Open main menu

Changes

Best Running Lights

1,724 bytes removed, 13:34, 6 November 2019
no edit summary
<html><div class="[[File:PetzlHeadlampRunningNight.jpg|right|thumb tright|400px|Image from Petzl Wallpapers.]]I've run with many different running lights over the years, and I've seen the quality and brightness increase as the cost has fallen. There are many good running lights on the market, but having tested many, there are just three I'd recommend, each for a different purpose. The best light for urban running, when it's more about being seen than seeing, is the Black Diamond Sprinter. It's small, rechargeable, bright, balanced, with an even light, and has a rear flashing red LED built in. However, the light I use most is the Light Belt, a waist mounted light that allows you to see the shape of the ground ahead, and I prefer it even on asphalt. And while I almost never use the Petzl e+lite, it's my faithful "><div class=oops"thumbinner" stylelight I carry as a backup. ="width:328px;"><img altLight Belt="" src="I love waist mounted lights as you can see the shape of the ground so much better. This style of light is relatively rare, and I've been pleased to work with Light Belt as they've developed and refined their product. I found this is the light I've used consistently, even for running on the relatively smooth asphalt of my local Greenway. If you've not run with a waist mounted light, I'd suggest playing around with your head mounted light, taking it off and moving it to your waist and seeing how your perception of the ground ahead of you changes. Once you've made to the switch, it's hard to go back. You can buy them at http://www.petzllight-belt.com/files/fckfiles/image/IMG/SPORT/fonds-ecran/running-1024x768.jpg" width="328" height="238" class="thumbimage" /> <div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify"></div>Trail * On full brightness the beam is brighter than I need (700 lm), so I typically run with it a notch or 2 down. I often run under with the light belt at a relatively low intensity, especially just before dawn as it balances the stars near rising light levels and is strangely less claustrophobic.* The light is perfectly smooth and even, and being a waist mounted, shows the summit shape of the trail and any obstacles so much better than a head mounted light. (I have the "La Montagnettesilver lens"version that has the smooth beam pattern. VercorsThere is a "reflective mirrored" option that has a more focused beam pattern, Francebut I'd recommend the even illumination as a priority.)* The belt works remarkably well, with almost no bounce. The light sits on a small foam pad for stabilization but uses a thin (c1 inch/2.5cm)Vincent Favre <belt to go around your waist or hips. The clasp a surprisingly clever magnetic system; just bring the 2 ends close together and the magnets click it closed. To unclasp you have to slide the 2 ends vertically, as you can't pull them apart. This seems like a href="http://wwwmassively overengineered and sophisticated solution, but I love it to bits.petzlIt works perfectly no matter how cold and tired I am.com/us/outdoor/petzl-sport-wallpapers-us" class="external text">More wallpapers * You don't blind other runners as you turn to look at them, and it's easy to tilt the light so that you can see the Petzlground ahead without shining into people coming towards you.com* The Light Belt comes with the 18650 Lithium Ion 3400 mAh rechargeable battery.</These batteries are expensive, so expect to pay over $20 for a>genuine one, and watch out for fakes.</div></div></div></html>There That said, these batteries are many lights available expensive for runners depending on your a reason, having excellent power density and life. Being rechargeable, you can carry spare batteries if you're running all night and needfull brightness. (The light works as a recharger for the battery, as the battery itself has overcharge protection. Just plug the micro USB cable into the light.)As always, there are some downsides to the Light Belt, but relatively few:* The Light Belt is waterproof to IPX6, so it's fine in heavy rain, but not submersible. This shouldn't be an issue unless you are doing waist deep stream crossings. * There is no flashing light at the back. I simply purchased some cheap clip-on flashing safety lights which are far better than otherscheap and effective. Below is * You can't use a summary of my recommendationswaist mounted light to look at your watch, followed by though most running watches have a look at the key factors backlight. It's also harder to look for in use a waist mounted light to rummage through a drop bag, though I found I can hoist the Light Built up around my chest and then a look at each light in turnpointed down and it works pretty well. {| <gallery widths=300px heights=300px class="wikitablecenter">!File:Light!!Why it's recommended!!Cost|-Belt (1).jpg|[httpFile://goLight Belt (2).fellrnr.comjpg</?idgallery>=35454X937677&xsBlack Diamond Sprinter=1&xcust=LightRXP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP]||The best Sprinter is my top pick for head light mounted lights, available for a reasonable cost||$90|-|[http://go.fellrnr.com/?at <jfs id=35454X937677&xs"B01LE9ZA28" nonl=1&xcust"true" noreferb=lightxpadapt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww"true"/>.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E89-TacTikka-Headlamp-Colored%2Fdp%2FB000JUB2QC Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt] ||* The best head flashing rear safety light that can be waist mounted (is a great idea, and critical for dark trails)||$70|-|[http://gourban running.fellrnrThe safety light comes on with the main light, but you can override this to turn it on and off independently.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightxp&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww* Having the battery pack at the back balances the weight of the light and makes it seem particularly lightweight.amazonIt also allows you to put the batteries under a hat to keep them warm, though that obviously prevents the safety light from being seen.com%2FPetzl-E89-PC-Tactikka-Camouflage%2Fdp%2FB000J927AS Petzl Tactikka XP]||This * There is a strap that goes overhead helps stabilize the light without needing the headband too tight. * The Sprinter has a regulated output, so it will stay the same as brightness until the [http://gobatteries are nearly flat.fellrnr(See below.