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There are four factors to consider with a running light; location, the beam pattern, regulation and brightness.
==Location==
The three locations for first step in choosing a light while running are handheld, waist mounted and head mounted. I do not recommend handheld lights for several reasons. The biggest problem is that keeping to work out where you want the light pointed ; in the right direction changes your arm movement and messes up hand, at your [[Running Form]]. In additionwaist, handheld lights occupy one of or on your hands making it tricky to do anything in the dark, though [http://www.knucklelights.com/ knuckle lights] overcome this. There are advantages and disadvantages to waist mounted and head mounted. Because a head mounted light is aligned with your eyes, it's hard to see the shape of the ground. This is best seen in the images below. <gallery widths{| class=500px heights"wikitable" |- valign=400px>"top"|[[File:RXP Eye Level.jpg|The light at eye levelnone|thumb|350px|Head mounted: Notice how 'flat' the path looks.]]|[[File:RXP Waist Level.jpg|The light at waist level shows none|thumb|350px|Wiast Mounted: Notice the texture and shape of the path. ]]|}</gallery>===Head Mounted===Other considerationsMost people use head mounted lights, and they have a number of advantages:* Head mounted directs the light where you point your head, making it easier to see where you're going. * Head mounted also works better for directing the light to things in your hands, like putting on gloves or looking at your [[Best Running Watch|Running Watch]]. * Waist mounted lights are much better in the rain or dusty conditions. With a head mounted light, the beam picks up the rain or dust in front of your face, making it hard to see.
* Head mounted lights are better at showing up branches or spider webs that are about to hit your face.
* Most of the lights are head mounted, so you have the widest choice. ==Beam Pattern=Waist Mounted===Most Waist mounted lights are fairly unusual, but they're worth considering for several reasons. * Waist mounted lights project are much better at showing you the shape of the ground, and any obstacles are a lot more apparent. This is because a head mounted light aligned with your eyes so there's few shadows. . This is best seen in the images above. * In rain or dusty conditions a waist mounted light will not create glare in front of your face. With a narrow spot head mounted light, the beampicks up the rain or dust, and because of the closeness these particles are brightly lit. It can be hard to see through these spots, and the effect can be quite claustrophobic. ''I sometimes run with BOTH head and waist mounted lights, which illuminates a longer distanceprovides the best of both worlds. Many The waist mounted light gives me the shape of the Petzl ground, and a head mounted spot light helps me look around. ''===Handheld===I don't recommend handheld lights have a diffuser than can be moved for several reasons. The biggest problem is that keeping the light pointed in front the right direction changes your arm movement and this messes up your [[Running Form]]. In addition, handheld lights occupy one of your hands making it tricky to do anything in the light to provide an even illuminationdark, though it does not reach so far[http://www.amazon.com/Knuckle-Lights-SILVER/dp/B00847KVLY knuckle lights] overcome this. <gallery widths=500px heights=400px captionBeam Pattern – Spot vs Diffuse=={| class="Head or waist mounted lightswikitable"|- valign="top">|[[File:RXP Spot.jpg|none|thumb|350px|The spot beam illuminates further.]]|[[File:RXP Eye Level.jpg|none|thumb|350px|The diffuse beam illuminates wider and more evenly.]]</gallery>|}Many lights project a narrow spot beam that illuminates longer distance, which can be handy for navigation, especially on ill-defined trails. Most of the time I prefer a light with an evenly diffused beam, even though it does not reach as far as a spot beam. ==Regulation– Light output over time==With a regulated light the light intensity will stay constant over most of the life of the battery. When the battery is nearly depleted, and it the light will then grow rapidly dim. This can be seen graphically (see the graph below. ) The regulation is nice, but when the end of the regulation period is reached, the light intensity can drop very so quickly, so you need to have spare batteries with you if that you expect to run get caught out of power. [[File:Light Regulation.jpg|none|thumb|250px350px|The difference between regulated and unregulated light output.]]
