MARWI USA introduces the Nightpro EXTREME to the Nightpro Lighting Systems line up of products incorporating the latest in bicycle lighting technology, the Nightpro EXTREME offers up to 3.7 hours of 10 watt Metal Halide Light (HID), which is equivalent to times that of a comparable Halogen Bulb. The power source is a 4.5 amp/hr NiMH Battery Pack style battery and comes with Battery Bag for easy attachement to bike or waist belt.
Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Canmore Nordic Centre
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
24 Hours of Adrenalin
Strengths:
Very well made. The light housing is beautifully machined aluminum and all the plastic components are very robust. Cable connectors lock together securely. Comes with a fantastic custom carrying case that includes lots of accessories (including a car quick charger), as well as a variety of different mounts so you can adapt the system to your needs. It's a well thought out system.
Weaknesses:
Clunky battery pack, but that's the price you pay for all high output systems. It would be nice if they could design a battery pack that would be form-fitting to the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Planet Bike Super Spot 1watt LED
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Extreme EVO, not the regular Extreme (MTBR has them both lumped into one review). The major difference is that the Extreme EVO has close to 10 hours burn time versus 3.7 for the Extreme, and has a much more elegant and functional control module. Other than that, the light output, bulb, and light housing are all identical. Both are high intensity discharge systems like that found on high-end cars, using the top rated 10 watt Solarc metal halide bulb. The Extreme EVO allows you to switch from full power (10 watt, 8 hour burn time) to power saving mode (8 watt, 9.6 hour burn time), and at 8 watts it's still brighter than 99% of all the other options out there.
This light is nothing short of amazing and is perfect for night time cross country racing. It was like driving my car with the HID headlights turned on (almost). I used it this weekend for the first time while competing in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin race at Canmore Alberta (picked it up at an awesome price from the retail kiosk at the race). On one straight high speed section, I could honestly see at least a couple of hundred meters ahead of me with complete confidence. Everything about this system is top quality, from the light housing (CNC machined aluminum) to the varied selection of plastic mounts that are included, to the electrical connectors (tricky to attach at first, but if you twist them while pressing together they snap together with a tight secure lock).
This light makes downhill sections in the dark a complete breeze. If all you're doing in the dark is twisty technical riding, then you can certainly get away with something less high end (unless you want the best), and it's definitely overkill for commuting, but if you don't mind popping for the cost it's nice to have.
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Submitted by
Glynn Preston
a Weekend Warrior
from Kettering Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Scotland UK
Strengths:
Superb light beam & unbelivable battery life
Weaknesses:
Had to go back immidatly after purchase with battery problem, Velcro strap & clamp broke on switch within a few weeks. Also after 3 weeks a cable in the light unit fell out of its crimp & I had to self fix! Another small niggle is I feel it could do with a low battery warning.
Similar Products Used:
Cat eye stadium
Bike Setup:
Cove Hummer Ti
Bottom Line:
When this light is working I absolutly love it & it has transformed my night riding,but lots of nigling problems you would not expect for a light costin £300. I do still think it is good value as I have not found another system with a 10w hid weighing in at around 600g & a battery life of 10h.
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Submitted by
Don
a Racer
from Marinette, WI USA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Which one?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Batteryspace.com
Strengths:
Have the Evo Li-Ion Battery Version - LONG battery life! Very bright, no comparison to halogens or LEDs. Light stays full bright until it's done due to the ballast system- a major advantage over other systems that dim as time goes on.
Weaknesses:
These are not cheap lights but you get what you pay for with these.
Similar Products Used:
Many- I still use LED and Halogens plus adding the HID for high-speed or technical sections.
Bike Setup:
Several- road, MTB, tandem.
Bottom Line:
I balked for years at the HID price and the battery life being too short for what you paid. This light solves every concern and it's absolutely amazing. I get 8-9 hours PLUS on the 8W setting which is brighter than my equivalent halogen and the coverage is amazingly wide and long- I augment with LED head spots for what I consider the perfect ultra-distance light rig. Batteryspace.com has far and away the best deals on this system and I am convinced it was worth the price-- try and buy the parts individually and you'll see that these are expensive technologies in one piece of gear. If you're serious about riding at night, these are the bomb!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from St.Louis (MLB Champs) Mo. Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
St.Louis Riverfront Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$298.00
Purchased At:
Battereyspace.com
Strengths:
Blindingly intense light. The N.P. Extreme picks out details and colors you never knew where from amazing distances. Price to quality ratio unequaled at this price point. Rock solid conections and super adjustable quick-release mount. Despite other reviews, I got over 3 Hrs. of bright HID Light; I can't say beyond that because I havn't maxed it out yet. Battery mnftrd. by Powerex/Marwi, the best Rechargable Battery Co. in the industry! Did I mention Price? Battery can be upgraded later to lighter,long-running L-ion.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none, except battery is a little on the heavy side, but so are some of the other premium HIDs.
