Hey guys, I have a nice bar mount light but am looking into a helmet mounted model.  All the models I'm seeing on mail order sites are CRAZY expensive (Not spending $300-$500) for something I'll only use a few times a year.  Anyone have a setup they're happy with that didn't break the bank?  Would like to spend less than $100, but don't see many (any) options in this range.

I found a few cheap china built ones online, but they require a battery pack/cable and do not wanna go that route.  Looks like to go w/ the niterider and a helmet mount I'm looking at around $80.  I can live with that I think.

I run a NiteRider Lumina 750 on my helmet, with an Axiom Lazer 600 on my bars. 

I prefer the NiteRider on the helmet because it is just a little lighter than the Axiom. Although I am very impressed with the Axiom as well. Going on it's 3rd year and still runs strong. The Axiom seems to throw a whiter light (which i prefer), compared to the NiteRider which is a little more blue. 

Can't tell much difference in max light output between the two. I do wish battery life was a little better (on both). I end up having to ride with both of them on a medium setting so they will last long enough for an average ride. On the plus side (I just remembered this), the  Axiom does have a replaceable battery that can be swapped out on the trail. Spare batteries only run ~$20.... I'm actually going to buy a couple right now. 

Update: I just bought 2 new Axiom Lazer 600 lights (each comes with helmet and bar mount), and two spare batteries for $155 from performance bike.... The wife did express some interest in night riding...

Niterider 750 is a great light. It is a little lighter (and sleeker looking) than the Axiom 600 (making it good for mounting to a helmet), but that is because it has a lower capacity battery, 2900 mAh vs the 3300 mAh in the Axiom). So it will not last as long at full power. 

Even still, with both lights (meaning one on bars, one on helmet) in the middle setting, you have plenty of light, and they will last for a good 2 hours before the light output is noticeably diminished, and could probably survive a 3 hour ride (albiet with less than ideal output towards the end).

According to the Niterider website, all the Lumina series lights (excluding Lumina Micro 220 & 250) use the same battery, so going for a higher max output will be at the cost of battery life.

I have used both of the mentioned lights for at least a full season and would not hesitate to recommend either. Both are great self-contained night riding lights for riding local singletrack.

If you are having a problem finding a suitable helmet mount, just take some tips from BBM!  Sorry Mike, I have been holding onto this one for a while!

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