I have an IQ Fly which is not only lovely and bright, but can also be adjusted from 'dipped' to 'straight ahead' to 'sizzling retina.'
These sounds like wonderful devices (especially the DIPPED idea). Hopefully they, and similar lamps, will spread, and the wall-of-retina-burn devices will diminish (or melt!).
When I bought my (last gen) Dinotte I was keen on the multiple settings, but sadly the switch is a BIT fiddly, more so with gloves on. So it's not yet my perfect light. I don't think the beam is at all shaped, so that's another minus.
As others have suggested, i know I'm guilty of forgetting the different environments other members are riding in. I HAVE ridden in urban jungle, but it's very rare. I sympathise if you are put at risk by SMIDSY every mile, instead of once-a-year. Often this doesn't come across in our posts - we just say
I Need This Kind of Lighting. I Hate This Other Kind
.
Likewise if you ride a lot alone on unlit roads, please consider the problems of a rider who might one day be just in front/behind you.
(I once met a commuter with a mega-light and Stupidly-Big-Gears. This meant that his searchlight swayed back and forth, enough to make me actually nauseous. I was SLIGHTLY too slow to get away from him, so I dropped back. Then his rear light got me ... )
Like NSTN, I often drop off the back of groups at night on unlit roads. This tends to work OK, because:
- night speeds are often slower, so you don't need drafting to stick together.
- the mega-lights up ahead often give you nice advanced warning of hazards.
- you get a better peaceful night-riding experience.