Strengths: Reliable, Bright (12W bulb) Great handlebar mount and overall design Strong bulb casing Competitively Priced Great Customer service from Jet Lites - Jim Taylor, prompt, consise email responses, very helpful and knows his product
Weaknesses: -Battery sounds loose inside canister but no problems. -Expensive but all lights in this range are the same if not more.
Bottom Line:
Buy it, keep it simple, I don't think you need the lighted meter. Just charge it and go, the smart charger works great. I ride relatively rough trails and the system has held up to some pretty rough trails. I find that the starfire i single beam is enough lighting for me, having a helmet light would be cool but your talking about an extra 2.2lbs minimum. The 12w handlebar mounted starfire lights up my trails perfectly, I don't use the 3 level beam ajustment but it could come in handy for longer rides. Everything works great, knock on wood no problems with this product over the past 3 years. I tested the battery last night (going on 3 yrs now) and the light turned on full blast last almost 3 hours so it maybe time to finally replace it (Ni cad batteries have a lifetime of 3 years before replacement). When new it lasted 3 full hours however I'm confidant that this battery will keep working for quite awhile longer.
I wouldn't have purchased another unit and would do so again. The Jet Lites starfire system has a very solid, reliable look and feel to it. Some of my friends have Nite Ryder and other brands and they have constant wire connection issues and low battery life 1 year into their purchases. I've seen their frustrations, stopping to fix lights, turning to go back home etc... if your not into fussing around with bike gear get Jet Lites. Basically my philosophy when purchasing mtb gear is that it must be first reliable.
Submitted by
Jason Cleeve
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Strengths: Runtime, durability and brightness.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
This is a sensational product. I've used it regularly for approximately 2 years now at various events including 12hr and 24hr races. I use the helmet mounted version and two weeks ago I had a major spill where I collected the light on a low hanging tree. It through me completely off the bike and into total darkness. My initial thought was that the lights were toast. After searching in the dark for the light. I clipped it back on, flicked the switch and everything was running as normal. No doubt in my mind that this is a tough durable product which is built to last.
Strengths: Durable, weather proof, beam width and beam diatance
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Fantastic light. Absolutely no problems. Works great in any weather. Still running strong after two years of heavy use. Buy one if you are looking for a durable, dependable light.
Submitted by
Bob Slayden
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005
Strengths: Well designed. tough components. bright yellowish light. good value.
Weaknesses: Slightly heavy
Bottom Line:
this is the 20 Watt version with the adjustable power and fuel gage. I have ridden with others with HID lamps and did not like the whiteness of the light. The halogen yellow light is so much easier on the eyes, and seems to give better definition to the trail surface. The brightness is more than adequate, and the 2 hour life is plenty for my needs. have not used long, but like it so far. Would not disagree with the last two or three raters that gave this product a 5.
Submitted by
Shannon Cortez
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005
Strengths: Jet Lights Phantom 13.2v. This light rocks! The company is based out of California so shipping up here to the NW was fast and free, if I remember correctly. Jim, the owner of Jet Lights, was so willing to help and informative when I called to place my order. They offer rentals so I had the opportunity to rent for the first 24 hour race last year and was sold after that. It makes all the difference in the world having a light that gives you the confidence to safely make your way down a mountain quickly! The battery pack weights about 1 lb. Invest in the smart switch - this allows you to go between the three settings. On low, it’ll last about 6 hours. I’ve never needed more than this yet so I usually don’t carry an extra battery pack. I like the helmet mount better than the bike mount. This way the light goes wherever your head does and you’re not relying on the bike to light your way.
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet.
Bottom Line:
I love it!
Read more from the Washington Adventure Racing website:
Submitted by
Jonesy
a Cross Country Rider
from Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2005
Strengths: - high quality construction - solid connections - fuel gauge functions correctly - long burn times - very bright with wide dispersion - rapid charging with Smart Charger - fits nicely in a Hydration Pack compartment - can purchase direct from the company
Weaknesses: - none
Bottom Line:
This light is outstanding in very respect. I can't say I know what the total burn times are because every time I return from our usual 2 hour night ride the LED fuel gauge indicates there is still at least 2/5ths of power remaining. I guess it is safe to say the manufacturers claims about burn time are accurate. The brightness and dispersion on the 20 watt setting is incredible and it provides you with more light than you will ever need on the single track. This is a nice problem to have because it means you still have great visibilty in 15 watt mode when you want to conserve energy for one of those 3+ hour epic rides. When not in use this light seems to hold a full charge forever and it is unbelievable how quickly you can re-charge it. Generally it only takes 3 hours to charge after a 2 hour ride where I have used both the 15 and 20 watt settings. And with the fuel gauge and smart charger there is no guesswork involved (or mid ride disappointment).
This has to be the best lighting system on the market. So as far as the price goes....it is worth every penney.
Submitted by
Jayrav
a Racer
from Area Oeste, PR, USA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2005
Strengths: Bright white light! Light dispersion is great! Burn time with the smart switch is very good at 3 hours on my first ride. Break away mount really works! Rugged design. Comes with smart rapid charger (5 hour charge time). Easy to adjust on the fly. The 13v battery is considerably light for it's size.
Weaknesses: none so far, but I plan to post another review in a month or so.
Bottom Line:
This light is great! Very white light. At full blast the Phantom out shined everyone else's bike lights except for one of my friends that has a performance viewpoint dual on steroids(it has a couple great modifications). As a matter fact during a night ride in some serious off road terrain, two other riders that were using the sigma mirage x sport never had to use their high beams because my Phantom Jet Lite was enough light for the three of us when we stuck together.
