Any point in helmet mounted light/what do you use?

[confusedcyclist]

With dark mornings and evening commutes fast approaching, is there any benefit in having a bright light mounted to your helmet?

I have the Cateye Volt 300 front light (300 lumen) and I'm impressed with the output so far (though not really done any totally dark riding yet). I was thinking of getting another for the helmet for additional visibility, is there any point? Is 300 lumen overkill for a head mounted light? Obviously I'm not in the business of trying to dazzle oncoming traffic (which would just make the road more dangerous!) and could use the low/medium settings if need be but also have a rubbish 50 lumen front light that I could mount up to save some dosh, but concerned that wouldn't really help in foggy conditions etc.

If you using head mounted lights, what have you got up there?

Edit: After some reading else where I decided to order these as I couldn't find a mount for the Smart Lunar 35 set I have lying around, I guess they don't have to be so bright that they light the road, just enough to be seen by others.

 

[GravityFighter]

I'd say yes, helmet lights do help, on the basis that it's easier for drivers to see lights that are higher up and more in their field of vision.

Will watch out for people's recommendations with interest as I'm after a full set of lights ready for winter too.

 

[bianchi1]

They can be helpful when you are on a roundabout. At some point you will be parallel to vehicles entering the roundabout, so a good look in the drivers direction with a helmet light helps draw attention to yourself.

That said, I always assume that I havn't been seen, helmet light or not, and treat some roundabouts as if they use the (now rare) french system of giving priority to vehicles entering the roundabout.

The advantage then of a helmet light is you get a much longer look at the terror/shocked contorted face of a driver as they belatedly realise they have shot onto a roundabout without seeing a cyclist. You can also use it to easily illuminate whatever offensive gesture you prefere to use.

 

[potsy]

Not a fan myself, especially of those I've seen a few times that have them as their only light, if your 300 lumen light can't be seen then there's no way they will see those you've just bought.

 

[moo]

I'm using a Moon Mask 5 and Moon Shield 60. Both are lightweight and USB chargable, so no need to remove from helmet. Angle of visbility is more important than having silly lumens in a single bright spot.

A front light high up allows vehicles pulling out from a side street to see you above parked cars.

 

[srw]

Horrendous things. I can just about understand a reasonably dim light up there, as a secondary light source - but the modern fashion for blinders is revolting. It's not just on night rides, either - I spend the winter being dazzled by commuters.

The advantage then of a helmet light is you get a much longer look at the terror/shocked contorted face of a driver

And if a driver is terrified he's not going to be focusing on you - better to be ready to take evasive action.

 

[bianchi1]

Horrendous things. I can just about understand a reasonably dim light up there, as a secondary light source - but the modern fashion for blinders is revolting. It's not just on night rides, either - I spend the winter being dazzled by commuters.


And if a driver is terrified he's not going to be focusing on you - better to be ready to take evasive action.

I'm normally stopped on the roundabout as they speed past me! Im quite aware when they are not going to stop, so am able to take said evasive action.

The joys of commuting at midnight.

 

[Drago]

Lights work best when there's a bit of a baseline between the light source and the eye- it's just the way the brain is wired up. If its your main light then recommend bar or fork mounting, but if its a secondary light then go for it.

 

[nappadang]

For me it's about being seen. I use Lezyne Micro and Macro, back and front. They work fine and are plenty bright enough.
If I'm in busy traffic, dusk to dark I use a pair of Aldi cheapo, elastic mounted lights on my helmet just to make me feel better. They aren't too bright but do make me a little more visible without blinding other road users.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Folk thinking having lights will mean they will be seen by drivers who ain't even lookin'?

Bright helmet mounted front lights should be banned. Tool of the devil worn/used by tools.

Small not bright helmet mounted light only turned on for night time repairs? Splendid. Small secondary blinky? If you must.

 

[fossyant]

Trustfire XML U2 torches on your helmet are great for off road. I wouldn't use them on the roads though. About 800 lumen. They cost £10.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Helmet-lights should be restricted to off-road / bush use. On all the shared paths and roads I've ever used, including some with sharp bends and in completely unlit areas, I've found a suitable handlebar or front fork mounted light is sufficient. Too many people just don't use helmet-mounted lights properly.

 

[crazyjoe101]

I usually have a front and rear set of lights on my helmet. On the front I use a Moon Gem 1.0 which is just a little blinker really. It doesn't have much throw or spread but it can make the road signs flash from a respectable distance, and the way I have it pointed means that it usually aims right where I'm looking. I've found it useful for 'pointing' at drivers on sideroads or car mirrors in traffic; it's definitely not going to dazzle anyone. It's also USB rechargeable. There's a review on it in the reviews section if you're interested.
I'm looking for a new rear light at the moment, but it's hard to find a modestly powered, rechargeable light with a high angle of visibility which could be easily helmet mounted.