Lighting your way toward the perfect system

by Pat Donovan, EMSCI #025
Puyallup Fire Department (WA)
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee

One of my first assignments as a member of the Industry Relations Committee was to review the newest light systems. Based on what I saw at Interbike and my experience working with light systems, here it goes. An editorial disclaimer before we continue - keep in mind that these are my thoughts and impressions, which are based on my personal experiences. Also keep in mind that you should conduct further research before making any purchasing decision to make sure that the product will meet your needs. Visit the manufacturers' websites for pricing, run times, and other details.

I'll begin with some general comments regarding light systems. There are many different types of batteries available, like ni-cad, lead acid (sla), and nickel metal hydride (nimh). Many of the lighting systems can be purchased with different battery packs, so check with the dealer or manufacturer. Each of these battery types has advantages and disadvantages, so determine the type of use and purchase accordingly. Whatever you choose, follow the manufacturer's directions for recharging.

Also, several manufacturers produce a HID (high intensity discharge) light. These lights (through alien technology) produce an equivalent light from 30 to 40 watts, yet consume only 12-15 watts of power, and have very long burn times. On the down side, they are still very expensive, and they take some time to warm up to full power, which is not conducive to frequent on/off cycles.

That said, here is a brief look at the light products I saw at Interbike. Note: the first three manufacturers make public service cyclist specific light sets.

Niterider (www.niterider.com)

New this year are the 4.0Ah nickel metal hydride battery for the Digital Patrol as well as the Surlok cable connections for all Niterider equipment. Also popular is the taillight that is super bright, both night and day. Another item that I like and own is the Digital Evolution headlight - it's a 15 watter with four light levels that allows for hands-free patient work and response.

Light & Motion (www.bikelights.com)

Light & Motion has designed the Pursuit, a handlebar mounted two-light system, for public safety use. I use their Cabeza Logic headlight also, with excellent results. The Light & Motion lights feature an adjustable bezel that allows wider or narrower beam focus, which can be useful at times.

Nightsun (www.night-sun.com)

I missed their booth this year at Interbike, so my information comes from memory, their previous booths at IPMBA, and their website. Their public safety models are the Patrol Delux (with light covers and wig-wag), and the Team Issue, both dual-beam handlebar mounted lights.

MarwiUSA (www.marwiusa.com)

Marwi offers a variety of products with a variety of options, such as single/dual light, sealed lead and nickel batteries, and handlebar/helmet mounts. They are currently experimenting with a dual light system with a third flashing light, designed for public safety cyclists. We hope to have more on that in the future. The Puyallup FD bike team uses a dual light set from Marwi that we modified to flashing and mounted on the handlebars. We use the sealed lead acid battery (we don't notice the extra weight) and have not had a problem in the four years we've used them. They don't have the extra features like varying light modes, wig-wag… that other systems have, but they are reliable products.

Jet Lites (www.jetlites.com)

Jim from Jet Lites attended the 1998 IPMBA Conference in Tacoma with what was, and still is, an incredibly light light set. I own a Starfire I Dual Beam set and have used it for several years. It has held up well through classes and winter commutes without any problem - it is another awesome light set.

Nite Hawk Bicycle Lighting (www.nite-hawk.com)

Nite Hawk is a Canadian company that has grown popular in the Pacific Northwest. Nite Hawk started with sealed lead acid batteries, and has added nickel metal within the last two years. This is yet another quality light with multiple options; I really like their "plug and forget" charging system with LED indicators.

Cygolite (www.cygolite.com)

Cygolite has two new products this year, the Z Force HID and the Nitro 15-watt nimh system. Most of Cygolites products are dual beam, one-assembly units. Good economical lights.

BLT Light Systems (www.blt-lights.com)

Another Canadian producer, BLT has some good looking lights with digital control that fit either the handlebar or helmet. Their nimh battery pack will fit either on a frame tube or in a pocket. I only spoke with a distributor, as the BLT people were not in the day I was there.

Planet Bike (www.planetbike.com)

Planet Bike has introduced a new model called the Alias, whose a Spectra Blue halogen bulb is 25% brighter than the basic halogen bulb. It is available in either 10- or 15-watt systems and has a low profile nimh battery. The 15-watt system has three light modes and a flashing mode. I have an older Insight 15-watt handlebar-mounted system that has worked well through classes and general riding.

Sigma Sport (www.sigmasport.com)

Sigma offers up the new MirageX system, a dual light set powered by a 6-volt sla battery. The set is attached using elastic rubber suspension straps (large O rings), and the battery is oddly shaped to fit in a water bottle holder. I'll reserve further comment until I have the chance to use one.

Todson (www.todson.com)

Todson has developed two promising new systems. The first is the MoonShine series, consisting of the Pro and the 3H (handlebar, helmet, head). The Pro is a 35w light with three light levels, and the 3H is a 20w, three light mode system that uses a lithium ion battery. The other new light from Todson is the MoonShine Highlight, a wireless remote control light that has flashing capability and a remote horn switch. It uses four AA batteries; it comes with rechargeable nimh batteries.

There you have it. There are many lighting manufacturers out there, all vying for your lighting dollars. As the competition heats up, the lights keep getting better and better. Pick the light that best suits your needs in the price range you can afford. I do recommend that EMS cyclists invest in helmet lights that allow for hands-free work. My department will be purchasing them as our budget allows. One final word of advice: whenever you can, please support those companies that have supported IPMBA.

Pat is an IPMBA Instructor and regularly commutes to work by bike. He can be reached at at bikemedic581@hotmail.com.

© 2003. This review originally appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of IPMBA News.