Similar Products Used:
Dinotte Ultra 5. Fantastic Light Output at low price compared to HIDs. Friends Topeak Moonshine. Also an exellent light, but slightly more than BatterySpace.com's price... about $40 bucks or so, lowest price for Topeak M.Shine found at Amazon.com ... yes, Amazon. Have seen many riders running N. Rider HIDs, Good Light, but too costly!
Bike Setup:
Cannodale R700 Road Bike ( My favorite steed.) Specialized Tarmac Road, and a Specialized Hard Rock.
Bottom Line:
This light is fantastic, its output is almost nuclear! I got 3 Hrs. easily from it with out any hint of dimming. My riding partner purchased the Topeak Moonshine, awsome light, but you know I had to piss him off by buying a different brand! Lights both put out Simmilar light patterns and coverage. My only quibble with this light is that it is a bit heavier than the Moonshine. I considered the Lume Wide Beam, but have the top tube brake cable running on all my bikes and reviews read here about that issue and Cust. Serv. steard me away from that choice. Lume also charge more for the fast/smart charger which come standard on both the Moonshine, as well as the N.P. Extreme. I had none of the issues other reviewers had. The cables do fit very securely, this is a "+" rather than a "-" to me, it shows attention to build quality and added protection from the elements. At first, I thought it difficult to disconnect the connections, but then I discovered they detach easily with a simoultaneous pull and twist motion rather than just a pull which is difficult. That should be noted in the mannual, but it isn't. The On/Off button was not hard to engage, but was easier to click when velcro strap was more tightly secured. As an added precaution, I would recommend using electric tape under the battery straps where they contact your top tube, because velcro can be pretty abrasive over time on you'r bikes paint. This should be stated for all frame mounted batteries and maybe included in package. I think this is the best tape to use because it uses very little adhesive, and is harmless to painted surfaces. The Price and service at Batteryspace.com is exellent, and I was unable to find a better price anywhere. I think they are somehow affilliated with both Powerex and Marwi, so you cut out the middle men that drive an already expensive product higher! $298.00 made the Extreme less expensive than the Topeak and the Lume with smart charger, both of which are, like the N.P. Extreme a lot of bang for the buck. (See Shine Off.) Elsewhere the Extreme is far more expensive than both other lights. My order came just 2 days after ordering, via UPS Ground.(Go Brown!) I'll tell you something that no other reviewer ever mentions, and that's how high both HID and Halogen lights sit on your handle bar. It takes a lot of getting used to, exspecially if, like me, you have been spoiled by the very tiny footprint and profile of the Dinotte Ultra. In closing, this light is so bright I observed many pedestrians and motorist alike using there hand as a visor when on the other end of this torch. This HID litterally turns night into day. Purchase it, its performance will astonnish you and blind everything else!
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Submitted by
Laurence Soifer
a Cross Country Rider
from Hopkinton, MA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Viet Nam
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Milford Bike
Strengths:
Super-bright white light from use of Solarc bulb. Durable, flawless reliability. Excellent, solid connectors.
Weaknesses:
As someone else mentioned, the only issue with this unit is the starter/switch design. It's bulky and cumbersome, and the switch does take a lot of pressure to activate.
Similar Products Used:
Light n Motion, Niterider, ToPeak.
Bike Setup:
Always used as helmet mount in agressive, intermediate, cross-country single track, and some technical big-hit riding.
Bottom Line:
Excellent light. I ride weekly, year round, with anywhere from 8 - 14 others. This unit has NEVER failed me. Battery is always topped off per use instructions and always holds a charge. NEVER any connection issues that the other riders frequently seem to experience while out in the woods. Except for the design of the starter switch, couldn't be happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted Welsh
a Cross Country Rider
from Westland, MI Date Reviewed: April 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$383.00
Purchased At:
Airbomb
Strengths:
Size and amount of light. Robust construction and breakaway features to protect light. Very nice carrying case.
Weaknesses:
Light Control Unit switch is very difficult to actuate. Have to try several times to turn light on/off.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Digital Evolution and Digital Headtrip crap as well as the more reliable NR Classic Plus.
Bike Setup:
Whatever.
