[Closed] That time of year is coming again - what's hot in the lighting world?

Nah..

Defo a Japanese truck driver

[img] [/img]

lol @ womp - WTF ?????? 😮

i think you have won ! 😆

@theartist, I had one of those a while back but it was a bit of a fail, on full power it only drove 2 of the LEDs. Shame as it was a decent seeming unit otherwise and the beam pattern was better than the solarstorm, but changing drivers etc is beyond me.

Ah well, will see. It's only £24, so will find a use for it if it's no good for the bike

Wouldn't say it was no use- it's a bit bulkier than the solarstorm but did the same job otherwise, slightly better. Was just a bit disappointing. And weird frankly!

Anyone know if it is possible to disable the flashing mode on standard Chinese lights?

Trouty told me how on his units, wander if it is a similar method with these?

snownrock, can you recomend any batteries and case, for anywhere there in stock? I've order both light you recomended, so thanks 🙂

Evening guys,

I've done a ton of research on a decent 18650 charger and this is the best i've found, (after having a failing nitecore i4 and the efect luc being ominous about firmware version for sale)

One of the best reviews i've read on candlepower forums so far...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?385459-Test-Review-of-Charger-Xtar-VP2

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Bought mine from...

http://www.torchdirect.co.uk/batteries-and-chargers/xtar-vp2-dual-bay-lithium-ion-battery-charger.html

Has a volt reading too which is really handy!

The 4 bay versions take up to 10 hours to charge all four cells, so i've gone with the above and can charge a pair after work work and the other pair the next. Or even take it in the office and swap pairs at dinner. A battery box with x4 of these on medium can do a 2-3 rides!

Batteries i've got from Torchy the battery boy, and if you go via ukvapes you can get a pair of 3400mah Panasonic for £16.99

http://ukvapers.org/Thread-Torchy-battery-prices

The batteries are unprotected but they fit better in the solarstorm box, and the SSX2 gives plenty of warning when a battery is getting low, 3 LEDS, and then a flashing LED, along with dimming light lol

Be wary of all the fake 18650 on the market

http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/18650-batteries-chargers.html

Has anyone got any decent suggestions for a cheaper Joystick equivalent? I guess a torch is what I'm looking for, something easily mountable and not to weighty.

It'll be paired with a Lumenator on the bars; I'm finding the trailing wires really irritating this year.

Has anyone got any decent suggestions for a cheaper Joystick equivalent? I guess a torch is what I'm looking for, something easily mountable and not to weighty.

It'll be paired with a Lumenator on the bars; I'm finding the trailing wires really irritating this year.

5 mode http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S023726

or 1 mode http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S023724

They also do orange peel reflectors although the new XP-L LEDs are meant to have less of a hot spot and a more even beam so a smooth reflector should work well on your lid. I just use double sided velcro through a couple of lid vents to mount them. Obviously you need 18650 cells and charger

^ I've got one of those and it fits in the Exposure helmet mount. Still a tad heavy though on yer head imo. Fine on the bars of course.

^ I had 2 of them (with T6 LED) mounted on the top of my lid which made my lid move about a fair bit, got one either side now and it's much more balanced so lid doesn't move and can't really feel the extra weight plus I can pretend I'm in Orbital. Also I don't think it's a good idea mounting lights etc on the very top of your lid as if you go over the bars and land head first it greatly reduces how well the lid can absorb the impact risking neck and back compression injuries.

fathomer - Member
Has anyone got any decent suggestions for a cheaper Joystick equivalent? I guess a torch is what I'm looking for, something easily mountable and not to weighty.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moon-x-power-550-front-light/

Perhaps?

@theartist, I had one of those a while back but it was a bit of a fail, on full power it only drove 2 of the LEDs. Shame as it was a decent seeming unit otherwise and the beam pattern was better than the solarstorm, but changing drivers etc is beyond me.

