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I know there are probably loads of threads on this but I'm struggling to get search function to give me much recent stuff (apart from one where Aldi lights were mentioned). I'm after something to complement my Exposure MaxxD but can't afford an Diablo or Joystick.
What's the best alternative?
Moon Vortex / Vortex Pro has been a good option for me. Less than half the price of the Joystick but the Pro has 700 lumens on high and 900 on boost I believe. I tend to run it on the 700 setting or the one down, in combination with a 1600 lumen bar light. I think the moon might be 10 or 20 grams heavier than the Joystick but there’s not much in it. I’ve got the Moon gopro adapter and that fixed to the stick on gopro plate thing I’ve got on the top of my helmet.
I can't recommend the Diablo. I've used mine a handful of times. Got it out last week after 8 months not being used - the battery now lasts about 15 minutes.
In fact, I can't recommend Exposure tbh. Great idea, poor implementation (especially for the astronomical price). My six-pack has a flicker. It's intermittent and for a fraction of a second every 30 seconds to a couple of minutes or so but it's there.
Exposure know about it, they've not solved it and they still sell the light.
If they get the quality right I'd go straight back to them. They seem responsive as a company in all the right ways. But on quality alone, can't recommend.
magic shine mj-902 comes with remote switch. very bright had it for four years. upgraded to larger battery pack for longer run time
Moon vortex pro or the little mtbbatteries one (Lumen 800). Both work fine.
Chilli tech do a head/helmet torch which is pretty good for the money. £29 or &22 if you buy more than one. USB charging.
A 2nd hand joystick.
Got it out last week after 8 months not being used – the battery now lasts about 15 minutes.
Did you keep the battery fully charged during the 8 months? I noticed on the diablo I recently picked up it says to keep it fully charged when not in use to avoid battery issues.
One of the reasons I picked up Exposure lights was for the uk centre to repair, have you been in touch with them to repair it?
Rather than starting my own thread, I'll add to this one...
I currently have a SolarStorm (2 led) on my helmet. It's lashed on with cable ties, can't be adjusted for aim and is pointing a bit low (great view just in front of my front wheel when riding normally). It's a few years old now - I bought it the first winter these SolarStorm lights were a thing - and I don't know which LEDs it has.
I think I can solve the aim issue. I've just bought a GoPro style mount for my helmet and am waiting for a bit to attach the SolarStorm to it.
But I'm wondering if there is a better option these days that would fit a GoPro mount?
I like the idea of a self-contained light but I've never had a issue with a battery in my back pack.
I've just had an Outbound Lighting Hangover delivered. Self contained helmet light, GoPro mount.
Postage and import fees made it a bit pricey.
Haven't ridden with it yet but initial impression is that it seems pretty bright and has a nice beam pattern compared to my old 2 LED solar storm thing.
But I’m wondering if there is a better option these days that would fit a GoPro mount?
Exposure sell a Go Pro clip for the Diablo, this is how I mount mine to my helment. I expect they do them for the other smaller, helmet aimed lights too
I am pretty sure that the Diablo, Joystick etc. all use the same mount so the Diablo mount will fit any of them.
I've gone through a few different cheap led light setups and come to the conclusion that there isn't much to match an Exposure joystick for a helmet light. A cheaper light can work well on the bars but I've not found anything that is as powerful, light, long lasting, simple and with as good a beam as the joystick. I say save money on the bar light and spend more on the helmet light.
The Moon Vortex has a gopro adapter you can get for a fiver - it’s what I use with mine. The one thing I think the joystick will do better is sitting lower profile against the helmet. The moon does stick up a bit....I caught it on a low hanging branch last night and almost ripped my helmet off!
Sounds like the moon worth considering - previous experience with with their rear lights not so good though.
Was hoping someone had some awesome experience with some sort of standalone unit. MTB batteries look good but want it all in one...
The Moon is all in one. I’ll try and take a pic of my setup in a minute