2016 Lights Shootout

The Lupine NEO 2 is a small and light unit with a nice reflector and a big beam.

The Lupine NEO 2 is a small and light unit with a nice reflector and a big beam (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 NEO 2

The Lupine NEO 2 is indeed an important product for Lupine, as they try to offer a good light that delivers good value while still maintaining all the Lupine attributes of quality and longevity. After using the NEO 2 for several rides, we can say that the NEO 2 is a success. At 188 grams, it is the ideal helmet light with the battery mounted at the rear of the helmet to provide balance to the light head up front.



Video: Test loop with the Lupine NEO 2. Camera is on a locked ISO setting and is set to Wide Angle mode. Light is mounted on the helmet.

The beam pattern is huge! There is also a big center spot. One can really ride with this light by itself, as it is the best use of 700 Lumens we've seen to date. The beam is very even and usable, as one can see the periphery very well and have good vision down the trail going at a pretty good clip.

Claimed Lumens: 700 LumensMtbr Lux: 71
Measured Lumens: 695 LumensMounted weight: 185 grams
Lumens per $: 2.84 LumensCategory: Headlight
Lumens per gram: 3.76 LumensPrice: $245
Run time on high: 2:00 HoursRating:
4 Flamin' Chili Peppers
4.5 Chilis-out-of-5
Stat Box


Pluses

Minuses
  • $245 for Lupine German quality, reliability
  • Switch is flat and a bit hard to find initially
  • 188 grams, balanced on the helmet disappears in to the ride
  • Throw is not that far if used on helmet to match up with a bar light
  • Huge beam pattern and big center spot
  • Excellent battery and charger with a bevy of options
  • 2:15 hour runttime for the lightest configuration of 188 gram

Full Review: Lupine NEO 2

Of course this is not the end-all of bike lights and the throw is not very far as it doesn't have a focused centered spot. There's only 700 Lumens after all (695 by our measurement). So as part of a classic bar and helmet light combo, we still prefer the Lupine Piko which has a very far throw with its 1200 Lumens. The Lupine NEO 2 seems like the ideal solution for someone who just has $250 to spend. The buyer can use this one light on the helmet for many adventures through all inclement weather conditions for the next decade.

Continue to page 2 for the beam pattern and Lumen measurement »

The Lupine NEO 2 package is very similar to the Piko with the small 7.2v battery.

The Lupine NEO 2 package is very similar to the Piko with the small 7.2v battery (click to enlarge).​

The Lupine NEO 2 is a good value at $245 for a German-made light that is made to last decades. The Lumens claim is accurate at 700 Lumens and the weight is excellent at 188 grams for a light with 2:15 hours of run time. And most important, it has a big, usable beam pattern.

Lupine NEO 2 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 »

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 695 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 700 Lumens. Compare all Lumen Tests here »

The Lupine NEO 2 system weight of 188 grams means it's perfect for the helmet.

The Lupine NEO 2 system weight of 188 grams means it's perfect for the helmet (click to enlarge).​

It's best used as a single light for the $250 only budget. But if one wants to ride a lot faster, one can complement it with a Piko or Wilma on the bar. But since the the throw is wide but not focused or far, it's not ideal for matching with a very bright bar mount. The Piko is better suited for that purpose.

Runtime though at over 2 hours and weight at 185 grams makes it a very useable light day in and day out.

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.