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Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Schaeffer Farms | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Bill Larson (Wlarson297@aol.com) | | Strengths: | Bright, white light. Fuel Guage. Quick Charge Time. Very easy to set up and to switch between the 5 light levels. | | Weaknesses: | The little metal part that you need to insert into the battery to charge it. ( unless you leave the lights attached, then you don't need it )
| | Similar Products Used: | Nightrider | | Bike Setup: | Kona Hot, Z2. | | Bottom Line: | The Starfire "I" is by far the best value in dual lights out there, because you get a long running light with 5 light levels, remote switch, white light, durable casings and upgrade options. All of this for a lot less cash than other comparable systems. Plus, the guys at Jet lights are extremely helpful and very customer service oriented.
I'm buying their M6 helmet mount light next.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kentucky Camp/Gardner Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Incredibly bright, white beam, very light weight of light housings, interchangeability of modular units. | | Weaknesses: | Durability is an issue, battery life expectancy is on the short side, helmet and bar mounts are somewhat rickety, expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider Digital Pro-6, NiteRider Trail Rat | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR XC, Easton Monkey Lite Bar. | | Bottom Line: | The JET produces by far the brightest and highest-quality beam that I've seen yet, but, after about 40 night rides, the battery now gives out within 30-45 minutes into a ride. Not good. When I first bought these lights, both the battery and the light units seemed a bit on the fragile side (at least compared to the seemingly bulletproof nature of my NiteRider), but they had nonetheless survived several crashes. However, I recently dropped the battery from about waist level while unloading my vehicle after a ride, and the cable jack in the battery collapsed into the battery housing. That wouldn't have happened with a NiteRider. Now, the connection intermittently loosens while riding, causing a disconcerting strobe effect (which makes for some interesting riding through technical sections. Five chilis for blindingly white light, minus 2 chilis for diminished durability and fickle battery. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Patterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, California
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Enchanted Loop... Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$285.00 | | Purchased At: | JetLites, Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | BRIGHT, powerful, white light! (Did I mention it was bright?) The Dual Beam Phantom InfraRed set-up is awesome! The light housings and assembly on the helmet are lightweight and comfortable. Once I got my helmet readjusted to compensate for the slight forward weight, I don't even notice they're up there anymore! The infra-red technology is awesome! I'm able to ride fire trails and non-technical uphill single track at the lowest light settings to conserve power (6 or 9 watts) once I head downhill, I start to ramp up the power... but I can ride with one 20W bulb NO PROBLEM on fast downhill singletrack. I'm talking DAYLIGHT SPEEDS. I experienced NO hesitation to ride difficult sections due to the light! It's nothing short of awesome. | | Weaknesses: | The IR fuel gauge works intermittently. I talked with Jim at JetLites about the problem, and he said they'd already identified the source of the glitch and they're working on it. It's a nice feature, but doesn't really impact my riding when it doesn't give me a battery reading... I know how long it's been charged. | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider... and some crappy light that had a generator that ran off of my tire (circa 1975). | | Bottom Line: | This product line is outstanding! I also got great advice from JetLites about what lights to use, etc. There are components that you can afford to skimp on.. but a light for serious night mountain biking isn't one of them. If you're going to do a lot of night riding, or if you want to improve your night riding experience, do yourself a favor, step up to a JetLite and you won't regret it!
My Bottom Line Opinion:
If you're not riding a JetLite, you're not RIDING at night! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Rapson
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe AZ
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunset Loop (including the 6 mile ride up Mt. Elden Rd.) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Bright white light, interchangeable components and customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Connections in the water bottle battery shook loose a couple times but Jim fixed them up and shipped back quick. The dual handlebar attachment needs to be reinforced to hold both lights (I use a heavy duty elastic and haven't had any problems), the optimum solution though is to have a separate mount for each light. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakota w/XT and Marzocchi Bomber Z3 forks. | | Bottom Line: | My last review of these lights was a little harsh and considering how much weight these reviews carry with bikers (I bought the JET lights because of these reviews and some of you did too) I thought it only fair to set the record straight.
I have not seen another light on the trail, or at any of the 24 hour races I've done, that has a brighter or better quality of light.
I've had less problems with my lights than the guys I know who ride the NiteRider stuff.
Jim provides great customer service and is a great source of information. Everytime I've spoken with him he's been professional and responsive to my questions. He cares about the product and it shows in the way he builds his lights and treats his customers.
So the question is, would I buy these lights again? The answer, Yes, in a second.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy
a
from columbia, south cakalaky
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | bikerbob.com | | Strengths: | superior lights. bright white light. cars see me, they don't hit me | | Weaknesses: | you pay the price for the best | | Similar Products Used: | the moon | | Bike Setup: | moab with atom race, crossrides, thompson post, flite gel, yadda yadda yadda, hole in my wallet | | Bottom Line: | These lights are super. you pay an arm and a leg, but still they are worth it.
