 4 hours down to a camp light for 150 hours plus a bunch of levels in between.

It only weighs 149 grams

It comes with tons of mounting options (MTB, Trek, camp, hand held)

Only downsides I see... It isn't fully waterproof and you can't replace batteries (you need to recharge via USB).

$179

What did you use for ARWC, Tico?

Stella, Seca, Solite, Princeton Tech Scout (discontinued)

BIKE: Stella on helmet, Seca on bars for technical or descents
FOOT: Stella or Solite depending on hours of light needed.
Backup: Solite and Scout (nice to use scout to see food / map in boat and let Bow person use Stella or Seca)
Map reading: scout (nice to have Stella aimed ahead on trail and Scout aimed down at map / food mainly on the bike)

I like using a separate map light too. Do you have multiple Solites? I don't imagine you were able to do any charging.

2. I could charge with battery cell with USB port in gear box. Waiting for those to get more advanced. I use one for my iPhone when I travel. There are really rugged waterproof ones out there.

Thanks. I carry a lightweight battery USB charger in long ultraruns but it's not rugged!

I picked up a Gemini Duo last year and I have been very happy with it, might be a bit over powered for "just" a trekking light though. It can transition very quickly from helmet to head band.

A small note regarding the Gloworm lights...I don't think that they are very transition friendly. To go from a headband to a helmet requires some dis-assembly.

I spoke with Glowworm about exactly that and I think they have a quick switch option now.

One thing I like to build with my lights is an AA adapter for emergencies or times you can't charge. I don't see that much with most lights.

inTimidator, the Geminis look very nice. I don't like the bulky cylinder/O-ring helmet mount/ headband system much though- it was primarily meant to go on handlebars nicely. Nice small mounts were always a problem for me to find.

I have been spec-ing GoPro headbands and mounts for my lights lately- they are strong and easy to find. There are some adapters out there now that would allow a nice low profile mounting on a helmet, which may fit the Gemini too.

I use Exposure Lights. They have no cables, they have extraordinary power and durable. Easy to charge in the gear box with piggy back cells too.

Joystick mounted on the top of the helmet. http://www.use1.com/exposure-lights/cycling-lights...

Maxx-D on the handlebars. http://www.use1.com/exposure-lights/cycling-lights...

Their light output is incredibly bright. I put them on the low setting to conserve the battery and they normally last the length of an ARWS race. I took a couple of each for the ARWC.

I like the USB charger, I got stuck with messing around with adapters in switzerland for my bike lights. Ended up blowing a fuse in one, and not getting a charge. The whole "universal" thing would be nice

Kyle, how long do you get your Stella to last typically, on one battery? Which battery size/configuration do you use?

I've been a big fan of my Stella that I've used for years now (use a Stella 200...they're up to 500 now). It'll last me through a 10hr night no problem...but, I run it low, and only high when trying to locate CP's. It's light enough to wear comfortably, though I always stow my battery in the top of my pack. I also use a 3cell battery, not the 2cell they usually sell with the Stella now.

Super interested in those Petzl reactive lights though...want to try one out for rogaines...where I'm constantly looking at my map.

Agreed on the USB charging. I make up USB chargers for my lights as well as the 110v chargers, and also can charge USB devices like my iPad from my bike light batteries via a different adapter during travel or power outages.