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightxpadapt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E89-TacTikka-Headlamp-Colored%2Fdp%2FB000JUB2QC Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt])* I wish the Sprinter was better waterproofed, but splash proof to IPX4 should be fine in most situations. I've run in it in heavy rain without the option for waist mountingany issues, so unless you drop it in water you shouldn't have an issue.||$60|-There are some drawbacks to the Sprinter:|[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightElite&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww* The Sprinter only has a diffuse beam pattern, with no spot, though in practice, I've rarely found this to be a problem, even when navigating in the woods.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E02-P2-Headlamp-Integrated%2Fdp%2FB001SARHV6 Petzl e+Lite]||This is a great backup/emergency light||$30|-|[http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-SUSBLED.html Saucony USB Clip * For trail running you want the Light] Belt or [http://goother waist mounted light.fellrnr * I'd rather have replaceable AA or AAA batteries rather than a built in rechargeable battery.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SauconyUtliMitt&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwReplaceable batteries allow me to have more than one set charged up at a time and just swap them over.amazon.com%2FSaucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt with Light]||Useful as The built in batteries should last a cheap emergency long time, but when they eventually wear out, you need to replace the light.||$10 or $45 with the Ulti-Mitt gloves|-|[http[File://goBD Sprinter.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightultra&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E52-AC-Ultra-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB001N0ETU8 Petzl Ultra]jpg|none|Great light, but ultra expensive!thumb|200px|$350Black Diamond Sprinter.]]|-|[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xsPetzl e+Lite=1&xcust=lightultrabelt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E53-Ultra-Belt-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB002SQPXYW Petzl Ultra Belt]||The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightultra&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E52-AC-Ultra-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB001N0ETU8 Petzl Ultra] with the battery mounted on e+Lite worth considering as a backup light, but don't use this as your waistprimary light unless weight is of paramount importance. Useful It's not quite bright enough for extreme coldgeneral use and the lithium batteries are pricy. ||$500|-|}There are many other LED head lights availableHowever, and most it will fit in the pocket of them do my Race Ready Shorts, so it makes a reasonable jobgreat 'oops' light. HoweverI carry the e+Lite on all-day, self-supported runs where I think it's unlikely I'll be out after dark. I would not use one of these cheaper lights having used 've misjudged things before, and an emergency light was the difference between getting home and spending the [http://gonight in a snow storm on exposed fells.fellrnr.com/?The e+Lite is <jfs id=35454X937677&xs"B01KYTR0HM" noreferb=1&xcust"true" nonl=LightRXP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww"t"/>.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP] and [[httpFile://goPetzl e+lite.fellrnrjpg|none|thumb|250px|The e+Lite showing the small case it fits into.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightxpadapt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E89-TacTikka-Headlamp-Colored%2Fdp%2FB000JUB2QC Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt]. ]=Types of lightWhat to look for=
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 handheldis to work out where you want the light; in your hand, at your waist mounted and , or on your head. ===Head Mounted===Most people use head mounted. I do not recommend handheld lights at all. The biggest problem is that they mess up your running form, but and they occupy one have a number of advantages:* Head mounted directs the light where you point your hands head, making it tricky easier to see where you're going. * Head mounted also works better for directing the light to do anything things in the darkyour hands, like putting on gloves or looking at your [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]]. There * Head mounted lights are better at showing up branches or spider webs that are advantages and disadvantages about to waist hit your face. * Most of the lights are head mounted, so you have the widest choice. ===Waist Mounted===Waist mounted lights are much better at showing you the shape of the ground, and head mountedany obstacles are a lot more apparent. Because This is because a head mounted light is aligned with your eyes, itso there's hard to see the shape few shadows. Below are sets of photos taken with the ground[https://apps.apple. This is best seen in the images belowcom/us/app/stabilized-night-camera/id1433896496| Stabilized Night Camera app] that allows for long exposure. <gallery widths=500px 300px heights=400px300px class="center" perrow="2">File:RXP Eye LevelComparing waist and head mounted lights (1).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (3).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (4).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (5).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (6).jpg|The light at eye levelJPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (7).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (8).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (9).JPGFile:Comparing waist and head mounted lights (10).JPGFile: Notice how 'flat' the path looksComparing waist and head mounted lights (11).JPGFile:RXP Waist LevelComparing waist and head mounted lights (12).jpg|The light at JPGFile:Comparing waist level shows the texture and shape of the pathhead mounted lights (13). JPG
</gallery>
Other considerations:* Head mounted directs the light where you point your headIn rain or dusty conditions, making it easier to see where you're going. Head a waist mounted also works better for directing the light to things will not create glare in front of your hands, like putting on gloves or looking at your [[Best Running Watch|Watch]]. * Waist mounted lights are much better in the rain or dusty conditionsface. With a head mounted light, the beam picks up the rain or dust in front , and because of your face, making it the closeness these particles are brightly lit. It can be hard to see. * Head mounted lights are better at showing up branches or spider webs that are about to hit your face. ==Beam Pattern==Most lights project a narrow spot beamthrough these spots, which illuminates a longer distance. Many of and the Petzl lights have a diffuser than effect can be moved quite claustrophobic. It doesn't capture the full difference in front visibility, but it gives you a sense of how much easier it is to see in the rain with a waist mounted light to provide an even illumination, though it does not reach so far. <gallery widths=500px 300px heights=400px caption="Head or waist mounted lights"300px>File:RXP SpotHeadlight in the rain.jpg|The spot beam illuminates furtherHeadlight in the rainFile:RXP Eye LevelWaistlight in the rain.jpg|The diffuse beam illuminates wider and more evenlyWaist mounted light in the rain
