Description:The DiNotte Endurance Series takes LED lighting to a whole new level. All Endurance Series lights use lithium-ion batteries for incredibly long burn times from such a small package. Endurance lights are stackable so you can start with one system and simply add the parts you need to make your own custom
solution.
Submitted by
PacNWRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville, WA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mostly Commuting
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Direct from Dinotte
Strengths:
Lightweight, great battery life, Lithium Ion batteries are awesome
Weaknesses:
Price is a little high, but not bad when compared to warrentee and toughness over a couple years constant use. I would have liked a slightly brighter light for the price as I can't really ride faster than 15-17 mph in total dark comfortably.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to mention
Bike Setup:
3 bikes, used for commuting 4-5 days a week (Road, expedition, recumbent trike). All weather, a lot of Pacific Northwese Rain
Bottom Line:
All I can say is “WOW”!
I love my Dinotte light system. I have been using the commuter set (front and rear) flasher for almost 2 years, and I still haven’t found anything better. I commute almost daily, year round, rain or shine, here in the Pacific Northwest, and the Dinotte lights have been my daily lights. In two years, I have had almost NO issues (other than other cyclists stopping me to ask what awesome taillight I’m using ? ). The front light is just fine for normal commuting speeds (15-18mph in total unlit dark trails).
I have had 2 minor issues, but with the amount of year-round, “all weather” use, I found those to be a minimal inconvenience, which is an amazing testament to the value and durability of the system. I had one battery (2 cell lithium ion), fail to accept a charge after about a year of constant use, and Rob (contact through customer service), immediately sent me out a new one under warrantee. I had it in a couple days, and I couldn’t appreciate the fast service more. I also recently had an issue with my rear flasher, where the electrical cable was slightly pulling out of the back of the light. It was still working, but I was worried about the rain, so I put a little epoxy on it and contacted Rob again. He had me send it in and they REPLACED it with the newest version! I expected they would repair it, but you can imagine my surprise when they REPLACED it. I couldn’t be happier with the response and speed to which it was sent out! I appreciated them sending it out as I didn’t feel as safe on my daily commute without it.
What more can I say… I love the product, and don’t see myself buying any other brand lights… maybe in the future I’ll upgrade to the newer, more powerful models, but with the amazing performance and reliability considering my daily use, the second-to-none customer service and them standing behind their top notch warrantee (I haven’t found a warrantee better on any other products, particularly the batteries), Dinotte has secured my long term confidence in their products.
I must also say that based on my “in office” testimonials and demoing the lights, I’ve made several other Dinotte converts around here, which is amazing considering how picky some of my friends are with their gear! Well done!
Keep up the amazing product line and service…
4 value rating due to initial price... but definitely worth it if you can afford it! I'd love to try some of the newer, more powerful models at some point.
MP
Woodinville, Wa
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
balletdude
a Racer
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
there's so many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
bright, small, easy to mount, long battery life, looks good too
Weaknesses:
a little hard to see around corners when descending but I don't really need to be going that fast at night anyway
Similar Products Used:
nothing that would compare
Bike Setup:
too many to write
Bottom Line:
This lite is awesome! cars see you and wait for you to go by instead of pulling out in front of you, and pedestrians wait too. I will never ride at night without it again. the battery life is fantastic, I only have to charge it once or maybe twice a week.
cars will flash their high beams at you cause it's so bright. and your friends will hate you when they look back.
the 3 blinking modes are pretty good, I rarely use the first one which is just an on and off slow blink. the second is much faster and has the light on the low setting with the bright as the flash. the third is like a blinking rave fast enough to give someone a seizure.
all are extremely visible and I recommend this light to all my friends.
