[Closed] *Solar Storm X2* *Cree XM-L T6* *Hope Vision 4* *Fenix L2D Rebel* Roundup

Decathlon V100 LED, good for being seen on the road between trails, but no off road illumination >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195413_zps3925e688.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195413_zps3925e688.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Fenix L2D Rebel low power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195313_zps39a7d1af.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195313_zps39a7d1af.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Fenix L2D Rebel high power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195426_zps8e8b7a74.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195426_zps8e8b7a74.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Hope Vision 4 low power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195840_zpse6882391.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195840_zpse6882391.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Hope Vision 4 high power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195845_zps8d54e911.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195845_zps8d54e911.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

CREE XM-L T6 low power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195350_zps3192566a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195350_zps3192566a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

CREE XM-L T6 high power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195336_zps2d6d3625.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195336_zps2d6d3625.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 low power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195445_zps70791711.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195445_zps70791711.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 medium power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195451_zpse41a9488.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195451_zpse41a9488.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 high power >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195455_zpsfb16ad91.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195455_zpsfb16ad91.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 with Solar Storm X2 helmet light combined >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195649_zps8b21d562.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_195649_zps8b21d562.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 with Solar Storm X2 helmet light combined on the canal >
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_203237_zps730f8a10.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_203237_zps730f8a10.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Solar Storm X2 charge remaining, after 1.5 hour ride
[URL= http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_215015_zpse5b29a76.jp g" target="_blank">http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff100/capoz77/20131002_215015_zpse5b29a76.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

I used to rate the single fenix as a great bang for buck night riding torch, but compared to the latest offerings it simply pales into insignificance. The Hope vision 4 from 2008 was well received at the time, with plenty of spread and light output, with a fantastic finish, but expensive at £299.

The Cree XM-L T6 was a huge development, vast light and long throw, to the trail for less than £25, no reason to splash out on expensive lights.

The Solar Storm X2 ups the ante again and floods the entire trail with a crisp pure white. Even on medium its impressive. Great run time, compact, and a wide spread. I honestly can't see a reason to buy anything else. Run one on the helmet and paired together its off the charts, and the pictures don't do it justice either 😯

What batteries are you using with the x2?

Very good, thanks!

X2 looks great - still waiting for mine to arrive a few weeks after ordering from Lightmalls.

@cloudnine default batteries which came with it from Fasttech. Until they break/shine time reduces drastically i'll run them into the ground.

Forgot to mention heat output, the Hope and XM-L get very warm, hot sometimes, especially on high beam, the Solar Storm X2 stays cool even when stationary.

My Solar Storm would melt the sun if it got too close stood still on full power!

Thanks for this. I ordered a solar storm after seeing another of your posts yesterday. Think I definitely need one to helmet mount too.

same shutter speed ISO and aperture for all those pics?

Does anyone know the charge time for the Solar Storm? Mine came with no instructions!

I've been very impressed with my solarstorm, soooo much better than my old Ay-ups. X2 on the bars and an Ay-Up on the lid seems perfect.

I haven't totally discharged mine but it was around 3-4 hours to recharge.

@cp pics taken on galaxy s3. So no control of shutter speed. I could use my dslr but adjusting shutter speeds wouldn't make a fair comparison. The pics have come out very accurate.

Definitely going to get one (or two!) of the solarstorms after seeing the comparison to my T6 which I thought was the dogs danglies only last year.

but adjusting shutter speeds wouldn't make a fair comparison

that's the idea - you don't adjust them so that they are directly comparable, which the DSLR will allow but S3 wont. Your S3 will be adjusting them, so the comparisons aren't directly comparable, though it does look to have done a good job of adjusting to represent the actual light levels.

Anyway, good effort - for the money the solar storm does look good. I'm tempted!

Nice roundup.

I've got two fenix L2D torches. They're utterly outclassed by the latest crees.

Soon to be relegated to general purpose torchery duties, and as backups.

However, they do take AAs, which I have about a million of.

how long have these solar storm x2 been around? Any thoughts on the battery life, will it melt after a couple of months or is it a robust build? Also is the battery waterproof (in the rain rather than at the bottom of a canal)?

Does the Solarstorm light unit attach to the old single XML battery pack?
Or an old Bastid (p7) battery pack? (the XML and Bastid have different connectors)

Thanks for this. The solarstorm seems really impressive. Wish mine would hurry up!

Mine has just arrived impressively bright and compact. Battery will need extra waterproofing but that will be easy and it'll swap for a similar battery. Forecast not looking good for a test ride tonight, though.

Just bought a set from Australia for £21 quid. Even if they don't turn up, for that price it's not the end of the world.

Your beam pattern for the Solarstorm looks totally different to mine, which is much more of a spot. Have you modded yours in any way?

When I think back to my old lumicycles and how one Fenix torch was as good as them. £200 pound they cost and used to blow bulbs left right and centre.
Currently got magicshine 872. Shall see how these compare.
If they're no good I shall rig up a bolt on bracket ,put the battery in a bottle and leave them on my commuter.

Where did you buy the strap/kit to mount the Solar Storm X2 to your helmet, as the fasttech light doesnt seem to come with this?

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003977/1285800-solarstorm-x2-cree-xm-l-u2-4-mode-2000-lumen-led-b

justinbieber - Member
Your beam pattern for the Solarstorm looks totally different to mine, which is much more of a spot. Have you modded yours in any way?

Mine is the same as the pic above Jimmy and I've not modded it in any way.

has anyone ordered the solar x3? If the x2 is bright the x3 will be crazy

[img] [/img]

@ Justin where did you get yours? I have a feeling there are different copies of solar storms for sale. I've seen three different versions of the xml t6 on the trails. Some very poorly made. Im not sure which company produces the original genuine solar storm, if that even exists.

Mine are unmodded.

Double the price of an X2 though = less LED for your money.

Your beam pattern for the Solarstorm looks totally different to mine, which is much more of a spot. Have you modded yours in any way?

i read somewhere that you can replace the lens (and reflectors?)

Just got mine yesterday, untried so far, but seems neat. Cost £19.06. Do I win? 🙂

@ tricky I'm really tempted by one of those!!! The mind boggles how bright it would be.

Bandito where from? Put some pics up of the light itself, that's cheap!

@yanis the helmet mount is sticky backed velcro! With a few zipties for anti tree branch protection lol

@nick I water proof the battery pack with a small food plastic bag, then put velcro pouch over that

@alex the xml t6 battery works fine, but the screw fitting doesnt work so a bit of masking tape around the joint keeps it connected. A handy backpack spare I guess 😀

Cost £19.06. Do I win?

Mine was under £15. 🙂

(no battery though, and I still haven't got it 🙁 ).

Just read some very dodgy stuff about lightmalls too. 🙁

Pics later if I get a chance.
For £19.06, i got the full set - light, battery, holster, 2 o-rings, charger etc. I did have to buy 10 sets mind you, from a seller on alibaba, so a bit of a risk. Took just under 2 weeks from payment to delivery. One of the lights is faulty - only one LED works, so it'll be interesting to see how i get a replacement...
Charger is US plug. Does anyone know if there'll be any ill-effects using the charger that came with my Hope lights? Connectors are the same size.

@cruzcampo - I got mine from here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200959831751?var=500183329081&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
They say solarstorm on the top but as you say, is there even such a thing as a genuine Solarstorm!

Poeple with the nice floody beam - where did you order yours from?

Got mine here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130941337921?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Turned up in about 7 days.

Anyone got [url= http://dx.com/p/nitefire-nfc-29-2-x-cree-xm-l-u2-1300lm-4-mode-white-bicycle-light-headlamp-silver-4-x-18650-247718 ]this one[/url] from DX?

The battery pack looks better (actually encased).

Other thought was - does anywhere do the head unit on it's own?

Lightmills sells the head unit alone for six pounds less.

Cheers Mr Finger - I've ordered the [url= http://www.lightmalls.com/solarstorm-x2-2-cree-xm-l2-2000-lumen-led-bike-light-head-red-head-lamp-only ]Lightmalls head unit[/url].