If you are looking for a bike light for serious off road action look no further, this is the light for you. It is worth the price if you want to ride fast and safe at night in any kind of terrain.
I have to see how this light compares to an HID brightness wise, because I already know that the HID's are not even close when it comes to durability and ruggedness. Soon, I hope to get a Jet Lites Starfire dualbeam/smart switch as a gift because the Phantom made my Marwi torch(15w)handlebar light look useless.
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from San Ramon, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Strengths: Great product. Great battery life. Solid connections. Solid construction. I was also considering the NR Blowtorch but I am glad I got this one. Everything looks natural as if riding in the day time. The HID's, to me, are bright but don't put out a natural light.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
If I were in the market to buy a light again, I would definately purchase this one.
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale,California
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2004
Strengths: Very bright lite,Long burn time,no wash out.Very lite on the helmet.3 diffrent lite levels,and tells you how much battery life you have left.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Rode my friends jet lite before buying my and let me tell you that this blows Nite rider out of the water.Pound for pound the Nice's lite out there.With that i could keep it but due to a family illness need to sell it asap.The lite is a 2005 as has never seen a trail,just got it a couple of days ago.Well if any one is interested in the please contact me and we can work out a sweet deal on a sweet lite.Don't forget that the lite I'm selling is brand new.Get this lite and go rip up the single tracks out there.Thanks for your time and take care.
Bike Setup: 04 Cannondale Gemini with pushed vanilla r and sram x9 drive tran,2.4 wtb mutano raptors.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
CactusCorn
a Cross Country Rider
from Sioux City, Iowa USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004
Strengths: Superior beam, huge battery life, tough new waterproof connections, ultra light lamp case, adjustable mount.
Weaknesses: Lemme check...... nope. I got nuthin for ya.
Bottom Line:
Im a shop manager from Arizona who moved to Iowa so theres a huge difference in trails between the 2 places givin me the oppertunity to test several systems in different conditions and I gotta say this Jet does it all and far better than the rest. Ive ridden with this light in the super tight woods and steep hills of my new home and in a few weeks it will see the technical desert of AZ.
After a couple of demos on my shops light, readin the reviews and watchin the beam pattern of my buddies and customers lights, it was the obvious choice. I liked the way it didnt "white out" the trail like the HID lamps tend to do therefore takin away the ability to see the trailing shadow of a obsticle. So a call to Jim at Jet had my new system in hand in a few days. He was a huge help and fun to talk to. Its always cool to talk to a guy who rides instead of some marketing grad ya know. He sold me on the Phantom i 13 Single Beam w/ Smart Switch and Fuel Gauge with a 20w head which Im in the middle of conditionin the battery for a 24 hour race back home in AZ.
I demo'ed this same system last year durrin the snow ride season and loved the enormous burn time and rock solid performance. No flickers, no slippage, no worries. I also was quite impressed with its ability to handle the sub zero temps and wet/snowy conditions. Not that the old Night Rider light was bad but this thing keep burnin in the cold where as the old light puked its battery like last nights beer and burritos. The damn thing did last for almost 10 years of regular use afterall. All i need is the strength to not order a Jet Starfire with all the extras for the handlebar but theres airfare and all that to consider.
The new waterproof connections are nice for lots of reasons but i found them easyer to plug in than the older ones and well worth the extra cash. Nice work Jim! I think Jet can upgrade yer old system if ya like. The helmet mount is a excellent design as its easy to use and adjust, but the coolest thing is the breakaway he now uses after a guy was injured awhile back when his light burried itself in the ground durrin a fall. Talk about payin attention to the details and yer customers needs. The 5 hour smart charger is flawless though it looks plasticy and somewhat fragile. The 5 bar fuel gauge shows what ya have left in 20% incriments therefore savin yer butt before and durrin yer ride.
What I wanted was a killer light that did it all, the perverbial holy grail if ya will, and I got just that. Expensive? Kinda. A major value for the money? You betcha! If ya buy a light, high end like this one or one of the less pricey models, please make it a Jet. Not for me, Jet or the local shop but for yerself. Youll make mamma proud.
Favorite Trail: Platte River State Park, Omaha, Nebraska
Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At: Scheels All Sports
Similar Products Used: Mostly a Nite Rider Trail rat from '94 upgraded to a 15w bulb and a Nicad battery, used as a bar light but primaraly as a helmet light. Cateye HL 500 II and Cateye HL 200 I used as cheap but very effective bar lights and loaner lights. I just picked up 2 Cateye EL 400 LED lights to replace my dimmer, heavyer old ones.
Bike Setup: Hmmmmm. Pick one seein as how I own 12. My primary rides are a '96 Turner Burner w/ full XTR, Avid Discs, Woodman Disco system/hubs topped off with a '01 X Fly. Then theres my '02 Schwinn Homegrown w/ XT, Race Lite cranks, b/bkt, stem, bar, wheels (the king versions), Avid 2.0 brakes and a sweet old '98 Atom Bomb.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
I bought this light because some of my friends and I were entered into a 34 hour race. The week before the race I went for my first night ride, and with this light it really wasn't much different than riding in the day. During the race I had four different people that I passed during the night compliment me on how bright my light was.
Submitted by
Schnick
a Cross Country Rider
from Wheaton, IL United States
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Strengths: Nice mounting system, brilliant white light excellent for single-track. Superior customer service!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Although the product is rock solid, I found the guys who answered the phone to be unbelievably helpful! The service and the attention they give customers is what sold me! The guys on the phone are very technical, and in most cases are the gents who founded the company. They're more concerned about getting the right product on your bike (or helmet), rather than just selling. Smaller company, attention to detail - I say...help these guys take market share from the big boys...
