2015 Lights Shootout


This is the 2015 Lights Shootout. The 2016 version is coming in next week as dozens of new lights are arriving at our doors daily. If you have lights that should be included, email fcebedo@mtbr.com for consideration.

The key components of this shootout are:
  1. Integrating Sphere Lumen Measurements - View actual measured Lumens of each light here
  2. Beam Pattern Shots - Compare all the beam patterns side by side here
  3. Individual Reviews Below - Click on each light below to read the editorial review
  4. Safety lights and Tail lights are reviewed in a separate section on RoadBikeReview found here

Blackburn Central 100 Front



Price: $35.00
Claimed Lumens: 100
Measured Lumens: 148
Mounted Weight: 51 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Review coming soon...

Blackburn Central 20 Rear Tail Light



Price: $35.00
Claimed Lumens: 20
Measured Lumens: 31
Mounted Weight: 51 grams
Category: Tail Light

This light surprised us, as it's brighter than claimed and visible from a wide angle. Price is right too at $35 for a rechargeable system. Read more...

Blackburn Central Front



Price: $119.00
Claimed Lumens: 500
Measured Lumens: 531
Mounted Weight: 195 grams
Category: Commuter

It's constructed well and it features a simple rotary switch. Plus it can dim automatically when ambient light is bright. Read more...

Bontrager Ion 700



Price: $100.00
Claimed Lumens: 700
Measured Lumens: 682
Mounted Weight: 141 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Sporting a big beam pattern, the Ion 700 delivers with the smallest package and the lowest price in the 700 Lumen category. Read more...

CatEye Rapid X Tail Light



Price: $40.00
Claimed Lumens: n/a
Measured Lumens: n/a
Mounted Weight: 22 grams
Category: Tail Light

The CatEye Rapid X is a minimalist tail light that even weight weenies can just leave mounted on their bike. Weighing in at 22 grams, this light array delivers good rear and side visibility with four flash modes. Read more...

CatEye Volt 100



Price: $35.00
Claimed Lumens: 100
Measured Lumens: 164
Mounted Weight: 65 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

It's a 'to be seen' light for $35. But since it's a CatEye, it over delivers and you can actually see with it. Read more...

CatEye Volt 1200



Price: $200.00
Claimed Lumens: 1200
Measured Lumens: 1253
Mounted Weight: 214 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

The CatEye Volt 1200 sports 1253 measured Lumens for $200. It's a good choice if you're not in a hot night riding area like Arizona. Read more...

CatEye Volt 700



Price: $120.00
Claimed Lumens: 700
Measured Lumens: 773
Mounted Weight: 140 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

$120 with a measured 773 lumens, 2 hour run time is a winner. Plus it has Cateye quality. Read more...

DiNotte XML-3



Price: $229.00
Claimed Lumens: 1600
Measured Lumens: 1573
Mounted Weight: 355 grams
Category: High End

The XML-3 is light at 355 grams, bright at 1573 Lumens yet it does not break the bank at $229. Read more...

DiNotte XML-4



Price: $259.00
Claimed Lumens: 2100
Measured Lumens: 2110
Mounted Weight: 435 grams
Category: High End

The Dinotte XML-4 puts out 2110 Lumens and its a good deal at $259, but is it as compelling as the Dinotte XML-3? Read more...

Exposure Lights Diablo Mk.6



Price: $300.00
Claimed Lumens: 1300
Measured Lumens: 1140
Mounted Weight: 132 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

Mounting, ergonomics and weight continue to be excellent as the ultimate flashlight gets brighter with 1140 measured Lumens. Read more...

Exposure Lights Equinox



Price: $479.00
Claimed Lumens: 2000
Measured Lumens: 1800
Mounted Weight: 241 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

Review coming soon...

Fenix BC30



Price: $140.00
Claimed Lumens: 1800
Measured Lumens: 1283
Mounted Weight: 161 grams
Category: Flashlight

This dual-beam self-contained bike light has a good beam pattern and good light color, but the 1800 Lumen claim is a bit disappointing. Read more...