==Brightness==
The brightness you need depends on your situation. In many cases you just need to see what's immediately ahead of you, so brightness is not critical. If you're on trails, then a really bright light can help see what direction a trail is taking, or help with navigation. Many times I've found that having a dim A bright light can work bestalso help psychologically, as it helps me see what's ahead without compromising my night visiona small pool of light can become confining and claustrophobic. However, allowing me overall better visibility. A very bright if there's a little more ambient light will create , then a pool of dim light that can become mentally confining and isolatingwork best. A dimmer light can provide enough to shoe you what's ahead without compromising your night vision. Having a light that will go both very bright and very dim is ideal, and several of the [http://wwwlights I recommend can provide both extremes.amazon.com/Petzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp/dp/B004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP] stands out for this. =Recommended Lights=I have tried over a dozen different lights, The images below are from the bad old days of incandescent lights that give a patchy yellow glow to new regulated LED recommended lightson their brightest settings. My two favorite lights are both Petzl as they have an effective diffuser. I've also tried lights from For pictures of the other manufacturersbrightness settings and the details of the photographs, but I've consistently found Petzl lights to be bettersee [[Light Gallery 30|Running Light Gallery]]. {| class="wikitable"|- valign==Highly Recommended - Petzl MYO RXP=="top"The |[[httpFile://wwwFenix_HL30_Direct_4.amazonjpg|none|thumb|200px|Fenix HP30 Spot]]|[[File:Fenix_HP25_Spot_2.com/Petzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp/dp/B004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXPjpg|none|thumb|200px|Fenix HP25 Spot]] is a regulated light, as described above|[[File:E_Lite_1. The light will flash a few times when the battery drops too low, which gives you some warning before it runs out of powerjpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl e+Lite Spot]] |[[File:Myo_RXP_Direct_3. The jpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl MYO RXP also support brighter output that is unregulated, which is useful when you need a lot of light for a short period of timeSpot]]|[[File:Tikka_RXP_Spot_Bulb. The regulated output can be used so that you will have power for an overnight run, and on its lowest power setting it will run for 96 hoursjpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl Tikka RXP Spot]]||- valign="top"|[[File:Fenix_HL30_Diffuse_3. The RXP is also nice because it can output a very dim lightjpg|none|thumb|200px|Fenix HP30 Flood]]|[[File:Fenix_HP25_Flood_3. 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 lightjpg|none|thumb|200px|Fenix HP25 Flood]]|(No flood mode for e+Lite)|[[File:Myo_RXP_Diffuse_3.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl MYO RXP Flood]]|[[File:Tikka_RXP_Flood_Bulb. I've found the jpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl Tikka RXP works well in heavy rain as long as it is in the normal positionFlood]]|[[File:Waist_Tikka_3. If you run with it wrapped around your hand, the rain can get in the underside jpg|none|thumb|200px|Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt Flood]]|}=Light Reviews=Each of these lights has its pros and cause problems until it dries outcons. * '''Petzl MYO RXP'''. The RXP uses AA batteries, so it This is a little heavy, but having my preferred light for general night running where I need more light than the batteries on the back balances things quite wellTactikka can provide. It also allows the batteries <jfs id="B004OYTOA0" noreferb="true"/>.* '''Fenix HP30'''. I only use the HP30 when I expect to stay warmer in cold conditions if you wear it with need more light for navigation than the back under a hat; you'll probably need two hats to make that work. <gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Petzl MYO RXP, or when I want the bright light to help me psychologically. <jfs id="B00HLAQ08S" noreferb="true"/>.File:* '''Petzl MYO XP FullTikka RXP'''.jpg|Full view of I occasionally use this light when I want the RXPreactive lighting. Note the battery pack on the rear of the strap<jfs id="B00BA4R43Q" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>.File:Petzl MYO XP Close* '''Fenix HP25'''.jpg|A closer viewI rarely use this light, showing but it's worth considering if you want lots of light and don't want to pay for the diffuser over the lightHP30. The diffuser flips down for a spot beam. There are two controls; the level button and the high power button. </gallery> ===MYO RXP Battery Life<jfs id="B00BNUBK46" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>.The battery life chart shown below can be a little confusing. The blue area shows the settings when * '''Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt'''. This is the light is regulated, which keeps the lighting level constant until the battery level drop too low and then the brightness plummetsI'm most likely to take for urban running due to its light weight and optional waist mounting. Here are some examples from the chart I also like to help explain things.* On setting #1, the light will give out a steady (regulated) 8 lumens for 35 hour. The total battery life is 95 hourstake this when I'm traveling for work, but from 35 hours to 95 hours sadly it will be very dim's discontinued and there's no replacement model.