9/15W Metal-Halide (Xenon) additional bikelight: Edison is suitable for all types of Lupine rechageable batteries (7.2V) The light output of 900 Lumen (NightMare Pro 25 W HP headlight 550 Lumen) corresponds to a 45 Watt HP Halogen headlight - however with a bluish glistening light (light temperature 6000 K), compared with expensive Xenon car headlights. With a radiation angle of 18% and our symmetrical periphery illumination, Edison amazingly brightens up the horizon. Mtbr Bike Lights Shootout - over 50 bike lights reviewed, photographed and measured here.
Submitted by
Tim B
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2006
Strengths: from the shot peened aluminum housing to the Raychem electrical cord, to the rubber band retaining system, this is well thought out lighting system. It's light weight, and therefore does not move around on the bar on bumpy terrain, and it's very bright. The long burn time is a majorplus for events like the 232km Trans Baviaans Marathon and for 24hr event.
Weaknesses: maybe price hey but I guess you pay for a Ferrari don't you.
Bottom Line:
This is my 3rd review of this product. First was after a direct comparison, 2nd was after a year, and now after 3yrs.
I've had this light for over 3yrs. The bulb was replaced recently and save for a wire coming loose I've had absolutely no other problem with this light.
On the road, motorists respect the fact that you have more than enough light to erase any claim of "I did not see you".
On the trail you see obstacles long before you get there, which gives your brain more time to process. I find this makes me less fatigued during long night rides and 24hr events.
It's not cheap, but it's everything else. Not sure how to rate it on value for money cos thats subjective, but in terms of value I can't fault it. It's been there when I needed it everytime. Never missed a ride because of the Lupine. and the safety i offers from making me highly visible is immeasurable.
Bike Setup: Cannondale Rush 3000 with Stan's wheels.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Williams
a Racer
from Chicago, Illinois, US
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2006
Strengths: Elegance of design. This is a premium product, and that is apparent even in the packing. The cooling fins at the rear of the light housing are a very logical touch, and the wiring is of "made to last" quality. The helmet mount is similar to the Light & Motion ARC, but that rubber O-ring, though it sounds cheesy, is so easy to use and logical, you wonder why everyone doesn't do it the same way. This setup also allows a micro-micro angle adjust, since it slides, instead of clicking into detents, as with NiteRider or L&M.
Weaknesses: Two very minor ones. I wouldn't mind a switch on the light itelf, but routing the remote switch is very easy, and it works much better with my helmet than any other light I have used. Hence the "very minor" description of this quibble. Also, the battery comes in that nylon pouch. Something smaller and waterproof such as the NiteRider Storm was supplied with would be nice, with the nylon case as an option.
Bottom Line:
This is an extraordinary product. My first time using it was on a night ride that our group does in the woods, on cyclocross bikes. The guy whom I was riding next to was thinking his light (NiteRider Storm) was pretty good, then I turned my head and we realized all the light was coming from the Lupine. I made a full-speed bridging effort at one point, and found it impossible to outride the light.
The other HID contenders have a smallish "hot spot" with some fill around the outside. The NiteRider is slightly brighter than the L&M, but the latter has a much nicer beam pattern. The Lupine, on high beam, can actually override the beams of the other HID lights. Its hot spot is enormous, with nice, clean outer edges. Really, it takes all the adventure out of riding at night. The 18-degree pattern is a true flood light.
For a while, I rode with an L&M ARC as my low beam on the bars, and the Lupine as the high beam on the helmet. But when the beams intersect, you quickly realize that the Lupine is the only light that you need.
I have been getting more than the specified run time from my Edison 5, almost 4 hours (two commutes home) on high beam, which knocked me out.
The light is a nicer color than the other HIDs, which are very blue. The Lupine light color is more white, so things such as street signs and car license plates are easier to read. It also is worth noting that because of the Lupine's light color and beam pattern, even on low beam, it blows away the L&M on high beam.
The Edison fires up and reaches full beam faster than the other HID lights, as well. It's just a vastly superior system that you really have to use to appreciate. Yes, $750 for a light is extravagant. But lights=life, when you're riding at night. It more than justifies its price the first time you use it.
Given that ARC LiON setups go for almost $500, an extra $250 for such a superior product is a bargain, in context. To use it is to love it. It only took one ride without it one night (it was at home, so it was just the L&M) to make you realize how superior it is. I went from feeling confident that I had plenty of light with the ARC pre-Lupine, to being worried that I didn't have enough....that it seemed dim, post-Lupine. Crazy.
Similar Products Used: I'm a lighting junkie, who has used NiteRider HID (simultaneous BlowTorch and Storm), and Light & Motion ARC (NiMH on the bike, LiON on the helmet).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Buddha
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006
Strengths: Durability, Reliability, Superior construction and design, low weight and high lumens. Simplistic, yet functional.
Weaknesses: While the price may be expensive, I can not consider this a "weakness" of the product.