Now the trash talking. I ordered the ir switch with lights from bikerbob.com. What do they send me? The i switch with lights. After contacting bikerbob.com, I was told they sent the right switch. After many more e mails telling them they were wrong, I pry the information out of them that Jet was having problems with manufacturing the ir switch. After weeks of e mail tag, bikerbob.com was going to see what they could do about getting me the right switch. That was over 2 months ago. I e mailed them last week, no reply. Bottom line: superior lights, they are the best out there, but... although they asked me how I liked my Jet lights, and seemed nice...I am forced to say...
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM BIKERBOB.COM. I REPEAT, DO NOT BUY FROM BIKERBOB.COM. THEY WILL SCREW YOU WITH A STICK, THEN KICK IT TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOU'VE BEEN SCREWED. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very powerful and bright white light. Very durable. (See note below on how to make easier adjustments) | | Weaknesses: | The mounting bracket is poorly designed. To adjust your lights, you need a screwdriver (a pain in the ars at night). I bought a 2.5" long thumb screw and a few washers at the hardware store to replace the regular machine bolt. This makes night time trail adjustments easy as pie. The added screw length acts as a lever allowing for easier adjustments. Give your lights a screw, you'll love it. | | Bike Setup: | Mountain Cycle San Andreas, Marzocchi Jr.T, Race Face, Chris King, Hayes Hydraulics....................... | | Bottom Line: | These are a high quality light that can be great with a few minor adjustments. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Rapson
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe AZ 85283
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sunset Loop - Flagstaff | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | Bright white light, interchangeable components and customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Connections in the water bottle battery shook loose forcing me to send the battery back to Jet Designs to be fixed, twice. Cheap plastic handlebar attachment needs to be reinforced to hold the lights. Blown light bulb was $31 to replace! And now after only 1 year and 50 - 60 night rides the batteries are not holding a charge and are fading after only 1 hour of riding, which makes them basically worthless. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakota w/XT and Marzocchi Bomber Z3 forks. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these lights because of the reviews on this web site and have been generally diappointed. When they work right they kick ass but I've had to many problems with them to think they are a great product. A good friend bought the much cheaper Performance brand lights at the same time and he's had no problems in the past year. If I had it to do over agin I'd probably buy the Performance brand lights or look seriously at the Nightrider stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancashire, UK
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rossendale, world centre for applied mud technologies | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | Ride On | | Strengths: | Copious quantities of white light for my failing eyes. The ability to run both on separate brackets with the 12 watt set near and the 20 watt set into the distance really helps the downhills. Great handlebar mounted switch which can be zip tied next to the gear shifter. Supply lead is long enough to locate on the back bottle holder without interfering with the steering. Solid well molded light units. | | Weaknesses: | Brackets are a bit fiddly and it is much better to have 2 rather than rely on a slightly suspect single bracket holding 2 expensive light, this also gives differing angles. Can be difficult to set at the right angle as tightening the screw alters the angle. Takes a while to charge and I always seem to forget and charge for several days which may be a BAD THING. Battery bottle is hard and can rattle on bumps. have to admit that sometimes I am not sure which lamp is on and have to hold a hand in the beam, a little red LED would be super. Sometimes a little short on time for longer rides. | | Bike Setup: | A beautiful bright red shiny Intense Tracer, who says US stuff is second rate! (and lots of Hope bits) | | Bottom Line: | I am being very picky, these lights give me a brighter, whiter cocoon of version than nearly any other I have come across, well done Jet Designs, great XC design | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from santa cruz
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | withtheselights, De LaViega | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | sexy,svelte, and strong white light with excellent beam patterns | | Weaknesses: | None that weren't quickly and courteously remedied; a faulty cable. Big deal. Cable can loosten out of the battery( I've the flat one) depending on how its transported. Nothing a rubber band wasn't able to remedy. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing of this calibre,but nothing I've seen around town matches it. | | Bike Setup: | I did a nice job creating a custom mount that fits between the spacers on my steerertube using part of the handlebar mount. Keeps the cockpit just a little tidier and looks nice. | | Bottom Line: | Hear it again, Jim's a pleasure to deal with. He really took the time to educate me on the relative battery technologies. He created a fine looking light that works very very well. I purchased a set for myself as well as for my then time girlfriend. Unfortunately, that second set left when she did.( Guess thats the nature of a gift.)It came in handy( no lonely guy pun intended...doin' fine in that department again, thanks)for any of a number of "less enlightened" friends of mine who wanted to join me for that occasional 2:00 AMer up in Delavieaga ( where the ROOTS and rocks and gullys will EAT you if you're not "ENLIGHTENED". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Extendo - MacDonald Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Jet | | Strengths: | Weight, quality of light | | Weaknesses: | Handlebar mounting bracket not adjustable for pitch, bag for holding battery for helmet mounted light not very well designed. | | Bike Setup: | Trek Y-5, Marzocchi Z3 100mm travel, mavic ceramic 517, race face low riser bars, time atac pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I decided to buy a system of double Starfire and double Phantom lights with the IR switch/gauge. At the time the IR switch was not in stock but was supposed to be coming in in days. I am still waiting 3 months later. I am disappointed with the service from Jet Lites.
To get me going temporarily Jet sent me a single Phantom and Starfire and I have some comments on them.
Good
Light brightness, weight and quality of light units. Can adjust angle on helmet mountil clamp.
Bad
Helmet mounting starp stitching was ripped when I received the unit, I had to stitch it up myself. The strap material seems a bit light weight.
The battery bag has to be unzipped to get the cable through (it would of been better if the bag had a weather resistant flap like Camelbaks do). I am a bit worried about water getting onto the battery connection.
The handlebar bracket does not allow you to adjust the angle of the beam.
I have only used it in complete darkness a couple of times, and I am happy with the beam, especially the helmet mounting. I would recommend that anyone considering buying a light system definitely get a helmet mount light before a bar mount one.
Summary - Good light, could be really good with some minor changes. Disappointed with availability and non-delivery of my gauge and switch. I really wanted this and would not have bought Jet lites without this feature. Price seems competitive with other systems out there. Buy it if you want a basic light, be careful if you want the IR controls.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRI
a Cross Country Rider
from The Woodlands
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Huntsville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | Website | | Strengths: | Brite Bulb, strong housing, easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | Charge time (see below)and You can't get it wet. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Spicialized FSR XC COMP (stock) | | Bottom Line: | This light is amazing. It is way briter then any of my friends that have Nite-Rider. The light is a bright white. It is very tough. I have crashed a couple of times and the light is fine. The only downside is it does take 18 hours to charge. Only a problem at a 24 hour race. Jet will loan you a fast charger and battery for the weekend for a very nominal charge so it kind of makes up for this problem. The other thing is I fell in a creek (bike and all) while crossing a log. My light quit working. It was a long ride home. It worked fine the next day after it dried out. I highly recommend this light to anyone. The 12 watt setting is good for just about all conditions. Only when you are going down hill or through highly technical turns do you need the 20 or 32 watts. Jet is building a very good reputation through it's customer service. They always are on hand to answer questions. One more thing, wear eye protection. It is amazing what is out there at night i.e. bugs and branches. You will never look at riding in the daytime the same. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amos Race
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | one i can cycle to | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | BikerBob's Righteous Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light and, er... LIGHT!
The minor complaints below about the mounting brackets seem to have been met: the handle bar one now has a QR on it. The mounts may look a bit spindley, but i reckon them to be very elegantly designed. | | Weaknesses: | Just those inherant in NiMH batteries- you can trash them by running them right down and yet they do have a little bit of a memory effect, which tempts one to try and run down before recharging (i won't try that again, fortunately mine did recharge but spending 18hrs worrying that you've just binned $100 bucks is ugly) | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight (irelevant i know, but i love it so) | | Bottom Line: | I bought the helmet mounted dual-beam, based on the good reviews below, hoping i could get away without having a bar light. On trails that are mostly smooth this would probably be ok. You can get away with just the 12W, but be cautious: 'cos so many people seemed happy with it i tried it on forest single track. 12W lit up the trail nicely, but not the half fallen tree hovering at head height round a corner, which i broke with my face (d'oh). Since then i have put the duals on the bars and a 12W on my head (following the advice of ?Tim below- good call). For fast, uneven, descents switching on the extra 12W on the bars brings out greater surface detail. (It's quite true that, in isolation, the helmet beam flattens the appearance of the trail- if you're new to full suspension, as i am, this can have the hidden benifit of making you understand that the bike really can float for you)
With the bar and helmet combo i now night-ride most of my regular trails at daylight speed. Descents with drop-offs still go slower but some smoother, winding descents actually go faster(!?)- 'cos i can tell that nobody's coming the other way.
My bank balance has suffered- but it was worth it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timby
a Cross Country Rider
from Epping, NH
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very strong and consistant white light. Burn time is as advertised. Light weight and easy to use on more than one bike. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Vista | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Element Race | | Bottom Line: | I could not agree more with the comments from Rocky. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim and he could not have been more helpful. The lights themselves have been great. I don't feel like I am sacrificing anything riding at night. I'm usually just using the 12w for the majority of the ride, and pop on the 20w for the descents. Bottom line: great lights. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RockyRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company, Lake Forest, CA | | Strengths: | Very bright, white light. Very light, sturdy. Jim (Jet Designs owner/president/etc.) is super-friendly and helpful. | | Weaknesses: | the mounting system could maybe be a little easier, but I've not seen anything better on other lights either, so... | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element T.O. | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a high-end light, get this one. It seems like NiteRiders are everywhere, and they're certainly easier to find, but the Jet light is definitely better. I went for a ride last night with a friend who has a NiteRider digital extreme and we spent about five minutes comparing light beams. The Jet beam was whiter and I'd say about 10-20% brighter than the NR at all light levels. Also, the NR died about 20 minutes before my Jet did, and we were using essentially the same settings for the whole ride. I haven't tried the new wireless set-up yet, but I'm planning to as soon as the new version is ready.
Finally, dealing with Jet Designs is a pleasure. When you call or email, you invariably talk to Jim, who is the owner, president, etc. and is a great guy. He's very mellow and down to earth and a great rider too (I had the chance to ride with him on an MTBR gathering). If you call him up, he'll give you lighting recommendations and suggestions and tell you the latest scoop on his product line.
I haven't had any problems with my light, but having spoken with Jim a number of times, I can only imagine that he would be very helpful if things went awry.
You can buy the lights direct from Jet if you can't find them in a store- you won't regret it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Clements
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | MEC, Toronto | | Strengths: | Very light, very bright, excellent beam pattern, upgradeable, vapourizes bugs before they reach your face | | Weaknesses: | Will make your wallet lighter | | Similar Products Used: | Vista Lights, Nite Rider | | Bottom Line: | If you want the best, look no further. I use the dual beam helmet mount system and it is incredibly bright. My 10 watt Nite Rider on the handle bar, which I used to think was great, suddenly doesn't look so hot.
The 12 watt light is fine for most riding. The beam pattern is great and you get an even circle of light -- none of the bright and dark circles I have experienced with my Vista lights, and seen on friends' other systems, such as BLT.
Flick on the 20 watt beam, and you can almost ride like it is daytime. Be careful, though... your depth perception can be thrown out of wack by any helmet mounted light.
This light is so intense, it can vapourize the mosquitos before they reach you!
If you have the money, you won't regret this purchase. If you don't have the money, put in some overtime or take up a paper route. It's worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Harmonson
a Cross Country Rider
from Aledo, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Joe Pool Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles USA | | Strengths: | Very bright lights. Long lasting. Very durable. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find. They're not in very many stores. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Torelli Road bike with Campi Chorus group. | | Bottom Line: | Compared to other lights I've used, or lights my buddies use, it's by far the superior light. I would not use any other brand. I put 3000 to 4000 miles a year on my bicycle. Much of that is after-work riding that requires a dependable, long-lasting light set. This will be my third winter to use this set and I have no reason to change. I would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Florence, SC
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Good pattern. Strong light. Light modules are light and durable. | | Weaknesses: | The bar mount could stand improvement. You mount with a philips screwdriver. If you need to adjust up or down, you need to loosen the mount with a philips. . .pain. Would be better with a quick release or some kind of knurled thumb screw. You can try and muscle it up while riding, but I thought I might break the mount.
Rode the 24 hours of Adrenaline in Georgia this month. The trail was extremely rough in some areas (bombing the downhills). Two times the cable came loose from the waterbottle battery. . . hey who turned out the lights! Had a helmet mount Jet also, so no big deal. . . and yeah, they were in tight to begin with. The water bottle was ty-wrapped into the mount. The cable was ty-wrapped with plenty of slack.
If you use the full 32 watts, the burn time is limited to only 40 minutes.
18 hours to fully charge a battery. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Ocoee Litespeed hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | Great light. I would highly recommend it. Got the dual bar mounted, planned to split it between bar and helmet. Then I found you really have to have the flat pack for the helmet mount and a bottle battery for the bar mount. . . extra batteries are EXPENSIVE!! If you are riding single track, get a single module helmet mount first. If you have the cash, then get a singe module bar mount to supplement. 12 watts up top and 20 on the bar and you can ride like the wind. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ratboy
a Cross Country Rider
from Nyack, NY USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannonball, Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$236.00 | | Purchased At: | Directly from the manufacturer | | Strengths: | Very bright, white light. Light-weight. Like the helmet-mount setup. Usually single beam is plenty of light. Only when at really high speeds does the second lamp become necessary. | | Weaknesses: | Would like a handlebar switch which I understand is now available. | | Similar Products Used: | Night Rider Digital dual beam handlebar mount. Borrowed it from a friend and tried the two side-by-side one night. Didn't seem nearly as bright as my Jet lites. | | Bottom Line: | These lights rule! They've extended my after-work season well into the Fall. Would definitely get the helmet-mount over the bar-mount. Very nice for curvy singletrack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwoodhills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bright white light unlike the yellow night rider light of other riders | | Weaknesses: | fuel gauge ???? the price (but you are getting the best) | | Bottom Line: | I just finished the 24 of adrenalin at Hardwood Hills in Barrie On Canada an this light kiked ass it put any of the other lights on the course to shame the one weakness I found was that people would like to follow and also use my light. Hats off to the Jet light team of designers they've done their homework and made a great light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from mpls, MN
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | is where I am at. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Brite | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR4000 | | Bottom Line: | I just use the 12 watt set up. It has plenty of light for what I do. It has lasted over 1hr 45min. I got them for $135. My friend will be getting one soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
King's Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
BRIGHT!!! | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Treefrog
Zefal | | Bike Setup: |
Road and mountain bikes | | Bottom Line: | I use the system primarily for commuting. Since I started using it cars no longer make left turns in front of me and I can see all the crap on the road. The light is so bright I keep thinking there's a car behind me. The system has a well thought out design. It has both great form and functionality.To paraphrase Captain James T. Kirk, JetLights on stun. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jan Christianson
a Weekend Warrior
from Berrien Springs Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ft. Custer | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light weight
High Output bulbs | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Bottom Line: | I've used these lights night riding in Detroit for over 2 years and continue to get commentson the brightness. I knocked off one of the switch buttons and Jim Taylor (Jet Designs Idea man/President) sent me two free. I have nothing but good to say about these lights. Took a friend out night trail riding and he bought a dual set the next day. Just looked at the new stuff coming from Jet and it just keeps getting better!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Jeter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Irmo, SC
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lynche's Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Bright, white light. Lightweight, customer service! | | Weaknesses: |
I can't ride every night | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
'96 Stumpjumper, Judy XC, LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | First night ride last night, but was like riding in the daytime with these Jet's!!! Read some of these other posts and I 2nd them. Anyone in the market for new lights, these are the ones, no question! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milford, MA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Viet Nam | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very bright, light weight battery, well built | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR ELITE | | Bottom Line: | The 12 watt set up was plenty of light for all but the most technical single track. Over very technical single track, you need to slow. On everything else it was full speed ahead.Very impressive item!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the one I'm on at the time | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Brightness, light weight, battery size, customer service | | Weaknesses: |
Haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Cateye Micro-Halogen | | Bike Setup: |
99 GT XCR 2000 | | Bottom Line: | Was looking for a lighting system to compete in my first 24 Hours of Moab race with. Purchased the Jet Designs light based on the glowing reviews and was not disappointed a bit! Ran the 12w single helmet mounted unit based on the reviews and Jims'(Jet Designs owner)recommendation. The battery lasted the entire time during each of my night laps (averaged 2 hours). This was well appreciated as people relying on NiteRider to charge their batteries were literally left in the dark!! If you want to see a company that stands above all others on customer service alone, but also has the best product out there call Jim and he will fix you up with exactly what your type of riding requires. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim and Lee Schwarz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wantage, NJ
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Bright white light, size/weight, customer service | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Nite Rider | | Bike Setup: |
Mine:Ritchey Niti
Wife's: Litespeed Hiawasse | | Bottom Line: | I needed a secondary light source for my first 24 hour solo race, so I bought the single 12w helmet mount system based upon MTBR product reviews. I tried the system out and it was so bright that I used it as my primary light source. My wife was also going to ride solo in the 24 hr race so I got her the same 12w system. The race was her first night riding experience and she was amazed at the amount of bright white light that was generated and how long each battery pack lasted - 2+ hours. The lighting system contributed to her setting a new womens overall record and winning by 2 laps. Thanks Jet Designs | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross-Country Rider
from Somerville MA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, customer service, smart charge, modular, adjustable, light pattern | | Weaknesses: |
Need more representation at events on the East Coast | | Similar Products Used: |
Nite Rider trail Rat | | Bike Setup: |
GT Avalanch LE w/Judy XC, XTR Hubs on 517 Rims | | Bottom Line: | These lights go above and beyond as does the customer service from this company. Check out the weight; helmet mount is 2 oz. doesn't move your helmet all over or make your head feel like its holding up a lead weight like many other models. Battery weight isn't bad either. Battery gives you about 2 hrs. of light as much as most others unless they're running at low wattage. 12 W lite provides light a plenty; as I came up behind people in my 24 hr race I'd surround them in light and brighten a ton more trail than virtually any light I saw out there. So far I only run the 12W helmet and see no need to add any more. You can however upgrade and add extra lights to your existing ones at any time. Smart charger keeps the brainless from ruining their system. New adjustment brackets make the light positioning much more flexible than it used to be as well. And oh yeah the customer service is outstanding, call and talk with the owner Jim who sets you up with what you need: No arguments, no attitude, no stupid questions just the attitude of we'll get you what you need ASAP. Overall a kick ass company and product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ont,Canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light weight, independent beam, clear lights, 12 spot beam goes far, 20 flood beam is excellent | | Weaknesses: |
battery last only 2 hours. It is quite expensive in Canada $379 Cdn dollars | | Similar Products Used: |
Norco 6.0 volt , 6 watts about 5 years ago. | | Bottom Line: | nice light casing, casing do get a little warm after long ride. 12 watt spot beam handle bar reaches approximately 150 feet. 20 watt beam reaches 90 feet, well design NiMH battery water bottle, the package need an extra velcro to secure the power cord to the frame. The package has only one bracket. I had to purchase an extra braket | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from san jose
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
bright, light, long lasting, durable, customer service | | Bike Setup: |
lucky strike, sid, raface components, king headsets & hubs, sram shifters | | Bottom Line: | i use them to commute, they are bright and light. Recently I broke the cable, didn't have a receipt, called the company, not only the fixed it for free, sent me a brand new upgraded MiNH batery,. Exellent product, & CS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletrack at night | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, bulletproof, bright as hell (it will freeze deer in their tracks), light battery pack | | Weaknesses: |
attaching both lights together doesn't work on a riser handlebar. Had to get the excess access from Sidetrak to mount both lights on the bike. Battery loses its charge while stored faster than my old lead acid battery. | | Similar Products Used: |
Vistalight 430's | | Bike Setup: |
Intense Uzzi XC w/riser bars | | Bottom Line: | If I am going out and only need my light for the end of my ride, I generally just take the helmet mounted 12 Watt. For a full-on night ride on technical terrian, I use the Jet light on my helmet and my Vistalight 430's on the bars. I can blaze nearly as fast at night with that setup as I can in daylight. Beware while using the Jet light not to blind women and children-- these are take no prisoner lights!!! Four stars only because of the inability to mount both lights on a riser bar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
technical and elusive | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
unparalled quality of light and lightness of soft pack and light heads | | Weaknesses: |
the 12 w light is so good, you really do not need the dual beam system than includes the 20w light | | Similar Products Used: |
NiteRider | | Bike Setup: |
Klein hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This is the best helmet mount system on the market today. The 12w light head is a concentrated flood which belittles the light systems of others in my immediate company. The soft pack is around 750 grams and will last over 2 hours with the 12w bulb (except for the Night Rider HeadTrip, this is one of the lightest). While a helmet mount if more important than a bar mount, your first light system should be the relatively inexpensive and bombproof Jet Designs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GC
a cross-country rider
from Bay Area, now LA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These things are great! From brightness to lightness to mountedness to durabilitadness, they rock! The new battery is really nice and will only get nicer with the release of the fuel gauge for the thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using the helmet mounted dual beam setup since October -98. The light weight and simple design is the key. However, I went on the 'river ride' with my house-mate a month ago, he has the Nite Rider pro digital (~100 dollars more than my setup, I don't have the led fuel monitor). Bottom line, both lit up the trail but his has a variable output control that resulted in a dark ride home for me and fully lit ride for him. Jet Desin needs to implements a variable control output (not just on-off) to compete. In there defense, the company never claimed variable control and they represented the fuel light duration accurately ~ 2 hours - cheers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hab(Matt Merhar)
a cross-country rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these lights for about 2 months with over 100 hours on them and I'm amazed at the sheer power of the 12 watt, let alone the 20 watt. The 12 watt is bright enough for everything except the most technical downhills, and only then will you need to turn on the 20 and turn off the 12......You never need both on atthe same time. I've had only one problem with them,which was a broken helmet mount, and it was replaced with no hassle in about 4 days. When I heard about the new mounts, I called them up and they said they were replacing the mounts on the lights less than 1 month old, so I sent mine in and what can I say, the new mounts are so much better than the original. I am going to give these lights 5 chilis for the company and 5 for the product. Keep up the good work, Jet! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd Ranola
a cross-country rider
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these lights earlier this year at the Sea Otter Classic at the Jet booth. First of all the owner (I forgot his name), was great help, sold them for 20% off list price, and recommended that buy the second light mount, admitting that using one light mount for both lights isn't the best setup. BTW, on his list of reviews for the lights, were a bunch of print outs of MTBR reviews!!Once installed, I noticed that one of the mounts would not fully adapt to the lights, so I gave him a call, and he sent me a new one for free. The lights... well they perform perfectly! I could not be more pleased. The 12 watt spot handles the majority of the ride, and spares battery life. The 30 watt floods enough when it really gets dark, and both lights on together let me go almost full bore down hills. 5 stars! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck McGadden
a weekend warrior
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have seen the light and so has everyone else for that matter! It’s as if the people at Jet Designs some how harnessed power directly from a solar flare. Turn these lights on and it’s as if someone dropped a neutron bomb right in front of you. At first I was blinded by the blast but when my vision returned what laid before me in the beam of my Jet Designs Dual was sheer wasteland! The cars around me sat on their rims, tires melted to the road, their occupants nothing but chard skeletal remains and dust. I thought this to be but a dream, that’s until I turned my lights off and realize without them mankind would be plunged into nuclear winter. Yes I did see the light and now you do too! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First ride last night with the dual beam 12W/20W system (waterbottle) and went down an unfamiliar fireroad (JET do not recommend going down a new track the first time out , but with these lights it is not a problem). Could see almost aswell as in daylight. It is as though you are constantly chasing a circle of light ahead of you. The battery lasted for approx. 1.5 hours switching between single and dual beam. Easy to set-up, feel solid, and the four-way handlebar switch is handy. Bought them from JET Designs directly and they paid for shipping. Would strongly recommend them even after only one ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
L. Martin
a racer
from HAILFAX NS
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These lights are called JET for a reason, you look like an airplane coming through the woods! I get cars flashing their high beams at me when I'm on the road to turn the lights down! These lights are savage! Better than ANY light I've ever tried. Definitely worth the cash, even one light is enough to light to trail in front of you, and the person in front of you too.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Bargmann
a racer
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
REPEAT...THESE LIGHTS ARE THE BOMB! The Jet Design Dual light system has become the new KING of lights. Previous reviews sum up the reasons why, but let me pass on a recent story. The past several years I've raced Mammoth (xc) and the NiteRider Niteride has become an annual event for me. This year I finished my race Friday morning, and come time to ride that night I just couldn't nut it up. Since the place we were staying was right at the base of the mountain, I decided to watch from the Expo area the riders stream across and down the mountain to where I was standing. Most of the riders worked their way slowly down the face of Mammoth Mtn. stopping occassionaly. I couldn't tell if they had fallen or were resting. I spotted this one light towards the top and it was blazing across the mountain much faster than the other lights. I continued watching this light pass other riders making its way down the mountain. As it approached the Expo area where I was standing I could tell the lighting system was much brighter than the others I had seen. I approached the bike as it came to a stop. This guy at least 60 years old, riding an old Rockhopper with no front suspension, pulls off his old black Bell Pro helmet and belts out a big howl and says, TAKE THAT NIGHTRIDER! Attached to his helmet was a Jet Design Dual Beam Light. We swapped stories about switching from Niterider lights to Jet Designs and then he rode off down the hill into town. Next year I hope I meet up with that guy again he's the BOMB!
NOTE: The following day I met Jim Taylor the owner of Jet Design at his booth in the Expo area. He's a great guy who stands behind his product. In fact, he told me my light system was one of the first ones he manufactured a few years back and said he'd take it with him and upgrade it with new bushings and switches. I had the light back in three days. Great product. Great service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christine
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A super product and company on a whole... The lighting system is light and bright and easy to use. I have both the helmet attachment and the handlebar attachment, which is a great set-up. All you really need is the 12 watt on your helmet and you are set to hit anything. Very light so you don't feel it at all. The company's attitude on customer service is top notch. They set me up with an extra battery and some excellent tips for a 24 hour race, even though I called only about 3 days before the race! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from austin,tx
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Jet light setup since January, it is the best, the lightest, brightest and the whitest lights on the planet.
I ordered a 20w and a 12w light with one battery.
most of my night rides start out in the light and in the dark, so, I run
the 20w on the helmet and place the battery in my camel back, the 20w runs for about 1 hr and 15 minutes which is enough run time and is extremely bright, it is very tight and technical with lots of rocks and dropoffs/ledges and I run as fast at night as during the day.
customer service is excellent as well.
I had a Vista Light VL530 setup prior to this and I would run the 10w spot on my helmet and the 15w flood on the handlebar at the same time. The 20w Jet on my helmet is brighter with a better, fuller light pattern.
The 12w is brighter (and whiter, purer) than the 15w Vista (6volt) and if I need to do a 2 hr ride I will take that, but 90% of the time I just run the 20w.
I would like to get a second battery :, but haven't really found the need.