* On setting #8'''Petzl e+lite'''. I have several of these that I can put into drop bags in ultras, the or carry with me as an ultra-lightweight backup light will give out a steady (regulated) 71 lumens, but only for one hour. The total battery life <jfs id="B008AUBOTS" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>.{{:Lights-table}}==Petzl MYO RXP==I find that the Petzl MYO RXP is 54 hours, but after the first hour the light will grow rapidly dimmera nice compromise between brightness and weight.* On setting #10, In regulated mode the light will start giving out 140 lumensflash a few times when the battery drops too low, but which gives you some warning before it will immediately start to grow gradually dimmerruns out of power. This drop in light level will be gradual enough that it will not be immediately detectable. * The actual battery life will depend on RXP also provides an unregulated mode that is brighter than the batteries used and the temperaturebrightest regulated beam. The chart This unregulated mode is useful when you need a lot of light for fresh alkaline batteries at 68f/20c, and cold weather can reduce the battery life quite a bit. Lithium batteries will last longer and rechargeable batteries will last for less short period of time. * The claimed battery life matches up with my experiences. I use the [http://goregulated output can be used so that you will have power for an overnight run, and on its lowest power setting it will run for 96 hours.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=enloop&url=http%3A//www.amazon * The RXP can generate a very dim light which works well near dawn.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004SB1TD4 Enloop Low Self Discharge rechargeable batteries], so I get slightly less runtime than indicatedcan balance the output from the RXP on so I have enough to see by, but it's close. [[File:Petzl MYO XP Regulationwhile allowing my eyes to adjust so that I can see a little further using the available light.jpg|none|thumb|600px|This * The RXP is not waterproof, though it works well in heavy rain as long as it is in the chart of settings for the RXPnormal position. You can only have three levels programmed in, but If you have quite a variety to choose fromrun with it wrapped around your hand, the rain can get in the underside and cause problems until it dries out.]] ==Highly Recommended - Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt==* The [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E89-TacTikka-Headlamp-Colored/dp/B000JUB2QC Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt] is not as bright as RXP uses three AA batteries, so it is a little heavy, but having the batteries on the [http://www.amazonback balances things quite well.com/Petzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp/dp/B004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP], but it can be waist * The rear mounted. This works best batteries keep them warmer in cold conditions if you wear it with compression shorts/tights to prevent the light wobbling around. Iback under a hat; you've found this works far better on trails than a head mounted lightll probably need two hats to make that work. * The XP Adapt uses AAA batteriesRXP has a diffuser that flips up and down, so making it's lighter than the Petzl easy to swap between diffuse and spot beams while running.The MYO RXPis <jfs id="B004OYTOA0" noreferb="true"/>. If you don't need the waist mounting, then the {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[httpFile://wwwPetzl MYO XP Full.amazonjpg|none|thumb|200px|Full view of the RXP.com/Petzl-E89-PC-Tactikka-Camouflage/dp/B000J927AS Petzl Tactikka XP] is Note the same light without battery pack on the adapter kit, and it's quite a bit cheaper than rear of the MYO RXPstrap. ]]<gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Petzl MYO RXP">|[[File:Petzl MYO XP Adapt OverviewClose.jpg|none|thumb|200pxA closer view, showing the diffuser over the light. The XP Adapt comes with a head strap and a clip for use at waist level. There is also a mount diffuser flips down for use on a helmet which works well cyclingspot beam. There are colored diffusers that I've not found usefultwo controls; the level button and the high power button. ]]File:Petzl XP Adapt Diagram.jpg|A diagram showing the XP Adapt with the waist mounted adapter. </gallery>}==Petzl NaoFenix HP30==The [http://www.amazonHP30 is an amazingly bright light, but it's also amazingly heavy.com/Petzl-Nao-Reactive-Lighting-Headlamp/dp/B007K03OU6 Petzl Nao] is a sophisticated While I love the intense bright light that automatically adjusts the brightness. There are two bulbs, one HP30 produces, I tend not to use this light as much as the Petzl MYO RXP or Tactikka. This is a product with a diffuse wide beam rather extremes of benefits and the other with downsides, but if you need a narrow focused beamreally bright light, along with this is a light sensorgreat option. When the light * The battery pack is pointing slightly downwaist mounted, but even then it's heavy enough to be awkward. Having the wide beam is usedbattery pack clipped into a waist belt tends to chafe, and when but if you look up, remove the metal holder the focused beam comes on as wellplastic battery pack will fit into the pockets of the [[Race Ready Shorts and Tights]] (see picture below). When you look at something close up, the wide beam comes on at * The HP30 can be used strapped around your waist, though this may not work if you have a dimmer levellarger waist. This works quite nicely when runningYou can use other headlights around your waist, as it uses but those with the wide beam when you're looking near your feet, batteries and light in a longer throw when you look up to see further aheadsingle unit tend to be heavier and bounce too much. If * The separate battery pack is handy in extreme cold, as you look at your watch can keep the batteries warmer (or anything else close upa cold battery does not generate as much power.) it uses * One a dimmer light. You nice feature of the HP30 is that you can also program charge USB devices from the light using battery pack.