though I could see this light not having quite as much side to side lighting to take sharp corners while mountain biking at high speeds it suits me quite well on my road bike even fast descents at night
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Staniszewski
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville, CA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill Divide
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Dinotte Lights
Strengths:
Good durability, long run times, light weight, bright enough for me!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Trail Rat, NiteRider Classic Plus
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 9.8, full carbon, full XTR
Bottom Line:
I tried the AA rechargeable route with Dinotte. It was very good, but changing out the battery packs was a bit frustrating, particularly in 24 hour races. The li-ion setup with the secure connectors is the way to go. This is better than fumbling to try to get the NiteRider connections (with the flat section) trying to line up, and it is as or more secure. The brightness of the lights is certainly adequate (I run two bar and one helmet mount) and is good enought for anyone. I am so pleased with this system, particularly compared to the the new NiteRider LED systems, that it is the best. The value and customer service provided by Dinotte is by far better than NiteRider - it took them several days to respond to any email questions I had from them. Dinotte responds within a day, or sooner. Rob responded to emails I sent with questions at midnight! Their customer service and response to help with problems is unparelelled. I started with the AA rechargeable setup, and Rob counseled me to convince me that that was not the way to go for the money I was spending. Good work Dinotte! They realize that what you think and how you ride matters.
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Submitted by
Joe Miller
a Racer
from Benicia, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Super lightweight, highly adjustable, bright, super long run times, multiple mounting options... My light with battery only weighs 6.5 ounces!
Weaknesses:
Not cheap, not the very brightest lights out, but bright, with the weight tradeoff...
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn X3/X
Bike Setup:
Lights used for 24 hours racing, double centuries, mtb at night
Bottom Line:
Awesome, lightweight lights. I highly recommend. The lights weigh 2 ounces, and 2 hr battery weighs 4.5 ounces, and the 4 hr battery weighs 9 ounces. Can run multiple lights off one battery. This works well when riding thru really dark areas or on fast decents, where you can flip on 2 lights off 1 little 2 hour battery, then cut one or dim them both or whatever. also, I run 1 helmet light, and the battery is so light I also mount it to helmet, or easily drop it into a jersey pocket...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Wilton, NH, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I use this product on the road, primarily for commuting. In addition I use the DiNotte tail light and amber front light for additional visibility. Some part of the route is on a busy road (the Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Wal-Mart trail) and some part is on unilluminated country roads. I have the light mounted on my helmet. Overall I've been very impressed. I like it much more than my helmet mounted HID light, which is now in semi-retirement. Having the battery on the helmet vs in my jersey pocket is a big improvement. The whole system is pretty light, but the battery on the back seems to counterbalance the weight of the light, so the helmet doesn't slip around. The tailight and amber font light work very well. I've been using them in pulse mode for daytime commuting. So far I'm not dead, so I get they are working well.
Weaknesses:
The battery on the helmet slipped off once - the velcro strap didn't quite do the trick. I called DiNotte and they are sending me a nylon case for the light, which should help.
Similar Products Used:
Various NightRider products (including Torch)
Bike Setup:
Trek Carbon bike
Bottom Line:
The service from DiNotte has been outstanding. I orginally had a single battery to drive the front / rear lights. I didn't like having so many cables on my bike, so they sent me two seperate batteries (no charge to me).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
DiNotte
Strengths:
I have Polar wireless bike computer and typically have problems with all digital bike lights except for DiNotte 5W Lithium bike light, which I am very pleased with. Not to mention the compact size of the light itself, in addition, to the battery. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a light that is compact but produces a lot of light, in addition, to the weight savings from the standard bike light battery.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider
Bike Setup:
Road Bike with a Polar wireless Bike computer with a single DiNotte 5W Lithium bike light
Bottom Line:
A must have if you are looking for a good ultra small, light weight bike light that produces the same quality if not better light than a standard halogen light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cts
a Racer
from da UP Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
- Weight - Run time - Compact, robust design - Reasonably priced
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Various NiteRider lights
Bike Setup:
Trek EX9/Homegrown
Bottom Line:
- Foremost in my selection of light were durabilty and run time. diNotte's metal housing and simple mounting convinced me that even if I took a nasty spill, the light would keep shining even if I didn't.
