The Taz is the crowning achievement for the Light and 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. And 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.

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. An 800 Lumen version of the Taz is also available.

Specifications:
  • Price: $300
  • Claimed Lumens: 1200 Lumens
  • Measured Lumens: 1206 Lumens
  • Measured MTBR Lux: 111 Lux
  • Light Head Weight: 217 grams
  • Installed Weight: 217 grams
  • Run Time: 1.5 Hours
  • Category: High End

2013 Lights from Light and Motion


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 neatly. It can be aimed left to right.

MTBR Light Meter Measurements: Compare all lights here.

This light measured 111 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility.

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens: Compare all lights here.

1206 measured Lumens. 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.

Lab #1


Lab #2


Backyard Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here.



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.

Tunnel Beam Pattern Photo: Compare all lights here.



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 80 yards.


Related Links
All Mtbr Lights Shootout Articles »
2013 Bike Lights Shootout »
2013 Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
2013 Tunnel Beam Pattern Comparisons »
2013 Mtbr Lux measurements »
2013 Mtbr Lumen Tests »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
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