Bottom Line:
I am fortunate to be able to afford such a great product. I imagine that those of you who are reading this are either thinking about purchasing this product or already have one and want to imbibe the shared joy of owning this fantastic light. Having owned a Niterider HID and a Jet lites halogen, I wanted something that offered more reliability and brightness at less weight.
It is the attention to detail that has separated this product from the rest of the field. The programmable charger and switch offer a customized set-up suitable for even the most discriminating rider. The casing is anodized, lightweight, easily adjustable, and installed with ease. The pcs switch is mounted either on your helmet (with helmet mount --sold separately) or within the reach of your thumb on the handlebars.
At 900 lumens on the high beam, it's hard not to be overwhelmed with the wide and illuminating spread. I know that the Light & Motion has similar lumen output, but it can not compete with the weight, design, size and efficiency of the Lupine -- not even close.
I've crashed with this thing attached. ridden with it in the cold, in the rain -- up hill, both ways. It still looks like new! This is a fantastic product that I adore and I am not ashamed to say I paid as much for it as I did. I wanted something of extreme quality and I found it in the Lupine.
Strengths: the edison 5 is the lightest and brightest out there.
Weaknesses: drivers like to stare into the light like a deer, then blame you because your light is to effective
Bottom Line:
I have been using the lupine edison 5 for 2 years now. Due to a hectic work scheduel, the lights have had 10-15 hrs of use per week for those 2 years. They are the lightest and brightest lights i have ever seen. They have performed flawlessly through the elements, from pouring rain to 20 degree nights in the snow. It lights the trails as if it were 12 noon. What an advantage. Make your move in the night hours with a Lupine!
Submitted by
george yung
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Strengths: The light is bright and lite with good running time (Edison5)
Weaknesses: The first time out in the rain it managed to get moisture in side the lense. now their is a permanent hazy lens.I have try blow drying it with a hair dryer with no results. I will have wait for the bulb to be expired and have it cleaned and sealed proper when the new bulb is replaced.(sending it back to the UK)
Bottom Line:
The light is very good for the intended use. I have had mine for over two years and use it 2-3 times aweek,about two hours everytime. I would recomend this product to the well healed biker. If you ride in the dark or commute to work I would pay for that extra visablity and the saftey for yourselve and for other road users to notice your presents.
Strengths: Extreme bright, white - blue light Change time is fast Burn times up to 4 hours Light weight
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This review is for a test I did for the Lupine Edison 5.
This is the light that I use for all of my 24 hours racing.It is simply the brightest bike light I have ever seen.The battery pack is very small and light, and everything mounts very quickly and simply. Plus it comes with a 2 year Warranty.
This the light to have for racing or training on the roads at night.
Bill from www.gretnabikes.com can help you out for getting the right lights that you need.
Submitted by
Randall L
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005
Strengths: Can burn the retinas of chasing dogs.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
Yup, this is the one. I’m a roadie and I ride mostly at night during the winters in Washington State. I use a Light and Motion HID as a low beam and the Edison 5 as a high beam. In town I can only run the L&M on low with the Lupine turned off in order to keep drivers from going ballistic. Once out on the back roads I bring the L&M up to high and fire up the Edison 5 on high. In this configuration I can light up the road for about an 8th of a mile like day time. The Edison 5 is extremely bright. I have noted that it’s not a harsh as the L&M but throws the beam farther. The delta between the two in about 150 lumens with the Edison coming in at 900. Battery life on the Edison 5 comes in right at 2.5 hrs on high. I like both of these lights. In regards to this review, the Edison 5 is a fine package and performs to the spec published by the manufacturer.
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004
Strengths: Extremely bright light with really good color (white, not blue-ish like some HIDs) and a wide beam, easy but sturdy mounting system, high-quality Lithium Ion battery with an excellent charger (Lupine Charger 1), well-engineered cables and push-button control, quality build throughout.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Yes, Lupine products cost a lot compared to other brands out there... but, I did a lot of research and it came down to a decision to pay the price to own the best and know that I am buying a product that is built to last a long time. As other reviewers have said, the light output of the Edison is so big/bright it can be startling to people when you approach them on the trail. The mounting system is so simple it takes less than 5 minutes and yet it holds very firmly. The charger was an unexpected plus... small and well desgined to give you a lot of information about what's going on during a charge (e.g. how much of the battery's capacity was refilled). The remote switch was another unexpected highlight... it works well and has a 2-level low battery indicator LED built in). As far as customer service, Bill and Jud at Gretnabikes are great to work with (especially for somebody like me that takes product research to extremes). The technical support guys at Lupine were also great in answering all my questions.
This is probably the best money I have ever spent on a bike upgrade/accessory.
Strengths: unbelievably bright light, very long run time
Weaknesses: none if it lasts
Bottom Line:
I work long hours and use it to commute and for after hours playing. Not having to worry about having the light give out in the middle of nowhere is great. Doing a century after dinner is quite a concept. Had concerns about the price, but if it lasts it is well worth it.