Gloworm X1



Price: $190.00
Claimed Lumens: 950
Measured Lumens: 898
Mounted Weight: 196 grams
Category: High End

Review coming soon...

Gloworm X2



Price: $255.00
Claimed Lumens: 1500
Measured Lumens: 1545
Mounted Weight: 323 grams
Category: High End

Gloworm X2 comes up aces once again. Though not a huge improvement from last year, it keeps marching on with a beautiful beam pattern, a well-conceived package and good value. Read more...

Gloworm XS



Price: $350.00
Claimed Lumens: 2200
Measured Lumens: 2359
Mounted Weight: 344 grams
Category: High End

Review coming soon...

Jet Lites F3



Price: $189.00
Claimed Lumens: 1000
Measured Lumens: 724
Mounted Weight: 170 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

Solid construction, heat dissipation and now GoPro compatible mounts are the highlights from this Reno, Nevada company. Read more...

Knog Blinder Arc 1.7



Price: $65.00
Claimed Lumens: 170
Measured Lumens: 184
Mounted Weight: 100 grams
Category: Commuter

This Knog light is not powerful at all, but one can get home with it. Ergonomics and design is quite slick and it's only $65. Read more...

Knog Blinder Arc 5.5



Price: $120.00
Claimed Lumens: 550
Measured Lumens: 601
Mounted Weight: 105 grams
Category: Commuter

Knog is a new player in the Mtbr Lights Shootout, but they impressed us with good quality, ergonomics and a nice beam pattern that is brighter than claimed. Read more...

Knog Blinder Road 2



Price: $80.00
Claimed Lumens: 200
Measured Lumens: 218
Mounted Weight: 75 grams
Category: Commuter

Review coming soon...

Knog Blinder Road 3



Price: $95.00
Claimed Lumens: 300
Measured Lumens: 308
Mounted Weight: 105 grams
Category: Commuter

This is a cool little package from Knog. It's ideal as a 'to be seen' light but it can be used to see with in a pinch. Read more...

Knog Qudos



Price: $119.00
Claimed Lumens: 400
Measured Lumens: 418
Mounted Weight: 120 grams
Category: Commuter

Review coming soon...

Lezyne Deca Drive



Price: $150.00
Claimed Lumens: 900
Measured Lumens: 896
Mounted Weight: 265 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

This Deca Drive is largely unchanged from last year, but it's still one of the better self-contained bar lights around since it has a lovely beam pattern for $160. Read more...

Lezyne Mega Drive



Price: $200.00
Claimed Lumens: 1400
Measured Lumens: 1277
Mounted Weight: 265 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

Brighter than ever, this Lezyne Mega Drive still has a rock-solid output with field replaceable batteries for endless run-time. Read more...

Lezyne Power Drive XL



Price: $100.00
Claimed Lumens: 600
Measured Lumens: 611
Mounted Weight: 136 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Review coming soon...

Lezyne Super Drive XL



Price: $120.00
Claimed Lumens: 700
Measured Lumens: 709
Mounted Weight: 138 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Review coming soon...

Lezyne Zecto Auto Tail Light



Price: $50.00
Claimed Lumens: 20
Measured Lumens: 20 Lumens (in flash mode)
Mounted Weight: 47 grams
Category: Tail Light

It's a good tail light and it turns itself on and off automatically. Small form factor and good light animation and visibility are its other highlights. Read more...

Light & Motion Seca 2000 Race



Price: $500.00
Claimed Lumens: 2000
Measured Lumens: 2022
Mounted Weight: 343 grams
Category: High End

It's a little long in the tooth, but it still has one of the best beam patterns in the business. The Seca 2000 continues to impress with a wide and efficient beam pattern that lights up the trail and the periphery. Read more...