Either they've changed em, or you had a duffer mate. Tried it tonight and all three on full power. Nice bright spread - works well with a spot on my helmet. Will report back on battery quality - the usual, non-waterproof offering, but I've taped it up well.

What's the opinion on helmet v bar mounted? I've not done any night riding for years but need to get sorted for something this year.

I'm looking at the new Exposure ones and want a single light set up, either the Equinox which is helmet mount and pumps out 2000 lumens, or a bar mounted Toro giving 1800. The light comparison on the Exposure site is not working and as these models have been upgraded, not sure how useful the beam comparisons on other sites are.

If I went bar mounted I do have an old 200 lumen Fenix torch I could stick on my head if necessary.

Both is helpful, in my experience - nice floody one on the bars and a spot on the noggin. A helmet light is really helpful for seeing where you need to go rather than just where the bars are pointing.

I'd suggest getting a good bar light - I find a head mounted X2 is perfectly usable, especially if you sort a lower profile mount.

Anyone given one of these a try. Thinking I could knock up a bracket for the bars fairly easily.

[url= http://www.dx.com/p/ultrafire-7xt6-7-x-cree-xm-l-t6-3-mode-4200lm-white-flashlight-w-strap-black-4-x-18650-285522#.VA3lS2K9KSN ]Ultrafire torch[/url]

@tenacious Doug a single Solar Storm X2 on the handle bars is really enough (or on the helmet if you prefer)

There are some shots in here, and although taken on camera phone are on par with what you see on the trail...

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/solar-storm-x2-cree-xm-l-t6-hope-vision-4-fenix-l2d-rebel-roundup

Muggo I've just ordered one so will let you know in a month. As for a mount cut one of these down and cable tie it to it.
[img] [/img]

What Cruzcampo said. A solar storm on the bars is plenty. Great bit of kit for the money.

I might order one too. Hardly going to break the bank and if it's no good for biking it'll be a good camping torch.

@WOMP so how are those XT40's then? Any chance to do a review?

New Exposure Joystick Mk9. 750 lumens, lighter than Mk8, charges faster.
Lovely bit of kit with superb Exposure back up, if you ever need it.

£140 though??

Bit less through a really friendly LBS. Bike7 at Longtown, Cumbria. Well worth it. The helmet mount is superb; as is the bar mount, simple and secure. The light is programmable also; tho' I've yet to work it out!

cruzcampo OT Is the last canal pic of yours taken going towards Fredericks?
Looks very similar

Peak forest canal, is that near Fredericks junkyard?

Nope a long long way away but it looks very very similar
Will try and do a pick after a night ride

Just popped a hardly used mk7 Joystick on the classifieds 😛

anyone got a link to a decent 4 x 18650 battery box, the one posted earlier no longer works.

ta.

Just a word of warning re the solar storms. Bought a set from eBay, colouring not as described (no big deal seeing as it's going to be used in the dark), battery life very poor, and not entirely waterproof. Plus the emf radiation knocked out my cycle computer interestingly, not when switched off but only when switched on. Hope vision 2 in the same location on the bars, no problem.

Decided the lights weren't for me, eBay refund requested, seller agreed to pay return postage as good faulty and required by DSR and sale of goods, then didn't, apparently forgot about agreeing ( message history in the email itself!) , then didn't respond further leaving me out of pocket. Finally I contacted eBay and they refunded the return postage and will charge it to the seller, so sorted for me.

Just a word of warning, still reasonably good value for money, but the lights weren't for me.

I took delivery of a set of [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161362759435?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&var=460385684246&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ]these[/url] today.

Seem good quality. Currently on charge. House not currently on fire.

@BillOddie,

i'm not so sure about those

"This is the upgraded version of the Best Seller Bicycle Light SolarStorm X2"

No Solar Storm branding, cooling won't be as good as no heatsink style fins, the phillips screws are just untidy/cheap and even look a bit burred, just doesnt look as finished as the SSX2.

The logo on the left and right differs suggesting two different reflectors?