A friend just purchased a set as well and he too was blown away. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a weekend warrior
from Queens, NY
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You've read the reviews...it's all true. These lights kick ass !!! They are compact, very light and super bright. So bright that I can ride the usual trails at full speed (even in the rain with no problems). Customer Service is top notch. I ordered a extra handlebar mount and a retainer screw. 2 days later the parts were in my hands. I love'em and recommend the JET Dual 20w/12w to anybody looking for a set of lights. You can't beat a complete package. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cris Rink
a cross-country rider
from Alanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What can I say but this light is the best lighting product I have ever seen or used. It's a funtional work of art. JET Lites light up the darkes trails out powering every other light. I can't wait to get the fule gadge. Everyone should have one or even moor. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk Macfarlane
a racer
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The JET lites performed exceptionaly well during the recent 300+ mile Beast of the East adventure race in June, 1998. The lights are far lighter and burn longer than the competition, a combination that our team could not pass up. After the race, a team that we passed at night said, your lights were so bright, we thought you guys were a car coming down the trail! The JET lites exceeded our expectations! Way to go Jim Taylor (President, JET Designs) your illuminating! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just completed my first night ride with the Jet Design Dual Lights (20w/12w). What a fantastic lighting system! The 12w bulb is really all you need, but with the 20w bulb it's super bright. Technical night riding is no problem. The helmet mount is somewhat difficult to install on my Bell EVO-2 Pro helmet, but it works well once on. I have called JetDesigns and it is being redesigned. The new mount will be out in a couple of months. An Epic Mid-Summer's Night Dream Ride is in my near future, made possible through the purchase of another battery (the battery 'pouch' can hold two batteries!). Total run-time using two batteries and a 12w bulb is 226 minutes, or 3 3/4 hours!Construction is truly 'bombproof', and all parts are servicable. If you call Jet ask them to explain how the fuel gage works, its revolutionary in its accuracy. Service is quick, and painless. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Kelly
a weekend warrior
from Rio Linda, California
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a triathlete first, then a road rider, but since picking up a set of Jet Lights I'm hooked on night mountain bike riding. We mostly do the trails in the Auburn and Cool area. Last year I spent the whole boring winter on an indoor trainer and this year I'm spending it screaming down single track at night. If you're thinking about night riding you should try it, it's great. If you're thinking about buying lights check out Jet Lights they are the best I've seen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a weekend warrior
from Placerville, CA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This product is awesome! I picked one up at the Napa World Cup vendor booth and my NiteRider has been on the shelf ever since. Great modular design and quality workmanship - bomber fits here. For mountain bike riding you can't beat the light weight dual beam mount for the helmet, it's point and shoot. Just load it up in the Mountainsmith pack and I'm out for a good 2 hours, it's brighter than the NiteRider to boot. Looking forward to adding a fuel gauge and high output battery. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Elder
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento, California
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Jet Light is awesome and if you don't believe me just check out their reviews in the magazines. I've been riding with a dual beam Jet Light for over a year and it has worked great. You can start with a single beam spot light and upgrade anytime to a dual beam with a flood light without having to buy a whole new system. I just added their new fuel gage and it pluged right into my old system, no problem. The fuel gage is well thought out and it blinks at you as you pass though different zones of battery life so you always know exactly were you stand on time (unlike other fuel gages that leave you guessing).Modular design for easy upgrades, lightest weight, brightest light, well thought out design features and very stylish, a definite 5 chili peppers.Check them out @ www.jetdesigns.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a cross-country rider
from Fairfax, CA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Jet Design lights are bright and lite. They are also practically indestructible. The other night I front ended a tree. The light took the impact. After taking an inventory of body parts I checked the bike. The lights were twisted and rearranged by impact. I reassembled and finished the ride with both lights working perfectly. The lights are unbreakable. They are the brightest and best I have seen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After upgrading from my homemade 12W system (which I thought was pretty bright),
I couldn't believe how much brighter these lights are. Installation was a snap, they're very versatile (single, dual connected, dual separated, helmet, etc), and you can't beat the weight! They're not submersible like the NiteRiders, but
they are weatherproof with rubber gaskets/grommets covering all connections. I highly recommend these lights! Check them out at jetdesigns.com. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Holmes
a cross-country rider
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ditto what the other reviewers said. This light rocks. Great pattern, no dark spots. They say an adjustable helmet mount may be on the way, this is all the light needs. My 12w will run just under two hours at constant burn, suits me fine. The light mounts on the forward slope of your helmet so I have yet to hit any trees with it yet. Great light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a downhiller
from South Carolina
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These lights are the BOMB!!! They are light weight, bright, tough, modular and you can't beat the customer service (name another company that you can call and the owner picks up the phone!!!) I also did alot of checking before going w/ the Jet lites, and boy am I glad! the light modules are only 2oz each! that means you can have a dual beam light on your helmet (helmet mounts the way to go BTW) and not even notice the weight of the thing! the battery is also the lightest, and most powerful one on the market. It weighs something like 18 oz! so the entire system is only 22 oz! the battery is also 13.4Volts compaired to the other systems 12 v, this give you a brighter, whiter light at a lower wattage. I've ridden w/ a guy that has a 15watt nightrider, and my 12 watt spot is brighter!. The light pattern is perfect too! the 12watt spot is not too narrow, and it has not dark spots at all. The 20 watt spot is just Amazing, it is so bright that I can ride some technical decents almost as fast at night during the day! Turn em both on at once and I scare furry woodland creatures! (they all wonder what the hell I'm doing anyway!)
anyway Great Product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C.L.P
a cross-country rider
from LaGrande, Or
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have compared these lights to alot of the other major brands , and there is just no other words to say , these lights kick ass!!!!! Their only fault is I wish you could have a little more run time , you only get 1:53 on the 12 watt spot , less than an hour with the duals running .But as bright as they are you only really need the single 12 watt going . Great product !!!! | | Overall Rating: |
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