Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Republic, MO, USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Price. Takes up little room on the bar. Good amount of light for the road.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. Cables come loose. Run time isn't great.
Similar Products Used:
Any battery operated LCD.
Bike Setup:
Road.
Bottom Line:
Most of these reviews seem to be absolute love or hate. I am pretty much content with the light. It does a decent job for the money.
I use this for my commute on a road bike. I go about 17 miles one way and need it to run for just over an hour and it does that. I honestly don't know about taking these off road. The cables come loose fairly easily, so I'd imagine the bumps of a singletrack would have to shake them loose a lot. Just a guess though. For road riding they stay put most of the time and are easily reached when the do come loose. The plastic used feels a bit flimsy, so watch when banging them into things.
The connection to the bar is nifty. You can mount both of them above, both below, or to save space one up and one down on the same connector. That saves space for other electronics on the bar.
In all the light is very good for the road. The 10W is all I usually need to see, but the 20W is good for a little more light or visibility. Battery charger is good too. It won't fry the battery if left on longer than the charge time. Battery is a beast, but then that's the price point.
It's probably not the greatest of lights, but it works well for the roadie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Flippo
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, OK, USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Clearbay trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$108.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Two lights, helmet mount/bike mount
Weaknesses:
Way to heavy and short life, I get maybe 45 minutes of adequate light on the trail. The cords keep coming out so I have to tape them. Battery is big.
Bike Setup:
Cross country hard tail.
Bottom Line:
if you go out for 30 minutes and need a lot of light and a workout with a heavy battery, buy this. otherwise don't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Wheaton Illinois USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
Good build quality, helmet mount, auto charger, very affordable. As a commuter with uncertain long time job prospects, don't want to invest big $$'s on a light that I may never use again if I can't commute to new job.
Weaknesses:
Battery is heavy. As a commuter, I need to take battery off bike and carry with helmet, clothes, laptop, lunch etc.. a few blocks - battery gets heavier each block. Finally gave up left on bike if stolen, fine they them drag it away. 10w light is a little dim on the dark trail I use, 20w very good but limited run times, after 3yrs of occasional use, down to 45 min.
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider Ni Cad. - expensive, battery failed maybe to hard trail ridding, stoppped trail ridding, battery shorted out.. gave up and got a Nitehawk
Bottom Line:
A good buy for rec riders and commuters. Serious off roaders on tech terain needing lots of light or long distance riders needing long run times will be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Broomfield, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Keystone Xterra course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
price, sealed battery, easy to charge
Weaknesses:
Lots. Burn time is about 35 min with both lights going, just barely gets me home before it is going out. Both lights together about as bright as my old single light. Chord "bounces out" of the battery on the slightest bump on the road. Haven't dared to take it off road.
Similar Products Used:
NightRider trail rat. (Great light for less money!)
Bike Setup:
mtn bike for commuting
Bottom Line:
I have used this light for about a month now and am sending it back. Last 2 nights I rode home, (it takes about 35-40 min), I was running both lights and by the time I got home they were almost out, very dim! (Temp was about 25 F, so it was cold, but not that cold, today is less than 10! The chord that plugs into the top of the battery keeps popping out when i hit the slightest bump and the lights go out. (It doesn't come completely out, but enough to disconnect.) Too many wires with two lights and two switches. Don't know how it will do in snow and rain, I'm affraid to try. I'm going back to my old light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Wpg, MB Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Priced Right, sealed beams and switches, easy to charge battery.
Weaknesses:
Battery Weight.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing in this category - others were simple 1.5v systems
Bike Setup:
2004 Jamis XLT 1.0
Bottom Line:
Well priced, well built. Great customer service. Got a question? Email them and before you know it, they have answered.
Bright as heck - I never need to run both, but it's nice to alternate. I run the 20w on the trail, 10w on the road.
Great lights! 4 Overall chilli's b/c of the battery weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Lundee
a
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
10 watt and 20 watt. Wide bright view and a lond distance view. auto Recharging and long enough to leave batter on bike.
Weaknesses:
on and off switchs are a pain in the butt.
Bike Setup:
Mongoos rx 100 21 speed mtb
Bottom Line:
I travel every where on my bike now. To work to shop and to play. night time is my favorite time. Traffic is not so bad and I am also more visible at night. With all my lighting including my Hawks I am very visible. I have a light on each wheel two lights for the rear of my bike and the two nite hawks in front. I am out in the evening about 1 to 2 hours I have not ran out of light yet. These lights are nice really nice and the money for them is great. I just can not see spending more money for a light unless your raceing in the dark I think i still would use them. This is the third set of light I have. They are great. PS I live in Houston TxGood in the heart of traffic. If anyone say they have a hard time installing these lights I wounder if they can change a tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Strand
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The goat (in the Don trails)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Price, durability.
