The DesignShine DS-1300 is an engineering marvel. It uses three Cree XP-Gs and three Cree XP-Es in a head unit size that would typically be used to house one or two LEDs. To keep it cool, deep fins were machined to create 30+ square inches of cooling area. The six LEDs work in concert to create a beam that has good throw and excellent width. And this is accomplished with a spread that is even with no dark spots or artifacts.
And something unique with DesineShine is the use of acrylic to create peripheral spill and side visibility. The acrylic cover deflects some of the light down and to the sides. This allows the rider to see the periphery quite well. And additionally, the light and the rider is seen from the sides quite well. That makes this a good commuter light as well as a great mountain bike light.
The only downside is all the engineering went to the head unit so mounts are sourced from Cateye and battery/chargers look fairly generic.
Specifications:
- Price: $292
- Claimed Lumens: 1300 Lumens
- Measured Lumens: n/a Lumens
- Measured MTBR Lux: 112 Lux
- Light Head Weight: 122 grams
- Installed Weight: 315 grams
- Run Time: 2.3 Hours
- Category: High End
Strengths:
- Great beam pattern with a combination of throw and spill
- Excellent side visibility
- Light head is extremely compact
- Extremely light for the brightness and run time
- The head unit features an extended roof to protect the rider's eyes from the light spill from the acrylic lens.
- Charger looks like a Magicshine and battery looks home made.
- Cooling fins do not seem optimized for front to back airflow of a moving bike.
Mounts are all sourced from Cateye. These work well as they are very well made.
MTBR Light Meter Measurements: Compare all lights here.
This light measured 112 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility.
Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens: Compare all lights here.
We attempted to measure the lumen output of the DesignShine but there was too much light leakage due to the acrylic material. Even with the leakage, we measured 1100 lumens. So we are comfortable that the light output is close to 1300. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 1300 Lumens.
Backyard Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here.
We photographed the lights in the same location setting with the same camera settings. The photos were taken in the back yard that is approximately 25 yards long. These photos feature many objects and a distinct background to analyze detail and beam pattern.