Best flashlight to use as a bicycle headlight? Stock not modded. Preferably 18650 or 21700.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-20T12:49:19.000Z

jacktheclipper I have the same mount and sometimes use a stock C8s. About an hour runtime on high mode.
I also do the same when in town. I got the twofish because I was reading on BLF I think about how much better it is than them cheap plastic ones off amazon. Very sturdy mount. Was just curious what others were using.

Do you use protected cells? I use NCR18650B cells protected in my stock C8s lights. Cells often get stuck. :person_facepalming:
But it works.

bmengineer · 2018-04-20T13:28:57.000Z

If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-20T14:14:54.000Z

bmengineer:

If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.

What’s a TIR beam? Carclo?

bmengineer · 2018-04-20T14:45:54.000Z

Lights like the S41 that have multiple emitters use a TIR, a plastic lens that uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection, instead of a normal reflector to focus the beam. Another common option is the Jaxman E2L, the Emisar D4, a custom built Convoy S2+ Triple, etc.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-20T15:26:35.000Z

Ok thank you for clearing that up for me. I’ll check them out

jacktheclipper · 2018-04-20T16:29:43.000Z

I use protected cells .

I have tried the plastic elliptical inserts for my C8 , but found the shard-like artifacts distracting .

I like the beam profile DC-Fix gives me because I don’t like a blinding hotspot , particularly when it.s aimed down .

cu42 · 2018-04-20T17:39:26.000Z

bmengineer:

If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.

This sounds like a winner. Intriguing…

Any links?

cu42 · 2018-04-20T17:42:21.000Z

jacktheclipper:

I use protected cells .

I have tried the plastic elliptical inserts for my C8 , but found the shard-like artifacts distracting .

I like the beam profile DC-Fix gives me because I don’t like a blinding hotspot , particularly when it.s aimed down .

Interested in which insert you used for C8. Link or model number?

Thanks!

bmengineer · 2018-04-20T18:05:27.000Z

Sure, sorry. I just hate formatting links on BLF. Here is an elliptical triple optic that would work in a triple light such as the Jaxman E2L .

You can also find similar TIRs for single emitter lights that should work in any 1” tube light with a bit of luck.

This Reddit post should give you an idea of the beam patterns that various TIRs, including the elliptical options, can give you.

I’m putting my foot in my mouth a bit now because I can’t seem to find any elliptical optics for quad emitter lights, sorry.

LessDark · 2018-04-20T20:11:34.000Z

I find the KDIY 5Ks with a XHP50.2 5000K LED and single 26650 to be quite nice. I get about 1,5 hour at 2000+ lumen with a 6000mah keeppower cell. It’s also available in 6500K and 3000K colour temperature, and it’s cheap.

chanamasala · 2018-04-20T20:37:21.000Z

Two UltraTac s20’s and two Olight bike flashlight holders.

Works great for me.

Probably could go with the Nitenumen they are talking about at the link below too. Many modes probably matter less for bike lights. I probably would have gone with these at this $17 price had I not already had the S20s.

Nitenumen compact EDC 18650 light w/USB charging - Amazon deal 18650 Flashlights

I’ve been looking at this new Nitenumen “C8” EDC light ($19.99) on Amazon for about a week… The price was just lowered today to $15.99! …Plus there’s a 5% discount coupon which brings it down to $15.19 (plus tax) So I couldn’t resist any longer and “pulled the trigger” on it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B8C71PH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It was a total impulse buy and I probably shouldn’t have done it since I also plan to buy a DQG Tiny 4th this week! :person_facepa…

StandardBattery · 2018-04-20T20:45:27.000Z

Mikeadoo:

StandardBattery:

I also use a Zebralight on my helmet, and I use a Fenix BC30 Bike light on one bike (2x18650), and a Klarus G20 (1x26650) on another just because I had a spare. I’m not sure if the G20 fits in a twofish mount or not, I have a couple somewhere, but I remember they did support quite a big light. If you’re off road a Fenix TK35 would probably be wonderful, but maybe just a bit much, and I think I would want to secure it with more than a two fish mount.

What do you use to mount your Klaus G20?

I use a custom bracket and some hose clamps. long story though. It’s not very heavy, so I think a twofish mount would work on the G20 quite nicely. I was saying it might not be quite enough for a TK35 though. I’d have to estimate the battery live of the G20 at maybe 2 hours average and up-to 4 depending on how I’m using it. I never run it full turbo most for more that a minute I would say. It’s been long enough for me, when I’m using that one it is often very dark.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-21T03:11:39.000Z

StandardBattery:

Mikeadoo:

StandardBattery:

I also use a Zebralight on my helmet, and I use a Fenix BC30 Bike light on one bike (2x18650), and a Klarus G20 (1x26650) on another just because I had a spare. I’m not sure if the G20 fits in a twofish mount or not, I have a couple somewhere, but I remember they did support quite a big light. If you’re off road a Fenix TK35 would probably be wonderful, but maybe just a bit much, and I think I would want to secure it with more than a two fish mount.

What do you use to mount your Klaus G20?

I use a custom bracket and some hose clamps. long story though. It’s not very heavy, so I think a twofish mount would work on the G20 quite nicely. I was saying it might not be quite enough for a TK35 though. I’d have to estimate the battery live of the G20 at maybe 2 hours average and up-to 4 depending on how I’m using it. I never run it full turbo most for more that a minute I would say. It’s been long enough for me, when I’m using that one it is often very dark.

I often ride at around 2am cuz i can never sleep and riding my bike on trails and on the back roads helps relax my mind or body for some reason. No street lights at all so I’d need or want some decent light. Wouldn’t need to use the G20 on turbo at all though.

Jtm94 · 2018-04-21T07:38:46.000Z

I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.

The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.

WalkIntoTheLight · 2018-04-21T11:46:47.000Z

Jtm94:

The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.

I find the worst time of night is about 0.5 hours after sunset or before sunrise. Sky is bright which keeps your pupils small, and the ground is dark so you can’t see a thing. Even 1000 lumens doesn’t help much at that time of night.

When dark, I generally like between 200-600 lumens. 600 is more fun, but you’re right that it probably doesn’t help much more than 200. When going through unknown forest trails, I’ll bump it up to 1000+ lumens, but that’s probably just because I’m a wuss so I want to see well ahead of me and around me to the sides.

I haven’t felt the need to use anything brighter than what a 1x18650 light with a single emitter can provide.

A BLF Q8 would be fun, but way overkill IMO.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-21T11:47:02.000Z

Jtm94:

I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.

The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.

Agreed :+1: about less light needed for darker areas. My Q8 I have no idea how I’d mount that to my bike or helmet. I’m sure I could figure out a way for the trails. I just think I’d blind the drivers maybe with that much light if I happen to end up on the road. How does the A6 compare to the Thorfire VG10s? I have the VG10s.

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-21T12:14:25.000Z

chanamasala:

Two UltraTac s20’s and two Olight bike flashlight holders.

Works great for me.

Probably could go with the Nitenumen they are talking about at the link below too. Many modes probably matter less for bike lights. I probably would have gone with these at this $17 price had I not already had the S20s.

Nitenumen compact EDC 18650 light w/USB charging - Amazon deal

How do those S20s compare to those Nitenumen? I read up on those and I’m not crazy about the UI that they come with.
Also any idea how them Olight mounts compare to the Twofish mounts?

Mikeadoo · 2018-04-21T12:26:31.000Z

Winnowill1984:

Not quite a budget light but my Fenix BC30 is damn near perfect for me. The beam pattern is very good, floody and has a decent spot. Supposedly it optimized to not point into other drivers eyes. You can easily dismount it off your bike and it even has a remote for a “burst” mode. It’s nice when you want a bit more distance and for a short period of time. Plus the neutral color is nice.

My friend has that light and it is very nice! Like you said though, not very budget friendly. I was gonna get it before I was given a thorfire bike light kit. Works well for my mountain bike but it does move up and down on the rough trails.

cu42 · 2018-04-22T20:54:15.000Z

bmengineer:

Sure, sorry. I just hate formatting links on BLF. Here is an elliptical triple optic that would work in a triple light such as the Jaxman E2L .

You can also find similar TIRs for single emitter lights that should work in any 1” tube light with a bit of luck.

This Reddit post should give you an idea of the beam patterns that various TIRs, including the elliptical options, can give you.

I’m putting my foot in my mouth a bit now because I can’t seem to find any elliptical optics for quad emitter lights, sorry.

Thanks! I have never used any of these. I might have to do some playing.

chanamasala · 2018-04-22T23:11:05.000Z

How do those S20s compare to those Nitenumen? I read up on those and I’m not crazy about the UI that they come with.
Also any idea how them Olight mounts compare to the Twofish mounts?

I couldn’t resist and got the Nitenumen too. Arrived today. Just in the basement it doesn’t look as bright as the S20s. But one review says it has a longer runtime so it’s probably dialed back some relatively. I got it for the trifecta as seen in the picture below. It has a smooth surface and will be the “throw” torch for the bike to try and catch potholes and roughroad early. Not as precise a spot as I was hoping but it will do. Being that they are all for my bike the UI is pretty moot for me personally. I just turn them on once and ride and then shut them off so it’s not so much a bother. The Nitenumen has 5 mode to go through every time so no way would I use that for an EDC. S20’s I could live with. But I do like the way the Nitenumen feels in hand; good EDC ergonomics.

My third Olight bike mount is coming tomorrow. They are simple, small, and great. Barely any movement. Never had a problem. I have only used them with these compact 18650s lights so I can’t speak for bigger lights. Tried all kinds of different ones and the Olight are the best. Never tried a twofish though.