Light & Motion Taz 1200



Price: $240.00
Claimed Lumens: 1200
Measured Lumens: 1206
Mounted Weight: 216 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

The good news on the Light & Motion Taz 1200 is the price dropped from $300 to $240. The bad news is the run time remained the same at 1:30 hours on high, but it still has one of the best beam patterns around. Read more...

Light & Motion Taz 1500



Price: $300.00
Claimed Lumens: 1500
Measured Lumens: 1404
Mounted Weight: 216 grams
Category: Flashlight/High End

The Taz 1500 is all about beam pattern. We'll even go out on a limb and say it has the best beam pattern of any self-contained bike light. Read more...

Light & Motion Urban 500



Price: $100.00
Claimed Lumens: 500
Measured Lumens: 528
Mounted Weight: 121 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

This light has good beam pattern and side visibility at a $100 price point. But the competition has caught up in terms of size, price and brightness. Read more...

Light & Motion Vis 180 Tail Light



Price: $100.00
Claimed Lumens: 70
Measured Lumens: n/a
Mounted Weight: 102 grams
Category: Tail Light

The Vis 180 has good mounting options and good visibility but the competition has caught up in this price point. Read more...

Lumicycle Explorer Enduro Pack



Price: $454.00
Claimed Lumens: 3000
Measured Lumens: 2250
Mounted Weight: 402 grams
Category: High End

It's a bright and wide light from the UK and it has a cool switch and a well-constructed head unit. Read more...

Lumicycle InSight Brake Tail Light



Price: $80.00
Claimed Lumens: 200 Lumens Brake / 50 Lumens Tail
Measured Lumens: n/a
Mounted Weight: 112 grams
Category: Tail Light

Lumicycle from the UK delivers a bright tail light with a brake light function. A nice, big form factor and ergonmic switch makes this ideal for commuters. Read more...

Lumicycle Summit Enduro Pack



Price: $390.00
Claimed Lumens: 1650
Measured Lumens: 1210
Mounted Weight: 399 grams
Category: High End

Review coming soon...

Lupine Betty R 14 4500



Price: $1,175.00
Claimed Lumens: 4500
Measured Lumens: 4711
Mounted Weight: 530 grams
Category: High End

This light is clearly not for everyone, but if you want the Bugatti Veyron of lights, this light cannon will put out 4700 Lumens. Read more...

Lupine NEO 2



Price: $245.00
Claimed Lumens: 700
Measured Lumens: 695
Mounted Weight: 185 grams
Category: High End

The Lupine NEO 2 is a $245 German made light that delivers with a huge beam pattern. Read more...

Lupine Piko 4 1200



Price: $335.00
Claimed Lumens: 1200
Measured Lumens: 1120
Mounted Weight: 180 grams
Category: High End

The Lupine Piko 4 remains as one of the most useable helmet lights we've tested as it delivers 1120 Lumens in a 180 gram package. Read more...

Lupine Rotlicht Tail Light



Price: $125.00
Claimed Lumens: 160
Measured Lumens: n/a
Mounted Weight: 50 grams
Category: Tail Light

Review coming soon...

Lupine Wilma 7 2800



Price: $595.00
Claimed Lumens: 2800
Measured Lumens: 2770
Mounted Weight: 360 grams
Category: High End

The output is a staggering 2770 measured Lumens and the weight is just 360 grams. Couple that with long run times and a fast charge time and we're ready to crown this high-end champ of the lights arena. Read more...

NiteRider Lumina 400



Price: $68.00
Claimed Lumens: 400
Measured Lumens: 445
Mounted Weight: 172 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

This $68 light puts out 445 Lumens and it has all the quality and design features of the modern NiteRider Lumina lights. Read more...

NiteRider Lumina 750



Price: $120.00
Claimed Lumens: 750
Measured Lumens: 759
Mounted Weight: 172 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

The Lumina 750 evolves the line with more output. Beam pattern, form factor and quality continue to be top-notch. Read more...

