[youtube width="610" height="343" align="left"]httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHk6XsV-wC0&hd=1

Rob from Dinotte encouraged us to spend some time riding with the new Dinotte lights and we were smart enough to listen to his advice. This XML-3 shines on the photos, mtbr lux meter, integrating sphere and most importantly, on the trail. It is a light that could sell for $500 but Dinotte is offering it at $229.

The head is small and light at 102 grams. This includes the mounting system that is probably the easiest to use and the most secure. Three Cree XMLs are integrated in this light head and there are deep cooling fins to keep temperatures under control.

Battery and charging is provided by the existing four-cell battery and charger systems. So existing customers with these batteries can just buy the new XML-3 light head to experience the latest in Dinotte engineering.

As you will see in the photos and measurements, this light is a just a breakaway hit. It just continued to surprise us in performance so we had to re-check everything twice. It was brighter and had a better beam pattern than many lights that cost almost twice the XML-3's $229 price.

Couple that with Dinotte's safety, quality and customer service and this package almost seems too good to be true. Dinotte uses good batteries and charges them properly. Everything is UN and UL tested. And the lights are never over-driven. They are designed and manufactured so the small Dinotte headquarters can spend time producing lights instead of answering problem/failure phonecalls.

Specifications:
  • Price: $229.00
  • Claimed Lumens: 1200 Lumens
  • Light Head Weight: 102 grams
  • Installed Weight: 340 grams
  • Run Time: n/a Hours
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 154 Lux
  • Measured Lumens: 1550 Lumens
Mounting:

Handlebar mounting is one of the best in the business. It's not a fancy CNC mount but this rubber strap will allow you to install the light on the bar in seconds. Pull up on the strap and lock it down. The light head can be aimed left to right easily.

A helmet mount is included for the standard price so that's a great deal. The mount simulates a handlebar pipe so the same strap action is used to secure the light on the helmet.



MTBR Light Meter Measurements:

This light measured 154 Lux on the Mtbr Lux meter. In an integrating sphere, it measured 1055 lumens.

This $229 Dinotte XML-3 is about as bright as these other systems that are almost 3x the price and twice the weight! The beam pattern is impressive too as it has huge halo and it has a bright center spot. That means that this light has very good throw and impressive flood for lighting up the surrounding trail.

Light Meter Charts and Comparison Table »

Strengths:
  • 1055 measured lumens is amazing brightness and close to its claimed output
  • The beam pattern is wide and has a powerful spot
  • It offers an amazing value
  • Mounting is best in class and the included helmet light is a bonus
  • Commitment to quality and safety is unrivaled
  • Weight is impressively light for its power
Weaknesses:
  • Not a flashlight- we're reaching here but it would be cool if this were available as a self-contained light
Bottom Line:

This is a surprise. Based on looks and price, it doesn't look like much. But the photos and numbers don't lie. This was one of the best lights in 2012 and now it delivers 50% more light for less money. The brightness and price offer a product that will make the enthusiast happy.

Beam Pattern Photos:



Value Rating: At $229, the value is a winner.

5 out of 5 Stars

Overall Rating: It really is a 5-star light.

5 out of 5 Stars