I assume all the chargers use the US style pins? Or is there a UK one (can't open the ebay links from work) available too?

Both mine are US. Shaver adapter from the pound shop fixes it and adds a fuse to the system.

Cheers swavis.

flatpat - I did mention above but I ordered from Lightmalls on the 9th September and not got it yet. Google Lightmalls and you find some worrying stuff.

What's occurring with battery and royal fail?

Ordered mine from lightmalls.

Took a while to arrive - around 2 weeks £34 including and additional waterproof battery. Came with a UK charger

I use mine as a helmet light along with a C and B seen light on the bars.

Considering the X3 for the bars. Current set up is fine but just fancy trying it because I can!

Too late now grum! I'll cross my fingers and hope. Actually 10-30 days is possibly a little too long for that, so I'll just stick to hope bit. I'm used to waiting for DX.

decided to bite the bullet and just ordered one for £21 off ebay

The solar storms in OP are all from fast tech, with another on order.

@nickjb great idea on the poundshop adapter for fuse addition.

@flatpat the nitefire one looks identical but with no charge indicator, so perhaps more of a clone than just the labels

Hi all,
Tuesday was the first night ride of the year for me. I treated myself to an X2 for the bars and a T6 for the helmet from fleabay - Really impressed for the money, can't go wrong for the price.
The only thing - I should have bought an X2 for the helmet too for the little extra. The unit is lighter and smaller than the T6, with the better, wider beam.

mike get the t6 on the bay, and upgrade to an X2 for the helmet. 😉

Got mine here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-5000Lm-2x-CREE-XML-U2-LED-Cycling-Front-Bicycle-Bike-Light-Headlamp-X2-UK-/111154856805?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item19e1588365
Uk supplied with a uk 3 pin charger with red/green led charger, very quick delivery and no customs probs.

Just ordered a solar one from lightmalls... jeezo theyre cheap considering what you get!

My Solarstorm arrived today. Cant believe how small it is.Now need to try it out.

Got mine yesterday, it's amazing for the money. Light looks pretty well made, batteries are questionable. Any ideas on the best way to mount this on a helmet, it gets real hot so I doubt Velcro would do?

Looking at the link above: it indicates that the switching for on and off is different to high/low and also strobe. Does this mean that you can have it on, say high, switch it off and it comes back to where you left it.
The thing I hate about LEDs is all the options. All I want is on and off with high/low . Ideally that would be two switches so that changing modes doesn't go through off and on /off doesn't mean flicking through modes.

Got an x2 in the post already. Pretty tempted to order a second head unit now for full on noggin and bar fire power.

there's only one switch, press for low, again for med, again high again for off. if you hold it when the lights on it will stobe on that setting.

Although there's this:

[url= http://www.lightmalls.com/3xcree-xm-l-t6-3600lm-led-bicycle-light-lamp-lamp-cap-only ]3 emitters in a single round can for ~£15[/url]

@eltimmo, get some strong sticky backed velcro, and use a couple of zip ties as final security, doesnt budge

[img] [/img]

@cookieaa, I've got one of those... Unless they've changed the driver, it's pointless, it doesn't run all 3 LEDs at full whack. You either get all 3 on reduced power, or 2 on full power, which is pretty similiar in effect. So it might as well be a dual really.

The beam's a little tight too- the size of the unit makes it a bar mount really. Shame.

I've ordered the X3 from DealExtreme although they seem to have cocked up with lead times and asked me if I wanted to change my order.

I have supposedly changed it to a regular X2 with some more bits but it is still showing X3 on my order.

Whatever lands I'll take some pics and update this thread 🙂

eltimmo.
Can you avoid the bloody strobes completely then? Its bad enough having to cycle through steady beams but strobes are a grade 1 pain.
Many lights seem to have to go through off to get to the start of the cycle again. Why? Its dangerous.
And when you switch it off and then on you don't remember where you left it.
My Femoto back light cycles with light clicks. To switch it off you lean on the lens quite hard. A different pressure does a different job.

