Which fenix lights?

[GrizzlyAdam]

Grizzly Adam, I am curious if you would run a test sometime...

I'm not equipped to perform a test that would mean anything. About the best I could do is turn the light on, and wait. I don't have any means to measure output or voltage, or anything like that. The light is regulated, and from what I can tell, Fenix has some of the best circuitry in the business. As I get more time with the lights, I'll certainly share my experiences.

[mtnbound]

Grizzly Adam, Thanks! I (and I am sure others) would like to hear about your experience with the light.  I have a light setup but it's not great so I am always looking for something better for backpacking.  I don't know about others, but for me, a good light is one that has 150-250 lumen (I don't need/want to blast down singletrack at night so I think 150+ lumen is enough), solidly lasts at that level (before dropping off) for at least 6-8 hours (8-10 hrs would be better), is waterproof, reasonably light (4-6 oz), uses easily replaceable batteries and can be attached to the bar or helmet.

I don't have a way to test lights either, just a "hey, this light seems dimmer than an hour ago" - very professional, I know!  Perhaps you could keep one of your PD32s with fresh batteries and, while using the other one, occasionally pull the fresh one out and do an eyeball comparison of the brightness.  I figure the eyeball test is worth somethings since, when you are night riding, when it dims enough that you notice, that is the time when it matters.

[Couloirman]

Good thread! I think I'll be running a BT20 on the handlebars, and either a PD32 ultimate edition or the new PD35 (if I can get one in time) on the helmet. Both use CR123a batteries so I will just carry a dozen extra from the start and that should last me the whole way.

[bicyclehobo]

I recently bought a Thrunite Archer 1a - 178 lumens with one aa and 4 modes.

http://www.thrunite.com/en/ProductsView.aspx?id=138

I am really happy with it so far. I was riding around NYC with it the other night and I put it on "flash" and cars were pulling over in front of me as if I were the police. No exaggeration.

I am trying to limit all of my gear to aa batteries.

[Johnny_mtb]

All Spots are AAA...

Wrong. Spot connect takes AA.

[monster]

One of the good headlamps is Armytek Wizard http://www.armytek.com/products/flashlights/headlamps/
It's bright and very interesting light.

[scooteremu]

bmike-vt - how long does your ld-20 last, using lithium?  I was thinking about these but I didn't think the charge lasted all that long.  I tried one with normal AAs, and it only last 50 minutes on high (never tried lithium). 

Interesting, its all on the website but after reading your post, I think you need to throw in the lithium but also adjust the intensity. That helps.