Welcome to the mtbr Lights Shootout. We just released our 2012 Shootout with over 60 lights reviewed and measured. Click on the links below and enjoy our coverage.
2012 Bike Lights Shootout
https://reviews.mtbr.com/2012-bike-lights-shootout
2011 Bike Lights Shootout
2011 Bike Lights Shootout
2011 is definitely the year of the LED. Even the last holdout with HID, Jet Lites has joined the fray with LED technology. With the arrival of the latest emitter, the Cree XPG, LED lights are even brighter and more efficient than ever.
The Magicshine factor has infected the industry as well. Companies have scrambled to deliver great lights at around $200. Customers have come to expect that. If the light manufacturers can deliver a great value light with good reliability and service, they feel they can compete.
And the great value light, Magicshine has stumbled. With thousands sold and a year of use or sitting on the shelf, many batteries and chargers are failing. The shortcuts in testing, quality and materials seem to be surfacing with battery problems. A 'stop use immediately' has been issued by the largest distributor as they mobilize to issue a recall and a resolution to buyers.
There are many stand outs in this year's shootout. Our favorites are:
Lupine Piko - At 190 grams complete, the two Cree XPGs deliver a light that is incredibly useable. And at $310, it is a great value for a german light with the best quality and the best technology. It claims to to be 550 lumens but it measured a surprisingly bright 45 lux on our meter. This is almost as bright as the Lupine Tesla and brigher than the Magicshine MJ-808 at 37 lux.
Exposure Diablo - Our favorite light from last year switched from one Seoul P7 emitter to three Cree XPGs. The result is a doubling in our measured output from 33 lux to 66 lux. It is still ridiculously light at 110 grams and it has the best helmet mount system around.
Jet Lites A-51 - At $199, this light delivers a 720 lumen light that measured 40 lux on our test bed. The head unit is extremely high quality and features a CNC'd aluminum case. The helmet or handlebar mounts are some of the highest quality we've ever seen. And the battery and charger technology seem to be of reputable quality backed by a 1 year warranty. This is a great option by those burned by cheap lights before.
Light and Motion Seca 1400 - at $699, this 1400 lumen light measured in at 110 lux on our meter. The standout here is how efficiently that light is utilized. It has the widest beam from close to mid range. And with 110 lux, it throws just about as far as most riders will need. And it still chops off the top of the beam pattern to avoid waste.
Lupine Betty 7 II with 22 degree beam - This showcase of light intensity has been improved to have a wider beam and an inboard switch. The result is light that is much, much more useable than its predecessor. The beam pattern has been increased to 22 degrees (from 16) and the measured 158 lux offers much more peripheral light but still throws very far. Though not cheap, this is the best in terms of output, quality, weight and charger technology.
Here is the summary data for the lights we have so far. We will publish our data and photos of each beam pattern in this article. In the coming weeks, we will produce a review and a video of each of the lights mentioned.
'Claimed Lumens' is the manufacturer's claimed lumen brightness of their lights. It is usually not measured and is based on the best case scenario of the LEDs they are using. Measured Lux is mtbr's light output measurement of the light. It is performed by bouncing the light off a white ceiling in a controlled environment. The measurements are consistent and are quite accurate in quantifying the light output. Our lux measurement setup is described here in detail https://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/bike-light-meter-setup-for-measuring-output/. Please note that our Lux Measurement is only relevant to mtbr for the basis of comparing light to each other. The number has no relevance to the measurement of others.