@motivforz sounds like a fake, of which there are many. Genuine SSX2 come in a proper coloured box, don't have phillips screw heads, have a "TM" after the logo not a "R", very clean silver bevelling around the lights, a firm press clicky switch, etc.

motivforz - Member
Just a word of warning re the solar storms. Bought a set from eBay, colouring not as described (no big deal seeing as it's going to be used in the dark), battery life very poor, and not entirely waterproof. Plus the emf radiation knocked out my cycle computer interestingly, not when switched off but only when switched on.

Decided the lights weren't for me, eBay refund requested, seller agreed to pay return postage as good faulty and required by DSR and sale of goods, then didn't, apparently forgot about agreeing ( message history in the email itself!) , then didn't respond further leaving me out of pocket. Finally I contacted eBay and they refunded the return postage and will charge it to the seller, so sorted for me.

So which ebay seller were they from? Looking at buying a set, and would like to know who to avoid!

Thanks

cruzcampo - Member
@motivforz sounds like a fake, of which there are many. Genuine SSX2 come in a proper coloured box, don't have phillips screw heads, have a "TM" after the logo not a "R", very clean silver bevelling around the lights, a firm press clicky switch,

As above, looking to buy a set of these, any suggestions where I am likely to get a 'real' set from? Don't want to order and then send back if fake...

Thanks

@madeuphanme,

use this link to compare to ebay images, geniune pics, and also my pointers above...

http://www.solarstorm.hk/productview.asp?id=23&classid=006

@cruzcampo

Thanks for that.

It'll help, and I guess will weed out the ebayers with wrong or mixed design photos.... But I am sure some just copy the photos from the SolarStorm website, and then send you a vaguely similar product!

I guess that's the fun of buying from overseas on Ebay...

I usually buy mine from fasttech, who have there own HQ pics, which show all the genuine traits too, "TM" , none phillips screws, proper black and red box

http://www.fasttech.com/product/1285800-solarstorm-x2-cree-xm-l-u2-4-mode-2000-lumen-led

I'm not sure if they sell the light by itself though if you plan to use your own battery box.

EDIT. now this is interesting they sell a cheaper version which you can see the fake traits! even the silver bevel around the lights looks nasty! take a look, no box included too etc..

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003977/1502001-solarstorm-x2-l2-2-cree-xm-l2-t6-4-mode-2000lm

My mate bought two X3's recently and the rubbish one has the same design traits as that last link.

I bought the solarstorm from the original BillOddie link on the 2nd or 3rd page. They have R rather than TM. The charger got silly hot so I binned it and am using a uk one that cost a tenner. Not used them in earnest yet as prefer my Exposure setup but will give them a go on a wet ride soon 😀

This may be of use, here's my mates X3's one in brown box has "R" mark, phillips screws, rough slightly unfinished looking silver metal finish, and poor output, even the LEDS look different..

[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0010_zpscb539ba6.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0010_zpscb539ba6.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0011_zps45bf591a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0011_zps45bf591a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0012_zpsef87686a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/IMG-20140906-WA0012_zpsef87686a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Well, that advice from Cruzcampo has made me buy one from Fastech (not the cheaper one!).

Just got to wait til Xmas for it to arrive now...

(@cruzcampo - I will hold you personally responsible when I burn down my house and the light then fails as I ride to get the fire brigade and I cycle into a tree etc etc 😉 )

madeupname - Member
Well, that advice from Cruzcampo has made me buy one from Fastech (not the cheaper one!).

Just got to wait til Xmas for it to arrive now...

(@cruzcampo - I will hold you personally responsible when I burn down my house and the light then fails as I ride to get the fire brigade and I cycle into a tree etc etc )

😆

The three below are all fasttech expensive link ones, all still going strong, all ran on high for 2-3 hour rides without any driver throttling/dimming etc, . I think fasttech pride themselves on sending exactly what you see in the pics 8) Hopefully no bark to wash down the turkey will be happening come xmas!