Can you avoid the bloody strobes completely then

Hi Cruzcampo, thanks for the review.

I'm looking to get some sola storm for my helmet and there seems to be lots of places to get them from, I'm worried they are not all the same quality etc.

Can you send me a link to where you got the ones producing the light from your pics please, very impressive.

CHEERS

Also what would you recommend for the bars?

Seems like Lightmalls haven't even sent mine out yet (ordered early September).

Dear Graham Wynne
I'm really so sorry for your order delay , as it's busy season and Christmas is coming , So there are so many parcels from China to oversea, and as China customs is very strict , they check every parcels , especially the parcels which include batteries .It's hard to ship out . So HK post are fall in collapes , you can search this news on google .
We are trying our best to solve this issue with our carrier . Later we will send your order via Sigapore airmail , it will delivery to you about 5-15days .Once we get the new tracking number , will let you know .
I'm so sorry again , hope you can understand !
Any problem , please let me know .

nibby - Member

Hi Cruzcampo, thanks for the review.

I'm looking to get some sola storm for my helmet and there seems to be lots of places to get them from, I'm worried they are not all the same quality etc.

Can you send me a link to where you got the ones producing the light from your pics please, very impressive.

CHEERS

Also what would you recommend for the bars?

Morning,

I've got all of mine from here, no failures, and great stock batteries,

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003977/1285800-solarstorm-x2-cree-xm-l-u2-4-mode-2000-lumen-led-b
/p>

As shown in the review the best setup, is SSx2 on the bars, SSx2 on the helmet, run both on medium and it gives outstanding trail illumination. Switch both to high and get ridiculous trail illumination 😯

SSx2 on bars and helmet combo

[img] [/img]

@grum i've not read great stuff about lightmalls recently 🙁

Many thanks, just ordered a couple.

How do you mount to the helmet etc?

anywhere recommended for spare batterys if needed?

sorry for all the questions!! I'm new to this night riding lark 🙂

all the best

Sticky double sided velcro, one piece on helmet, one on flat underside of light, with a couple of zipties if your likely to encounter low branches.

Thanks again, now what about extra batteries 🙂

Will this do for sticking to the helmet etc?

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50MM-HOOK-LOOP-ADHESIVE-BLACK-HEAVY-DUTY-VELCRO-TAPE-/250511931486?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item3a53acb85e ]velcro[/url]

After spending a bit of time in local woods on Thursday night I think I'll stick with the X2 on the bars and the XML-T6 on the helmet.
The X2 is an awesome floodlight, but I find the T6 is more concentrated with a longer throw to the beam, which is handy for looking a bit further down the trail.

nibby - Member
Will this do for sticking to the helmet etc?

velcro

that looks fine nibby, it says heavy duty so should stick!

I've had an order in with Fasttech for a couple of weeks. The tracking number doesn't show up on Singapore Post's site and Fasttech won't refund until Singapore post return the parcel. I've now raised a PayPal dispute.

Two weeks isn't that long for shipping on a boat and sometimes the tracking numbers just don't work for whatever reason. Fasttech seem to have a pretty decent rep (unlike Lightmalls where I ordered from 🙁 ) - I wouldn't be panicking just yet.

My two Solarstorms just arrived from lightmalls. 15 days after dispatch. Both have uk chargers, seem to work perfectly and are ridiculously bright. Looking forward to the next night ride!

The x2 received 3weeks ago..

Charged as directed and worked for 5days, with approx 1:15hrs runtime on high. Now the head unit won't give full output but the battery works fine as powers up another magicshine light I've got. Also the UK charger doesn't work and now have to use the adaptor type.

Anyone else have same fault? a bought the light with battery & charger from UK seller is Sussex on ebay but not appear to be there now. (choice of red and black)

I ordered mine 12 days ago from china not received it yet, but not too worried as it gave an estimated delivery date of between 17 Oct and 4 Nov - If it starts getting much into November I'll give them a shout

Looks like I may have jumped the gun.

The lack of a valid trace number is what worries me. The other thing is that PayPal disputes are time limited (45 days?), so if I wait too long I won't have any comeback.