2015 Lights Shootout

The Sigma is alright. Every year, there are a few lights that surprise us and the Buster 200 is one of the pleasant surprises of this batch. Claiming 200 Lumens for $45, this light outperformed at 235 Lumens with a very stable output. Better yet, the beam pattern was nice and clean with a broad beam and a focused center.

The $45 rechargeable light price point is usually for 'to be seen' lights that aid commuters in becoming more visible to motor vehicles, but this light can actually be used to see on the road. For the trail, two of these would fit the bill.

Mount is the handled by a simple yet reliable rubber strap with multiple holes for bars of different diameters. The light also comes with a rubber armor skin that is not that useful, but it offers protection and personalized colors for the user.

Run time is an impressive 3:30 on high and weight is light at 98 grams.

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 »

Sigma Buster 200 Backyard Beam Pattern

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 235 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 200 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 »

Sigma Buster 200 Lumen Chart

Strengths

  • Very affordable at $45
  • Construction quality is top-notch
  • Beam pattern is excellent
  • 235 Lumen output is stable and better than claimed

Weaknesses

  • Not really handy as a flashlight because of non-removable strap mount

Specifications

  • Price: $45
  • Claimed Lumens: 200 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 235 Lumens
  • Lumens per $: 5.22 Lumens
  • Lumens per gram: 2.40 Lumens
  • Time on High: 3:30 Hours
  • Charge Time: n/a Hours
  • Mounted Weight: 98 grams
  • Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Overall Rating

0 Flamin' Chili Peppers
5 out of 5 Flamin' Chili Peppers

We'll have to give 5 Chilis not because it is the brightest, but because it is extremely well executed at $45.

For more information visit sigma-lighting.com.

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