Submitted by
ozrules
a Racer
from san diego, ca melb, australia
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004
Strengths: cheap
Weaknesses: cheap
Bottom Line:
after my last night lap at Temecula, I walked up to the Niterider booth and threw them in the trash. Three races with pathetic, dangerous night times are 3 too many. Don't even think about the helmet adjustment! Could there be a heavier battery around? Could there be a more unreliable battery charger around? How can I buy any Specialized product again?
Strengths: hmmm thats a tough one... lets see... oh, they are easy to point, and the wireless on/off switch was high tech (if not useless)
Weaknesses: not very bright, very heavy, battery shows 80% remaining then drops to 20% in half the time, low run time, long charge times, bulbs prone to breakage, battery prone to leaking.
Bottom Line:
This product is not something you can head to the trails with and depend on. After a few attempts I found myself carrying "back-up" lights because my fireballs only worked about half the times I tried trail riding at night. The battery leaked when in my backpack (not in use) once and ruined some clothes and a spot on my carpet. I can use them for my 35 - 40 min ride to and from work but I wanted a system that would be good for the occasional night trail ride too. I can not trust this system, so it is useless for my trail rides.
Similar Products Used: this is my first "real" light system, and not bad compared to the $20 - $50 lights I've had in the past. But the $60 cygo-light has never leaked and ruined my clothes like the fireballs did.
Bike Setup: Giant XTC NRS1, with loads of cools parts
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Illinois
Weaknesses: Lights get burning hot Only 1 hour 15 minute at 32W
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a reliable handle bar light that sheds bright as day short-range (0-12ft) light and burns just over one hour, this light is for you. I ride in the woods, at night, mostly solo, on tight single track that takes me 3 miles from my car. After 25 night rides, I had no problems with this light. Its not as bright as other 32 watt lights and does not burn as long, but it does provides excellent short range (0-12 ft) lighting for logs and other obstacles. I supplemented it with a home-made focused beam helmet light to see 12-40 feet ahead.
I would give it 5 value chills at Specialized's new low price of $100. One year ago I paid $300. I am bitter.
Strengths: Price,directional beams,heavy duty cable,fuel guage,remote switch,keep it on charger,4 settings
Weaknesses: low run times, not extremely bright, too heavy for helmet, long charging time, 6 and 12 watt beams are pretty weak and have dark spots.
Bottom Line:
It's not the best light out there but for the price you cant beat it. I havnt had any problems with the battery yet. I put the battery in the water bottle cage with the fuel guage facing up so i can constantly look down and keep an eye on my battery life.(the guage is on when the light is on). I use my cygo light for the helmet because its lite. And I can save my 32 watts for the singletrack. I'm getting about 70 minutes on 32 watts and about 15-20 minutes more for the burn down time. I found that the batteries consistency got better after a few uses and PROPER charging. Basically for the price I'm happy with the product,but if you cant get it cheap and have to spend over 200 dollars, get a niterider their lights are impressive. This ones not as bright but I found all the extra stuff it has very useful.
Bike Setup: Specialised FSR comp with lots of upgrades-too many to list(FSR is a great bike)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sean carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from la verne, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Strengths: meter that shows battery life; swivel-adjustment for bulbs; easy on-off for handlebar mount; cool lunchpail; followed directions for maximum battery life, (drain battery, recharge at least five times before using) and now it lasts two hours on "high" as promised.
Weaknesses: bulbs not very bright, HEAVY waterbottle battery
Bottom Line:
Got suckered by a salesman at supergo who told me that the lights are as good as the dual-beam niterider digital evolution (msrp $280), but that the specialized lights are only $99 (used to be $270, so they say) with the same features. For $99 it has good features (see strengths), but the bottom line is that the amount of light given off is mediocre. a single, 10W bulbed niterider light gives off more light than this "32W" dual beam contraption. Ultimately you NEED a bright light more than you need a cool lunch pail. Not worth a penny more than $99, and unfortunately, I know I could have bought a BRIGHTER light for $99. Thanks supergo.
