Well last time I mentioned lights I got called all sorts. :roll:
But to hell with that. These torch things are all well and good if you are an occasional bimbler on mellow terrain but if you are serious about nightriding you need something better in my opinion. I had a full winter using thise Cree P7 torches. Firstly they were unreliable. I would start the night with two on the bars and one on my helmet. It was unusual to finish the night with all three. Then there was the burn time. On a long ride i would have to change batteries at least once; thats three batteries+ crap weather+ cold hands+ fumble in the dark= pants. Finally the spread of light was poor, hence the need for three lights. Consider the brackets and the pile of spare batteries and it's hardly a lightwieght combo.
OK, so that ain't a problem for most folk. They are cheap and do a reasonable job. But, due to working far too much, 90% of my riding is on a night. Mainly in winter. So to me, a powerful and reliable lighing system that can turn night into day is a better investment than a good set of wheels or brakes. If I want to ride at full pelt down my favourite gnarly trails for hours on end I need a great light.
So last year I took the plunge and bought a Trout Liberator 3.0. Built in a shed in Yorkshire, lighter, more powerful and much cheaper than a Lupine Wilma, for starters and secondly looks really sweet with a CNC case and lovely anno finish. And boy is it bright! More incredible is the spread of light; the beam comes out at right angles to each side and right down to the headset. Thats full output to the sides too, not just side-spill, making them fantastic in tight twisty situations. The beam is a good 700yds long to boot which even the fastest rider could not outrun. It has been reliable and the burn rate is astonishing- so good I only charge it twice a month. Full power (2000 lumen) lasts well over 5 hours, the lowest setting which is still super bright will last over 20 hours.
Now I fully appreciate that they are expensive, but if you do a lot of night time riding then they become fantastic value for money. They should last years and the bloke who makes them is a really top bloke and is never more than a phonecall away should the damn thing stop working. I'm really thrilled with mine and can't recommend them enough.
I hope I don't get flamed again for singing it's praises, but it has to be said.