Any suggestions for headlights that are tour-worthy?

[Hancock]

I have a Light and Motion Urban 180 headlight that malfunctioned for more than 12 hours after the first time I used it in the rain. The light seems to be working properly now, but I wouldn't trust it for anything beyond commuting to and from work, which is a short distance for me. I wouldn't trust it at all for any touring.

Can anyone suggested a bike-mounted headlight that can stand up to the elements? I am most interested in rechargeable LED headlights but would consider any light that can stand up to the weather.

[Joe B]

I don't have much experience with other modern headlights but I currently use a Busch & Meuller IXON IQ . It runs on 4 AA NiMH rechargeable or alkaline batteries. It is very bright and has a great beam pattern, cut off at the top to not blind oncoming drivers (like modern auto headlight). The beam is brighter at the top so you get a nice even light pattern from up close to far away and doesn't "waste" light by creating an overly wide pattern.

It has 2 settings, the normal setting is fine for up to 12 mph +/- and the high setting is good for fast descents. Battery life is good, I have used it for 5+ hours on the road using both settings as needed and then for 4+ hours on low as a general camp flashlight without running it out. ( I use 2700 mAh NiMH AA batteries). Pros:

• Uses standard size AA batteries
• Can run from generator * (hub or sidewall)
• Can CHARGE AA batteries for use in your other devices while running on hub*
• Easily removed for use as flashlight
• Reliable, have dropped mine a few times , and in heavy rain without issue

* requires optional cable
Cons:

• Slightly pricey for my budget at around  $ 110 USD + $25 for charge/generator cable
• No other real downside points come to mind

If you are researching lights, you probably already know that you can spend an enormous amount of money on a lighting system if you so desire. I found this one to be at an acceptable price point for me and my situation, and have been very happy with it. Hope you find one that works for you...

[adventurepdx]

I'm partial to the Princeton Tec EOS bike light:
http://princetontec.com/?q=eos-bike

• Mounts to handlebars or helmet
• With the provided strap, acts as a headlamp in camp
• Uses 3 "AAA" batteries
• 80 lumens, pretty bright. 3 solid beam settings (hi-med-lo) plus a blinking option.
• And it's billed as being waterproof. I ride all year in the rainy Pacific Northwest with this light, and it lasts.

And not too spendy. Looks like REI has 'em for $50.
http://www.rei.com/product/792656/princeton-tec-eos-bike-front-bike-light
I use this light on all my tours. Great on bike, and works as my headlamp in camp.

[driftlessregion]

I have 2 Planet Bike (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/headlights.html) Blaze 1W and like them alot. $45.00. When the battery is charged I find I don't ride faster than the beam allows.  For another $10 get lots more lumens.

[bikeguyrich]

I like the Princeton Tec Eos too!  Also worthy of note is the Princeton Tec Push (my sons favorite). Use replaceable AA batteries or rechargeable ones. Eos has head strap Push does not. Push has more lumens but I see just fine with the Eos.  Oh yeah, Made in America.

[waynemyer]

I don't have much experience with other modern headlights but I currently use a Busch & Meuller IXON IQ .

+1 on that. I love the B&M IXON IQ. The only light that I like better is a Supernova E3 Pro, which is really an apples and oranges comparison.

The beam pattern on the IXON is nearly perfect, the longevity is amazing, the weather resistance is peerless, throw is good to ~40MPH.

I like the Princeton Tec Eos too!

I like these as helmet lights, but the 3AAA is annoying. These are excellent for lighting up cue sheets and road signs, and light-smacking drivers.

[DebKirk]

Give the NiteRider MiNewt  350 a look. It runs off a 2700 MiH battery which is about twice the juice from smartphone batteries. I paid about $150 for mine and thought I had lost my mind. The two things that reassured me were the performance; I get 350 lumens and 100 yards of good light spillage with no dark spots, and the fact that I could NOT run the battery down. The light charges with a mini USB charger ; the same as my cell phone. We are trying to reduce the amount of techno junk we ride with, so this helps. I can recharge it with a solar charger I have when there is no juice. The light goes on and off the bike for use around camp and in the tent. Not having to. Worry about losing your light due to a wimpy battery. The website says you get 4.5 hrs run time with a full charge.

[DaveB]

Give the NiteRider MiNewt  350 a look.

Another vote for the NiteRider MiNewts and similar models.  I have the older 250 lumen version and my son-in-law has the 600 lumen version.   Mine is super bright and his is as good as any automobile headlight. 

The current brighter models (350, 500 and 650 lumens, self contained rechargables) are now named the  Lumina series but seem to be the same format.