2015 Lights Shootout

CatEye Volt 100 Side

This is a commuter light from CatEye. It is tiny at 65 grams with mount, but as you can see in the measurements and beam photos, it's not bad at all. It's a 'to be seen' light and it's quite good in flash mode, but one can actually see with it. There's a tight spot that utilizes the 164 measured Lumens quite well.

Mount is excellent and materials and construction are the usual good CatEye quality. We didn't expect much on this test, but we were pleasantly surprised. If all you can afford is $35 for a rechargeable commuter light, this is a great choice.

Beam Pattern Photo

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. Compare all Beam Patterns here »

CatEye Volt 100 Backyard Beam Pattern

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 164 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 100 Lumens. The Lumen-hour graph below shows how the light performs over the first three minutes of its battery cycle. Compare all Lumen Tests here »

CatEye Volt 1200 Lumen Chart

Strengths

  • $35 for a bright and rechargeable light is a good deal
  • Beam pattern is tight and useable
  • Good CatEye construction and quality

Weaknesses

  • Side visibility is not great

Specifications

  • Price: $35
  • Claimed Lumens: 100 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 164 Lumens
  • Lumens per $: 4.69 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 2.52 Lumens
  • Time on High: 2:00 Hours
  • Charge Time: 3:00 Hours (Can sense high powered USB charger)
  • Mounted Weight: 65 grams
  • Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Overall Rating

4.5 Flamin' Chili Peppers
4.5 out of 5 Flamin' Chili Peppers

For more information visit www.cateye.com.

This article is part of Mtbr and RoadBikeReview's 2015 Lights Shootout. To see all the bike lights tested CLICK HERE.