Beam pattern comparison page is here: https://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/2011-bike-lights-shootout-beam-pattern-photos/
Brand/Model | Price | Claimed Lumens | Mtbr Measured Lux | |
Ayup V4 Adventure (full review here) | $425 | 400 each | 33 each | |
Baja Designs Stryker (full review here) | $299 | 700 | 52 | |
Baja Designs Stryker Pro (full review here) | $345 | 700 | 40 | |
Dinotte 800l (video) | $439 | 800 | 62 | |
Exposure Diablo Mk.2 (full review here) | $250 | 900 | 63 | |
Exposure Joystick Mk.5 | $225 | 300 | 17 | |
Exposure MaxxD Mk.3 | $450 | 1200 | 90 | |
Exposure Six Pack (full review here) | $600 | 1800 | 146 | |
Exposure Spark | $140 | 220 | 10 | |
Exposure Strada Mk.2 | $350 | 600 | 40 | |
Exposure Toro Mk.2 (full review here) | $400 | 900 | 72 | |
Jet Lites A-51 (full review here) | $199 | 700 | 40 | |
Light and Motion Seca 700 | $ | 700 | 65 | |
Light and Motion Seca 1400 (full review here) | $699 | 1400 | 110 | |
Light and Motion Vis360 | $169 | 110 | 11 | |
Lupine Betty II 7 (video) | $930 | 1850 | 158 | |
Lupine Piko 3 (full review here) | $310 | 550 | 45 | |
Lupine Tesla (video) | $475 | 700 | 51 | |
Lupine Wilma 7 (video) | $595 | 1100 | 103 | |
Magicshine MJ-808 (full review here) - UNDER RECALL! | $85 | 900 | 37 | |
Niterider Minewt.250 Cordless | $129 | 250 | ||
Niterider Minewt.350 (video) | $199 | 350 | 19 | |
Niterider Pro 600 (full review here) | $499 | 600 | 46 | |
Niterider Pro 1200 (full review here) | $649 | 1200 | 82 | |
TrailLED Darkstar (full review here) | $420 | 1200 | 81 | |
Chart of claimed Lumens to Mtbr measured Lux
graph provided by our member g3rG
Beam pattern comparison page is here: Short range beam pattern
Long Range Beam Pattern Photos: Long Range Beam Pattern
First light photos are of the Baja Designs lights
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Baja Designs Stryker Pro
Price: $345
Claimed Lumens: 700
Measured Lux: 40
Summary: The Stryker Pro is a bit of a disappointment. It is more expensive than the Stryker but it only measures 40 lux compared to the Stryker's 52 lux. But it is smaller and is a decent helmet light complement to the Stryker bar mount. It is overbuilt for off-road abuse in typical Baja Designs fashion.
Baja Designs Stryker
Price: $298
Claimed Lumens: 700 lumens
Measured Lux: 52 lux
Description: The Baja Stryker is the light that launched Baja Designs into the cycling world. It is extremely rugged and delivers a bright and wide beam pattern at a good value. It comes with two lenses for a wider option. Downside are zip tie mounting and it's a little too big for helmet use.
Next up is the Exposure Lights Lineup
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Exposure Spark
Price: $140
Claimed Lumens: 220 lumens
Measured Lux: 10 lux
Exposure Joystick Mk.5
Price: $225
Claimed Lumens: 300 lumens
Measured Lux: 17 lux
Exposure Diablo Mk.2
Price: $250
Claimed Lumens: 900 lumens
Measured Lux: 63 lux
Description: The Diablo from last year was a favorite at 700 lumens (claimed) and 33 lux on our meter. This year, they increased the rating to 900 lumens but our measurements came in at 63 lux. The output went up by almost 100%. The lumen rating is a lot more honest now because they switched to three Cree XPG emitters. Run time was miraculously maintained at 1 hour so our favorite just got better. It still weighs in at a scant 110 grams.
Exposure Strada Mk.2
Price: 350$
Claimed Lumens: 600 lumens
Measured Lux: 40 lux
The Strada is an interesting light and it is caught in between a lot of great lights from Exposure. It's only saving grace is that its two Cree XPGs are nicely configured horizontally and it delivers a wide beam. So it is pretty efficient with the beam pattern as it doesn't waste light up high.
Exposure Toro Mk.2
Price: $400
Claimed Lumens: 900 lumens
Measured Lux: 72 lux
Highlights: The Toro is the same as the Diablo with three Cree XPGs but it is configured with three batteries instead of one to produce a run time of 3 hours instead of 1 hour. This makes the Toro a primary duty light instead of the backup/emergency duty normally reserved for the Diablo. Another bonus is because of the powerful battery, it puts out 72 lux which is 9 more the the Diablo's 63 lux.
Exposure MaxxD Mk.3
Price: $450
Claimed Lumens: 1200 lumens
Measured Lux: 90 lux
Highlights: The MaxxD is the workhorse of the Exposure line up rated at 1200 lumens and 90 measured lux. It has the best form factor, brightness, price package for the high end user. It is only hampered by a 16 hour charge time.