Strengths: focused beam,easy to use,light weight,compact,super long burn time
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I am a veteran 24 hour racer and have tested virtuality every system on the market and Lupine by far has the best product on the market.If you plan on doing any 24 hour racing the Edison is the only real choice.
Strengths: looooooooooooooooooong burn time Really bright wide central hot spot
Weaknesses: price but it' better value than it's shorter burn subling edison 5
Bottom Line:
after trying various lights I settled on the Edison10. better value than it's Edison5 sibling because the run time is twice as long at 8hours. the whole system is well thought out and made to a very high standard. The cost hurt but this is a light that willbe around for a long time. Don't need to charge it every time i use it either. Li-ion has no memory like NiMH and does not get lazy.
This is by far the best HID light available. \Fullstop
Strengths: Sunlight in a Can!!! So light it must be a miniature sun behind the glass
Weaknesses: PRICE!!
Bottom Line:
This review is for a test I did for the Lupine Edison 5.
The first time I opened the box of the Edison 5, I thought that perhaps this was not good value. Come on $700 for a light, I had to be on sommething right???!!
Mounted in on the bike and was surprised it took me only 1min 30secs to do so.
Started the ride in failing daylight and then within 30min the moment of truth. 'blick' and waited about 3 secs and suddenly there was a hell of lot of light around.
The beam itself is focussed in the centre but the light still fills in very well for about7 degress either side of you. The edges are a bit blury but once you're moving you don't notice that at all, just the bright single track in front of you. The cateye by comparison spreads it's light very evenly over a larger area.
In terms of outright performance it's hard to say that the Edison is nearly $300 better than the Stadium but consider that you are buying into very modern battery and charger technology with a control system that beats the pants of everything else with the possible exception of Topeaks Moonshine Pro. With Edison you get a light weight Li-ion battery, programmable charger ( although I find that only one programme is necessary - charge it fast and reliably) with an in-car adaptor and a smart control system.
I found the 10W setting to be more than adequate for trail riding and would be even for racing.
It's robust, extremely well made and fright fully expensive. Would I buy one? You bet cha! Would I buy one tomorrow? Heck no, I'll have to save for at least another month to justify it. Is it the Best? YES! Is it the best value? NO!
3 for value 4 for being a techncal tour de force. for joe public there are better ways to spend your money. For the serious racer, this is the kit you need to dazzle the opposition into submission.
Strengths: Extremely bright white light Lightweight Easy to put on/take off Super long run time Great battery charge system
Weaknesses: Cost
Bottom Line:
A really great product. The light quality is phenomenal - an extremely bright white light that washes out everything around you. It's quick to turn on and restart (unlike some other HIDs). It is really simple to set up and take off and doesn't scratch my bars.
I raced with it in the solo category at the 24 Hours of Tahoe and the battery didn't run out all night! On one of my laps, I ran across a racer whose light had gone out at the top of the 15 min. long downhill. I had him ride in front of me - he was able to see well enough to turn in one of his faster nighttime laps. And I didn't even need to turn on the high beam!
Instead of rushing home from work nowadays to get in a ride before nighttime, I'll wait till the sun goes down just so I can use the light. If you can afford it, buy this light.
Favorite Trail: Tahoe Rim Trail / Douthat State Park, VA
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At: gretnabikes.com
Similar Products Used: Older Niterider systems
Bike Setup: S-Works Epic
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan B
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis USA+Australia
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003
Strengths: Loooong run times 5h25m on highbeam. Light weight. Easy to set up and use.
Weaknesses: Potential theft from riders with dull lights. HA HA HA
Bottom Line:
This light is sensational. Have used it for 5 or 6 rides so far. Low beam is brighter then niterider HID on trail test. Friends ride behind or in front and just poach my light. Freaks people out on cycle paths. (think I am a motorbike). Usual comment is wholly @$#^#@%@ thats bright but what is the burntime? 5+ hours.#*&%@#%@(%&%#! I got to start saving now! Helmet mount is the way to go. Awesome German engineering. My car lights seem dull after a ride.
Similar Products Used: Turbocat 7years old and was still brighter then most new lights.
Bike Setup: ElSaltamontes 5+5 , Z1,CK, Thomson, XTR etc
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Eatough
a Racer
from Baldwin, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003
Strengths: pure lighting power lightweight long burn time reliability
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This is the light that I used to win the 2003 Worlds Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championship. It is simply the brightest bike light I have ever seen. I could see as clearly as during the day, even in the dark British Columbia forest. The battery pack is very small and light, and everything mounts very quickly and simply. Lupine is a German company, and the quality engineering really shows. These lights are changing the face of night riding.
But "extremely" dry and dusty. Groups should spread out for visibility...
Reportedly fewer logs than most years but the crew made it to the top and cleared all of the Lava side. Read More »