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I replaced by 4 year old - once repaired FoC - Joystick at 325 lumens with a new but last years stock diablo at 1100 lumens. Paired with my 3 year old Lumi XPG 900 lumen single bar light. Riding in the FoD, you REALLY need a helmet light if you want to see round corners! The Joystick was great, but used to get a bit 'lost' against the Lumi. The Diablo is awesome although run time on 'night-sun' setting is only an hour so you need to power it back a bit when not descending.

The Diablo was discounted but still expensive compared to the lights shown here. And the Lumi was about £200 when I originally bought it. But riding at least once a week for six months or more in the dark, in all conditions, getting them wet, muddy and occasionally bashed by shrubbery I just want something powerful enough, totally reliable and backed up by UK support.

YMMV etc 😉

@cruzcampo

Oh I know they aren't solarstorms but you'll find half of "solarstorms" actually aren't solarstorms.

Not overly worried about lack of cooling fins as it will most likely be on 1/2 power most of the time and then go on full power on downhills.

I'm going to use it tonight so will let you know how i get on!

BillOddie report back on how those new versions work, i've been keeping my eye on them for a few weeks now but not seen many.

I have an old hope vision 2 but can't find the charger. Can someone please tell me what universal chargers will fit and possibly post up a link for me to buy?

Also, I've just bought a solarstorm light so if I can get a charger that works on vision 2 and solarstorm then it'd be double good.??

thanks

Just back from first ride with the new lights...

First impressions are that compared to the original Bastid DX lights the beam is much more usable.

Flood is good for cruising along on tarmac/gravel.

Spot is good for normal off road riding.
The spot is a nicer spread than the DX light which I thought was too hot in the middle.

Both is good for when things get a bit hairy.

They also didn't set me on fire.

Going to order one of these, go for it? Looks like the better model as described above
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251423689585?var=550343030403

@officer id probably send a quick pm to the ebay seller asking about the above pointers. If its all good 15£ is a bargain!

[i]battery life very poor, and not entirely waterproof. Plus the emf radiation knocked out my cycle computer interestingly, not when switched off but only when switched on[/i]

I'll agree the battery life is poor, but I wouldn't expect any battery to be entirely waterproof. I've had no issues with my garmin and I was using the solarstorm twice a day all through last winter.

Pleased with Letraset Promarker amber ghetto tinting [tm] ssx2 and headtorch. Too bright white bluey, this tones it down a smidge and adds a bit contrast.

This arrived yesterday. With whatever batteries I could find laying around it's not as bright as a solar storm. Same amount of width though. Once my Torchy batteries arrive I'm hoping there won't be much in it.
As a self contained easy on ,easy off it does it's job.
Still plenty bright enough for commuting through the woods and unlit tracks. £23 off ebay, then you need to add batteries.
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Took delivery of one of these today... [url] http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350800657075?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT [/url]

I was looking for a torch for commuting duties and to stick on my lid for night riding off road. Its small, very light and cheap as which is perfect. As you can see from the picture it's not that much bigger than an 18650. It's probably not as technical as an Exposure but for £9 I wasn't expecting it to be. Reliability remains to be seen but first impressions are excellent.

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Is it really 50g? That's half the weight of my 501B which is just a bit too heavy on the head. Could be ideal.

zippykona - Member
This arrived yesterday. With whatever batteries I could find laying around it's not as bright as a solar storm. Same amount of width though. Once my Torchy batteries arrive I'm hoping there won't be much in it.
As a self contained easy on ,easy off it does it's job.
Still plenty bright enough for commuting through the woods and unlit tracks. £23 off ebay, then you need to add batteries.

got a link? if it's possible to fit a 18650 based battery pack inside it with a charge port mod to [s]try to set fire to my house/workplace[/s] charge without taking the batteries out i'm interested

Not got any scales to hand but it's feather light compared to my other Chinese torches.

