Yet another reason for more nuance in all discussions today! I don’t disagree with you, this is where the single question without context provides and insufficient answer for all scenarios. I stand by my assertion, in general, but totally agree that in the PNW in particular, an argument can easily be made for helmet at the one if you don’t have two (but you should have two, and charge them 😝). PNW tends to be more built trail, so much less rough than a lot of east coast jank or southwest trails that are just sharp pointy rocks, so reading the trail with depth from the bar light is less critical. Also, most people night ride on familiar trails, if we’re speaking in generalities, so if you know every rock and root in your local system then you don’t have to process the depth of terrain as much while riding because you’re prepared for it, so you can get away with a trail-flattening helmet light as the solo. All good points to consider.
Nov. 19, 2024, 8:03 p.m. - OutboundLighting
Yet another reason for more nuance in all discussions today! I don’t disagree with you, this is where the single question without context provides and insufficient answer for all scenarios. I stand by my assertion, in general, but totally agree that in the PNW in particular, an argument can easily be made for helmet at the one if you don’t have two (but you should have two, and charge them 😝). PNW tends to be more built trail, so much less rough than a lot of east coast jank or southwest trails that are just sharp pointy rocks, so reading the trail with depth from the bar light is less critical. Also, most people night ride on familiar trails, if we’re speaking in generalities, so if you know every rock and root in your local system then you don’t have to process the depth of terrain as much while riding because you’re prepared for it, so you can get away with a trail-flattening helmet light as the solo. All good points to consider.