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The Exposure Joystick seems like the first light that launched Exposure into the US light market. It was small, useable and convenient. It practically launched the 'flashlight' bike light category. This year, it claims 325 lumens at $220. Unfortunately, it hasn't changed much over the years and there are many lights now that are cheaper and produce more light.

Exposure still is the smallest in this category and has the best build quality. Craftsmanship is typical British so expect only the best machining, CNCing and laser etching. We like the ergonomics of this light except the off switch which requires a long 3 seconds of pressing the small button. If you get it wrong, you'll fall in the dreaded flash mode.

New for 2012 is a gold-plated smart port and a rubber smart port cover. The smart port is typically used for charging but it has other nifty tricks like:
  • Accepting a remote switch
  • Integrating with a tail light
  • Charging another light by leveling the battery levels
  • Accepting a remote battery
  • Charging a smart phone

Specifications:
  • Price: $220.00
  • Claimed Lumens: 325 Lumens
  • Light Head Weight: 98 grams
  • Installed Weight: 98 grams
  • Run Time: 3 Hours
  • LED Type: one Cree XPG
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 23 Lux
  • Measured Lumens: 215 Lumens
Mounting:

Handlebar mounting is done with a handlebar clamp that is bolted on. It has a spring loaded pin that locks a cleat on the light unit. It's nifty but not ideal if you take the clamp off and on the bike to move it to another. It requires a tool and a rubber sleeve to lock the clamp in place. Left to right aiming is possible but it requires positioning and locking on the cleat with an allen tool as well. This system is really better suited if the clamp just stays on the bike.

Helmet mounting is the best in the business with pivoting ball-mount that can rotate up/down and left/right. It's easy to detach the light too as the light pops off easily and can be used as a flashlight around the trail.

Related Links
Mtbr Lights Shootout Main Page »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Trail Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Light Meter Measurements »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
Mtbr Lights Forum »

MTBR Light Meter Measurements:

This light measured 23 lux on our ambient light measurement facility. This is one of the weaker lights in the shootout. We measured this at 220 lumens actual output in a laboratory environment.

Light Meter Charts and Comparison Table »

Strengths:
  • Excellent machining and build quality
  • Smallest and most convenient in the category.
  • Best helmet mount around
  • Excellent run time at 3 hours
Weaknesses:
  • It's just not bright enough for trail use at 325 lumens claimed and 220 lumens actual
  • Expensive for the light output
  • Beam pattern is small with no outer halo
Bottom Line:

This used to be a good light at $220 but with the introduction of much more powerful lights at lower price points, it is not good for trail use. But if you are commuter and are looking for the ultimate cool light, this can be the ticket. You can see and be seen on the road and you'll have the ultimate cool tool to show around the house and the office.

Beam Pattern Photos:



Backyard Beam Pattern Comparison Page »
Trail Beam Pattern Comparison Page »

Value Rating:

3 out of 5 Stars

Overall Rating:

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Related Links
Mtbr Lights Shootout Main Page »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Trail Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Light Meter Measurements »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
Mtbr Lights Forum »