This is a pretty ground-breaking light. It uses a speed sensor magnet on the wheel to vary the light intensity with the speed of the bike. The faster you go, the brighter the light is. It's all configurable of course so the rider can define what 'fast' is and how responsive the light changes intensity.

Obviously, this kind of variable brightness can save battery and extend run time. But here is the secret. By using speed sensitive mode, it is assured that the light will only be at max brightness for a short duration. And it is known that there will be max airflow (default 15 mph) when the light is on full bright. The peak battery demand won't be as prolonged either. So it looks like they're able to drive the LEDs very high during these peak durations.

Full Beam is using the human eye's ability to adjust to lower light. The eye is a powerful device in low light but it needs a few seconds to adjust. So lowering the light level gradually on a prolonged climb or during a stop is ok since it gives your eyes a chance to adjust and be more sensitive.

The light defaults to a few hundred Lumens and it ramps up to about 3000 Lumens at 15 mph. Then it drops down (but slower) when the speed goes back down. It is pretty amazing so far because the number don't seem like they add up. Insanely bright, light, long run time seem to be achieved in this small self contained light.

The numbers are around 3000 lLumens, 380 grams, they say around 4 hours in Speed sensitive mode.



Specifications:
  • Price: $650
  • Claimed Lumens: 3000 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 2656 lumens at 100% mode, 2200 Lumens at 70% default static mode
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 260 Lux at 100% static mode
  • Light Head Weight: 363 grams
  • Installed Weight: 404 grams with speed sensor
  • Run Time: 4 hours in speed sensitive mode. around 1 hour in static mode
  • Category: Flashlight
Strengths:
  • Insanely bright
  • Very good speed sensing technology allows the light to run brighter and run time to be longer
  • Small package for the amount of light it puts out.
  • Very configurable
  • Beam pattern is a huge and even
Weaknesses:
  • Speed sensor is a wired for this self-contained light
  • Light can get very hot when run in static mode so it is shipped at 70% brightness
  • $650 price is prohibitive to many
Mounting:

Mounting is a CNC'd cam system. Once adjusted for the bar diameter, it is very easy to install and remove. It can be aimed left to right as well.

MTBR Light Meter Measurements: Compare all lights here.

This light measured 260 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility.

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens: Compare all lights here.

In static mode, it is shipped at 70% brightness level to keep the light cool. At 70% level, it measured 2210 Lumens. With some programming, we got it to 100% mode and it measured 2656 lumens. The Lumen-hour graph below shows how the light performs over the first three minutes of its battery cycle.

Lab #1 at 100% mode


Lab #2 at 70% mode


Backyard Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here. The light is in static mode and at 70% brightness.



Backyard Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here. The light is in static mode and at 100% brightness.



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.

Tunnel Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here. The light is in static mode and at 70% brightness.



The location is useful since it has walls and a ceiling that can display a bike light beam pattern. The walls have a lot of graffiti on them and actually show detail when they are lit up by a light with a wide angle. Cones and targets are set up with the far target set up at 80 yards.


Related Links
All Mtbr Lights Shootout Articles »
2013 Bike Lights Shootout »
2013 Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
2013 Tunnel Beam Pattern Comparisons »
2013 Mtbr Lux measurements »
2013 Mtbr Lumen Tests »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
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