* The HP30 produces a bright light for a computer (PC or Mac) long time, but to set the intensity do so it requires expensive and specialist batteries. Unlike most of the three beams (wide beam, narrow beam lights listed here, the HP30 requires two rechargeable 18650 batteries which are about $10 each and wide beam close up)require a specialist charger. HoweverBecause of their cost, the close up mode is there seems to be a problem with poor quality fakes, so be careful when purchasing. The HP30 will also activated if a light is shining at you, making it a poor choice for running near oncoming cars. You can change to a constant modework with non-rechargeable CR123A batteries, but that defeats these work out even more expensive in the purpose of long run. * Like the light somewhat. The Nao comes with Petzl MYO RXP, the HP30 has a rechargeable battery, but flip up diffuser that can also take 2 AAA batteries and you can buy [http://wwwbe easily operated while running.amazon.com/Accu-Rechargeable-Battery-YYYY-Petzl/dp/B007K03LCC spare batteries] for about $60Unlike the Petzl, the diffuser is rather flimsy. The battery life varies on usageIn fact, so if you're doing a longer runoverall the Fenix lights do not feel as high quality as the Petzl lights. They work well, youand I'd want to carry spare batteries. The rechargeable batteries probably make this unsuitable for many overnight ultras. The headband is different to other Petzl headlights, and it works okay. It's easier to adjustve not had any issues with the Fenix lights even after extensive use and abuse, but I didn'still prefer the Petzl. You can get the light on its own as <jfs id="B00HAHA1OG" noreferb="true" n="Fenix HP30" nonl="t find it as comfortable "/> or as the RXP<jfs id="B00HLAQ08S" noreferb="true" n="Fenix HP30 Kit" nonl="t"/> which includes batteries and charger. There {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Fenix HP30.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|The HP30.]]|[[File:Fenix HP30 Kit.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|The HP30 is a$30 [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-Extension-Cable-For-Size/dp/B007K03PLY optional kitavailable as a kit with the rather expensive rechargeable batteries and charger.]]|- valign="top"|[[File:Fenix HP30 In Race Ready.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|The external battery pack fits nicely into Race Ready shorts.]]|[[File:Fenix HP30 Waist.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|You can mount the HP30 around your waist.]]|}==Petzl Tikka RXP==The Petzl Tikka RXP is a sophisticated light that automatically adjusts the brightness depending on the conditions. When the sensor sees little light, the brightness of the LEDs is increased. So if you point your light into the distance, the brightness will increase, and if you point at something nearby, the brightness is reduced. This can work quite nicely when running, as it can be configured to use the dimmer wide beam when you're looking near your feet, and the longer throw spot beam when you look up to see further ahead. If you look at your watch (or anything else close up) the light will dim so you're not blinded. I've found that the dynamic brightness is sometimes nice and sometimes annoying, but overall it works well and can provide a bright light on full power.* The Tikka RXP also has a constant mode that is regulated, and both modes have three levels of brightness. * You can also program the light using a computer (PC or Mac) to change the configuration. * However, the close up mode is also activated if a light is shining at you, making it a poor choice for running near oncoming cars. I've also found the light will go dim if you're near reflective signs that bounce more of the light back. It can be quite disconcerting to be plunged into darkness as you approach a street sign. * There are two LED bulbs, one with a diffuse wide beam and the other with a narrow focused beam, along with a light sensor. * The Tikka RXP comes with a rechargeable battery for <jfs id="B00BA4R43Q" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>, but can buy a converter to take 3 AAA batteries, or you can buy spare rechargeable batteries (<jfs id="B00J2JJAY2" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>). * The battery life varies on usage, so if you're doing a longer run, you'd want to carry spare batteries. Petzl also make a more expensive version, the Nao for <jfs id="B00LMCATH4" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>, but I don't think it's worth the extra. There's also the cheaper Tikka R+ for <jfs id="B00BA4QMNY" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>, but you don't save enough to make that worthwhile. [[File:Petzl Tikka RXP.jpg|none|thumb|250px|The Petzl Tikka RXP.]]==Fenix HP25==While I love the brightness of the HP25, I find it's too heavy for extended use. If I need this level of brightness, I prefer to take the HP30 which has a waist mounted battery pack. However, because the HP30 is so much more expensive, the HP25 may be a more viable option for those wanting a bright light on a reasonable budget. The HP25 is <jfs id="B00BNUBK46" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>.