- With regards to run time: I had no desire to be swapping out helmets and battery packs at all hours of the night. While 6 hours at full beam wasn't going to get me through the night (though the 12 hours at the slightly reduced low beam would have), I did purchase a second battery - giving me a solid 12 hours of full power.
- Even after 8 hours of continuous use, the added weight of the light on my helmet was not noticeable.
- Granted, the light isn't as bright as an HID, but it was certainly bright enough for me. Although I used just one 5W light in my first 24 hour race, I might consider a second 3 or 5W light for the bars in my next race for added illumination.
- All in all a great product. As others have mentioned, Rob at dinotte provides great support and is a pleasure to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Gaudio
a Racer
from Niantic, CT US Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
DiNotte Directly
Strengths:
Realistically priced for a high end light Small compact design Easily mounts securely to bike or helmet Superior run times VERY light weight Bright white light Great output even on low power
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses? Well I am still looking for one….and still can’t find it!
Similar Products Used:
I have tried and still own NiteRider and others. Hello Ebay!
Bike Setup:
Very Easy
Bottom Line:
In my opinion this lighting system is the “best bang for the buck”. For me weight is a major factor. Why have a frame that weighs 2.5 pounds and then carry a lights that weighs over 3 pounds. I like to run a helmet light and a one on the bars. With my NiteRider I loose bottle cage with my handlebar-mounted light. And I still need a heavy battery pack in my jersey for the helmet light. The DiNotte light’s battery pack is so small the recommended location is under the stem! The helmet light and battery is so light it can go on the helmet. You also get an extension cable if you choose to put it in your jersey.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelley
a
from Mystic, Ct Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
The Nice Bright White light that it produces compact and light form of the aluminum housing battery packs are small light and powerful
Weaknesses:
A little pricey but you get all you pay for in quality, performance and support
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider
Bike Setup:
LiteSpeed Appalachian Cross Bike set up for touring.
Bottom Line:
It is the best bicycle lighting system on the market that I could fine. I have been shopping, reading reviews and trying to decide what to buy when I came across the DiNotte Lighting Ultra 5 Lithium system. I became convinced this was the lighting system to go with after I read the technical specs and started to understand the significance of the stated run time the lithium Ion batteries would deliver. I am very pleased with the field tests of the actual run times, my run times easily surpass the manufacturers claimed run time. It will nice not to have to do panic battery charges late on a winter's day to support an emergent Winter after work ride. The mounting system for a helmet mount is very simple to setup, nice. Same with the bar mount system. The o-ring mounting allows the light to adapt to most anytrhing. If you ride single track, double track or road this light will work for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenneth Silvestri
a Racer
from Niantic, CT USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
Very light weight compared to other lights with 12-hour burn times Compact design. Quality billet aluminum construction. Burn times of 6+ hours on Low and 12+ hours on High Low is only a 30% reduction in power and still is very bright Easy reliable mounting on bars or helmet Light enough that the light and battery can be comfortably worn on the helmet Clean bright white light Best put…Small, light weight and bright
Weaknesses:
Still looking for a weakness...sorry
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider HID & halogen, Cateye, others
Bike Setup:
Very easy
Bottom Line:
First of all I would like to qualify my review of this product. I am an avid cyclist consistently logging in over 7000 miles a year. Over the past 20 years I have purchased countless lighting systems for my cycling adventures both on and off road.
I currently own two NiteRider systems (HID and Halogen) and various other less expensive alkaline powered lights. None of the less expensive lights (i.e. Cateye EL500) have enough output to “safely” ride at any speed over 15 mph. You simply over drive your headlight.
The NiteRider halogens have the output but don’t last long on high power. The HID systems offer great light and last longer but weigh as much as a small child. And, lets not forget the cost of an HID. Still a nice lighting system no doubt.
