JetLites first entry into the cordless market is cleared for takeoff. The first light in the new F-LITE Series is now available in limited quantities. The F-1 is a spot that throws out 550 Lumens and weighs in at 180 grams. There are three settings, High/Med/Emergency Low, with 1 hour 40 minutes run time on high. The cordless F-1 is powered by the newest Panasonic Lithium Ion cells, boasting 3.1 Ah. The battery is easily removed in the field and gives the rider the option of carrying a second battery to extend runtimes. The charger is built to accommodate two batteries and includes a 12v DC car adapter. The F-LITE Series: F-1 is designed to fit all current mounting systems from JetLites and other mounting systems such as picatinny rail mounts will be available in the future. A complete system comes with F-1, one Panasonic cell, helmet mount, and charger. Mtbr Bike Lights Shootout - over 50 bike lights reviewed, photographed and measured here.
The Jet Lites F-1 is a late arrival to this year’s night riding season but that just means they’ve had time to evolve their design and wait for the best components available. What they sent us is a true work of art in terms of construction and design. In a field of exciting but crowded self-contained bike lights, the scientists at Jet Lites managed to come up with a light that is truly high end like Lupine and Exposure but is affordable at $179. Continue reading →
Strengths: The light is removed by pressing a tab and you have an awesome flashlight the size of a mini Maglight, but the power of Zeus. Color is beam is good. Very bright. The variety of uses was a key selling point. When I'm camping, Dirt biking, working on something at night, etc., I can use this...Bingo.. I've lugged around previous Mtb lights, and its a pain...But no mas.
Weaknesses: Previous review mentioned charging issues. Will monitor. Having previous experience with Jet, but no breakages, sure they will correct deficiencies, hopefully asap...Time is money and mediocre or worse reviews.
Bottom Line:
I've owned NRs, as well as others. Had a Phantom Jetlite, loved it, but used it as an added option to sell a previous Mtb, and it sold quickly. NR completely shafted me on a warranty issue and I told them to pound sand, threw the light away in disgust, and went back to Jet which I should've done, because of previous experiences. I want confidence, friendliness, answers to sometmes silly questions, and I want them quickly like most people..Got it...
As a former Jet Lites owner (starfire dual beam bar mount), I had a good experience with the small, but dedicated group that was Jet Lites, breaking into a new world of night riding for us dedicated mountain bikers. So naturally, with a glowing review on the F-1 here on MTBR, buying my new light set from an old supplier seemed like a no brainer. Although I could get a light set from dealextreme.com (knock off of the MagicShine MJ-808) for $45 shipped, I thought I would stick with Canadian and American made parts and support the good 'local' businesses, who were putting out high quality and customer service.
The light set took about 3 or so weeks to get to me after I ordered it (took about 5-7 business days for JL to process my order). When I received it, the clip was missing, so I called JL and David Joseph (the owner) promised to send me out a clip the next day. Ok, these things happen. So I took the light out for a hike in the park nearby a couple of days later - loved the light, it was amazing! Bright, lasted the advertised time, great. When I tried to charge the batteries after the first night out, I discovered, to my disappointment, that the charger wasn't working! Ok, call David again, leave a message, get a call from him a few days later, sorry about the charger, I'll send a new one with the clip immediately. Wait?! Didn't he promise to send a clip out the next day almost a week before?
Ok, so now, three weeks from my first call for the clip, the replacement charger arrives, as does the clip. When I screw the clip into the light body, it cracks, and a piece falls off. Ok, not happy. I now have owned the light for about 6 weeks and have missed numerous night rides for no good reason, so I'm a little cranky about the situation. I called David again yesterday, and assume I'll see the replacement clip, which I'll see in another 2 or 3 weeks. So overall 8 to 9 weeks will have passed before my $220 light sees the trail.
Additionally, the charger that came with the light set seems to be a rebadged Ultrafire WF-139 charger, which has a reputation for being a mediocre charger (you can find them online for about $10-$20 apiece); price doesn't mean much, but overall, not a confidence inspiring selection.
Many of my friends with the $50 dealxtreme light sets (many light sets, to boot, and they all work great, especially for the money), thought I was silly and idealistic when I bought these lights, and that I just should have ordered directly from China. I'm starting to agree with them.
I'd love to give Jet Lites a better rating on the light set, but when i'm paying 5x the price of a comparable Chinese light set for the North American made stuff (which is not all made in North America anyway, it seems), I expect a level of service and quality that is far beyond what i've experienced with this purchase from Jet lites.
Overall, awesome potential for this light and what Jet lites can offer next based on this idea, but a few key missteps (weak mounting clip, mediocre battery charger, slow response times and mediocre warehouse quality control) has me looking seriously at other options for the bar mounted system I plan to buy next.
Similar Products Used: magic shine knock-off from dealxtreme.com, nite rider, Jet Lites
Bike Setup: Niner WFO 9, Norco Fluid LT1
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David George
a Cross Country Rider
from Brevard, NC
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2012
Strengths: great design, wireless, light output, mounting system
Bottom Line:
Awesome product! Not having to deal with a separate battery pack is great. Plenty of light for single track descents at speed. I carry a spare battery and it easy enough to swap out in complete darkness (done it).
Never was thrilled with any prior light purchase, but absolutely love this one.
