32/20/12w Dual Beam System with 4.5Ah NiMH Smart Battery
The DP-12LCD is NiteRider's most technologically advanced lighting system. This system includes a 6th generation 8 bit microprocessor, backlit LCD display, smart battery technology and new Micro-Brute race charger allowing rapid battery charging. The LCD display shows remaining burn time or percent remaining, light output level and battery level. Time remaining is constantly updated providing greater accuracy.
Features
NEW Soft Green Backlit LCD control panel displays light output level, remaining burn time and battery level
NEW Two button remote for safe, simple and convenient adjustment of light level
New SurLok Connectors
MicroBrute™ 5hr charger with In-Vehicle charging optional
NEW 4.5Ah Nickel-Metal Hydride Rechargeable water bottle Smart Battery
6 light levels: 6/9/12/20/32 watts and Walking mode
10 step Fuel Gauge w/low battery warning and up to 15 minutes Reserve at 6 watts
CamLok™ QR handlebar mount
Over-discharge protection greatly increases battery life
Bulb SoftStart prolongs bulb life
Blown-Bulb sensing automatically switches to good bulb
Commuter Safety Flasher, SOS beacon plus walking mode
System weight: 40oz. (Mount, Light head & Battery)
Strengths: Definitely NOT customer service or repair.
Weaknesses: It needs a lot of customer service and repair, bringing us back to (see above).
Bottom Line:
So the folks at the Night Rider CS and repair department are either completely incompetent, or else they go out of their way to screw with people sending in things for repair.
Three weeks ago I sent in a battery for repair. I spent lots of money for this ‘new’ battery to replace the old battery that turned off every time I hit a bump. The new battery is less than a year old. After not hearing from NR for two weeks, I called. “Yep, it’s got a broken connector” they told me. “We fixed it, but we need money from you.” It isn’t covered by the warranty. I asked why, and they told me the battery was too old. I explained that it was less than a year old, but the guy told me the date code (1605) on the battery says it’s over a year old so it isn’t under warranty. Once I produced the correct RMA from the pile of RMAs for NR on my computer, he was unable to further contest that the battery was in fact less than a year old. He then told me the battery warranty was only 180 days. True I said, but it’s a connector, not the battery, that failed. He said I’d need to pay. I told him to take the repaired cable off and send it back to me and I’d install a connector that actually worked on it myself.
NiteRider’s warranty website states: "1-Year Warranty: Cables and Connectors, electronic components, printed circuit boards & HID bulbs and ballasts."
Pretty clear to me.
Yes you read that correctly. They sold me an old (date coded April) battery for full price in November, then wouldn’t cover it under warranty because it was too old! Even thought the part is under warranty per their own printed policy! Nice little scam they have going there. But it gets better!
I yelled, screamed, threatened to write nasty letters, all in a very nice, professional phone voice and the guy on the other end, who sounded like he could care less, told me they’d comp the repair. Cool I think, they’re actually a stand-up company doing the customer right. Wrong.
I just received the ‘repaired’ battery and the cable is too short to even reach the headlamp! They shipped the battery with a new cable that is only a foot long as opposed to the coiled, much longer stock version! I have half a mind to drive to San Diego and bludgeon someone with it personally!!! Actually, I think I’ll just make this forum my blog each time I’m wronged by the lovely folks at NR.
Strengths: Great when it works. Flash mode is amazingly efficient at making me visible in traffic. Rear tail light is super bright. Bulbs and head unit are bombproof.
Weaknesses: Breaks too often to be reliable. Leaves me in the dark regularly. Lights go out when I hit bumps. Recharging is cumbersome. Connector side loads against headset when handlebars are turned, causing failure. Requires a solid backup system to be mounted at all times. Batteries break and are un-repairable. Replacements cost $100 bucks. Tech guys tell you to squeeze the connector with vice grips to make it work right, then tell you it's a good design and want to charge you 20+ bucks to replace it after you finally realize it isn't ever going to work right.
Bottom Line:
This is a great lighting system when/if it happens to be working. Repairs are needed often and are expensive. Requires a backup system to be installed at all times for those times when it fails. This is my fourth failure in six years. I expect a lot more quality for the money. Will probably not purchase this brand again.
Similar Products Used: 3W superbright headlamps mounted on helmet never give me a problem.
Bike Setup: This bike is my daily driver. Don't drive the car unless I can't do it on my bike. Regular steel frame mountain bike with lights, reflectors, and more reflectors.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Poconos, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006
Strengths: Good idea that battery fits in waterbottle cage.
Weaknesses: Waterbottle style battery is junk!!!
Bottom Line:
I used this light system 5 times, if I'm lucky. The battery needed charging, but my microbrute charger would not charge it. I sent it back to Niterider so they could "Power boost" it. They called me and told me that it can't be recharged, basically it is trash now, but they did tell me that I could replace the battery for $190. $190?? You're kidding me. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from this company. Products are way overpriced.
