Lights. CREE XML XM-L T6 / U2 etc Thread

[Deleted member 20519]

The more lumens the better? You can always put it on a lower setting.

 

[400bhp]

Not here yet, suspect Chinese delivery will be another week or two. I will post up some feedback when I get it. Will see if I can do a comparative shot with a Magicshine I have had for 2/3 years.

 

[fossyant]

A double LED is brighter, but will use twice the juice of a single. A single unit is more than enough off road, and fine at the lower levels on road, and they will need to be pointed at the floor if in urban areas.

Do not for one minute believe the output levels. A T6 is about 500 to 600 lumen in reality, the U2 is the same really, but uses slightly less energy. Add two and you are really looking at 1200, but on three then it's not much more in real light. I've got a triple, and two is enough, three just offers more fill. Also important is the reflector. Orange peal offers better spread, but smooth offers better throw, but can be a bit spotty. Ideal mix is two lights one wide, one spotty, but these dual ones do ok, but only run off one battery rather than one.

If you don't run on full all the way, then they will be OK for a full 90 minute return, with spare capacity. You will need to charge each day, but I would advise the batteries are charged away from combustible materials and you keep an eye on them.

You also need to wrap extra tape over the cheap batteries to increase water resistance. Water ingress will wreck the protection circuit, and either kill the battery, or worse cause a short on charging, and these batteries kick a punch. They are in fact laptop batteries.

 

[Deleted member 20519]

A double LED is brighter, but will use twice the juice of a single. A single unit is more than enough off road, and fine at the lower levels on road, and they will need to be pointed at the floor if in urban areas.

Do not for one minute believe the output levels. A T6 is about 500 to 600 lumen in reality, the U2 is the same really, but uses slightly less energy. Add two and you are really looking at 1200, but on three then it's not much more in real light. I've got a triple, and two is enough, three just offers more fill. Also important is the reflector. Orange peal offers better spread, but smooth offers better throw, but can be a bit spotty. Ideal mix is two lights one wide, one spotty, but these dual ones do ok, but only run off one battery rather than one.

If you don't run on full all the way, then they will be OK for a full 90 minute return, with spare capacity. You will need to charge each day, but I would advise the batteries are charged away from combustible materials and you keep an eye on them.

You also need to wrap extra tape over the cheap batteries to increase water resistance. Water ingress will wreck the protection circuit, and either kill the battery, or worse cause a short on charging, and these batteries kick a punch. They are in fact laptop batteries.

I wrapped both of my batteries in a freezer bag and then lots of sellotape, been using it for a year now in rain, hail, snow, etc with no problems.

 

[Kies]

I am awaiting delivery of my 2nd T6 from china. With 2 + separate batteries I have 6 hours of pitch black night riding ( timed the existing led at 60% )

 

[400bhp]

I wrapped both of my batteries in a freezer bag and then lots of sellotape, been using it for a year now in rain, hail, snow, etc with no problems.

Someone on here suggested putting the battery in a water bottle. Sounds a good idea-anyone done it?

 

[Kies]

I wrapped both of my batteries in a freezer bag and then lots of sellotape, been using it for a year now in rain, hail, snow, etc with no problems.

And cable tie the velcro clad pouch to the bike. Someone said it lets go occasionaly

 

[inkd]

Thanks @fossyant , After talking to wifey I will stick to what I have for this winter as I have a rather expensive xmas ahead of me (new Cylescheme bike and other bits) .

 

[cyberknight]

Someone on here suggested putting the battery in a water bottle. Sounds a good idea-anyone done it?

You would need a wide mouthed bottle or tool bottle, piece about it on this thread.
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=17213393

 

[400bhp]

How coincidental-i have about 6 of the electron brackets as I run a set of lights that use the brackets.

I reckon I could use an old water bottle and remove the nozzle to store the battery in.

 

[VamP]

How coincidental-i have about 6 of the electron brackets as I run a set of lights that use the brackets.

I reckon I could use an old water bottle and remove the nozzle to store the battery in.

Yep. Works a treat. Pack out the bottle with bubble wrap and duct-tape the nozzle and you have waterproof perfection.

 

[fossyant]

Probably get two batteries in a water bottle or even 3 in a large one. Blinding.

 

[david k]

sure i read on here they do a diffuser for these lights, anyone used one?

 

[wanda2010]

Something like this? I have one on my 'old' T6 and have ordered another for the 'new' T6. Cost me a fiver including postage. Shockingly expensive

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Depends on the size of the lens but this link in the UK has them .

Ive fitted mine to my candbseen kit and it makes such a difference