Light & Motion Stella 300

These will be installed on a wheel-mount. The wheel-mount is a knob that replaces the nut on the front quick-release. I flipped the QR around so the knob is on the left side, this will provide better lighting. Last winter I ran the light on the left side, my thinking is that it would provide better visibility to on-coming traffic. This winter I'm going to try it on the right side, the thinking being that it will better illuminate the ragged right edge of the road.

I was not satisfied with the lighting when it was mounted on the helmet, it was not adequate for emphasizing road relief. But I really liked being able to move the light around my swiveling my head, it's great for pointing directly where I'm going in a turn and flashing in the eyes of drivers that look like they aren't going to stop. I wound up getting an additional Stella 300 that's used on my helmet.

For some reason, the first time I tried to connect the light to the battery, my feeble mind was unable to orient the plug correctly. There is an obvious keymark on the plug, but no obvious counterpoint on the battery itself. Due to the robust weather seal, it was difficult to determine if I had the plug in correctly. I wound up marring the inside of the jack, but fortunately I didn't damage the jack or the plug. This isn't a major issue since now that I know the right way I have it engraved in my brain, but it is a possible stumbling block for the first-time user.

It would be nice if the charger used a different, smaller-diameter plug. There's no reason for the charger to have a water-tight seal connection with the battery, and it makes it difficult to plug in.

My light came with the 2L battery. I also purchased a 3L battery for a backup. One minor nit with the 3L is that the velcro band used to secure the battery to the frame is too long.

From http://reviews.mtbr.com/light-motion-vis360-2012-mtbr-lights-shootout:

"Light & Motion performed extensive studies into accidents, and what helps you to be seen, and they found that 72% of bike accidents occur at intersections with the driver turning into the bike’s path. It turns out one of the most important things is having lights who are placed high, so they can be seen by a driver (consider tall SUV doors), especially as the vehicle goes by or turns in towards the biker, when they become invisible (into a blind spot) along the sides, and the addition of the side LED’s greatly aids visibility. The lights provide a 360 degree cushion of visibility, and draw attention to the motorist that a biker is next to them. The side LED’s are unique to this company’s Vis 180 and Vis 360 commuter lights, and the bright, blinking and very noticeable rear red, and amber side lights make you more obvious to the cager. With a flick of the head, the Vis 360 signals your intention for lane changes or turns, and the amber side emitters remind them you are there. You can refer to some additional information of safety at http://www.bikelights.com/safetyinfo.pdf"