Bright Headlight for Winter - Recommendations?

Weather has been very good for time of year, been out on bike way more than I thought in dark, the headlight I have is rubbish and so dangerous so been looking past couple of days for a more powerful front lamp.

 

Mostly they seem to be LED arrays and make all sorts of claims about how bright they are and how long battery will last, mostly derided in the reviews and batteries dying in months also seems common.

 

So looking for recommendations, not looking to land planes but need something that will actually show me the road ahead so I can be safe a go a little faster than 10mph...

 

Thanks.

I should've said majority are all 5V, I have USB on bike but also have 52V, most seem to recommend just going USB power, has anyone here tried 36/48/52V headlights?

I should've said majority are all 5V, I have USB on bike but also have 52V, most seem to recommend just going USB power, has anyone here tried 36/48/52V headlights?

There are very many good lights on Ebay, Amazon, Aliexpress, etc for around a tenner. Many have their own separate 4-cell battery pack. You can get your own empty 4-cell holder and put your own cells in it, then you don't have to worry about the quality of the cells.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355997817619?_skw=bike+front+light+u2+led&itmmeta=01JC4QFNDMZCBBV0J9ENH491MY&hash=item52e31f9b13:g:LFcAAOSweclhglS6&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlr%2BPYyC8o3qHdjN4P7%2Fqg1PA9GLzDp15KiUXSmlm79Pjg8Q4hLXYkHqPyEagP0wOqG4lBsCvLc6V9o45U6LMeXeawpHfyahkfDEOH4EQ3gqH0nVWxlddMBM67Qr%2B7584OnxvTwWnzgX4685V5P7QwSqsL4PLbgorLUJgooGSxN7QKXmiicYULOTVRHufKiZbldCQCH0RcJt6Y6G5%2BXN2l%2FX2251O9y%2BFAX1N3i1tw%2ByRKf3Q9EUqtDQDtcr1chiLA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4LXvpfhZA

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355997817619?_skw=bike+front+light+u2+led&itmmeta=01JC4QFNDMZCBBV0J9ENH491MY&hash=item52e31f9b13:g:LFcAAOSweclhglS6&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlr%2BPYyC8o3qHdjN4P7%2Fqg1PA9GLzDp15KiUXSmlm79Pjg8Q4hLXYkHqPyEagP0wOqG4lBsCvLc6V9o45U6LMeXeawpHfyahkfDEOH4EQ3gqH0nVWxlddMBM67Qr%2B7584OnxvTwWnzgX4685V5P7QwSqsL4PLbgorLUJgooGSxN7QKXmiicYULOTVRHufKiZbldCQCH0RcJt6Y6G5%2BXN2l%2FX2251O9y%2BFAX1N3i1tw%2ByRKf3Q9EUqtDQDtcr1chiLA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4LXvpfhZA

Two of these 12V-80V lights are soldered to my ebike battery:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326033090898

 

...this larger version too - had to solder this on in series with one of the two linked above, because it can't 36V:

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004793064010.html

 

Three, because the spread of one light beam of one or two, wasn't wide enough to clearly illuminate potholes, and as my speed increased I didn't want to be adjusting the angle to throw light further ahead. The third (largest) one is at the apex of the light triangle, casts furthest out with a slightly wider beam than the others. Wish these lights had adjustable lenses so beam width can be altered. An eye tracking system to focus lights on whatever I look at would be nice. They haven't blown the inline 2A miniblade fuse, must be using less, I haven't got around to measuring, should have before I soldered them on. At some point I will get around to using two or three fuses in series, because about 14m 5s in this video, this Grin dude says quick blow blade fuses can fail to blow quickly enough:

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j92Gt4VviSQ:845

Edited November 8, 20241 yr by guerney

Have decided to just go with USB 5V and not bother using 52V for an easy life.

 

Looking at this one, only concern is the batteries seem cheap and don't keep charge.

 

So here's a question, not clear from the blurb, can these lights be charged with 5V USB when you are using them or like a lot of devices you cannot use them when charging, does anyone know?

 

I have USB on bike so if/when battery fails I can still use it without hassle of replacing cells etc.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victoper-Upgrade-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Mountain/dp/B0C7VSJZFF/ref=sr_1_43?a=b&ascsubtag=cyclingweekly-gb-1079479923474232559-21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DSuiD0HGJu5TnjQ6_Uy6iBg0nU_h-QsJVbgrt0s_NNt6CcqVksxYn3Cmf03SY_YYdrVgyevfvFwPUJeith48zaCINb7R_LF8qGU6jHW6MLU5WsOLJ0ey1mFHxJzRo1TwRheiNlx-PrforX4AabwY-8-XCzfsYTusetJymMqC-dmm1gob1G70Ov2PlA-1fTJv2IxzJzGAZT1yHvHpiu_6Xq8wtOJFZgwNT118d2ikp5pc4TvzwEi4XS7NodjuqseZ-bj9GQ30s5v_uiv3YbPYyhXV1DeEM1AysNh_zq4VhGA.rXev3yyWfBoF4JbcqHKdQVB_iBwdr_3Uq0rJPZO7z3c&dib_tag=se&geniuslink=true&keywords=Magicshine%2BALLTY1000%2BLightweight%2BRoad%2BFront%2BLight&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1731027336&sr=8-43&th=1

You can connect an older car headlight to a 12v battery.

This or something like, or three:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326033090898

 

 

...with this, waterproofed somehow? Or perhaps someone can post a link of a waterprofed product which does the same? Seems these can be stacked to make larger battery packs. Although... on a bike constantly being moved about, and with springs possibly becoming hot, I don't know how long they'd last.

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001798884100.html

 

 

... with a rainproof two wire switch:

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004468782028.html

 

...and a 2A fuse (or two) inline?