Strengths: Look cool and High Tech easy to install.
Weaknesses: Everything else. Not even the third of the power promised on the tech document.
Bottom Line:
Oh God ! Why didn't I read the review on the product before buying it !! What a mistake. Bottom Line, I spent 129 US$ for a light that has never worked more than 10 minutes.
I will nerver buy anything else from Specialized. What a never to put a product like that on the market.
Strengths: Rugged, sturdy, heavy duty light & battery housings, heavy duty cable quality, easy-to-adjust swivel beams, retro-stylish, smart charger, LED battery power indicators on battery pack, improved threading and lining up of contact pins after threading the electronic housing onto battery pack, great burn times, ideal as a sturdy handlebar light system (when accompanied by a helmet spot-light for even better visibility), and nice overall high-end features for it's price range.
Weaknesses: These lights are too heavy as helmet lights...keep them on your handlebar, and also add a light-weight helmet light for better visibility.
The cables NEED to be strapped against the bike frame with the provided straps because the connector pins are somewhat weak to fasten well enough during hard rides.
The large remote button-housing is not ideal for quick changing of light settings on rough or technical terrain, and the remote button has a slight inherent delay in its electronic mechanism...which means you have to keep your thumb on the button for about a quarter sec. in order to complete the action. This delay is not good at times when performance and control is most essential, and wouldn't be so bad if the button-housing wasn't so large and making it cumbersome to maneuver my thumb all the way onto AND holding my thumb on and off the button housing while weakening my grip. This inconvenience is okay as long as I don't touch the button during rough and technical rides, and wait until the coast is clear.
Bottom Line:
For $129 (and free shipping from Specialized.com), the Fireballs Comp light system is well worth their reduced cost because of their high-end features which typically are not found on lights in this price range...but I wouldn't pay over $150 for them. (I was considering the lighter in weight Marwi Kamikaze 32 watt dual beam, but the FireBalls Comp have approx. a half hour longer burn time for the same cost, and I prefer the longer harder workout.)
The FireBalls are rugged and ideal as handlebar flood lights...and ideal for the handlebar not just because of their wide beams, but also because handlebars transmit more shock while riding, than your head does...I wouldn't want anything flimsy on the handlebar, and who doesn't wipe out and drop the bike once in a while?
Don't use these heavy wide beam lights on your helmet. As an overall efficient helmet light, consider the CygoLight Night Rover NiCad Extra for its brightness and long burn time, and that this light has received a 5.0 MTBR rating so far. Although not as high in quality w/ the light & battery housings, the Night Rover is not heavy, is very economical, and a VERY efficient lighting system! It's a good deal for just $65 from Bill Larson at: WLarson297@aol.com (Shipping is extra, and you must add $14 for the optional CygoLight helmet kit.)
I have combined the FireBalls Comp system with the $65 CygoLight Night Rover attached to my helmet. The CygoLight is surprisingly efficient and a light-weight system w/ a dual 6.3 watt wide beam +10 watt narrow beam, and with a 2 hour burn time with both beams on, and a 3 hour burn time w/ just the 10 watt narrow beam on. I can easily and comfortably ride fast for over 2 hours with no worries.
The FireBalls Comp has a dual 12+20 watt wide beam...and I sometimes use a 12 watt medium beam (to replace the 20 watt beam) so I can enjoy those longer marathon rides. With two 12 watt beams at a combined 24 watts in the Comp, I can ride with these for well over 2 hours, with my CygoLight set on high beam only. That's 34 watts total for about 2.5 hours...not bad.
The low beam(s) alone is also a nice feature to save battery life when not riding, or for taking breaks, making adjustments, and for mounting (or dismounting) your bike on the car in the dark.
After I bought and tried different bulbs to customize my lights for the most efficient visibility, I found this particular combination to be ideal: at least 20 watts (wide) on the handlebar, and at least 10 watts (narrow) on the helmet. The Comp plus CygoLight together gives me 36.3 watts for up to 2 hours, and up to 48.3 watts total and combined which I use for the more technical trails, and lasts up to 1.5 hours at full-power.
