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My glow worm X2 has died. Previously I sent to Mark at mtb batteries to get fixed. But I was thinking of buying a new light as it has served it's time.
I was thinking of just buying a luminator 17. However, I've been thinking of a few other options. I like the idea of a self contained light but the only real option appears to be Exposure which are expensive. Is there anything out there that is cheaper. Similar performance to the X2 would be nice (1000+ real lumens, not chinese ebay ones 😉 ) options to run for a whole night on lower power. Does anything exist? Wiggle has some lifeline ones but they are out of stock.
One other thing I was looking at was buying a single LED head unit to use on my commute bike with the old battery until it dies completely. Something cheap. Can't really see anything on ebay, everything seems to be USB leads which will die in one winter. Any good alternatives. Cheap is < £15 as I'm not sure the battery will last more than a winter.
I had a gloworm CX for a while to replace my x2.
in theory X2 performance, in a self contained package. QC issues seemed to be a problem in the early units and after three replacements I got a refund.
I've got an exposure axis now. not cheap but having something robust and reliable was more important that saving a couple of quid.
I know you've already ruled them out based on price but IME Exposure is one thing where you def get what you pay for. Must've had my Maxx-D 7 years now and it's been faultless. Used loads including commuting, night rides, appalling weather etc. Got a mate who's had one even longer.
Didn't someone post up a PSA with discounted Exposure over the weekend?
I got a Ryder 1800 lumen headunit from Cycle Republic a month or two ago. Not used it in anger but it seems really really bright. Got it at half price at £50 so I figure it must be reasonable.
For a cheap headlight for a commuter look up Brite-r. Mostly sold on amazon - uk supplied (although clearly cheap Chinese manufactured) - you’ll grit a battery and charger included as well.
Maybe it’s 1600 lumens - think it’s this one:
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/accessories/lights/ryder-alumia-1600-front-light.html
Exposure have a seconds sale at the moment - I would defiantly go with one of their lights after years of Chinese cheaper - I have a maxxd and it just works!
Another vote for USE/Exposure.
I have a Mk 2 Maxx 5 (2007?) and it has been faultless. Easily get 3 hours on full and 6hrs on medium.
I also have a Mk 7 Six pack which I bought 18 months ago. Its mental bright and 4hrs on full power.
I also dropped it and broke the rear display and USE replaced it free of charge. I told them I dropped it and was expecting a bill. nope. Sent it on the Tuesday, had it back on the Thursday Free of charge!.
My ancient 1600Lm MaxxD is also still perfect.
For commute purposes I’d seriously consider Lezyne again, but for me as integrated units I don’t think there’s anything to beat Exposure.
Exposure every day of the week. I've got a MaxxD and a Joystick and they are exceptional. An old work colleague had one of the very early Joysticks and the button failed after years of abuse, sent it back and they repaired it for £13. You just can't go wrong with them in the long run. Yes initial purchase price is high, but you'll get years and years out of them.
Another vote for USE Exposure here. They might be expensive, but I can't fault either of mine, and they come with a 2 year warranty as I have just found out. Their after sales service is brilliant too
Ummed and ahhed for ages before getting a Maxx-D just before Easter. Was pricey (slightly less so thanks to an ebay 20% off thing) but not regretted at all, it's superb. I figured as night riding is most of my riding these days it was worth spending a bit extra on something good.
Was in the same dilemma when my Gloworm X2 died and I bought a Max-D. Gloworm then came back to life but I’m keeping the Max D!
Brilliant bit of kit. I had the original mk1 years ago and it was great. Battery started to go off after about 5 years of twice weekly use. Also had a solar storm X2 which was ok but the cheapo Chinese charger terrified me and the battery was rubbish
As per simon_g most of my mtb is night riding so I was prepared to splash out a bit.
OP- if your Gloworm battery and charger still work you could try to buy a Magicshine or Solarstorm light unit, as they work using the same batteries and cable connectors.
Having tried a few chinese lights over the years, id agree with many of the above, exposure is the one you want.
you do get what you pay for.