NiteRider MiNewt Pro 770 Enduro



Price: $212.00
Claimed Lumens: 770
Measured Lumens: 810
Mounted Weight: 478 grams
Category: High End

It's not the brightest or the smallest but it does answer the call of the endurance racer with its long run time and decent charging time. Read more...

NiteRider Pro 2200



Price: $400.00
Claimed Lumens: 2200
Measured Lumens: 2317
Mounted Weight: 580 grams
Category: High End

At 2317 measured Lumens, this $400 light is actually quite practical for the high-end lights customer. Read more...

NiteRider Solas Tail Light



Price: $40.00
Claimed Lumens: 30
Measured Lumens: 28
Mounted Weight: 87 grams
Category: Tail Light

Review coming soon...

Princeton Tec Push



Price: $50.00
Claimed Lumens: 165
Measured Lumens: 199
Mounted Weight: 115 grams
Category: Commuter

The Push measured at 199 Lumens with good side lighting, but the use of alkaline batteries in this day and age of rechargeable makes it less desirable. Read more...

Princeton Tec Swerve Tail Light



Price: $30.00
Claimed Lumens: n/a
Measured Lumens: n/a
Mounted Weight: 66 grams
Category: Tail Light

This is a good light with good rear and side visibility. The toggle switch makes this very easy to use, but we wish it used rechargeable batteries. Read more...

Serfas Thunderbolt



Price: $40.00
Claimed Lumens: 90
Measured Lumens: 82
Mounted Weight: 40 grams
Category: Commuter

The Serfas Thunderbolt is about the size and weight of one AA battery, but it is seriously bright for a 'to be seen' light. Read more...

Serfas USL-505



Price: $80.00
Claimed Lumens: 505
Measured Lumens: 484
Mounted Weight: 235 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

This light puts out 484 Lumens for $80 in a new Serfas self-contained unit. It's a decent light, but the $50 Serfas USL-305 is better. Read more...

Sigma Buster 200



Price: $45.00
Claimed Lumens: 200
Measured Lumens: 235
Mounted Weight: 98 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

To see or to be seen, this $45 light from Sigma actually achieves both. And that is a first at this price point. Read more...

Sigma Mono Tail Light



Price: $35.00
Claimed Lumens: n/a
Measured Lumens: 4
Mounted Weight: 40 grams
Category: Tail Light

Review coming soon...

Torcano Industries ORP



Price: $65.00
Claimed Lumens: 70
Measured Lumens: 31
Mounted Weight: 79 grams
Category: Commuter

Review coming soon...

Trail LED DS



Price: $550.00
Claimed Lumens: 3000
Measured Lumens: 2700
Mounted Weight: 417 grams
Category: High End

These lights are meticulously hand crafted with care. It excels with a wide beam pattern and a runtime and charging time of two hours. Read more...

Unique lights by Trail Led

Unique lights by Trail Led​

The 2015 Bike Lights Shootout is here! It is quite an exciting crop of lights as lights are getting lighter with improved beam patterns. Interestingly, the brightest lights are not getting brighter as companies have kept their brightest lights the same. There is a lot of movement though in the under $150 arena as companies offer a ton of great options in this segment.

Some of interesting trends we're seeing are:
  • Self-contained or flashlight style bike lights are improving dramatically
  • USB charging is becoming a standard, especially in self-contained lights
  • Companies are becoming more honest with Lumen claims as they adopt the FL-1 measuring standards
  • Safety headlamps or 'to be seen' options are not vastly improved with under $50 rechargeable options
  • Tail lights are getting better and packed with technology as bike safety during the day or night becomes a key issue

Claimed vs. Measured Lumens Graph

2015 Lights Shootout Claimed vs Measured Lumens

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Lumens per Dollar Graph

2015 Lights Shootout Lumens per Dollar

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Lumens per Gram Graph

2015 Lights Shootout Lumens per Gram

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