BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I have been watching that for a little bit now. I really just can't bring myself to like the size and shape of the light.

Also, based of the videos, the build quality doesn't look up to par with the NiteRider products around the same price. [edit: I just watched the video again, and I think it may be the semi-gloss finish of the housing that makes me think this.]

It also bugs me that in the video he states, "...powers three Cree LEDs, the most powerful LEDs in the world." I find this misleading.

With that said, I do really like their mount design, the flashing pattern, and the tilting head. Though, I have a feeling their light output is a bit inflated, I am considering backing this.

Edit: Just backed it.

Not a fan of the mode that has the light shift back and forth. I would like to see a strobe mode like the superflash using multiple front lights, doesn't even need to be full power.

I agree with the appearance of their build quality but I suspect that their lack of a big design department and multiple attempts at prototypes and molds is slowing this. For $88 or so I will buy one though. I love kickstarter and all the options they bring to tinkerers and people who don't have the reach they need.

We should have all pitched in and done either the 4 pack or 10 pack deal and gotten even better pricing.

4 pack? Did I miss it?

I asked about the flash modes, I doubt they will work on a faster front strobe but it was worth a shot.

@Nick D "Though, I have a feeling their light output is a bit inflated, I am considering backing this."

If they are using XM-L T6 or similar, which seems to be pretty standard for uberbright lights, I would think that 180 lumens per light is feasible using a 3.7V LiPo battery (which it seems like they must be using, based on the USB charger).

If they say 180 lumens per die, it's probably XP-E or XP-G.

I am thinking about backing this. Anyone want to join in for the five pack? Brings the cost of the light down to $79. Not that it is a big deal, but it also makes for a pretty impressive contribution. PM me or post here if interested.

5-pack. Hmmm...total weight, under 3 pounds. 15 emitters @ 180 lumens == 2700 lumens of LED joyousness on one bike.

"Can you see me now?"..."Good."

[ETA:] I'm already a backer, or I'd go in on the fiver.

Id go in on a multi-pack.

Wouldn't a Lupine be more cost effective if 2500 lumens was the goal?

And oh yeah, if there is a lingering need for the 5 pack tentatively count me in.

If you're going for max output, there's much cheaper ways to get there.

i.e. http://www.ebay.com/itm/250973180686

Yeah, rice rocket, I actually got one of those cheap lights.

The cord split from the AC adapter after about 3 charges. Now, I did fix it myself, but the overall quality of the wiring is a bit clunky. I also have a hard time getting the rubber strap on and off in the winter.

So, I pretty much use it as a backup MTB light, it does the job, it's bright, but It does leave me wanting more.

Yes, those cheaper ways have a way of costing the same in the long run.

I'm building some things with Cree leds in my studio right now. They are in fact producing the worlds brightest LEDs, although it could be misleading in the sense that they aren't using Cree's brightest options in this light.

Also judging by Cree's overall range - the lumens they spec for this light are probably accurate. I've got one on my desk right now that puts out 1040 lumens.

Those guys seemed pretty honest..haha. I said,sure why not.

I'm since jaded by Performance Bike since i bought a NiteRider light from them only to take it home and realize it'd been used and returned..The light worked fine, but it had mud on it and the strap. Not knowing what happened to it, i returned it and asked for a refund. First asking if maybe i could get a discount on it since it was used, they said no. So i took my money and left.

This deal seems worth it for 88 dollars and i want something borderline annoying.People really notice you when you have something that bright on your bike.

I have a $27 flashlight with a Cree XM-L LED that claims 1000 lumens. It is bright, I don't know about 1000 lumens though. The external build quality of the flashlight is excellent, the switch and soldering of the internal bits is questionable, though. On the whole, the batteries seem to be the weak link. Anyone know where I can get a new, non-shady, 18650?

@Dmtroyer

Those lights might be close to the advertised brightness but their build is iffy at times. I would still, for most purposes, spend only 10% of the cost to get it over the alternatives. The problem is many of them are overdriven and heat up too much. People want bright and don't use 800 lumens non stop like we might.

If you are looking for batteries I suggest asking on CandlePowerforums.com Great place, lots of light geeks with good answers. They are very technical as well. I had much success getting technical answers to some stuff for a lighting system I am trying to patent.

dmtroyer:

http://callieskustoms.com/CalliesKustoms-Batteries.html

I have 4 of these. They're rewrapped Panasonic NCR-18650As with a circuit protection (against undervolting and overvolting, I don't think it protects against polarity reversal). I don't mess around when it comes to batteries, because your flashlight basically becomes a pipe bomb if the battery fails.

orion: Most of them come in 3, 4 or 5 modes. You'll find the brightness you want. I've only had one bad light out of the 8 or so I've owned, and that was from 2006 or so. QC has gotten a lot better.

Battery explosions: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?280909-Ultrafire-18650-3000mA-exploded

:o

dmtroyer: the led in that flashlight is designed for 870 lumens. you can get more, but it would burn out pretty quick and take a beefy battery, so its probably just 870 lumens, or less.

@robjdlc

I've herd that OSRAM Golden Dragon exceeds Cree LED in terms of brightness.

The OSRAM stuff is generally on par with the CREE in terms of wattage vs luminous flux, and they both peak out in the neighborhood of 1100 lumens for the brightest readily available small package. OSRAM can brag about their ceramic mounts, though.

Competition in opto isolated semiconductors. Getting nerdy up in here.

The reason CREE is considered the market leader is because they lead in efficiency.

Luminus Devices makes a 2200 lumen LED in a small single 5mm^2 die emitter, but it also needs something like 9A to hit it. At that point, it makes more sense (currently) to drive multiple LEDs instead of one really bright one. The SST-90 was also a $90 LED (just the emitter)!

Just got this:



The owner of Nova Sport Lights, Luis Leonardo, has gone missing. He apparently scammed a lot of investors telling them the company was doing well blah blah blah, and wrote contracts and fake advanced purchase orders and now is missing. He has been lying to us the whole time that he had the lights ready last week and now this week. The whole company is being shut down now. The only good news is you guys will be fine and have nothing to worry about. But I suggest you either keep an eye on your credit card charges, or get a new credit card altogether. About 10% of you have already prepaid and those will get a complete refund. The credit card refunds will be easy because the credit card company has been holding that money and has been notified to refund all of them. Refund should show up withing 2 days. The few checks we got (total of only $880 through checks), will take a few days longer because that money has been processed. But you will get your money back. Lastly, please understand I am only an employee and was just doing what i was told to do by the owner and the person paying me. I am writing this email to inform you guys, but will not be back on this site ever again because not only does the owner owe me money, but he is now wanted by the FBI and is a complete crook. The worst part about this all is that he left behind a loving wife, a 1 year old, and 6 week old. We are in complete shock because we trusted in this guy. Take care everyone.

Could be a disgruntled employee sending out a fake email. Kickstarter claims Luis Leonardo logged in there only yesterday.

On the other hand, here's a potential business opportunity: This page says the guy is selling half his company and was asking $2 million. If he's in fact on the run from the FBI, he'd probably accept less now.

I highly doubt that is the case given the run around they have been giving people the past few weeks, and the recent changes to their website and Facebook.

My guess is that log in on KS was someone else at the company.

Crazy. Did anyone actually get a light from them?