I have carefully read and followed the directions in the manual to optimize my burn time. It has been increasing, and as with everyone else, it is never exactly as rated...unless you count the time the lights get dim as they near depletion. I always find that it is best to conserve on battery power as much as possible, and reduce the lights when riding the easier trails.
Extra bulbs are available at Lowe's for less than $6 each, with 2000 hours lifespan. If you can't get them there, HomeDepot has some that are about $9 with 3500 hours lifespan.
Similar Products Used: FireBalls Sport, Cygo-Light Night-Rover NiCad Extra
Bike Setup: DiamondBack XR-8 Cross Country Racer, with XT & XTR components. Light weight full suspension bike, with the rear suspension set very tight.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Cross Country Rider
from portland, OR
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Strengths: Looks cool. Multiple power settings. Smart charger. Wireless remote. Fairly sturdy housing. NIckle metal hydrate battery. Good price for features. Nice helmet mount (but the light is too heavy to wear comfortably on the helmet with my skinny neck).
Weaknesses: Heavy as all bottle bateries are. Cable is straight rather than spiral. This increases the likelyhood of the cable being loose and catching in a wheel. Battery to light connector is not as secure as it could be and is prone to the connoctor pins becoming bent or clogged with dirt. Due to the proprietary connector, other manufacturers batteries can not be used wuth this product. This is not uncommon, but coupled with the slow recharge time this limits the utility of the light for 24 race purposes.
Bottom Line:
This is a great deal and I am happy with the light. Specialized has worked out the bugs that I read about last years model (I have the 02 model). I am skeptical about the claim that the battery holds a charge for four weeks. But I have used the light after letting it sit for a week after charging it. If you are looking for the brightest light, this is not it; buy a HID light. If you are looking for a helmet light buy a Vista light or a Jet. If you are looking for a good light inexpensive light, this is it.
Weaknesses: Heavy battery, No spot light just two floods, runs hot, Cumbersome cabling.
Bottom Line:
This is my first light and so far I have not regrets. I am happy with the brightness, length of time it operates, and just about the entire purchase. It is hard to make a purchase for 300 dollars when you can't try them out on a ride. Since this is my first light purchase and I am a novice when it comes to lights I will have to give it a great rating for Price and value. Overall I have not complaints. I will do another review upon using at least 20 times.
Submitted by
sdiver
a Cross Country Rider
from Camarillo, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Strengths: Looks cool. lunch box carrier is neat.
Weaknesses: Everything else. Lights not bright enough, battery doesn't hold a charge, transmitter button broke, lousy customer service.
Bottom Line:
DON'T BUY THESE LIGHTS!!!! THEY STINK!!!! I received them as a gift for xmas, and haven't been able to take them on the trail yet, and its already February. Out of the box, the battery wouldn't hold a charge. I spent a month trying to get decent service from my LBS and specialized, finally I got a new replacement set. Second set out of the box, the transmitter wasn't working. When I went to replace the batteries in the transmitter (thinking that might be the problem), the battery contacts fell out. When I went back to the LBS for guidance, he just shined me on and suggested I buy niteriders. So, I did one better, I took these POS's back and bought a set of TurboCat DS-30. Do yourself a favor, no matter how nice the price is on these babies, don't waste your money. If I could I would give these things -5 flamin turds.
Weaknesses: Heavy! Short burn times; remote switch mount; cumbersome battery; battery discharges rapidly in storage; both hi an lo beams are wide angle; little difference in brightness between 12 and 20 watt lamps.
Bottom Line:
The old Nightsun finally died and I didn't feel up to dealing with those guys (jerks) so my LBS offered me a "killer" deal to try these out. Looked good in shop, seemed "hi tech" enough. Read all there was and could not find a written "burn time" at any output. Assembled and charged (that is the only time given and it was advertised at 12 to 14 hours, though after many uses it only takes about 8). Mounted lights on my Easton rise bars and had to keep the mounts loose on the lamps in order to have enough flex to accomodate the riser sections. The removable tyrap given to mount the switch does not tighten enough to hold it steady on the bar, ended up using a mini-clamp. Crank Bros cage would not accomodate battery, so had to use std. aluminium style but it's still a fight to fit. Got short burns on first couple of uses, but they seem to be getting better: now I get about 70 minutes on "high" (both lamps lit). But beam patterns and brightness are only good for easy single track and fire roads (not real bright). Overall OK for occasional short night rides on easy terrain (my girlfriend thinks they're OK).This light might be just allright for a first light for your first couple of night rides, but you'll outgrow it FAST if you like the techno trails after dark. Also heard some "diss'in" about battery quality, so follow directions to the letter so you can gripe with impunity if needed. I relegated these to "spares". Got a Blowtorch... WAY bright and light and simple: on or off, 4+ hour burn and a 5 hour charge.
Similar Products Used: Nightsun Team Max; Nightrider Blowtorch
Bike Setup: SC Superlight w/ x/c components
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: Everything about it. For the watage that it puts out they are really dim. The cord that connects the battery to the light comes undone (I had to tape it). The remote for the light falls off. The battery does not hold a charge for long. Now the pos will not take a charge.
Bottom Line:
Do not buy this pos product. Specialized should stick to what it knows, low to med level bikes. Do they test this stuff before they sell it to the masses? At $20 I feel as though I got teh short end of the stick.
Similar Products Used: Niterider products, buy these
Bike Setup: Joker
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Woods
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento CA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Strengths: The lights look cool, and provide (Limited) for some adjustment of light direction. Also come with a handy little backpack for carring the battery if used as helmet mount.
Weaknesses: Battery is unreliable. I had my battery replaced twice with specialized before I replaced light with a different brand. The battery doesn't hold a charge, is heavy and has a very cumbersom charging base. Specialized should stick to what it knows best (bike frames) and avoid complex electronic devices.
Bottom Line:
Buy Niterider, all they do is make lights, specialized is trying to dip its hands into to many aspects of biking and should stick with Bikes not Lights. They do get points for not giving me a hard time with battery replacements, however the replacements kept having failures so good service doesn't make up for a consistantly bad product.
Similar Products Used: Niterider Blowtorch(This is a BRIGHT light)
Bike Setup: Old Trek 930 set up for commuting to work
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Kilian
a Cross Country Rider
from Ferndale, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2001
Strengths: Good looks. Light weight. Good versatility -- helped me because I was not sure if I wanted bar or helmet mount. And liked the remote switch (although it did not have enough power to adjust the controller if I had the controller in my backpack)
Weaknesses: With 32 watts I thought I was going to blow away my buddies with their ubiquitous 15 watt NiteRiders. However, much to my chagrin, I was blown away. We compared the beam/light power in many different conditions (in tall grass, down railroad tracks, in dusty conditions, etc.) and everytime they beat the Fireballs from an subjective performance. Also, the battery and charger system sucked. With that huge NmHi battery I expected to be able to run for 1.5 hours on 12 watts -- but I would typically only get 1 hour.
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Strengths: packaging, styling, features
Weaknesses: The fact that as soon as you finish charging the battery, it begins to lose the charge. By the time night falls, it's nearly dead. Specialized mentioned to me that they knew it was a problem and there was no fix. What good is a battery that won't hold it's charge until you need the light? i was going on a day trip and planned to ride that evening, so I charged it before I left. When it came time to perform,no battery! And I was out for the shipping costs. After having a seat, computer and light from this company, I will never buy another specialized product. They sold me a light knowing that it is defective!!!! I guess it might work for someone who rides in their backyard at night.
Bottom Line:
don't even think of buying this expensive and useless handlebar decoration. Negative chilis are needed here . . . .