Weaknesses:
The battery is a little large, but that's waht you get for the cash.
Similar Products Used:
niterider - Headtrip 15w
Bike Setup:
First a Specialized FSR now the Jamis Dakar Expert (the light has lasted longer than my FSR did)
Bottom Line:
If you want a little bitty battery reach your short arm down into your deep pocket and grab up the extra $50-100 at the bottom that you missed last time and buy a more expensive light. I've raced in 5-24hr events, spent countless evenings on the trail and not once have my lights let me down, no loose connectors, no failing charger, no yellowing of the lights themselves (nothing that a good charging won't fix). Three years later the battery still holds the same charge / burn time it did when it was new. My set came with velcro straps for the thumb switches, thatmakes them really easy to set up (would be easier without the two piece bar clamps). None of the plastic pieces have ever broken. My friend bought a set and they had some issues, when he took them back to the MEC they switched them with a new set off the shelf right away, the new ones have worked flawlessly for 1yr.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
bikenashbar.com
Bottom Line:
I thought I would give this light a try, seeing that it was inexpensive and provided bright light. Well, I've sinced returned it. Battery is huge, lights were not providing much more brightness then my 12W Cateye, and there are just too many damn wires, plastic pieces, etc. to leave the light be and ride. I commute and race in about 2 24hr races a year. I want something that is bright and simple to setup, without having to deal with the hassle of tying things together, strapping on light switches. Just not worth saving the extra dollars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$119.00
Strengths:
Bright lights (10 watt & 20 watt); options for mounting; two switches for two lights (pro & con)
Weaknesses:
Huge heavy battery; no attachments for light switches; lots of plastic
Similar Products Used:
Older 12w Cateye
Bottom Line:
I never wanted to replace my trusty Cateye 12w, but when it finally died I had no choice. I've only used this new light once commuting to work, so this is basically just my opinion when opening the box. This light is inexpensive for the amount of wattage you get (10 watt bulb & 20 watt bulb) but I'm hoping this isn't a case of 'you get what you paid for'. First things first, the water-bottle type SLA battery is huge. Any bigger and it would go beyond being a nuisance. Lots of plastic...will it hold up under the abuse of trail riding? Both a helmet mount and handlebar mount is included, a nice touch. But my biggest gripe is that Nite Hawk doesn't include a way for the actual switches to attach to the bike! They provide zip ties, but come on. And, will the light hold up to riding in the rain? We'll see.
First impression...you get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
tenderfoot
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Thumb switches
Weaknesses:
Battery too big, bad wiring harness, lights go yellow after a couple of months, burn time too short, 45 min ~ 1 hour.
When I bought these lights there was no trickle charger, so I bought one from night-hawk. After a couple of monthes it failed. The dc connector went south.
The same thing happened with by riding bud. His charger connector went bad and the connector on the wiring harness went bad. We got together one day and traded up all the elements with a third guy and figured the connectors are plain crap.
Phoning night-hawk was dismal. Customer Service executimve extrodinaire "Ted" was about as helpful as seat bag with no patch kit. The customer service for this company is cruel joke.
All I wanted was the dimensions for the DC connector so I could swap out the bad connector and get my system functional. He ran the corporate dogma line at me. *sigh*
Similar Products Used:
None - first expience - horrid
Bike Setup:
Isis - ellesworth
Bottom Line:
Save your time. Buy quality. This is an important piece of safty gear - don't go cheap. These lights will let you down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T Mo
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
performance (I think)
Strengths:
30 watts total; independent bar mounted light switches; auto-recharger
Weaknesses:
connectors occasionally pop out; doesn't come with helmet mount
Bottom Line:
Great lights and much cheaper than the nite rider products. Very bright and long lasting. Doesn't come with a helmet mount, but one can be purchased from nite hawk. Connectors can pop out during rough rides, but should be able to rig up a solution. Well worth the money to keep you riding during the dark ages.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, CA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
performancebike
Strengths:
Great value, good light output, autocharger
Weaknesses:
Heavy battery, messy cords
Similar Products Used:
cygolite night rover
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
A great value. The autocharger is well worth the price. Although the battery is a bit heavy, and as others have noted, the switches and cord setup could be a lot cleaner, this light really a great value. I also must compliment Nite-Hawks customer service. My original light had some kind of shorting problem. They sent me a new harness, and when that didn't solve the problem, they sent me a new light BEFORE they had recieved my old one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John G
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
trans canada trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment Co op
Strengths:
Performance for the price. Under $100cdn you get a 10w and 20w light. Run times are as good as product literature. Seem solid and well made.