I recently purchased the DiNotte 5 watt Endurance System for a 24 hour UMCA race. All I can say is wow! This is the light I have been looking for. Super light weight and a nice clean compact design. You can very comfortably carry the light AND battery pack on your helmet! Try that with a MOAB and you will break your neck. The manufacture’s advertised burn times are actually slightly conservative. Expect more than 6 hours on high power and 12 hours of white light on low. Unlike a halogen’s dull yellow light when on low these still have 70% of the light output in this mode. Twice the burn time and only 30% less light output.
Before I purchased the light I called DiNotte for additional product information. Here again a big two thumbs up for this company. They answered my questions, helped me make the right choice and delivered promptly.
The O-Ring mounting system works great and makes mounting the light a snap even in tight spots near cables.
If I sound a little over enthusiastic…well I am. These are terrific pieces of quality made equipment. If they are good enough for RAAM (Race Across America) pro riders they must be good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Levy
a Cross Country Rider
from Utica, MIchigan, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Direct from DiNotte
Strengths:
Great headlight by every measure - very bright, very powerful, high visibility, long battery run time (6 hours on high - just as advertised!). Ingenious design - highly compact, extremely lightweight, easy mount on handlebar, small battery pouch velcro's on to handlebar stem.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Many over the years - NiteRider, Light & Motion, CygoLite, Cateye, etc.
Bike Setup:
Trek 5500 road bike
Bottom Line:
This is absolutely, without question, the best light I've ever used (and I have tried many, that's for sure). I commute 56 miles by bike each way to work 3 - 4 days a week. In the morning I leave my house at 3:45 a.m. So I definitely need a light that's bright, has long burn times and charges quickly. The DiNotte Ultra 5 Lithium gives me this and a whole lot more. And at $299, it is definitely a bargain (have you looked lately at wahat others are charging for their high-end Lithium/Ion systems? $500 or more, easily).
Buy this light. You'll be very happy you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MP
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville, Wa Date Reviewed: July 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Factory Direct
Strengths:
- Bought a package - Included Front 5W light, 3W red tail light, large and small Lithium batteries, cables, charger - Nuclear Tail Light Flasher. This is the best to date I've tried. It is VERY bright, and very noticeable - Ease of mounting. Rubber mounts work on any bar. Great concept - Small battery, good life (rated 6 hours for front 5W) - Bright front light (haven't tried on full dark night yet, but it works as a great flasher during the day). - Rob at Dinotte is great to work with, very responsive to customer needs, answered all questions timely.
Weaknesses:
- Isn't cheap (I'm not saying it isn't worth the money, just that it isn't cheap :P ), and not a lot of reliability tests out there, but it does have a 2 year warrantee, so it's a "small" weakness, but if it continues to perform, it'll be my last system :). - Depending on where you have to place the rear light, it may "touch" your leg when spinning (on the DF bike). Not bad enough to not buy the light, but you have to watch placement.
Similar Products Used:
- Tried a number of other lights, Cateye, Vega, but I like the front/rear combo.
Bike Setup:
- LeMond Big Sky SL, stock components with fenders, commuting gear (current daily commuter, 25 miles) - Greenspeed GT3 trike (new winter commuter)
Bottom Line:
Buy this light, you won't be dissappointed. Even though I haven't used it yet on a dark night, I don't have any worries about it as my commuter light. The cables are robust, and connectors (on teh Lithium batteries), are really strong and weather resistant too.
The rear red flasher is awsome. On a dark, tree covered 2 lane road of about 10% grade I have to go up, once I started using the red flasher in the back, cars stop about 4 car lengths back. NEVER did that with my TL1000 light even.
This is a great commuter light. I commute on both unlit bike trail and surface streets (with and without bike lanes).
I don't offroad/etc, but I can see the duo front with a helmet light probably working just fine for that.
It is a great value when you compare it to HIDs (when purchasing as a package like I did with the rear light). I am not dissapointed to date, and I looked at a lot of lights before buying this set.
$
Overall Rating:
