The S10 and S15 can be ordered with 5, 10 or 15 watt spot bulbs, or 10 or 15
watt flood bulbs. The S10 turns on from the battery switch; S15 has its own
thumb switch. Choose a water bottle Ni-cad or NiMH or Lead-acid frame mount
battery for run time, weight and cost. Two-year limited warranty on
batteries. Prices vary from $100 to $160. All parts of the system are quick
release. Add $18 for CNC-machined aluminum cam and lever quick release.
Submitted by
cackalacky
a Weekend Warrior
from Winston, NC Date Reviewed: December 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Trace Ridge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Dirt Rag forums
Strengths:
Simple, reliable, waterproof.
All aluminum construction is very nice.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
S15 handlebar light with 15 watt flood, TG15 helmet light with 15 watt spot.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the S15 bar light and TG15 helmet light.
One of those "set and forget" items. No problems with these. I got them used for next to nothing (no batteries) and then called them up to order some. Since I was riding in a 24hr race the next weekend, they gave me a discount. I also was able to buy a crimp-on connector end from them to replace one that was frayed/broken. Added a couple of extra bulbs and I was ready to go.
As far as light output, I can't give a comparison because I haven't had any other light. They seem bright enough to me, with the 15 watt spot helmet lamp VERY bright. Found myself riding way faster than I thought I could at night. On the road they will light up street signs very well at 100 yards plus.
Buy this if you want a solid reliable light that is serviceable down the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe s.
a Cross Country Rider
from hibbing, mn. USA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the old hull road
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
turbocat-USA
Strengths:
totally bomb-proof
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
niterider
Bike Setup:
not talking about my bike
Bottom Line:
you can't go wrong purchasing a turocat product! this light has taken a beating, and it still rocks!! service is A#1
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kraig Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Direct from Turbocatusa
Strengths:
CNC machined, practical design
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Niterider trail rat
Bike Setup:
2005 Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
The Turbocat is what Thomson is to stems and seatposts. The cnc machined light is a thing of beauty and with the switch makes the operation very simple while on a ride. Puts out lots of light, about 20 watts. puts the niterider to shame. not as bright as the 400 dollar HID but enough light to ride as fast as you want with a helmet light. system is cheaper to maintain as well. about 10 bucks for a bulb vs 100.00 on the hid. Great service when you call in and fast shipping...another plus MADE IN USA. Nicad battery held very tight in my King bottle cage. Straps for wires are inc. Forget niterider and check out Turbocat
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alfred
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Manzano Open Space
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
Bike World, Alb.
Strengths:
Bright with nice white light, simple. Lives up to everything good everyone has written about them here and all the TurboCat literature. Product Support: Tom at TurboCat e-mailed me the next day with answers to all my pre-purchase questions, and made lots of helpful suggestions.
Worth every penny (note price paid includes battery). Its bright, and just flat-out works.
I plan on buying a TurboCat TrailGuide helmet light soon. I chose the Ni-CAD water-bottle battery because of its price/weight/duration combination. Read the TurboCat web page for an excellent discussion of battery choices. Considered the S10 but figured the increased light output was worth the $15, and the thumb switch is nice. Got the flood over spot as this is my primary light, and 15 watt bulb over 10 for, of course, more light.
I did a lot of research on-line, which led me to a choice between TurboCat and a DiNotte Ultra 3 and Ultra 5. I wrote both asking for a dealer in my area so I could compare. DiNotte still has not written me back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Angwin, CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Woodcrest Bicycle Center, Riverside CA
Strengths:
Crash proof! Long run-times!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bottom Line:
When combined with a TurboCat handlebar mounted light you can get contrast that makes riding technical trails easier than riding them in daylight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
C-Park,WACO and RHR,Smithville
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Bullet-proof construction, easy to use. Turbo Cat gives you an honest representation of their product (no BS). THE BEST WARRANTEE IN THE BUSINESS.
Weaknesses:
One of the switches wore out on a battery weeks after a mud filled 24 hour race. I have two Macho 6-volt batteries. That's not a bad average considering their ages.
Similar Products Used:
12 volt Cygolight, Night Rider Trail Rat, penlight-in-the-hand.
Bike Setup:
(1) S15 with 2-6 volt Macho Lead acid batteries. (1) TG15 with 3-6 volt TG Lead acid batteries.
Bottom Line:
I try to ride as many 24 hour races each year that I can. After I purchasing these systems I have never been stranded in the dark. During a race I meet a lot of people on the trail who can't say this at night following me with pen lights in their hands. I used to be one of them.
My bottom line: If you plan on riding at night and you want the most bang for the buck, buy from this company. They are the best people in the world. Call Elaine 800-869-7618.
$ 135.00
Overall Rating:
