We've totally redesigned our ViewPoint lighting systems to provide you with the most reliable lights at the best possible price. The new 20-watt and 10-watt halogen bulbs provide you with up to 30 watts of bright light for riding on or off the beaten path.
Includes a small 6-volt NiMH battery, which gives you long run times without added weight.
Automatic charger w/ LED charge status indictor will lets you know when it's time to unplug.
All ViewPoint lighting systems include charger, battery and remote switch.
4 hours at 10W, 2 hours at 20W and 1 hour at 30W.
Ride Weight: 2.25 lbs./ 1021g.
Boxed Weight w/ charger: 3.63 lbs./ 1650g.
Mtbr Bike Lights Shootout - over 50 bike lights reviewed, photographed and measured here.
Submitted by
doogiedawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2009
Strengths: Excellent Light for the Money. It is nice to have a flood light to light up the woods and spot light up about 10 feet in front of wheel. Burn time is good I can get almost 2 hours using both lights.
Weaknesses: Heavy Battery, I used it for 2 years years and then replaced battery with Lithium Ion 4800 mah. I used stock wiring and just put litium battery in water bottle battery holder. That dropped about a pound.
Bottom Line:
Great light for the money I have been using it for years and replaced bulbs twice, I ride a lot at night
Bike Setup: Titus racer-X, Fox RL100 front fork, Fox Float Rear, Sram X-9 and XTR componets.
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Submitted by
Mark Forgy
a Racer
from Arvada, CO
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004
Strengths: The price is right. The unit frequently goes on sale for half what the equivelent Night Rider goes for. Performance's return policy is one of the best in the business (no questions asked).
Weaknesses: I have both the 02 and 04 models. The 02 model has a poor plug set up that allows the plug to fall out on bumpy trails. However, the 04 is a side plug that has never come out.
Bottom Line:
This is not the Night Rider (NR) at twice the price, but you get more than what you pay for in many ways. I've now purchased two of these units, so I have two batteries (for 24 hour racing, this is a sweet luxury), spare bulbs, and spare switches for what the purchaser of the NR pays. That math makes sense to me because on a four person team, turning 1:26:00 to 1:32:00 laps, it's not realistic to expect your battery to get a full charge in the time between laps. As a result, you either have to milk you battery by compromising and not running 20-30 watts when you need it, thus turn slower laps, or risk going out with a partially recharged battery, hoping it took on enough juice to get you through.
The charging system is slow, 11.5 hours. I know NR is at a lot of 24 hour events, fast charging batteries for racers. Perhaps that is the way to go. But just like everyone eventually wanting to get an HID, we're not all made of money, and I'd rather start out with a $99 helmet mount and $129 bar mount than dump $250 into just one light to start out.
Overall, I'm happy with the performance. I get 2-3 hour burn times at 20 watts, occasionally supplementing with the 10w in the worst sections of the trail. Using both bulbs does tend to burn up the battery wicked fast (an hour, tops).
Weaknesses: Battery doesn't fit in round enclosed bottle cages - need cages with open sides. Slow overnight charger.
Bottom Line:
I bought my 2000 model with the 6.0AHr NiMH battery as a refurbished item from Performance. The first one had a bad battery that wouldn't hold a charge, but Performance gave me an RMA # and sent me a replacement one that arrived in 2 days. The second one seemed to be the newer 2001 model with a charger that has an LED power light, and a housing design that looks just like the Marwi Kamikaze. I swapped the bulbs around so that the 20W is on the main beam with the switch on the housing, and the 12W is on the remote switch. I melted 2 housing switches this way before realizing that the 20W bulb is too hot for this configuration. Replacement switches are made by Judco, part number 40-3979-00, and available at Digi-Key for less than $2 each. Unfortunately the remote switch isn't serviceable, so I'm thankful that doesn't fail.
Overall I'm very happy with this light set. The light pattern is adequate, and the mount allows rotating both lights side-to-side and each beam can be tilted up and down independently. The 20W is perfect for lighting up fast sections and descents when needed. Battery life is just over 1.5 hours with mixed 12W/20W operation, but the battery is probably 3-4 years old now and has several dozen discharge cycles on it.
The overnight charger needs at least 12 hours to recharge the pack. I've used a peak detecting NiCd/NiMH charger for radio-control car/airplane batteries and can cut that down to 3-5 hours using a 1.0A charge rate. Make sure to use a charger designed for NiMH or the batteries may explode.
I had to switch back from a plastic bottle cage to a metal one since the battery has a funny shape that requires an open-sided cage.
I'm now using the Viewpoint Dual as my backup light, now that I bought myself a Cygolite zForce HID NiCd.
Similar Products Used: Cygolite Night Rover, Schwinn MOD, Cygolite zForce HID NiCd.
Bike Setup: 1998 Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail.
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Submitted by
Bill Mains
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2004
Strengths: Cheap-- but only if you plan to use them less than 10 times.
Weaknesses: Horrible battery life Looks lame Not great light output, but adequate the first few times
Bottom Line:
I bought these lights as a replacement for my prior View Point Dual Pro, which weren't half bad lights (the ones that were mostly metal, with the grey water bottle battery), hoping that Performance would have improved their battery technology by now. Those batteries lasted about 50 charges, and when the battery died I brought it into Performance and they gave me a new battery without question or hassle.
So after the clasp mechanism broke and the second battery started to die at probably close to 50 charges, I bought the latest Viewpoint Dual Pro, which is a total regression from the earlier design: it's awkward with too many wires, looks stupid, and it's hard to believe but the battery lasted only about 10 charges. 50 I can kind of handle, particularly if Performance is good about replacing it. 10 is simply unacceptable. I was thinking of going to Performance and complaining, but I figured life would be easier to just throw it in the trash instead.
I'm going with Nightrider from now on. I actually also have the performance helmet mounted light, and it's battery life so far has been okay.
I guess Performance figures you are going to try night riding a few times and probably won't like it, so you won't notice how bad the battery life is.
Submitted by
M2Brew
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Strengths: For the 2003 viewpoint EVO lights: Decent burn time, good brightness for a good price.
Weaknesses: For the 2003 viewpoint EVO lights: A pain to setup, a bottle cage mounted battery would be easier. Hi/Lo lights not independently adjustable, and aren't that much different in brighness or beam pattern. Velcro strap buckles break easily. The light mount is not secure.
Bottom Line:
For the price, they are very good lights, but the mounts are awkward, and low quality. The dual light is not much better than a single beam.
Weaknesses: *There are times I wish I had a bit more light (of course!) *My legs are freakin sore due to 24 hr. riding possibilities
Bottom Line:
I picked up a refurbished model of the Dual Pro for $79.00 on the Performance web site. The very next day, the price on the refurbished models went back to $110.00 or $119.00. At the price, I would say that it was a steal.
I haven't had any of the connection problems experienced by other riders. as I think Performance may have taken care of this when they refurbished the light. I like having the high-beam at my thumbtip, which allows you to use it only when needed and conserve battery power.
Here's a great way to get the most from your batteries: Use an inexpensive headlamp (Princeton-Tec) to get you to the trailhead. When you REALLY feel like you need it, switch on your high powered lights. Go out and have your fun for a couple hours. In an emergency you have the Princeton-Tec to get you home. As an extra backup, you can carry a Petzl Zipka (under 2 oz.) that will run for about 80 hours on 3 AAA batteries.
If you can get one for a great price, you cannot go wrong. A 5 for value, a 4 because light output isn't HID. Someday.....
Similar Products Used: Cheap bike lights, old 70's style generator light back in the day, Princeton-Tec Headlamp, Patzl Zipka white LED headlamp.
Bike Setup: Trek 4300, Time ATAC Pedals
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Submitted by
Mark Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Strengths: Good light output
Weaknesses: Horrible connections between power cord and battery and cord and headlights. Super cheap, no positive "click" and will fall out repeatedly unless you secure with tape (I used electrical tape to secure all connections). Really badly engineered.
Bottom Line:
The light itself is good--when they don't become disconnected! I cannot believe how poorly designed the connections are on these lights. Even after taping, the tape would occasionally fall off and I would be bombing down the trail (mostly fire roads b/c night riding) and the lights would go out become the connector would fall out. Unbelievable. After 6 months I returned these to Performance and exchanged for the improved 2003 model, which has MUCH better connections, so I'm not expecting any further trouble. Performance can't be beat for their no questions asked return policy.
Submitted by
Terry Nobbe
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2003
Strengths: Easy to mount and adjust (handlebar), Nickle Metal Hydride water bottle type battery pack connects via coiled cord. Unit provides more than enough light to ride by and be seen.
Weaknesses: Original bulbs excessively high in wattage, I downgraded one holder to 6w and the secondary to 12w. Performance Bike offers no low wattage bulbs, I went to Marwi USA for 6w.
Bottom Line:
Excellant product that I'd recommend to any street cyclist, most off-road.
Similar Products Used: Nothing even close in effectiveness.
Bike Setup: City bike, no shocks, 21-speed, 26 X 1.5" treadless tires for city and road street use.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from LA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003
Strengths: Price, Performance customer service.
Weaknesses: Cheap housing compared to the 2002 model. Connection gets loose when doing technical/bumpy trails. No flood light. Charger looks cheap too.
Bottom Line:
Mauii used to make the lights for Performance...up till 2002. Beginning in 2003 Performance's lights are made by NiteHawk. I had a 2002 model which developed bad connection. So I took it back to Performance and got this 2003 model. When I first open the box I am not impressed. The light housing is cheap plastic unlike the metal housing in the 2002 model. The wire connection is that you will find in Remote control cars, which gets loose easily especially if you do technical trails. I ahd the light shut off on me nearly everytime I ride. Don't get this light if you ride technical trails with exposure at night. I took it back to Performance again after 3months of use and exchanged for a Niterider. This is why I like to puy from Performance. They let you exchange stuff no questions asked. 5 stars for Performance's customer service!!!
Similar Products Used: Niterider digital evolution
Bike Setup: Who cares?
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Submitted by
WarrGuru
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Strengths: The lights are bright. The battery has a lot of power in a light weight package (7.4AHr) NiMH.
Weaknesses: The charger uses a timer to determine when to stop charging. Unless the battery is almost fully discharged, the charger will overcharge the battery a little.....it gets quite hot.
Bottom Line:
I've only used the lights twice., but so far, so good. The battery has provided more time than advertised. I've already used the 20W for 2.5 hours and the battery still had more juice.
The battery is easy to install on the bike. It's a frame mount battery. The lights have a quick release mount that's easy to use.
I went for a 2.5 hour ride with a friend the other night and he just couldn't believe how much light this system puts out. I was impressed, too. There was so much light that I was able to go almost as fast at night as I do during the day.
Overall, I would highly recommend these lights. Just like Aaron, I only paid $140. That's the Team Performance Price. IT's still listed at that price, too. The normal price is $200 and $160 on sale.
Normally, I would wait longer to post, but I thought that I could post now, telling about ease of use and how well it works. I'm not as concerned about reliability because Performance stands behind everything they sell.
Submitted by
aaronp
a Cross Country Rider
from Villa Park, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Strengths: Inexpensive, dual 10 + 20 for a combined 30watts, Performance house brand 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Weaknesses: Short run time at full 30 watts.
Bottom Line:
This reveiw is for the 2003 model. Yes I did buy it at $139.99, their website had it priced that way, I called my local Performance Bike shop and they said they would honor it if I printed the page and brought it in. Next day the website had the price back at $159.99. I had preveiously used a dual niterider system. The lights never really failed me but I had to replace the batteries 3x in a years span. Not cheap batteries. Any way the redesigned 2003 models a a departure from the 2002 models because if NightHawk isn't making these for Performance then performance must be contracting the same manufacturer for the headlight housing design because these are the spitting image of their, Night hawks dual lighting system. The only issue I have with them is that in cold weather which we are currently experienceing here in the Greater Chicagoland area the batteries are running shorter thatn the advertised run time. I am told this is common with NiMH batteries. otherwise a 30 watt lighting system which performs as well as the Night Hawk version, which also seems to be getting good reviews, and the knowledge that if they fail me,Performance will back them up with great customer service and guarantee at what I paid rocks. I don't think better combination of performance 10 + 20 = 30 watts at $139.99 can be had anywhere.
Bike Setup: Bianchi Bass used for commuting and night trail riding
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Submitted by
Johnny
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville , TN
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Strengths: Light battery just like previous ones.
Weaknesses: Battery is quite a bit bulkier than the older style. Light housings are cheaper quality than previous models.
Bottom Line:
I purchsaed these with the intent they would be better than previous models. The older style that I had was just getting old and still worked great, but I wish I had not sold them for these. I just wanted the lastest and greatest, but they are not the quality that I had before. Nice design change but poor quality compared to my old ones. Mabye I can trade back.
Submitted by
Garland Fong
a Cross Country Rider
from San Carlos Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Strengths: Easy setup and removal. Lightweight, fail proof charging system, plenty of light for aprox. 20-30 feet up the trail.
Weaknesses: Long charge times (12hrs) On/off membrane switch that mounts on handlebar is hard to use if wearing full fingered gloves. Short run times if using both lights
Bottom Line:
Hard to argue with a lighting system that costs $159.00 (on sale) and puts out 30 watts of brightness. (10w low, 20w high)The unit I am using is the 2003 model that is identical to the Nighthawk systems which are also highly rated. I currently also use a 2003 Viewpoint helmet mounted setup ($99.00) which combined with the Dual Pro bar lights provide plenty of luminous output for the average "Blair Witch Experience" while tearing through the woods. This is the perfect system for the occasional nightrider on a limited budget who also demands some level of quality.
Favorite Trail: Alpine Rd at night (and it's legal!)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$159.00
Purchased At: Performance Bikes
Similar Products Used: Apex
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 90
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Submitted by
Kelvin
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002
Strengths: Value, Performance's customer service. Light works great for an year. More on this.
Weaknesses: 2002 and prior models had problem with the switch. Mine for example got very dim when the flood and spot lights are used at the same time. There is also a bad connection for the spot light. If not for Performance's customer service I wouldn't recommend this product. However, they redid the whole light system in 2003. It's now in the store.
Bottom Line:
My 02 model developed bad connections after a year of use. I couldn't use the spot and flood light at the same time and the flood light is too dim to be used. The spot light changes intensity after I turned it off and turn it on again. I would have to keep turning it on and off to get the same intensity level back. This problem developed after an year of use. This week I was finally fed up with it and returned it to the performance store where I bought it. In exchange I got a brand new 2003 model. They redid everything from the battery to the light casing to the wiring. Hopefully I won't have the same problem again. I would buy the same lights from Performance because they stand behind their product. Not that their product is indestructable, the exactly opposite is true. The product is not as reliable as ones from other companies such as niterider which costs 200 dollars more. However, you know you will be taken cared of if anything goes wrong with it. They make up for it in great customer service and value. So, if you have a performance store near you and is cheap like me, buy this light. You can't go wrong.
Submitted by
Fred The Cross Poser
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Strengths: - Bright Light - Easy To Mount/Dismount - Adequate Light Time - Awesome return policy
Weaknesses: - Poor instructions - DO NOT LEAVE THE BATTERY ON THE CHARGER FOR MORE THAN A FEW DAYS. This kills the battery!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
A great light that features adjustablity, brightness, and adequate run times. Also on sale now for $160.00! (September 2002) An excellent value!
The battery failed after a year of use (roughly 50 to 75 cycles). I called Performance Tech Support - they noted that instructions included in the box are wrong - you cannot leave the battery on the charger indefinitely. To make a long story short, they are replacing the entire system a year later at no charge. That is what I call 100% satisfaction guarantee!
5 flaming dog piles all around for a product that works well and for an excellent return policy!