Weaknesses:
A basic system, no fancy bells or whistles. Heavy battery. Long re-charge times, normal for SLA type batteries. I don't like the velcro attachement style of the thumb switches. Cables can "hang around" when not using the battery or with 1 or both lights removed. Not sure how that could be solved, but it looks a little messy.
Similar Products Used:
Compared several other basic light sets.
Bike Setup:
Scott Boulder
Bottom Line:
I think this is an exceptional lighting system for the price. I wasn't sure how often I would use the system, so I didn't want to spend big bucks for something that just sat in the garage. But night riding is awesome. The 20w is plenty of power, and I find I use the 10w mostly during my commute. Strong bike lights seem to buy me additional respect from vehicles. Running both the 20 and 10 creates LOADS of light but run times are short. I like the part interchangability with their other light systems. I do not have the auto-charger, but may order it if the battery is not holding out for my commute, and keep the 2nd charger at work. Temps have only been to -5C so far but the lights/battery were completely unaffected. I hope they are fine in the colder temps as well.
Bottom line: *Pass if you are concerned about the weight and recharge time (look to non-sla battery systems). And if cable neatness counts. *Buy if you want powerful, affordable, solid lights.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Aurora, CO Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any that goes up
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Nite-Hawk
Strengths:
Price. They are bright. I look like a motorcycle with this on my bike. I have the rechargeable system with the smart recharger. I love riding in the dark. I use this to comute to work. I ride on some trails and some roads to get there. This light makes that comute possible.
Weaknesses:
The battery is heavy. I am a little concerned with the battery. The charger never says that I have a full charge, but I still have had plenty of run time on the light so it may be a minor point.
Similar Products Used:
None: This is my first real bike light. I bought it so I could comute.
Bike Setup:
Schwin Moab MTB Softride TT Road: The light is on the MTB bike
Bottom Line:
Good light. Good price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a
from New York Date Reviewed: September 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Lights are bright, using both 10W and 20W together gives you daylight for about 45 minutes. Can last over 2 hours with 10W alone, still plenty of light. Original bulbs still working.
Weaknesses:
connection from switch to light is slip-fit and has come out due to vibration. Should lock-in. Long recharge with my older unit.
Bottom Line:
I am very happy with this light, it has allowed me to bike year-round. Everything is of good quality. Hitting trails and paths at night alone is great. Many freaks out there at night, however, better pack a gun (shoulder rig). The finish on the battery and lights nicely matches my Glock 23. Minus one point for non-positive connections of wire leads to light housing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The gravity bowl
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$64.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment Co op
Strengths:
Got to love the price. Less then a hundered Canadian and $65US. Great deal. Good overall design. Durable and bright and the quick release works great.
Weaknesses:
Heavy battery but what can you expect for something this inexpensive. Taking the switches on and off is a little more time consuming then it should be.
Similar Products Used:
BLT
Bottom Line:
Great light at a great price. I know a lot of people say the battery doesn't last very long but how long are you going to ride for at night with both lights on? I find I rarly have to use both lights at the same time. I just switch between the 10 watt and the 20 watt and when I really need some light for a tight trail I switch them both on. Alternating between both lights and occasionally having them both on I find I can stretch the battery out for about 2 hours, which is plenty for me.
They work great and are really bright I find I can see almost as well in the daylight. Trail riding at night with these is ultra cool. Almost more fun then during the day and sometimes when you don't get home from work until after dark but you still want to go for a ride, with these, you can.
As far as customer service goes. I had a problem with one of my lights, it kept flickering on and off so I thought it was a loose wire. I sent it in with a copy of the receipt and one of the employees dropped it off at my house the next day. Turned out it was a defective bulb. I haven’t had a problem with them since.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI, USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great light for the dough! The 10 watt bulb is enough for most situations, with the 20 watt available when you you need more light. The 10w + 20w really lights up the way!
The autocharger is awesome! Simply plug into the battery and forget about it! You cannot overcharge the battery! It's completely idiot-proof, unlike all but the most expensive units of the competion, and even some of those!
I really like the simple design. Save the fancy electronics for the Shuttle, a toggle switch is fine by me!
Slick mounting brackets with quick releases and optional extensions allow a multitude of placements to minimize interference w/ cables, computers, etc.
A simple, weatherproof thumb switch controls each bulb. I've had no problems w/ the velcro strap switch mountings.
Weaknesses:
Battery run time is minimal w/ both bulbs running, but you can buy this light with A SECOND BATTERY for less $$ than comparable systems with longer run times, and get the autocharger as a bonus!
Similar Products Used:
Attempted a DYI light: The light worked great, but the charger was an unresolved problem.