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006286934036.html

 

 

 

When the cells are destroyed, easily replace.

 

Easier to solder lights to the battery.

Edited November 12, 20241 yr by guerney

This is pretty bright, also cheap, approaches the brightness of one of my 1800LM headlights in fact. Lasts a few hours, I haven't timed. Also useful to carry around for it's powerbank function. Can be bought cheaper than this currently, if you gamble on AliExpress's so called "Search engine":

 

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005006193221331.html

 

 

 

What I don't like, is it's upward opening vertical flap over the charging port at the back, a downward opening flap would be better for rainproofing. Two up front at least, make one red using red ebay heat resistant acetate sheet, for a very bright flasher on the back...

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by guerney

Not a headlight, but for fans of ready made red flashing lights of less than 1800LM brightness (ie Inferior. Puny. Shamefully inadequate.), this is bright, cheap at this time of the year, runs for hours, and has frickin laser beams.

 

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007245444275.html

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by guerney

What about the standard reflective tabard/jacket/gilletbelt/straps but with built-in LED lighting ?

This is pretty bright, also cheap, approaches the brightness of one of my 1800LM headlights in fact. Lasts a few hours, I haven't timed. Also useful to carry around for it's powerbank function. Can be bought cheaper than this currently, if you gamble on AliExpress's so called "Search engine":

 

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005006193221331.html

 

[ATTACH type=full" alt="60873]60873[/ATTACH]

 

 

What I don't like, is it's upward opening vertical flap over the charging port at the back, a downward opening flap would be better for rainproofing. Two up front at least, make one red using red ebay heat resistant acetate sheet, for a very bright flasher on the back...

 

You are corrupting me with these daft prices...! Can you charge it up/power it with USB when it is switched on or does it switch itself off under charge? Not a big deal but might become one when the cheapo cells wear out?

 

 

Not a headlight, but for fans of ready made red flashing lights of less than 1800LM brightness (ie Inferior. Puny. Shamefully inadequate.), this is bright, cheap at this time of the year, runs for hours, and has frickin laser beams.

 

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007245444275.html

 

Laser pointing capability! Oooh, the cat will like that....!

What about the standard reflective tabard/jacket/gilletbelt/straps but with built-in LED lighting ?

[ATTACH type=full" alt="888876.jpg]60889[/ATTACH]

 

Nice idea if you are out in bad weather, I still panic if the rain comes on as no mudguards.

How many of these did you have back in late 70s/80s?

 

I had most of them I think, cannot find a pic of the massive big square red rear light, had that too, new ones every year for Christmas as they broke, Ever Ready must've made a killing...

 

What about the standard reflective tabard/jacket/gilletbelt/straps but with built-in LED lighting ?

[ATTACH=full]60889[/ATTACH]

 

I use this one, flashing red from my back, over my body, or over/swinging from my rucksack. It's internal battery powers flashing for many hours:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00N1SM2NQ/

Edited November 18, 20241 yr by guerney

Had these dynamos too, they were shite and barely generated any light in pitch black.

 

You are corrupting me with these daft prices...! Can you charge it up/power it with USB when it is switched on or does it switch itself off under charge? Not a big deal but might become one when the cheapo cells wear out?

 

I don't know, I bought it for my STILL as yet to be re-assembled acoustic Dahon Espresso 26" wheeled folding bike, and I've never used it long enough to run flat on the Helios. I'll test it when I can find it.

 

Nice idea if you are out in bad weather, I still panic if the rain comes on as no mudguards.

 

It's survived a heck of a lot of being rained on. Make sure the side with the flap cover over the charging micro-USB slot is underneath pointed the right way down. This dude is wearing it wrong for rain - flap and power button are on the top side:

 

 

my magicshine mj908 even at 8000lm i could not go flat out in pitch back with no road lights and it got hot but sold the hole kit for 100 quid on ebay as wont be using it any time soon.

 

a 8000lm light from china is more like 800 because even my ms light was not 8000lm as thats the total power for every ledx8

 

and with a 6 18650 cell pack on full power would last a hr or less esp if it was warm or not going fast enough for the passive het sink to work.

 

you get what you pay for

Found it! It'll takes awhile to run flat.

 

 

You are corrupting me with these daft prices...!

 

Lights similar to the Amazon one you linked, are also quite cheap at the mo on AliExpress.

Found it! It'll takes awhile to run flat.

 

Lasted about 45 minutes from 59% at max brightness, after being used for awhile (can't recall how long, about 40 minutes at max brightness?) then being thrown into a box for a few months.

 

 

Can you charge it up/power it with USB when it is switched on or does it switch itself off under charge? Not a big deal but might become one when the cheapo cells wear out?

 

The answer is no, it can't be switched on while charging, after fully depleting the internal cells.

 

Whichever internally powered headlight you buy, I think you should get at least two for the handlebar.

Thanks for testing.

Be mindful very cheap rechargeable lamps may have batteries that last only minutes..

Or perhaps i just buy lemons..

Thanks for testing.

 

I also tried shoving the charger cable in while it was switched on and powered by internal battery - no dice, light switched off and it started charging.

 

After full depletion and a full charge, it lasted 2 hours 17 minutes and 5 seconds at max brightness.

 

I measured it's brightness using the luxmeter app on my phone, held at 60cm before the beam spreads out too much, and it's about 1800LUX (reading jumps around a lot). The brightness at 60cm of one of my 1800LM headlights measures approximately 8800LUX, again reading jumps around. There's no way to make the sampling time of the app longer than the LED pulse rate (looks constant to the human eye). Goes to show, my old yellow lizard eyes cannot be trusted to judge brightness...

Edited November 19, 20241 yr by guerney