2016 Lights Shootout

The Lupine Betty R 15 comes in helmet mount configuration.

The Lupine Betty R 15 comes in helmet mount configuration (click to enlarge).​

Editor's Note: This article is part of Mtbr and RoadBikeReview's 2016 Bike Lights Shootout. See the 2016 Mtbr Headlights Index and the RoadBikeReview Commuter Lights Index.

The Lowdown: Lupine Betty R 15

Lupine Betty came in at 4711 Lumens last year. This year, it clocked in at 4989 forest piercing Lumens. We don't know how they do it, but they keep extracting more light from this little beast. It is the ultimate light indeed for going fast and seeing far, far in front of you.

It is is matched in sophistication as well with an array of batteries to select from and a very smart charger. A Bluetooth remote and iPhone App come with the package, so it is a well rounded set indeed.

Claimed Lumens: 5000 LumensMtbr Lux: 488
Measured Lumens: 4989 LumensMounted weight: 653 grams
Lumens per $: 4.32 LumensCategory: Headlight
Lumens per gram: 7.64 LumensPrice: $1,155
Run time on high: 2:00 HoursRating:
4.5 Flamin' Chili Peppers
4.5 Chilis-out-of-5
Stat Box


Pluses

Minuses
  • Excellent 26 degree, even beam pattern
  • Price
  • Amazing temperature management that will step down and step up the light
  • Can get hot when stationary and will step down in brightness as the light head is small
  • It includes a remote that is very useable
  • At this brightness level, it should be wider than 26 degrees

Full Review: Lupine Betty R 15

It needs a lot of cooling to get maximum output. But don't fret if you're riding in hot nights or are not moving fast enough to give it ample cooling. This light protects itself and saves the battery by throttling down when it's hot and it gets brighter when there's enough airflow. We like to think of it as a speed-sensing light, since it will get brighter the faster you go.

The Lupine Betty R 15 app controls, configures and monitors the light.

The Lupine Betty R 15 app controls, configures and monitors the light (click to enlarge).​

In every shootout, there has to be a top dog. This year, the Lupine Betty is challenged by the CatEye Volt 6000 and that is one bright light indeed. It only has an hour runtime though and the beam is mega wide, but not very far. For ultimate usability, the Betty still gets our vote. They not only spec'd a 5000 Lumen light, but they also backed it up. This light is almost scary in brightness level and one really has to look away from the light head or risk seeing 'stars' for a moment.

The good news is the light levels are very configurable all the way to 40 Lumens without any flicker at all. This one system can serve many purposes from the longest marathon races to the fastest descent around.

Continue to page 2 for more on the Lupine Betty R 15, the beam pattern and Lumen measurement »

The Lupine Betty R 15 with big smart battery.

The Lupine Betty R 15 with big smart battery (click to enlarge).​

The real novelty is the remote. It is so tiny, so easy to activate and so fast. It has a long range and is dependable and lightning quick. This makes it actually useable and easy to change light levels, as it will be right at your thumbs. This is particularly useful when the light is on the helmet, as one never has to take the hands off the bars.

Lupine Betty R 15 Beam Pattern

Beam Pattern Photo

We photographed the lights in the same location setting with the same camera settings. The photo was taken in the back yard that is approximately 25 yards long. The backyard beam pattern allows you to gauge the throw and the width of the light. Compare all Beam Patterns here »

Lupine Betty R 15 Lumen Measurement

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 4989 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 5000 Lumens. The Lumen-hour graph shows how the light performs over the first three minutes of its battery cycle. Compare all Lumen Tests here »

Lupine Betty R 15 Weisel charger is the best in the business.

Lupine Betty R 15 Weisel charger is the best in the business (click to enlarge).​

It may not be the most practical light, but it is the ultimate light. If you have an $8k bike decked out to the gills, this may be the light for you.

Lupine Betty R 15 191 gram light weight houses this powerhouse.

Lupine Betty R 15 191 gram light weight houses this powerhouse (click to enlarge).​

For more information visit www.lupinenorthamerica.com.

This article is part of Mtbr and RoadBikeReview's 2016 Bike Lights Shootout. See the 2016 Mtbr Headlights Index and the RoadBikeReview Commuter Lights Index.