Bike Setup:
Commuter Beater
Bottom Line:
Great Light
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Rodriguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, Tx 77450 Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Acme Bicycles
Strengths:
I've had this light for a little over a month and it works quite well. My friend doesn't have a system yet, but this is powerful enough to light up the path for both of us easily. I'm glad I didn't drop a hundred more dollars for a different system. The auto charger is handy when you can't babysit the battery.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bike Setup:
Giant Se-2 2000...stock (for now)
Bottom Line:
Cheap...get the job done... enough power to light up the road for all you friends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Roth
a
from Albany Oregon Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any oregon back road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Cost
Weaknesses:
Battery went bad after 10 weeks, using it to ride the 11 miles to my work place. Calling Customer service was a waste of time; these are good lighting systems, if you do not have any problems with them. If you do then you are S O L.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
commuter
Bottom Line:
If this were the best light system on the market I would not purchase another Nite Hawk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from MA Date Reviewed: November 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
Very bright.
Weaknesses:
Battery is heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Vista light. Nite Rider.
Bottom Line:
The mounting system is very durable compared to other lights I've tried. The lights are very bright. I like the switches which are mounted at thumbs reach . I have used the lights in 20 degree weather for 2 hours and the lights were still bright at the end of the ride. This is a great light for the price. It beats spending over $250 for a nite rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
bright light, price, construction, charger.....did I mention price?
Weaknesses:
battery somewhat heavy (pedal harder)
Bike Setup:
C-Dale FS
Bottom Line:
This light system was such a great value I bought one for my wife too, and combined price of 2 systems was still cheaper than the competition's single light package. I have ridden this system through all kinds of weather, including some brutal cold Canadian winter nights, and it has never let me down. True, this may not have all the bells and whistles of some other expensive models, but who cares? as for battery life, if it is such a problem buy a spare battery, you certainly will have enough money left over. Overall, a great product with a perfect charging system, made by a Canadian company. I wish there were more companies out there to challenge the big makers of bike stuff. This is proof that you can get a great bike accessory without taking out a second mortgage. As for the review on the nite-hawk pro where some guy is bi#@hing about service, when you place an order ANYWHERE you have to specify that you want next day or 2 day service. This costs extra, and is up to the person purchasing to specify this. Sorry, but I hate when morons blame other people for their mistakes then rant about it. stick to the product itself, and leave your personal problems off the review board.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Racer
from alberta Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
price,
Weaknesses:
heavy battery, not really that brite compaired to others
Similar Products Used:
BLT
Bike Setup:
why there lites
Bottom Line:
its a good system for somewone who wants to get into nite riding for cheep, ive rode them for a while now and there nothing but OK. the battery has a pretty short run time (specially with the 2 lites on) i will be upgrading to a better system really soon but for the beginner who wants to get into nite riding cheep you cant beet them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FRED
a Cross Country Rider
from HAGERSTOWN MD Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
NITE HAWK
Strengths:
Well made. The recharger can be left on the battery for unlimited period of time without ruiining the battery. This is different than most other bike rechargers. This was a major selling point for me as I am sure I would forget to remove the charger. The lights are sturdy. I bought a separate single wiring harnesss and will keep the second light as a spare if the first one breaks. This product seems like a great value compared to ther rechargeable systems.
Similar Products Used:
cateye micro light
Bike Setup:
derosa set up for commuting
Bottom Line:
Well made and a good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Emeryville, CA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sulivan Cyn in the Santa Monica Mtns.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Many different lighting options
Weaknesses:
When I got this light, it just came out. It was heavy, but all water bottle lights were. The new version with the L-I battery is MUCH lighter
Bike Setup:
Road and MTB
Bottom Line:
I really like the versatility of this lamp. You have some VERY low power settings which I like to use for the longer MTB climbs and riding when all you really need is the spot on the road ahead and let others know of your presence.
One trip, I had spent three hours climbing and farting around the trial up on the ridge, on the way down into the canyon, three people's lights gave out in front of me. I turned on double-brights and provided enough light for 1 traling and two proceeding riders to get down safely.
On the road, it also has the blink mode to get the cars attention, attach the tail-light and you are good to go!!
I have always wanted to try the cateye Stadium light for the power, but I figure with a light that bright you would probably ruin the night vision of anyone within 500 years of you :)
Good Riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fervor
a cross-country rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: December 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the Nite-Hawk here at the markeplace. It offered a lot of light for the money. 10watt and 20watt beams, handlebar mounted switches, and a lead-acid water-bottle battery all for under $100 retail. So far, the system has been everything that I was looking for and more. It is not made to compete with the expensive, high end lights but it destroys anything near it's price range. And, you can recharge the battery at any point in it's charge without any negative effects, great for commuters. I had one problem with the wiring when I first got it but Nite-Hawk sent me a replacement right away without me mailing in the old one. Great customer service. Only complaint, no convenient way to mount the switches without using zip-ties or velcro straps (minus 1 hot chili). http://www.nite-hawk.com
Overall Rating:
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