</gallery>
If there are insects about, a head mounted light causes them to fly into your face, which is even more unpleasant. ===Handheld===I don't recommend handheld lights for several reasons. The biggest problem is that keeping the light pointed in 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 dark, though knuckle lights overcome this. ==Beam Pattern – Spot vs Diffuse=={| class="wikitable"|- 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.]]|}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 that you if 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 vision, allowing me overall better visibility. A very bright light will create a small pool of light that can become mentally confining and isolatingclaustrophobic. Having a light that will go both very bright and very dim is idealHowever, and the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=LightRXP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP] stands out for this. =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. Iif there've also tried lights from other manufacturers, but I've consistently found Petzl lights to be better. ==Highly Recommended - Petzl MYO RXP==The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=LightRXP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB004OYTOA0 Petzl MYO RXP] is s a regulated little more ambient 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 its lowest power setting it will run for 96 hours. The RXP is also nice because it can output then 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. It also allows the batteries to stay warmer in cold conditions if you wear it with the back under a hat; you'll probably need two hats to make that workbest. <gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Petzl MYO RXP">File:Petzl MYO XP Full.jpg|Full view of the RXP. Note the battery pack on the rear of the strap.File:Petzl MYO XP Close.jpg|A closer view, showing the diffuser over the dimmer light. The diffuser flips down for a spot beam. There are two controls; the level button and the high power button. File:Petzl MYO XP Regulation.jpg|This is the chart of settings for the RXP. You can only have three levels programmed in, but provide enough to shoe you have quite a variety to choose from. </gallery>==Highly Recommended - Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt==The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightxpadapt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E89-TacTikka-Headlamp-Colored%2Fdp%2FB000JUB2QC Petzl Tactikka XP Adapt] is not as bright as the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=LightRXP&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E87-P2-Myo-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB004OYTOA0 Petzl 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, so itwhat's lighter than the Petzl MYO RXP. If you don't need the waist mounting, then the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightxp&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E89-PC-Tactikka-Camouflage%2Fdp%2FB000J927AS Petzl Tactikka XP] is the same light ahead without the adapter kit, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the MYO RXPcompromising your night vision. <gallery widths=400px heights=300px caption="Petzl MYO RXP">File:Petzl XP Adapt Overview.jpg|The XP Adapt comes with Having 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 light that I've not found useful. File:Petzl XP Adapt Diagram.jpg|A diagram showing the XP Adapt with the waist mounted adapter. </gallery>==Petzl e+Lite==The [http://will go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightElite&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E02-P2-Headlamp-Integrated%2Fdp%2FB001SARHV6 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 both very 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. [[File:Petzl e+lite.jpg|none|thumb|400px|The e+Lite showing the small case it fits into.]]==Saucony USB Clip Light==This light very dim is tiny, but will provide enough light in an emergency. It's so small it's easy to clip to clothingideal, and you can get the light included with other Saucony gear. I have the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SauconyUtliMitt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSaucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt] which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works well. (These are one several of my favorite gloves, with the convertible cover to turn them into mittens.) 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==lights I don't believe the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightultra&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E52-AC-Ultra-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB001N0ETU8 Petzl Ultra] offers good value 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://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightultrabelt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPetzl-E53-Ultra-Belt-Headlamp%2Fdp%2FB002SQPXYW Petzl Ultra Belt] with the battery on a long cord so it recommend can be waist mounted. This is a good idea if you need a light for use in extreme cold, as low temperatures sap the battery power. (Petzl used to make the MYO XP Belt, but it's been discontinued.)<gallery widths=400px heights=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 Light=A flashing red light clipped to the back of your waist band is a worthwhile addition for running in urban situations. The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=lightrear&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNathan-Clip-On-Deluxe-L-E-D-Safety%2Fdp%2FB000MQ99GS Nathan Clip-On Safety Strobe] is less than $10.[[File:Nathan Safety Light.jpg|none|thumb|300px|The Nathan clip on safety strobeprovide both extremes.]]
Retrieved from "http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/2841...12215"