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1. monkeyp - Member

   I currently have a MaxxD which is great. However, when using it on road or for my long commute the beam is too wide and I have lots of cars flashing me even on the lowest setting. I've played around with the angle of the light to no avail. This is usually on unlit country roads and I have concerns that when the going is narrow someone is going to be dazzled and hit me.

   I am considering buying a light for my lid, so, I was wandering if the Diablo could tick both boxes (i.e. a lid light for off-road and a bike mounted light for on-road). How wide is the beam - is it focussed like the Joystick? I could get a Joystick, but the Diablo is currently only a few quid more expensive at a number of retailers.

   What's the opinions?

   And no DX worshiping posters please - I've heard it all, I paid the money for a MaxxD and I'm very happy and am willing to pay the money again for the 'right' product for me.

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. J0N - Member

   AFAIK all the lights are focused to give the best balance of distance and spread. Obviously with multiple lenses like the race and MaxxD this is easier and more tune-able than single lenses. I have no real comparison for beam pattern but I thought a diablo would still be very bright. An email or call to exposure directly would probably be better than posting here. IME they have good customer service this way.
   A lesser tourch like a fenix would be better all round and cheaper. My fenix still punches through a P7 led because it more focused.
   I also suggest you angle the MaxxD further downwards.

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. PeterPoddy - Member

   I use a Joystix Maxx for commuting. I do use some unlit roads and paths and it's perfect for me. I can only imagine a Diablo will be even better. Run time on full power is a bit short though.....

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. crazy-legs - Member

   I use a Diablo for my commuting, usually bar-mounted on flashing mode but it's bright enough for a canal towpath commute as well should I choose. Nice and light, easy to dip the beam as well and it lasts a week of normal use between recharges unless I'm doing the full offroad there-and-back in which case it'll last a couple of days.

   It got a very good review in the current issue of Singletrack as well.

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. davemcc43 - Member

   I've been commuting with a helmet mounted Diablo all winter and I think it's brilliant. The flashing setting is ideal for riding in lit areas and the high-beam setting is enough to do 30mph down unlit country lanes.

   Unless I'm missing anything obvious other than the price I can't see any point in going for a Joystick.

   I've also got one of the red rear lights that plug into the smartport which is also great. One question I've got though is when I leave it plugged in with the main light off, the rear LED is still faintly active which drains the battery if left plugged in. Is this 'leakage' through the smartport with the light switched off normal?

   DAVE

   Posted 2 years ago #
6. STATO - Member

   I also suggest you angle the MaxxD further downwards.

   Second that, been using mine for commuting since it came out, never been signaled by a driver yet. You dont need it pointed high at all.

   Is this 'leakage' through the smartport with the light switched off normal?

   Yes and its highly annoying, especially as removing it from the light means faffing about turning the smart port back on when you want to use it again. Ive ditched my exposure rear light now, just not worth the hassle.

   Posted 2 years ago #
7. Stu_N - Member

   I've been using the USE Strada for the past couple of months for commuting, really impressed. It has an excellent beam pattern for the road - tighter than most offroad lights and the remote switch is really handy for switching between Hi, Lo and Flash. Always thought it was a bit of a gimmick but have changed my mind.

   The Strada and Diablo are about the same money on CRC - wouldn't be as good for a helmet light but probably better for the road. I guess you'd have to weigh up the relative uses and decide based on that.

   Posted 2 years ago #
8. billyboy - Member

   I have used the diablo as a sole bar mounted light for off road rides and the beam is a little narrow if you get into twisty stuff in the woods etc. You don't get enough spread to go fast in those situations. Thus I think it will fit your need.

   I've been switching it down when I don't need full beam and it has yet to run out on me on 2 to 3 hour rides. I bought a three cell piggy back battery for use on longer runs and I'm begining to suspect I could've done better with a single cell.

   Helmet mounted on full beam in the rain/snow you get disruption to your vision from reflective shine back from the rain drops/snow flakes which is something the joystick seems to avoid!!!

   Posted 2 years ago #
9. monkeyp - Member

   Cheers all - I'll play with the angle of the Maxx-D again, but it's a trade between blinding drivers and having enough penetration for 30+mph road descents in pitch darkness!

   Just a note to those who are interested in the Diablo - it's currently £165 at Wiggle, CRC and Rutland and £160 at Lex's! The cheapest Joystick I can find (with a helmet mount) is £130 at JEJames. For the sake of £30 you get a lot more power and a helmet AND bike mount.

   Posted 2 years ago #
10. chakaping - Member

    £160, hmmm.

    Glad I've got a bit of a cash-flow situation at the moment or I'd probably just have bought one.

    It's not an older model that's being offered cheap or anything like that, is it?

    Posted 2 years ago #
11. monkeyp - Member

    Nope - the Diablo only came out a few months back.

    Tis very tempting isn't it!

    I do NEEEED and extra 700 lumens to go with the 900 of my Maxx-D - don't I?

    Posted 2 years ago #
12. mansonsoul - Member

    I have an old Exposure Enduro, which is 700 lumens. Do people think the Diablo or the Joystick would be the best bet for a headlight to go with it?

    Posted 2 years ago #
13. JPcapel - Member

    I use the MaXx D for bar mounted duties and upgraded from a joystick to the diablo for helmet mounting.
    THe joystick is definately a narrower beam, more like a spot that covers a surprising distance. THe diablo is similar to the MaXx D (IMHO) is being a wide spread of light. Using both on full off rd. really does mean you can go flat out as per daylight conditions.
    I bought a further battery to plug into the Diablo so I can run it full power for a 3hr nightride, Minus any battery back up the burn time I think is 1hr 20mins on high setting, which with my riding partner using it minus a battery to plug in, often runs out too quick.
    Hope this helps.
    Had occasion to send back my MaXx D to USE in Petworth for a new off/on switch - 10 out of 10 service, fixed it in 3 working days and checked battery was still up to standard - no charge and couldn't find my receipt - has made me more loyal to Exposure/USE brand as result.

    Posted 2 years ago #
14. chakaping - Member

    JPcapel - that's useful thanks.

    Can I ask how much was the extra battery and how practical is it to attach it when you've got the light on your helmet?

    Posted 2 years ago #
15. JPcapel - Member

    chakaping
    Sorry only just logging back on....
    Extra battery was c/o CRC and from memory about £90.
    Fits in top zipper dry pocket of camelbak & I don't notice the cable going up to the diablo, so works perfectly.
    Was out last night with riding partner who has non battery-backed up diablo and he was turning it off to conserve power, where as I kept my diablo on full setting for complete 2.5hr ride. Alongside the MaXx D its brilliant - proper flat out riding as per daylight conditions.

    Posted 2 years ago #
16. chakaping - Member

    Cheers for that, v helpful. Definitely one to consider.

    Posted 2 years ago #
17. monkeyp - Member

    Glad I waited - there's an extra £20 off at Wiggle now making it £138

    That's 40% off!

    Posted 1 year ago #

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