I've had a couple Cateye headlights (HL530 and HL520) on my bike and a Princeton Tec 1 watt LED light on my helmet. The output is good for the price I paid but the park I ride at is unlit at night so I wanted even more light.
I looked at a couple lights at my LBS, the Light & Motion Stella 180-L and the Night Rider MiNewt. The 180-L puts out 180 lumens, the MiNewt 150 lumens but side by side the 180-L is a lot brighter and the light is whiter. Figured the extra $60 was worth it for more light. Bicycles, Inc had the 180-L listed for $329 but sold it to me for $249, which is a little less than the online averages I've seen. The 200-L is coming out (or some may already have it) which puts out 200 lumens. I was told there would be a 2-4 week wait for the newer one. Decided I really need more light now. By the time I get out on my bike, to get in my normal 32 mile ride, I now have nearly an hour of total darkness to deal with.
Compared to my best Cateye, the HL530 (1500 candlepower), it flat blows it away. The beam isn't as wide but tons brighter.
Cateye on the left, L&M on the right:
Straight shot of the L&M, definitely should be aimed properly so you don't blind anyone!
The bathroom lights are out, full illumination by the L&M light only:
Just did a quick 15 mile ride the first night I had it, passed someone who had an LED helmet light and an LED handlebar light. Even from 50-60 ft behind him, the L&M was overpowering his lights. Really a huge improvement over what I had. Weight including battery pack (good for 5 hours of light fully charged) is 300 grams.
The only real drawback is the handlebar mount is too easy to jar out of alignment, so I have since switched to the helmet mount. Really makes night riding a lot safer. I see things on the side of the path, like armadillos, rabbits, etc that I never saw with my other lights.
I'll try to remember to bring my digital camera next ride so I can get some shots of how well the path is light up by the L&M.
http://www.bikelights.com/Products/Stella180L.htm
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