* The HP25 weighs 70% more than the Petzl MYO RXP, and like the Petzl it balances its weight between the front and the back of your head.* The rear mounted battery pack allows you to keep the batteries warmer, which improves their power output and lifespan in cold conditions. * The HP25 has separate LED bulbs for spot and diffuse beams. This allows you to tweak the beam pattern to suit your need. You can have a bright diffuse beam with a dimmer spot, or vice versa. * The Fenix lights are a little more splash proof than the Petzl lights, but neither are waterproof.[[File:Fenix HP25.jpg|none|thumb|250px|The Fenix HP25.]]==Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt==The Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt is unusual in that it can be waist mounted, which makes it one of my favorite lights. Sadly, Petzl has discontinued this light, though it can still be found occasionally. There is no replacement light that includes the ability to be waist mounted, so it's worth tracking down. The waist mounting works best with compression shorts/tights to prevent the light wobbling around. The XP Adapt uses three AAA batteries, so it's lighter than the Petzl MYO RXP. The Tactikka XP is quite a bit cheaper than the MYO RXP, but nowhere near as bright, and it's quite dim compared with the Fenix lights. I find I have to have this of light on the full power, so the battery life is only 2 hours, and it's not regulated, so it gets dimmer as the battery runs out. Like in the MYO RXP, the Tactikka XP has a diffuser that moves in front of the beam, but instead of flipping up and down, the Tactikka XP's diffuser slides to the side. This is a fiddly affair and it's impractical to move the diffuser while running. {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Petzl XP Adapt Overview.jpg|none|thumb|250px|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. ]]|[[File:Petzl XP Adapt Diagram.jpg|none|thumb|250px|A diagram showing the XP Adapt with the waist mounted adapter.]] to put the battery on your belt, which is great for extreme cold conditions. Overall the Nao is a nice light, and worth considering if your style of running would benefit from the adaptive lighting. [[File:PetzlNao.png|none|thumb|600px|The details of the [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-Nao-Reactive-Lighting-Headlamp/dp/B007K03OU6 Petzl Nao].]]}
==Petzl e+Lite==
The [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E02-P2-Headlamp-Integrated/dp/B001SARHV6 Petzl e+Lite] worth considering as a backup light, but don't use this as your primary light unless weight is of paramount importance. It's not quite bright enough for general use and the lithium batteries are pricy. However, it will fit in the pocket of my shortsRace Ready Shorts, so it makes a great 'oops' light. The e+Lite is <jfs id="B008AUBOTS" noreferb="true" nonl="t"/>. [[File:Petzl e+lite.jpg|none|thumb|400px250px|The e+Lite showing the small case it fits into.]] ==Saucony USB Clip Light==This light is tiny, but will provide enough light in an emergency. It's so small it's easy to clip to clothing, and you can get the light included with other Saucony gear. I have the [http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large/dp/B0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt] which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works well. (These are one gallery of real world performance of my favorite gloves, with the convertible cover to turn them into mittensthese lights.) One caveat is that the light does not hold its charge well, so leave it plugged in.<gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Saucony USB Clip Light">File:Saucony USB LED Light.jpg|This light is tiny and recharges via a USB socket.File:Saucony UltiMitt.jpg|The Ulti-Mitt that comes with the LED light, showing how it clips onto the glove/mitten.</gallery> ==Petzl Ultra==I don't believe the [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E52-AC-Ultra-Headlamp/dp/B001N0ETU8 Petzl Ultra] offers good value A photo was taken for money, but it may be worth considering if you need the very best in head lighting. This light is also available as the [http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E53-Ultra-Belt-Headlamp/dp/B002SQPXYW Petzl Ultra Belt] with the battery each setting on a long cord so it can be waist mounted. This is a good idea if you need a each light for use in extreme cold, as low temperatures sap the battery power. (Petzl used to make display the MYO XP Belt, but it's been discontinueddifferences.)<gallery widths=400px heightsOther Thoughts=300px caption="Petzl Ultra">File:Petzl Ultra.jpg|The Ultra – Ultra nice, Ultra expensive.File:Petzl Ultra Belt.jpg|The belt mounted battery pack is ideal for extreme cold.</gallery> =Safety Lightlights==
A flashing red light clipped to the back of your waist band is a worthwhile addition for running in urban situations. The [http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Clip-On-Deluxe-L-E-D-Safety/dp/B000MQ99GS Nathan Clip-On Safety Strobe] is less than $10.
[[File:Nathan Safety Light.jpg|none|thumb|300px250px|The Nathan clip on safety strobe.]] ==Batteries==
I use [http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004SB1TD4 Enloop Low Self Discharge rechargeable batteries] in my lights. The 'low self discharge' means that they won't go flat if you leave them in a drawer for a few weeks. I got the [http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-Charger/dp/B000RSOV50 La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger] which is more expensive than many at $50, but well worth it for keeping the batteries healthy.