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Ayups for trail running?


O's picture

By O - Posted on 20 February 2010

Am contemplating the purchase of some MTB lights. Thinking I will get out a lot more in winter if I can ride at night. Also contemplating 24hr races so a must have obviously. Anyway, I like the look of AYUPS (and have absolutely no skill to make my own lights at home so pls don't hijack thread) but the lights will also be used for trail running. I'd guess 80% MTB 20% running. The 20% running is fairly serious (in terms of duration and offroad, definitely not speed!!) though so can't just get the best MTB lights and hope they work ok for running. Does anyone else have some and use them for running? How are they individually for running (assuming you don't use both sets!?), stability on head with the strap, weight of battery, comfort for a whole night running etc

Petzl seem to have the head lamp space sorted for camping/running so just not sure if I will need to buy a specific running light or AYUPS will cover both tasks.

Cheers,
Owen

[Mod: moved to geek gear.]

ar_junkie's picture

Hey Owen,

I've used mine in AR events (and obviously training on foot), and lent them to a mate that used them in the Oxfam Trailwalker and in both instances, the results were great.

The headband kit fits just like the other 'running' setups, in fact my other sets (Petzl and Black Diamond) haven't been used since getting Ay Ups. I find that using the extension cable (from battery to lights) allows you to store the battery in your pack or back pocket, therefore lightening the load on your neck (not that the battery is heavy by any means i.e. 137.5 grams for the 'big' battery). Many runners use the kit without the extension cable i.e. the 'straightforward' setup, it just comes down to personal preference... Eye-wink

O's picture

Cheers mate, just what I was hoping to hear. I wasn't aware of the ability to swap the cable length.

ar_junkie's picture

Adventure Pack?
That will have all the goodies you need for both cycling and running.

As far as durability, battery life and ease of use, I think Ay Up's 'outshine' the competition... Eye-wink
There are other lighting systems out there that are brighter, which is more of a factor for cycling (not running) and those kits are generally more expensive, but overall the Ay Up kit wins hands down.

Just in case you are wondering, I'm not affiliated in any way to Ay Up... I just wished they been around longer as I was doing a lot more multi-sport before Ay Ups were on the market...
Cool

muvro's picture

I use the head band with the wide angle lights from Ay-Up heaps. I have narrow, medium and wide angle sets and the wide angle is the best for on foot as you relly don't need to see clearly for 100m down the track, yet the extra periferal lighting is more beneficial if that makes any sense. The smaller battery although it's a "3hr" battery seems to last for longer than 3hrs. So you really shouldn't need to run the larger battery. I also find the larger battery is a noticable weight, however the smaller 3hr batt is very comfortable.

On the bike however, I use the spot on my helmet, and both the medium and wide lights on the bars.

O's picture

Great info guys.....this site really is invaluable.
Yes I was looking at the Adventure kit, think I'll need to supplement it with another 6hr EPIC battery for 24hr racing so I can run 2 batteries while charging the other 2.
Now I just need to save some $$...

philberesford's picture

FYI There's not a lot of difference in brightness between full and half power. ie half power is still amazingly bright yet only uses half the power. The upshot of this is that the 3 hours batteries will last for 6hrs and the 6hr will last for 12hr - not bad eh Eye-wink

I love my ayups!

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