LED Torches - Swappable Lens for Different Light Patterns? Need an Extra Light for Offroad Mountain Biking

buckerooni on 07/05/2023 - 09:33
Last edited 07/05/2023 - 09:34

Hi All,

I'm after a helmet light to supplement my existing lights (Gloworm XS Adventure Lightset - 2800 lumens) for offroad mountain biking.

One of the features my gloworms have are swappable lenses to change the light throw - really handy to dial in the light. Is there such a thing with torches? I know there are zoom torches, but that's not quite the same thing.

I'm after a torch to suppliment my 2800 lumen Gloworm set - a torch that can be either mounted to my helmet (so I must be reasonable small/light ideally under 150gs) or handlebar. This is so I can play around which what works better on bar/helmet. Something that can light up a path 10-20m in front that's reasonably wide.

Thanks!

Electrical & Electronics Torch

Comments

  • Caped Baldy on 07/05/2023 - 10:13
    +1

    Yes, you can change the optics in some flashlights. I haven't done this so not sure the changes.

    Honestly though, you're probably best to get something floody. Floody flashlights these days easily go 100m+ and are reasonably wide angle. Most have adjustable light levels too.

    Having a look at the subreddit the Lumintop B01 is recommended for bike riders.

  • pao2x on 07/05/2023 - 11:42

    How about just mounting a light bar on your head or handle bar

    https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005115516202.html?spm=a2g…

    https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005004987616406.html?spm=a2g…

    https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005004996156323.html?spm=a2g… - this one is around US$3.50 in the app and I use it a lot

    • buckerooni on 07/05/2023 - 14:42

      thanks, have you used any of these for cycling? the bar light looks OK, but it's plastic, looks cheap and not easily mounted to a helmet. I would prefer a single unit, instead of a light/battery pack too. The others, I couldn't imagine these being suitable for my use case, especially competing with a genuine 2800 lumen light set.

  • Gotchacha on 07/05/2023 - 17:37

    I don't know if this is useful (I run trails and roads at night, not ride, but I know others use these on the bike).

    Best head light I've ever used in terms of light-throw is Ay Up. There's a MTB kit here: https://ayup-lights.com/lighting-kits?product_id=3 that has helmet light and handlebar light. However, it's expensive and kind of bulky compared to others, and mine died just out of warranty (I guess I was unlucky because friends have had them last a long time). The light was awesome - I could see everything.

    I replaced it with a Ledlenser Neo 10R that I found on sale at a camping store and I like using it. There are a few good Ledlenser products and most have a seven-year warranty.

    • buckerooni on 08/05/2023 - 16:27

      ha! ayups a bit of a blast from the past! glad to see they are still going. they are similar to the gloworms, and I'm after a smaller form factor. ended up going for the Fenix BC21R - a single unit/battery setup with cycling in mind. should be a good addition I think! cheers.

  • aussieprepper on 07/05/2023 - 18:00

    Do you have to undo the front lens to change the optics on the gloworms light?

    • buckerooni on 07/05/2023 - 21:36

      yes, remove allen bolts on the front so no super fast. the kit comes with additional lenses which is nice. really well put together lights, bluetooth integration, phone app, bar mounted switch. great product!

      • aussieprepper on 09/05/2023 - 06:46
        +1

        Okay cool you have a tonne of options, Convoy S21D/S21E you can easily undo the bezel and change the optics without tools. Convoy has a bunch of different optics to choose from for both lights. You can buy adjustable bike mounts that should work for these lights.
        S21E is a E switch light that has a bunch of different LED options and the S21D is a quad LED light with a bunch of different LED options. Convoy is now selling optics to replace the reflector in the S21E and the S21D has different TIR optic options from 10 degrees to 60 degrees.

        If you want a headlamp the Convoy series H1, H2, H3 might work for you, you can change the reflector to optics by undoing the front bezel.

        I have an older Skilhunt headlamp that uses optics, they have models that have a build in diffuser that can be clipped in place on top of the lens to defuse the reflector beam.
        Not sure if they still sell them its similar to this light but uses a 18650
        https://www.skilhunt.com/product-detail/h04-h04r-h04f-rc-min…

        Have a look at the Sofirn HS20 it has 2 LED's one is using optics for a more of a flood beam, the other LED is using a reflector which will offer a bit more throw. Same with the Wurkkos HD20 similar setup just a different design, they are the same company just different names.

        I am writing an essay lol, you can also add a diffuser to any light you have by cutting a milk bottle up and placing that over the lens.

        • buckerooni on 09/05/2023 - 08:52

          lol, thanks for the essay! unfortunately I ordered the fenix last night but will keep these great suggestions in mind, when I'm back in the market. cheers!

  • buckerooni on 08/05/2023 - 15:23

    update - liteshop blokes recommended this one - as I want a single battery, reasonably lightweight unit with a bit of punch.

    https://www.liteshop.com.au/content/fenix-bc21r-v3-0-lightwe…

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