Bottom Line:
I gave up on Niterider's unreliable digital lights and decided to try something different. The Marwi puts out as much light as any I've seen (as you can see in the MTBR shootout)and seems to be built rather robustly. At first I thought the connectors were cheesy but after talking to the techs I learned to have one connect securely to the LCU while the other is designed to break away with moderate effort to avoid damaging the wires. The clip on the LCU is designed to break away and I have already had to buy a replacment to prove it. The light itself is designed the same way. I hit a branch with it and it simply slid out of the mount on my helmet with no damage.
I have not had any problems with battery life but I do not think I've run it for more than 2 hours.
The switch is the only weakness. I have to push very hard and try different angles to get it to turn on/off. -1 chili for that considering the $ this thing cost me but otherwise, a great light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrin
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, CA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
24 Hour Race
Strengths:
BRIGHT!!!!!! I did a night cyclocross race and my girlfriend said that every lap she could pick me out because my beam was so bright.
Weaknesses:
Battery life. They claim 3.7 hours???? Not even close. I got maybe 2.5 hours our of the box and now after 2 years it's down below two. I'm buying a new battery this year so I'm hopeful this will improve. Connector to the charger is a little less durable than I would like.
Similar Products Used:
Various halogens.
Bike Setup:
Depends on the day...
Bottom Line:
Great light. Bright as they come. If the battery lasted the claimed 3.7 hours there would be zero to complain about.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JEFF
a Cross Country Rider
from MELB. VIC. AUS. Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Toolangi
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ON LINE
Strengths:
SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE DESIGN BEAM COVERAGE, BRIGHTNESS, COLOR LOW POWER USEAGE/LONG RUN TIME/SANYO BATTERIES SECURE CONNECTORS & FITTINGS VERY NICE PADDED BRIEFCASE STYLE TRANSPORT CASE
Weaknesses:
POSSIBLY BALLAST LONGEVITY, NOT SURE OF QUALITY IN SOME AREAS ie. CHARGER & BALLAST.
Similar Products Used:
VISTALITE
Bike Setup:
'03 GIANT RANIER
Bottom Line:
CONSTANT HARRASSMENT FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO KNOW ABOUT IT. ENDLESS COMMENTS FROM EVERYONE. FLASHING OF CAR HIGH BEAMS. BLINDING WALKERS & OTHER CYCLISTS WHO CAN'T HELP LOOKING RIGHT AT IT. WORRYING ABOUT BEING MUGGED FOR IT. COULDN'T GET THE GRIN OFF MY DIAL THE FIRST TIME I USED IT AND PINCH MYSELF EVERY TIME I GO OUT ie. MOST NIGHTS. BLOWS EVERY ONE AWAY. AMAZING TECHNOLOGY. COULD NEVER GO BACK TO HALOGEN. STARTED RIDING MOST NIGHTS JUST SO I COULD USE IT MORE OFTEN. FEEL SORRY FOR ANYONE ON THE OTHER END OF IT...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.
a Racer
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Durability, bright and white, cost.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
cygos, vistalites
Bike Setup:
trek
Bottom Line:
This light surpasses all expectations. Very white, very good pattern for twisty singletrack. No fuel gauges or extra crap, just an on/off switch which means less stuff to break. Ride regularly with a Niterider HID equipped buddy, and the Marwi is noticeably brighter with a larger lit area. Also, the other night, the niterider developed a short around the battery and kept going off. Made me glad I saved some dead presidents and purchased a better light. Even though Marwi's website shows a vehicle adapter/charger, it does not come with it. Just the regular charger which does the job right around 4 hours. I guess you have to buy the vehicle part separately. Light system comes in a suitcase, perfect to protect your investment. Anyone who needs a very bright light for tough singletrack, go no further than the MARWI. I'll be taking my system to 24hrs of Adrenaline this weekend, can't wait.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
AEbike.com
Strengths:
Helmet/bar mounts FAST intelligent charger Robust package Very cool case
Weaknesses:
Cost to replace the bulb, when and if.
Similar Products Used:
Marwi Pro Elite Planet Bike Insight 15W
Bike Setup:
Constantly changing.
Bottom Line:
I really liked the Pro Elites design and construction, but Marwi went for bulb life at the expense of light. I found the beams yellowish, and easily eclipsed by others' HIDs. When I heard about this, I was intrigued, and looked around for the best price. AEbike also offered the Cygolite systems at comparable prices, but a good email from the owner made up my mind. I couldn't be happier - the briefcase the light comes in is very cool, and protects the system while traveling. The light is bright and white, and has gone 3 hours with no dimming. The charger is faster than the published times, and I have no fear of overcharging. The only thing I'd wish for is a better ballast, since I've been told that increasing the supply voltage slightly makes the system more efficient, and increases the light output. I'll manage, though... I can't give this 5 chilis for value, since it's still expensive, but in the realm of HID's, it's definitely up there with pricier systems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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