To complement the NiteRider Lumina 700, the Lumina Flare 650 comes in with a little lower Lumen rating at 650, but adds a red tail light at the back of the integrated light unit. This leverages mounting, electronics and battery for a much needed commuting tail light.

Often, tail lights are an afterthought for most riders as they use an alkaline powered light that is mounted to the seatpost. But as the battery dies out, it becomes inconvenient to change the non-rechargeable battery. If one is using another bike, the tail light usually stays put on one bike.

This is a neat idea, but the key restriction is to use the tail light, this light will need to be mounted on the helmet. If the light is on the handlebar, the red tail light will barely be visible to drivers and it will be distracting to the cyclist. So it is a cool idea for the commuter that will mount this on the helmet.

Mounting is improved with a clamp that is tightened with a hand lever. This ensures a proper hold on the bar for those high-speed, rocky descents. The USB charging port is now moved to the bottom of the light with a better seal. This protects it from moisture and dirt much better.

The Lumina Flare 650 is part of a family of lights that has been expanded for options. And it's not just a bunch of lower powered versions of the light in the same case. They actually put some thought and engineering in the other versions. They are as follows:

NiteRider Lumina Micro 220 - $70 micro light with 240 measured Lumens

NiteRider Lumina 550 - $110 light with 558 Lumens

NiteRider Lumina Flare 650 - $170 light with integrated tail light making it ideal for helmet mounted commuting

NiteRider Lumina 700 - $140 with 692 measured Lumens

Specifications

  • Price: $170
  • Claimed Lumens: 650 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 673 Lumens
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 70 Lux
  • Lumens per $: 3.96 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 3.80 Lumens
  • Time on High: 1:30 Hours
  • Charge Time: 6:00 Hours
  • Mounted Weight: 177 grams
  • Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Strengths

  • Great improvements over last year's Minewt 600
  • Actual output of 673 is actually brighter than its 650 claimed Lumens
  • Excellent design and clamp
  • Good value for the money
  • Mount is easily removed and can be used as a great flashlight

Weaknesses

  • Beam pattern has a few artifacts

Mounting

Instead of the snap on strap, the Lumina Flare 650 now has a mount that is a c-clamp type and is tightened with a hand adjustable screw. This allows a secure connection to keep it from moving out of place during rocky descents. Standard helmet mount is included.

Mtbr Light Meter Measurements

This light measured 70 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 673 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 650 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 »



NiteRider Lumina Flare 650



NiteRider Lumina Flare 650 (taillight-on)

For more information visit www.niterider.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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