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→Recommended Lights
=Recommended Lights=
I have tried over a dozen different lights, from the bad old days of incandescent lights that give a patchy yellow glow to new regulated LED lights. My two favorite lights are both Petzl as they have an effective diffuser. I've also tried lights from other manufacturers, but I've consistently found Petzl lights to be better.
* '''Petzl MYO RXP''' is the best head light available for a reasonable cost. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F829549%2Fpetzl-myo-rxp-2-headlamp Petzl MYO RXP at REI]
* '''Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt''' is the best waist mounted light. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F737855%2Fpetzl-tactikka-xp-adapt-led-headlamp Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt at REI]
* '''Petzl Tikka 2''' is a cheaper head light that works reasonably well, though there are many others that also work quite well if cost is the primary concern. I've used Princeton and Black Diamond lights in this price range and all that are similar in quality, but I prefer the Petzl. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F791311%2Fpetzl-tikka-2-led-headlamp Petzl Tikka 2 at REI]. * '''Petzl e+LITE''' is a tiny head light that is useful for emergency use. I would not recommend using this as a primary light, but it's small enough that it works well in a drop bag or a pocket if there is a risk of being out after dark. [http://wwwgo.petzlfellrnr.com/us/outdoor/headlamps/signal?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F838548%2Fpetzl-andelite-elite/elite headlamp E+liteat REI].
* '''Petzl MYO XP Belt '''is similar to the MYO RXP without the regulation. It has the advantage that the battery is on the end of a longer cable so it can be mounted on a belt. I found that the wire is rather inflexible and awkward, but it's easier to keep the batteries warm in extremely cold conditions. [http://www.petzl.com/us/outdoor/headlamps/myo-series/myo-xp-belt MYO XP Belt].
* '''Petzl ULTRA''' is not a light I've tried as it is over $400, but it looks outstanding if money is no object. It is available in several configurations, including belt mounted. [http://wwwgo.petzlfellrnr.com/us/outdoor/headlamps/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F786019%2Fpetzl-ultra-powerful-headlamps headlamp Petzl ULTRAat REI].
==Highly Recommended - Petzl MYO RXP==
The MYO RXP is a regulated light, as described above. The light will flash a few times when the battery drops too low, which gives you some warning before it runs out of power. The RXP also support brighter output that is unregulated, which is useful when you need a lot of light for a short period of time. The regulated output can be used so that you will have power for an overnight run, and on it's lowest power setting it will run for 96 hours![http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F829549%2Fpetzl-myo-rxp-2-headlamp Petzl MYO RXP at REI]
[[File:Light Regulation.jpg|none|thumb|250px|The difference between regulated and unregulated light output.]]
The RXP is also nice because it can output a very dim light. I've found this works well near dawn, where the light from the RXP on its lowest output and with the diffuser is enough to see by, but allows my eyes to adjust so that I can see a little further using the available light. I've found the RXP works well in heavy rain as long as it is in the normal position. If you run with it wrapped around your hand, the rain can get in the underside and cause problems until it dries out. The RXP uses AA batteries, so it is a little heavy, but having the batteries on the back balances things quite well.
==Highly Recommended - Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt==
The XP Adapt is not as bright as the MYO RXP, but it can be waist mounted. This works best with compression shorts/tights to prevent the light wobbling around. I've found this works far better on trails than a head mounted light. The XP Adapt uses AAA batteries. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F737855%2Fpetzl-tactikka-xp-adapt-led-headlamp Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt at REI]
<gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Petzl MYO RXP">
File:Petzl XP Adapt Overview.jpg|The XP Adapt comes with a head strap and a clip for use at waist level. There is also a mount for use on a helmet which works well cycling. There are colored diffusers that I've not found useful.
==Petzl e+LITE==
This is worth considering as a backup light, but don't use this as your primary light. It's not bright enough and the lithium batteries are pricy. However, it will fit in the pocket of my shorts, so it makes a great 'oops' light. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F838548%2Fpetzl-elite-headlamp E+lite at REI]
[[File:Petzl e+lite.jpg|none|thumb|400px|The e+lite showing the small case it fits into.]]
==Petzl MYO XP Belt==
[[File:Petzl XP Belt.jpg|none|thumb|400px|The XP Belt]]
==Petzl ULTRA==
I'd like to be able to afford this light, but I don't believe it offers good value for money. [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F786019%2Fpetzl-ultra-headlamp Petzl ULTRA at REI]
[[File:Petzl Ultra.jpg|none|thumb|400px|The ULTRA – Ultra nice, Ultra expensive.]]