2015 Lights Shootout

The DiNotte XML-4 is a very similar light to their XML-3, but instead of three XML LEDs, there's four. Output is bumped up to 2110 Lumens from 1579 nd price is higher at $259 instead of $229.

The light head is much bigger though since 4 LEDs don't fit as tightly as three. So cooling is no issue at all as the XML-4 displays one of the most consistent Lumen output graphs we've seen. If you want a bright light for warm climate use, this is a good one.

Weight and Runtimes

The weight for this light system is 455 grams and the run time is 1:30 hours. While good, it's not nearly as good as the XML-3 since the light head is big and add weights. The battery is the same as the XML-3, thus this bigger light gets less run time.

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-4. Camera is on a locked ISO setting and is set to Wide Angle mode

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-4 Backyard Beam Pattern

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 2110 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 2100 Lumens. The Lumen-hour graph below shows how the light performs over the first four minutes of its battery cycle. Compare all Lumen Tests here »

DiNotte XML-4 Lumen Chart

Strengths

  • 2110 measured Lumens excellent for one light
  • Cooling is handled well by the big light head
  • It offers great value at $259
  • Mounting is best in class and the included helmet light is a bonus
  • Commitment to US quality and safety is unrivaled

Weaknesses

  • Not as compelling as the XML-3 in terms of weight and run time
  • No self-contained option
  • The beam could be wider, now that it's so bright

Specifications

  • Price: $259
  • Claimed Lumens: 2100 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 2110 Lumens
  • Lumens per $: 8.15 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 4.85 Lumens
  • Time on High: 1:30 Hours
  • Charge Time: n/a Hours
  • Mounted Weight: 435 grams
  • Category: High End

Overall Rating

4 Flamin' Chili Peppers
4 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.