Solarstorm 6200Lm X3 CREE XML U2 3 LED

cubext
cubext Posts: 47
edited November 2014 in MTB buying advice
Looking at these Solarstorm 6200Lm X3 CREE XML U2 3 LED Bicycle Bike HeadLight Light Flashlight

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/271425057684?nav=SEARCH
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/271425057684?cmd=VIDESC
I was thinking if getting them + a spare battery,
Does anyone have any experience with this model,
Will the circuits take the vibrations of off road?
Will the mount support the unit off road?
How long on full power could I expect?
Are they worth a punt?
I'm sure Cree lights have been discussed at length apologies if this unit has been up
Regards

Comments

  • jimothy78
    jimothy78 Posts: 1,407
    I use the 2-LED version, and it's great.
    Running 3 LEDs from the same battery pack is going to seriously affect the battery life, plus I imagine it's going to suffer from heat build-up a lot more.

    If you really think the 2-LED version isn't going to give you enough light by itself, then buy two and run one on your helmet and one on your bars.
  • cubext
    cubext Posts: 47
    Is this the two led version you use?
    http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/321368777738?nav=SEARCH
    Any problems with the mounts, I had some Crees (torch style) a few years ago and the vibrations worked the internal parts loose and they would flicker on bumps) any problems there?
    What battery life do you get?
  • jimothy78
    jimothy78 Posts: 1,407
    cubext wrote:
    Is this the two led version you use?
    http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/321368777738?nav=SEARCH
    Any problems with the mounts, I had some Crees (torch style) a few years ago and the vibrations worked the internal parts loose and they would flicker on bumps) any problems there?
    What battery life do you get?
    Yes, that's the one.
    Only problem with the mount is that the curvature of the recess is made to fit a "standard" bar, so if you mount it on an oversize one you need to put a strip of inner tube or other grippy rubber underneath to stop it slipping round.
    I've had the same problem with those torch style lights and worked out that it's actually caused by the weight of the batery being thrown around that causes problems with the contact springs. Not an issue with these sort of set ups, though.
    I've not exhausted the battery on a night ride yet (typically 2-3hrs).
  • jimothy78
    jimothy78 Posts: 1,407
    Quick comparative beam shot at short range:
    photo_zps58384295.jpg
    Beam on right is the 2-LED Solarstorm unit with 4-cell battery;
    Beam on left is a single-LED handtorch-type light using the same type of LED chip and one cell.
    Both on full charge and maximum brightness setting.

    As you can see, the single-LED torch has a very "flat" beam, with quite pronounced edges (it also has an obvious secondary halo, separated from the main beam by a darker ring, though you can't see these features in the photo) this gives very little "punch" down the trail, and the eye is instead drawn to the edges, where features closer to the rider, but to either side of the trail, are more brightly illuminated.

    In contrast, the double unit has a much more progressive intensity spread, giving a really good "punch" in the centre, down the trail, and a more diffuse periphery. The overall effect is far superior for trail riding.
  • Are the individual cells replaceable in the battery pack? Ie can I upgrade to better quality protected cells?

    OR, are the standard cells of decent quality and don't need upgrade/replacing? I know the quality of the cells can vary massively.
  • jimothy78
    jimothy78 Posts: 1,407
    Are the individual cells replaceable in the battery pack? Ie can I upgrade to better quality protected cells?
    OR, are the standard cells of decent quality and don't need upgrade/replacing? I know the quality of the cells can vary massively.

    It's just a cluster of 4 cells in a shrink-wrap plastic sleeve. You'd have to cut the sleeve away to get them out. However you could no doubt re-use the contacts and wires and make your own pack by taping together cells of your chosen specification.

    Dunno much about it, but they seem fit for purpose, which is all I care about.
  • That's great info...
  • hainman
    hainman Posts: 699
    I bought a new upgraded 6 cell battery pack for my torch,Runs over 3 hours and mine runs off a 3 cree light,
    Giant Reign 2
    Crohnie
  • hainman wrote:
    I bought a new upgraded 6 cell battery pack for my torch,Runs over 3 hours and mine runs off a 3 cree light,

    Which battery pack did you go for? I'm thinking of trying one of these Solarstorm lights but would prefer to choose my own charger and battery pack.

    John
  • Anyone know if there is any real difference between the original and these 2nd generation versions?

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-2nd-X2-Bi ... 1e838fb633

    Thanks
  • neilus
    neilus Posts: 245
    I very much doubt it; looks like the battery pack is different. Lots and lots - and lots - of discussion on ssx2 on big light thread:
    viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12807034
    General concensus seems to be that the 4/6 x 18650 packs supplied with lights these days are pants. Im trying to track down some of these:
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solarstorm-BC-0 ... B00NFOSISO
    Try and track down some laptop battery packs, open them up and take the 18650s, theyre the best quality...tons of info on the thread i linked about all this malarkey :)