Exposure Six Pack
Price: $600
Claimed Lumens: 1800 lumens
Measured Lux: 146 lux
Highlights: The Six Pack is the 'what if' light. What if we stuffed all those LEDs and batteries in one case? It's great that enquiring minds seek out to build exotic lights like this one similar to the Bugatti Veyron of the auto world. But alas, this 'light cannon' is simply too big and inconvenient and we shudder what would happen to the mount if one crashed. It has a wide beam but not wide enough to utilize all this light. And it is anchored from great heights by a 24 hour charge time. At the end of the day, then user is much better off with two Exposure Diablos on the bar, aimed for an ultra wide beam. But it is still cool to know that this light exists, much like the impractical Ferrari Enzo.
Next up is the Jet Lites A-51 light
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Jet Lites A-51
Price: $199
Claimed Lumens: 720 lumens
Measured Lux: 40 lux
Highlights: At $199, this light delivers a 720 lumen light that measured 40 lux on our test bed. The head unit is extremely high quality and features a CNC'd aluminum case. The helmet or handlebar mounts are some of the highest quality we've ever seen. And the battery and charger technology seem to be of reputable quality backed by a 1 year warranty. This is a great option by those burned by cheap lights before.
Next up is the Light and Motion line-up
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Light and Motion Seca 1400
Price: $699
Claimed Lumens: 1400 lumens
Measured Lux: 110 lux
Highlights: At $699, this 1400 lumen light measured in at 110 lux on our meter. The standout here is how efficiently that light is utilized. It has the widest beam from close to mid range. And with 110 lux, it throws just about as far as most riders will need. And it still chops off the top of the beam pattern to avoid waste.
Next up is the Lupine line-up light
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Lupine Piko 3
Price: $310
Claimed Lumens: 550 lumens
Measured Lux: 45 lux
Highlights - At 190 grams complete, the two Cree XPGs deliver a light that is incredibly useable. And at $310, it is a great value for a german light with the best quality and the best technology. It claims to to be 550 lumens but it measured a surprisingly bright 45 lux on our meter. This is almost as bright as the Lupine Tesla and brigher than the Magicshine MJ-808 at 37 lux.
Lupine Tesla
Price: $475
Claimed Lumens: 700 lumens
Measured Lux: 51 lux
Highlights - The Tesla is a favorite from two years ago and it highlighted how versatile an LED light can be. It was copied by the Magicshine light but it is still a workhorse and many Tesla users and buyers are still enjoying this light every ride.
Lupine Wilma II
Price: $595
Claimed Lumens: 1100 lumens
Measured Lux: 112 lux
Highlights - This is the workhorse light of Lupine. It is where price meets performance as it delivers extreme performance without breaking the trust fund. Couple this with the Lupine Piko and you are done.
Lupine Betty II
Price: $930
Claimed Lumens: 1850 lumens
Measured Lux: 158 lux
Highlights - This showcase of light intensity has been improved to have a wider beam and an inboard switch. The result is light that is much, much more useable than its predecessor. The beam pattern has been increased to 22 degrees (from 16) and the measured 158 lux offers much more peripheral light but still throws very far. Though not cheap, this is the best in terms of output, quality, weight and charger technology.
Next up is the Magicshine MJ-808 light
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Magicshine MJ-808
Price: $85
Claimed Lumens: 900 lumens
Measured Lux: 37 lux
Warning: This light is currently under recall for battery failure and safety problems. There is a STOP USE order issued by their main US distributor, Geoman
Highlights - This is an identical copy of the Lupine Tesla but at a much cheaper price. It has changed the light industry by delivering a very useable light for a very low price. Unfortunately, now that the light has seen long term use, there are a lot of problems and there are a lot of safety concerns. We are still learning about the issues but there is a 'Stop Use' order right now for safety reasons.
Next up is the Niterider series
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
Niterider Minewt.350
Price: $199
Claimed Lumens: 350 lumens
Measured Lux:19 lux
Highlights: This $199 light may outsell a lot of the lights in the shootout. It's not the brightest or the most advanced but it hits the sweet spot that most commuters will be looking for.
Next up is the #trailledTrailLED Darkstar light
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(Click on photos to enlarge)
TrailLED Darkstar
Price: $420
Claimed Lumens: 1200 lumens
Measured Lux: 81 lux
This is a hand made light with a very small but very bright head unit. Thus, it is a killer helmet light that very few helmet lights can compete with.