Thing that puts me off the 10W+ halogens is the comparitively poor battery life. That
ebay one is quoted at 2 hours, whereas LEDs seem to get quoted at 40-100+, which would be a lot less hassle! But then I guess you get more battery life off them because they're less powerful. Decisions decisions
It sounds like you've hit the nail on the head. As far as i'm aware there are no long lasting 'bright' buget lights. The cree torches are about as good as it gets. With good recharables you're talking 4-6hours.
A lot depends on what you're used to; but imo having to charge the light / reguarly replace the batteries is a worth while trade off for being able to see where you're going.
A number of years back I used to commute along an unlit path (only about 400yrds of it) using a little 5 LED. At the time I used to think it was perfectly acceptable. I didn't seem to mind that I could acutally see better without it on (and my eyes accustomed to the light) than with it flashing away infront of me.
I then moved on to a 1w Smart light and realised just how little I had been able to see. I remember thinking it was wonderful that I could actually see the potholes before I hit them.
I then progressed up to a 10w halogen. Now not only could I see potholes far enough in advance to actually avoid them I could see the road ahead so I didn't have to crawl down hills becuase I couldn't see where I was going.
I now use a stupidly powerfull HID light. I like the fact that cars actually dip their lights well in advance (often before coming around the bend) or slow to a crawl to pass you. They obviously think you're a motor bike.
Personnely I couldn't go back to using a small LED on unlit roads and wouldn't recommend one to you; but it can be done.
