2015 Lights Shootout

DiNotte XML-3 Light Head

The DiNotte XML-3 is a 1500 Lumen light that is ideal for bar or helmet use. Weighing in at 355 grams, it lasts 2:30 hours on full power or 5 hours at a very capable 700 Lumens, ao it's ideal for most of your post-daylight bike adventures.

Beam Pattern and Usability

The DiNotte has excellent beam pattern and color. It's not the widest beam but it is very even and consistent. The throw is very good as can ride at full speed with this one light alone.

At speed, using this light inspires confidence as one is really able to decipher the trail and see obstacles and trail contours.

Weight and Runtimes

The weight for this light system is 355 grams and the run time is 2:30 hours. This is an impressive power to run time ratio and even more impressive is that it measured in at 1573 stable Lumens in our lab testing. This makes the system an efficient tool for racers, commuters and endurance riders.

The head of the DiNotte XML-3 is small and light at 95 grams. This includes the mounting system that is probably the easiest to use and the most secure. The switch is very easy to find and use and the cooling fins are very functional for keeping temperatures under control.

Safety

Couple that with DiNotte's safety, quality and customer service and this package is a good option. 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 phone calls.

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. DiNotte passes all the UL/UN safety standards for batteries and chargers.

Test loop with the DiNotte XML-3. Camera is on a locked ISO setting and is set to Wide Angle mode

The video shows how well the DiNotte XML-3 does at speed. The trail is fully visible and riding with this light is confidence inspiring.

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 »

DiNotte XML-3 Backyard Beam Pattern

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 1573 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 1600 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 »

DiNotte XML-3 Lumen Chart

Strengths

  • 1573 measured Lumens is impressive for this price and weight
  • The beam pattern is wide and even and has a powerful spot
  • It offers great value at $229
  • Mounting is best in class and the included helmet light is a bonus
  • Commitment to US quality and safety is unrivaled
  • Can be mounted on the helmet with smaller battery and have both light head and battery on the helmet
Weaknesses:
  • No self-contained option
  • The beam could be wider, now that it's so bright

Specifications

  • Price: $229
  • Claimed Lumens: 1600 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 1573 Lumens
  • Lumens per $: 6.87 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 4.43 Lumens
  • Time on High: 2:30 Hours
  • Charge Time: 4 Hours
  • Mounted Weight: 355 grams
  • Category: High End

Overall Rating

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

For more information visit store.dinottelighting.com.

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