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just got back into the ebay thing and have inadvertently come across the aforementioned lamps, each for about 35€...
which of the two is the better?
Not sure everyone will agree with this...
I don't think the XMLs are all that good. They're bright, but most are pretty focussed, which isn't ideal for riding- you end up with almost no peripheral vision and just chasing the dot. (and ironically, looking at the hotspot knackers your night vision!) You can buy replacement lenses for them but it soon adds up.
The P7s are an older emitter and quite a bit less bright, but they have a nicer, wider throw. Personally I'd sooner have 2 P7s than 2 XMLs or even a P7 and an XML- some folks like the XML as a helmet light though.
Either one will do the job, but in slightly different ways.
Lstly, if you're buying 2 or more cheap lights it might be worth looking at something a little more expensive- you can get lights for around the £90 mark which are a lot more than twice as good as the £30 lights. There's no need to spend this much but then there's no need to spend more than £300 on a pushbike 😉
p7 are floody best for bars
T6 are spotty best for helmet mount
generally speaking....
I've got a T6 which has two modes, and the low setting is perfect for use on the head.
It is a bit too powerful on full, I'm always suprised that it doesn't dry the trail out ahead of me.
My older P7 is alright for pootling but not quite bright enough for riding fast.
I've got both. As above I use P7 on the bars and T6 on the helmet.
If I could only have one it'd be the P7 (for mtb anyway - but I'd want a helmet light too, even if only 200lumen). T6 is quite good for picking out potholes on road rides though, if that's a consideration.
As above, P7 is the best on the bars. I use the XML as a helmet light, but while its powerful its a very narrow beam.
P7 on my bars T6 on noggin here also...
cheers guys....
i have a set of Lumi halogens that i want to convert at some point/when i have some time. that would be for the bars, so looks like the T6 is the one to go for.... although with the massive dumping of snow we have had this weekend i don't think i'll be doing any proper riding any time soon....
again, thanks.