Looking for specific kind of light
 

I know there is a lighting forum but this gets more attention, so I'll ask here for more opinions. I'm looking for a headlight for my bike, but something that does not look like, or attach like, a typical bike light. I have multiple Cateye headlights, and I like all of them, and they serve a specific use. But what I'm looking for now is something more simple. I don't want to leave the clamp mechanism on the bike, and I don't want the long cylinder shaped light. Basically I want something I can throw on and use as a front blinky for riding in traffic. I have seen and used a few of those silicone-band type, but the light on those is really weak. I like the compact shape of those, but I want a more powerful light. So, I guess what I'm asking is there anything like those quick-mount, compact, silicone type blinkys that actually put out a decent amount of light? I know most of those use coin-cell batteries, so I realize those will have limitations. But if there is something out there that is compact, quick mounting, and throws out good light, post it here!

There's only so much power you can draw from a watch battery, so I don't think you'll find anything with that same form factor that allows you to get a noticeably bright front blinky for commuting.

What's wrong with a clamp-style mount? Takes 10 seconds to install and you'd open up so many options that have seriously bright flashing modes. It's easy enough to bring it with you in a pocket if you don't want to leave it on the bike.

You need to try Serfas thunderbolt headlight. 150 lumen blinky that will blind oncoming traffic and uses a ruber mount

[QUOTE=Dan333SP;19218868What's wrong with a clamp-style mount? Takes 10 seconds to install and you'd open up so many options that have seriously bright flashing modes. It's easy enough to bring it with you in a pocket if you don't want to leave it on the bike.[/QUOTE]

That's what I do.

Those smaller silicone ones are more for your urban rider with plenty of ambient light who just wants to be seen if they're accidentally caught out in the rain or out past dark unexpectedly (since they're conveniently small).

Knog

https://usd.knog.com.au/bike/lights/...ke-lights.html

Blackburn 2fer is about as bright as you'll find for that type of light. USB rechargeable, flashes white or red and also runs solid white or red. Great backup light as you can use it front or rear.

Some great suggestions so far, thanks! Exactly what I'm looking for. Trying to keep the cockpit clean and uncluttered. Don't want to leave a mount, and the Cateye mounts are plastic, and will leave small scratches and marks on my high gloss bar. That's another reason why I want silicone/rubber types. :thumb:

Blackburn Central 100. The old Blackburn Flea was even better as a tiny "be seen" light, but I don't think they make it any more.

It is a "stick style" light, but the Bontrager Ion 350, Ion 700 and Ion 800 all come with silicone "rubber band style" mounts, and are easy on and off, and throw plenty of light

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Cygolite Dart. Small, bright, and easy on/off the bars. Available in 100 and 210 lumen models.

I also like the Serfas Thunderbolt, but I believe it uses a previous gen battery as it didnt have the life of the Cygolite.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...9a478cb9ff.jpg

And, if the 'Dart' isn't bright enough, I think the same brand Dash models go up to 600 lumens.

I use one of these:

Bicycle Bike Cycling 3LED Front Light USB Rechargeable Safe Lamp Reflector White | eBay

Works great...

All the OP wants is a bright blinky. He doesn't want a large 350+ lumen light.

Blackburn Central 100 is an excellent light for riding in traffic. Definitely daytime visible. Performance Bike usually has them in stock.

I wrap mine around the spacers under the handlebar. It is completely out of the way there.

https://www.blackburndesign.com/ligh...ont-light.html

$35. Done.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0560nrncbi...rn.01.jpg?dl=1

For just a blinker, Knog is nice. I have the blinder 1 LED. Its great for what it is. Its simple, rechargeable, light weight (15g), and it blinks. but depends on the real estate on your handlebar, it may or may not work well. I actually "wear it" on my finger for night runs too, haha.

Funny enough, I just saw the Cygolite Dash Pro 600. I think its a great light. And I read good review on the runtime and constant regulated output. I am thinking of getting one for winter cause it gets dark earlier.

https://www.rei.com/product/110177/c...ont-bike-light

Currently using this for the exact same reason as the OP. I had the Dash 320 and it was fine. This one is brighter, battery lasts longer, and I have been very happy with both, this one more since it is brighter. Single or dual flash mode.

I like the cygolite clamp. Takes seconds to attach and the rechargeable usb is nice. Like riding with fresh battery every ride, if you charge it.

I have one of those as well, and compared to the Dash, it takes a lot longer. You also need to adjust it so you are aimed slightly downward and then tighten. Put the Dash on, pull the strap and done.

A lot of times these lights like the one above are just rebranded Chinese Raypal lights like the Blitzu Gator 320 that had Raypal labeled innards when I opened it up. Here's the same light as my $30 Blitzu for under $12 Forget the lumen rating in the text. It is an honest 320 lumens. Still not as bright as my XML-T6 flashlight which is far easier to deal with (removable Li-ion battery) and is equally cheap.

I've never use this, but it looks compact
http://www.fenixlight.com/Uploads/ph...6292784898.jpg

Ummm OK! I install mine within 20 seconds or so. I guess that is a lot longer. :innocent:

Just put mine on. 4 seconds and walked away. It is also much lower profile and the OP specifically asked for lights where the mount is not left on the bar.

Most lights are worthless. The lights that are good are few and far between and they cost- but they can save your life.
This light is far more likely to save your life than that stupid piece of 200 dollar styrofoam you put on your head-
http://store.dinottelighting.com/xpl...kage-p211.aspx
I use these lights day and night. I started with them at night and was so impressed with how the traffic would not pass me until they had a clear lane that I started using them during the day. And guess what-in the day I noticed the same thing- traffic waited to pass me giving me an extremely wide zone to pass me. You want a light that makes texting idiots glance up and say to themselves " Whoa- what the ef is that."
I have repeatedly had people stop me and ask what they were and where I got them- last week a guy passed me at noon on a cloudy day , turned around and pulled up alongside me and said " Dude, where the Frickin hell did you get that light, I could see you a mile away".
That's the kind of response you want, and in spending more you will 1) likely make that piece of foam crap on your head totally unnecessary, and 2) save yourself the cost of an ambulance/ ER trip in the future.
The makers- Dinotte, suggest only using the amber light during the day and their amber is bright enough to make an excellent night light as well. I will say I use the white light day and night and the white light really, really powerfully noticed.
Also the elastic strap is perfect- no screws, tight and very easy to use.

No he wants a large 350 plus lumen. Brightness always wins and a bright blinky is hardly bright.

I've got two of these.
Very bight.
Little rubber band holds them in place (easy to put on and off, and focus).
Takes an external battery pack, so it takes a moment longer to mount and remove, but not bad.

3000Lumen XM-L2 LED 8.4V Front Bicycle Light Bike Lamp Torch Outdoor 4 Modes New | eBay

(battery packs not included in that one, look for 8.4V battery packs)

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/wL4AAO...-So/s-l400.jpg