I've always approached my light sets from a value perspective, because they're usually not in use very often/very long, and it's difficult to justify spending the cash for really nice battery-inclusive items that sit dormant for most of the year.
I've never been a fan of integrated batteries, as historically, the batteries are the items that lose performance over time. I've also moved away from backpacks while riding for the most part, so I wanted a helmet light that doesn't have a cord to manage or heavy satellite battery. I came across the OGT products (BC company), that use a single 18650 cell, and are also very appropriate as a multi-purpose head lamp. They're not as "intense" as some, maxing out at 1800 lumens each, but that's a range I'm accustomed to anyway. The OGT Lynx Double (I bought two) has a really good spread, good warm-ish tone, great adjustability modes, and is adequate for getting me out on night rides. The battery life is listed as 3.5hrs on highest setting, and I use them on a much lower setting for climbing, so I've never run into battery issues. The single 18650 cell means it's not too weighty mounted to the helmet, and I can bring a couple spares in my hip pack that don't weigh much at all.
They're definitely not going to satisfy the crowd that wants daylight at night, but I usually dial back my speed at night anyway, and don't actually need all those lumens. The OGT bar/helmet combo has provided what I _need_ for night riding while being very convenient, versatile, and affordable.
Nov. 19, 2024, 10:20 a.m. - Mammal
I've always approached my light sets from a value perspective, because they're usually not in use very often/very long, and it's difficult to justify spending the cash for really nice battery-inclusive items that sit dormant for most of the year. I've never been a fan of integrated batteries, as historically, the batteries are the items that lose performance over time. I've also moved away from backpacks while riding for the most part, so I wanted a helmet light that doesn't have a cord to manage or heavy satellite battery. I came across the OGT products (BC company), that use a single 18650 cell, and are also very appropriate as a multi-purpose head lamp. They're not as "intense" as some, maxing out at 1800 lumens each, but that's a range I'm accustomed to anyway. The OGT Lynx Double (I bought two) has a really good spread, good warm-ish tone, great adjustability modes, and is adequate for getting me out on night rides. The battery life is listed as 3.5hrs on highest setting, and I use them on a much lower setting for climbing, so I've never run into battery issues. The single 18650 cell means it's not too weighty mounted to the helmet, and I can bring a couple spares in my hip pack that don't weigh much at all. They're definitely not going to satisfy the crowd that wants daylight at night, but I usually dial back my speed at night anyway, and don't actually need all those lumens. The OGT bar/helmet combo has provided what I _need_ for night riding while being very convenient, versatile, and affordable.