The Hilux 30 NiCad is the top of the line rechargeable headlight system providing 30 watts of high intensity illumination with an easy-to-mount NiCad water bottle battery. Designed specifically for the most extreme off-road adventure, this sleek, lightweight, compact system offers the durability and reliability of conquering the toughest trail. Features independent ON/OFF switching, a high beam remote thumb switch, and the choice of 3 different beam patterns: 20w narrow, 10w wide, 30w combined -allowing you complete control over your system.
The Hilux 30 Gel-Cel is a high-end rechargeable 30-watt dual beam headlight system designed specifically for style, speed, and most importantly high performance. This state-of-the-art, high-powered system comes with a frame mount Gel-Cel battery pack and features an easy-to-use high beam remote thumb switch for the serious off-road adventurer.
Submitted by
Jesse Voss
a Racer
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: December 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Klondike Bluffs or Slickrock, Moab
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Boise, Id
Strengths:
Pretty much bombproof (see weaknesses below for exception). The 12V NiCad is still going strong after 10 yrs (originally bought it in '95). When you're riding on relatively straight trails/tracs/roads in total darkness there's nothing like 30W of portable sunshine illuminating the way ahead far enough so that you can jamb along at 23-28 mph and not overdrive your headlights. For the rest of the time either the 20W, or 10W will do nicely. Say you're riding 10 miles of a 20 mile to/from work commute in the dark - you'll have to recharge every 3-4 days. Full recharge in 9 hrs.
Weaknesses:
Not many, but would like to switch out the NiCad for a Litium/Ion Battey with a "smart charger" - faster charging and probably double the burn time in the same size package. ALSO - DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FALL INTO THE BAD HABIT OF PULLING LIGHT AND BATTERY OFF IN ONE PIECE AND STICKING INTO YOUR TIGHTLY PACKED BOB TRAILER OR PANIERS.
THESE LIGHTS ARE NOT JUST BRIGHT, BUT THEY GET HOT, AND THEY WILL NOT CARE IF THEY BURN RIGHT THROUGH THE BAG YOU PUT THEM IN, THE ROLLED UP AIR MATTRESS NEXT TO THEM, AND ALSO HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE BATTERY CASING EITHER. MY BATTERY'S CASING HAS A MELTED IMPRESSION OF THE LIGHTS PRESSED IN ABOUT 1/4" - AND IN ADDITION TO HOLES IN A COUPLE OF STUFF BAGS - MY AIR MATTRESS HAS 3 PATCHES ON IT.
Similar Products Used:
Cygolite's Rover and RoverWB (I bought the NiteRoverWB for my wife and for average speeds ~10 to 18 mph it's just fine. Someday I'd like to try out one of the verious "BLOWTORCH" or "LAZER OF GOD" hi-tech arc-lamps (helmet mounted) for some off road single track.
Bike Setup:
Bike 1: Ultegra Bianchi Roadbike (Road Racing, Road Rides), Steel '89 Giant frame w/ XT stuff and steel fork set up for fast city riding and/or touring (I use this bike to travel in Europe or CA set up so bike/bob/paniers weigh ~140 lbs (wife caries her compact and contact lense stuff). Full suspension mountain bike.
Bottom Line:
There's alot of lights - but this one is mine - I've used it for 10 yrs w/o problem (except when I didn't take into account just how powerful it is). There are "higher tech" lights out there with smart charge capabilities - but you have to decide if the extra price you pay is worth not having to plug in your battery when you drag yourself in - and put it back on the next day when you head back you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Extremely short run time Extremely long charge time
The only way I would reccomend this light is if they had a friend who they rode with who had a nite-rider or other competent light. This light has never held a charge for more than 1 hour and 15 minutes. It takes over 18 hours to charge and has left me out on the trail in the pitch dark on two occasions. Spend the extra money (on a Nite Rider HID for example) initially and you will be thankful you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Lasoni
a
from PA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
wissahickon park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very good product all around.
Weaknesses:
The need to look after the battery when charging. You can't charge it more than the proper time or else :(
Similar Products Used:
compaired to friends lights (nighthawk, cygolite)
Bike Setup:
Kona dlux
Bottom Line:
Great lights for the cash. Bright and long lasting. Also check out the reviews for SSB Cygolite Hilux30 on mtbr.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Morreno
a Cross Country Rider
from NYC Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
screwball
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
yellowjersey.org
Strengths:
Bright 30 watts or power, Cheap, High quality!! High beam thumb swich.
Weaknesses:
The Gel-cel battery may not fit on large tube frames. Doesn't have a auto charger.....but its not THAT bad!!!
Similar Products Used:
cheap stuff and over priced stuff
Bike Setup:
Joker---XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
This is a high quality light system that I used all winter long without a problem. I bought the Ni-Cad Battery system and it works great. The highbeam thumb swich is VERY usefull and has really improved the speed of my rides. The battery on low lasts around the 3 hours that is advertised. It lasts 2 hours of 60/40 use swiching from HI to Low beams. I researched all over and this is the BEST BUY out of them all! For the price you can't beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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