*Edit, according to the kitchen scales (who knew we had those.!) it's bang on 50g.

Ordered, thanks 🙂

@zippykona, I had one of those for a while, it was dubbed The Fist Of Light. Should be brighter than a solarstorm, mine was a fair bit anyway, beam pattern was a wee bit tight for bar mount but otherwise cool. I ended up selling it on but I was planning to fanny around with the reflectors, LED height etc to try and open up the beam.

zippykona.Have you got the link for that torch please or Northwind do you know where the bloody thing is.
That would be perfect for work.
Scrub that.Found them. 😀

Just added another Lez Zeckto front light to the collection, I now look like an Xmas Tree 😆

i've had the CandB Seen light for 2 years now and its so far been faultless.
on full power i can get 3 hours out of it and the light is well made.
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i paid much less than what it now costs via amazon
good visibility and output
[img][URL= http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad37/gonzy1/302706_4848805861770_43324965_n1.jp g" target="_blank">http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad37/gonzy1/302706_4848805861770_43324965_n1.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]
the gate at the end of the alleyway is 50m away

What do people think of [url= http://www.magniclight.com/ ]these[/url] Magnic lights? Newer version due out soon.

Just got back from a wee road ride and came back in the dark. I can confirm that little torch is way better than my car headlights.

Here's the link.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191313879360?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&var=490431527413&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
There's similar ones on Deal Extreme.
Looking forward to some proper batteries turning up.

Christ on a bike.! You could burn the paint off a car with that beast. 😯

Ah- actually I think mine was the 4XML version in the same body

Have just popped in the 2 Torchy batteries I do have and surprise,surprise it works.
Brighter than a freshly charged Solar Storm. Same as my Magic Shine 872 which looks really yellow in comparison.

Thanks zippykona.Couldn't find that one as i too have a charger and loads of batteries. 😀

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SKYRAY SOLARSTORM
edit it normally takes 4 batteries but works with 2 , so you'd only need 2 spares for emergencies.

Zippykona, that's very interesting. Let us know how you get on with it.

I bought the same as billoddie and it's great. I have some yindings from last year which were exceptional quality but a bit pricier and these aren't far off in quality especially given their price and speed of delivery. The one spot,one flood set up works well, as does the hood that stops you blinding yourself as you get out of the saddle. Chargers look OK too.

Zippykona

Is that beamshot on high?
Don't think you will get 9500 lumens out of it..
One XML-2 pumps out 1100 ish lumens.. 7x1100=7700 @3amps.
Battery according to eBay is 3.7v, assuming you have 3000mah x 4 18650's you have a 12000mah battery.

7 XML's @ 3amps =21amps
So on high it should last a quick dash to the shops? Or 30mins..approx.

zippykona, what is the size of the lens on the skyray?

Would this lens work with it?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wide-Angle-Lens-for-Magicshine-Lupine-and-Gemini-Bike-Lights-/261599734509?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3ce88f2aed

Thanks

Size wise it's 57 mm by 136.Not sure about the lens but it's plenty wide enough already.
Both pictures are on high.
If you run solar storm and then put sky ray on it gets a lot brighter. Turn off solar storm and it doesn't get much darker.
No idea on run time as awaiting decent batteries.

Neilsonwheels.. what mount did you use for the little torch?

^ Cloudnine I'll make mine fit my Exposure helmet mount. (£10 at Wiggle delivered free) Might need packing out a bit but if defo won't be too thick for it.

This one..?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-helmet-mount-bracket-kit/

Yep. They've had them for a tenner for yonks.

Wait a day or two til my torch arrives if you like, I'll test it in the mount.

Neilsonwheels.. what mount did you use for the little torch?

Used the mount off an Aldi torch. In fact they are in Aldi today. I ditched the original elastic that and used a a large rubber off my solar storm. The Aldi one is perfectly usable but the solar storm one looks much tidier.

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