The Taz 1200 is a great light that delivers 1206 honest Lumens and it seems like a brighter light since the beam pattern is very efficient. The light is directed to the ground so there is very little light wasted into empty air. It's $300 so we actually prefer the Taz 1000 at $250 with a little more run time and just a small drop in brightness.

The Taz was the crowning achievement for Light & Motion in 2013. They created a light with the beam pattern of a Seca, but with the form factor of an Urban self-contained light. They used their knowledge with multiple beam patterns to make a light that has both spread and throw. To top it off, they gave it side lighting that can be switched on/off separately to make this an ideal commuter light as well.

To old school folks, the easiest way to describe this light is it's like the Light & Motion Seca but in a flashlight configuration. The beam pattern is big, even and pointed mostly to the ground with a very wide angle. It is a minor miracle how they were able to put this lens in a flashlight configuration.

At a measured 1206 Lumens, this is an extremely bright light weighing in at only 217 grams. It is ideal for bar mount use, but is light enough to be used for the helmet. A 1000 Lumen version of the Taz is also available.

Specifications

  • Price: $300
  • Claimed Lumens: 1200 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 1206 Lumens
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 111 Lux
  • Lumens per $: 4.02 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 5.58 Lumens
  • Time on High: 1:30 Hours
  • Charge Time: 4:00/8:00 Hours (Can sense high powered usb charger)
  • Mounted Weight: 217 grams
  • Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Strengths

  • Beam pattern, beam pattern. Just like the Seca, the peam is wide and far since it has a dual beam
  • Light is not wasted on the top where it usually doesn't reflect off anything
  • Excellent form factor at only 217 grams
  • Mount is desceptively simple yet effective. It is very easy to adjust or transfer to another bike.
  • Side lighting that can be switched off is very versatile
  • Honest with 1200 Lumen claims
  • 800 Lumen version is available for lower price point and longer run time
  • Excellent cooling abilities allows it to stay at full power in difficult conditions
  • Light output is constant throughout battery cycle because power is regulated
  • Charging port is smart so it can charge fast when connecting to a powerful USB charger like an iPad charger

Weaknesses

  • Light head is a little big for a self-contained light
  • Charging on a USB port can take up to 14 hours
  • 1.5 hour run-time on high is quite short

Mounting

Handlebar mounting is done with very slick strap that can be tightened based on the rider's preference. The same strap is used for standard and oversized handlebars. At first we found the strap too long and found the excess bothersome, but we realized we can loop the strap back in the pin and tuck it in neatly. It can be aimed left to right.



Mtbr Light Meter Measurements

This light measured 111 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility. The light output measurement is performed by placing a Lux light meter beside the light. Both are pointed at the ceiling (five feet above) of a dark room. This measurement uses the ambient light produced by the bike light.

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 1206 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 1200 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 »

Tunnel Beam Pattern Photo

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 120 feet.

Compare all Tunnel Beam Patterns here »



For more information visit www.lightandmotion.com.


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Related Links
2014 Tunnel Beam Pattern Comparisons »
2014 Mtbr Lumen Tests »
2013 Bike Lights Shootout »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
Mtbr Lights Forum »

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