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Audubon, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Strengths: Durability, Weather Resistance, Many Light Output Levels, Ease of use. When charged and running smoothly, the unit performs like a champ for road commutes. Very bright light. Drivers will think you are a motorcycle at 20W or 32W setting.
Weaknesses: You must charge the unit at least once a month or else you will have to go through the 10 to 12 charging cycles over again to reach the theoretical 100% charge level. I have also read in another review that the pins must be aligned just right. I suspect this is true, since I sometimes notice the micro-brute charger is lit green when it should be red from a near zero level battery. When I reseated the cable, the problem was solved, and the battery was being charged. Anyway, if you are not the type of person that has a good deal of patience, I would not recommend this unit. If you like to solve problems on your own, then maybee. Run times are not as good as claimed. I have never attained the full 10 bars of charge capacity, but 9 isn't too bad.
Bottom Line:
Not reliable enough for the price tag. Read many reviews before making a good lite purchase.
Similar Products Used: No, but have a simple LED light just in case the system needs a tune up.
Bike Setup: Cannondale RUSH 400. Awsome Bike!
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Submitted by
Richard Melhuish
a Weekend Warrior
from Modesto California
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005
Strengths: Fabulous lighting. Got the tail light also.Great Customer Service. Even though my light had a problem out of warranty they fixed it right away....at no charge !!
Weaknesses: Cable connectors have to be lined up dead on ,other wise it's possible to get the dreaded error message on the control head.
Bottom Line:
Two things. My unit required me to calibrate the unit after xxx amount of hours. Don't bother....That procedure contributed to my recent problem I beleive. Also the BIG ONE !! Be very carefull plugging the battery into the lamp etc. If yopu mis-align those pins on the cables the unit will give you error messages. Although Niterider recommends you unplug it when not in use, I leave mine connected all the time. I commute daily so the battery drain is minimal. So my advice.....when connecting the battery SLOW DOWN and make sure the two cables are lined up. After doing this I have had zero problems........Two Thumbs up to Niterider for their service........Happy Customer in California.
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2004
Strengths: Lights up the trail! Good info from LCD. Easy to adjust light output. Goes into reserve mode at low battery or if there is a problem.
Weaknesses: Reliability, but Niterider knew of problem and was quick to fix
Bottom Line:
The DP12 LCD has everything I need in a light and more! It provides a ton of light, the LCD gives all the information I want, and the light has safety features if needed. I did need the reserve mode two weeks ago unfortunately. Turns out the programming in the light's circuits failed and it required a reboot. I have an an early version of the DP12 so I had to send it in for the reboot. Niterider was very responsive with an RMA and fixed it within a week. They even upgraded the circuitry to the newer version so I can do a reboot on the trail if needed.
In addition to the DP12, I have a Digital Headtrip and just bought a Cyclone HID so my two sons can ride with me. I would not consider anything but a Niterider because they are the best, and they take care of their customers!
Similar Products Used: NightSun (customer service attitude caused me to switch to Niterider)
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Superlight
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Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004
Strengths: Very reliable
Weaknesses: Heavy. Expensive.
Bottom Line:
This light has operated virtually trouble free for me for over 6 years. The only time it stopped working was when I rode once in torrential rain. I sent it in to NR for repair and I had it back within 10 days. I've blown three bulbs, but the light switches to the other bulb when this happens so you don't even have to stop riding! If you commute or trail ride several evenings a week, then this light is for you.
Bike Setup: Used for commuting and trail riding at night. I also have the Nite Rider tailight attached.
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Submitted by
Jon Heeley
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Strengths: High power (when working)
Weaknesses: Beam pattern too narrow. Flimsy attachment of light to bracket. Incredibly unreliable charging and charge capacity
Bottom Line:
First off I am usually a cheerful optimist. But I have been incredibly disappointed with this product. It has never worked properly despite being returned twice. The main problem is the battery will not charge properly. The battery is supposed to have some sort of'brain' to know how much charge is left, and to just recharge appropriatly just by plugging it to the charger. Well forget that. If there is any juice left in it after a ride it has never charged up fully the next time. The number of times I have come in from work looking forward to a night ride only to see that after being plugged in all day it is only at one third capacity! The only way I have occasionally got it to fully charge is to completly run the thing down prior to recharging. This defeats the object of payimg a premium for the so called smart charger. I returned the product twice through customer service. The charger was replaced with a newer model (no improvement), I have done a battery calibration numerous times (no improvement) More! the light is loose on the mounting bracket causing a slight beam shake when off road. The screw that holds the 'mounting tab' to the light body fell out. What a shoddy design - -one self tapper holding the light on! I bought this product on the strength of the name. Well all I can say is be very careful about your decision!
Submitted by
Elvis Karate
a Racer
from Kalamazoo, MI USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Strengths: The waterbottle battery didn't fall out of the cage when riding.
Weaknesses: Reliability, design, Niteriders lack of customer service.
Bottom Line:
I bought this light about 2 years ago, and it didn't work correctly straight out of the box. The shop sent it back and got another one. I have used it less than one dozen times and it seems to have less funtions each time. Currently only the 20 watt light illuminates if the light comes on at all, but for a little while only 32 watts would illuminate. I was 24 hour Wisconsin 2 weeks ago and the Micro Brute melted at the neutral charging station. I didn't know it was hot until I burned my hand unplugging the thing. I have tried to contact Night rider and they don't care. In talking to the local shops it is the same story, we don't carry Niterider any more because there crap sucks and they wont service the product.
Submitted by
james condino
a Cross Country Rider
from bend, or, usa
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004
Strengths: godd power, two bulbs- agreat system when one burns out
Weaknesses: six month lifespan;fails to live up to its claims;niterider does not boak up its products.
Bottom Line:
I average 200 nights a year of riding on the trail, on the road, and as a daily bike commuter. I have been doing this for about 12 years, so good light systems are not new to me...The bottom line is that I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER LIGHT FROM NIGHTRIDER AGAIN AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND ONE!!!! This makes me sad, because I think they have the best designs and are about the only light that will withstand everyday use in the wet winters of Oregon...This light broke three times in eighteen months. I sent it back and niterider treated me like an idiot. The last time I sent it in, they lost if for several months, returned it and said it worked fine (it didn't work at all), and then when I sent it back they told me that they would not recognize the warranty, but for $200 they could fix the problem. I spent ten years telling everyone I know to buy Niterider lights and selling 100s of them in stores....now I'll spend the next ten years telling everyone to buy anything else!!!!! A bum product once in a while happens, but awfull customer service is another issue...the rumor on the streets is that they were bought out by a couple of corporate dorks who only care about money....
Strengths: When the light works, I appreciate the multiple wattage levels and ease of switching. This feature extends battery life.
Weaknesses: Entirely unreliable. I sent it back once for repair, but there has been no change in the results. The light goes out for no apparent reason too frequently. I've relied on tricks to fix it, but I'm giving up.
Weaknesses: Totally unreliable. 3 of us have the same set-up and all three of us have had problems! These lights are junk. They consistently fail without warning. Replacement batteries are expensive.
Bottom Line:
Don't do it!! I also have the Digital Head Trip as do 2 of my friends and each of us have had to send those back for repairs. At least they didn't charge us for the repairs but that is a small price for potentially getting left in the dark on a trail 15 miles from home! Nightrider needs to work on their reliability. I demo'd the Jet several years ago and that will be my next light.
Strengths: Has never worked long enough for me to find out!
Weaknesses: Unreliability, battery, digital lamp control and charger have all failed at different times. Response from Nightrider or UK distributor (not trading anymore) has always been reluctant and delayed. Have had to buy cheaper lamps to keep going on the bike at night.
Bottom Line:
I currently have this £250 setup out of use and am ordering a £70 Smart system to keep me going. Problems have been: Lamp control failed - replaced after I sent it back. *Battery failed - complete new system supplied (I am not mentioning the difficulty that I had convincing them that it was not some mis-use on my part that had affected the lights) *Light control failed, stuck on 12 watt setting, I lived with that, at least it worked and I could ride. *Battery still discharges quickly if left for say 2 days off charger. If I left it on the charger the light would go out and the trickle top-up charge was not taking place. I'd find out when I had less that half a charge when going out *Now the charger has melted and I am stuck without lights. *Niterider are steadfastly are refusing to answer my emails. The UK distributor has a disconnected phone and no website anymore, so i assume they have ceased trading. The shop where I bought the lights has also ceased trading, so I'm kind of up a gum tree without a paddle, if I may mix my metaphors.
Similar Products Used: No other high end lights used
Bike Setup: Various road bikes
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Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Modesto California
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003
Strengths: System gives excellent visibility
Weaknesses: Have to disconnect cables daily to conserve battery life
Bottom Line:
Various issues in the beginning terminating in a melted charger. Calibration seemed impossible. Finally mailed it back. Had a great response from NR and unit was fixed outside of the warranty period and returned to me promptly at no charge. My confidence in the product is returning although I have not calibrated the battery yet. If it is'nt broken why dicker with this step?? I use it daily to commute with. Works very well now and no complaints afetr 3 months of daily use. Customer Service was prompt. I would agree that a 1 800 number is reasonable.....even a tube of toothgpaste has one of those!! Would buy from them again based on the Customer Service I received....If you buy this system you MUST get the tailight and extension cable if on a rack. If safety is a concern this unit RULES. Probably was sent to market without any BETA (in field) testing I imagine.
