-2 Power Settings
-Peened Aluminum Reflector
-Low Battery Warning / Auto Shut-Off
-Super Powerful and Light 9 cell Lithium ion Battery
-Handlebar and Helmet Mounts Included
-4 hour Turbo Charger
Weights:
Battery: 475g
Light w/ bar mount: 185g
Total system weight: 660g
Watts / Light Output (Lumens) / Run Time (Hours):
13.5 / 675 / 5.0hrs
10.0 / 550 / 6.0+hrs
Submitted by
akdeluxe
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle River, Alaska Date Reviewed: November 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
STA Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$509.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Run Time
Brightness
Beam
Interfaces
Customer service
Weaknesses:
"Break away" mounting system very fragle
Similar Products Used:
ARC
Night Sun
Bike Setup:
Pugsly
Turner
many others
Bottom Line:
Good customer service. Nice people at other end of telephone line. Easy to plug in. BRIGHT!Just one thing I dislike. The break away disc is way to fragle. I have broken two.In one week. One by trying to adjust lamp angle by grabing head...my bad maybe. The other was lightly bumping lamp when loading bike into back of car. And I mean lightly.I think the ability to pivot the lamp on the mount serves little or no advantage. That movable interface is the weak link. Be rid of it and it could be the best light in the whole world!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Li Asa
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: March 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
"The sun in the dark ." This is what my friends call this . And they hate to ride in front of me , cause they can only see their own body shadow , that effects to their path-seeing .
Weaknesses:
there are 2 major problems : 1) a bit weak . after 1 year usage , around 2 times a month . the light is error , sent back to L&M . They found that the "ballast" is overheated that caused to the damage . What ? Overheated ...... ya ... sounds unacceptable for me . 2) A taste of expensive for repairing fee .... it took US$120 to ship back and get it done . I understand that's worthy to pay for the brightness + safety , but .... a Blackburn LED light set is only $99 in JensonUSA clearance sale .
Similar Products Used:
1) Cateye Spotlight system 2) Blackburn x6 borrow from my friend at the repairing-period . 3) Surefire U2 / L5
Bike Setup:
Nomad + 5.0air + 36Talas
Bottom Line:
This is an absolute-choice if u are chasing for the brightness !! This is real bright ! easy to use , easy to set up , fast charging and long life time .
After u double-click to turn it on , u will only hear wind breeze on the bike and ur riding-mates say "shXt .... Don't turn ur head to me !!!!!! it's fuXking bright !!! it blinds me !!"
The brightness really can satisfy u to ride as fast as in the day time . Somehow , i felt i ride faster in the dark . Cause i can only see the Spot-point , concentration is so high !
And the L&M customer service is good too . Just , I've to "pay" for the brightness . The value now is $500+120 = $620 . I can buy 2 sets of Li-ion LED set to beat the hid-brightness , though a little bit heavier , but it's more safe . If one LED gone , another acts like a back up ! I can accept no more error to ride in the dark . Previous time , the HID gets sick in the dark mountain path , luckily i have a surefire U2 in my pack . *** Remember to bring a back-up light .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Berkeley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Oat Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
CycleMonkey.com
Strengths:
Cheap compared to hospital visit. Bomber strap is fast to get battery on and off. For every reason you want a light, this light excels!
Weaknesses:
It would be nice if the cord could unplug from the light head. Battery life is so long I am in danger of forgetting when I charged it last, but that's MY weakness, not the battery's.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 0, Giant Trance, Giant STP. All perfect in their own way. Giant = best welds and alignment.
Bottom Line:
Every positive point below is correct and has me nodding my head. Visibility, beam pattern, battery life, brightness, all are incredible. This light quadrupled my Winter training hours and I'm stronger this Winter than ever! On the weekends I don't have to use the daylight hours to ride, day or night, they are the same now. On twisty mountain roads at night, oncoming cars dim their headlights thinking there is another car coming around the corner. This light has changed my riding life for the better. You can't put a price on such things, so this light is not only worth every penny, it is downright cheap! I'll wait for the new generation of LEDs to prove themselves, but I'm set for the next few years at least.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
julien
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Project X / Lamma Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle (online)
Strengths:
Rugged light head, solid handle bar mount, international input charger, Very light.... everything they say on the website is true and can be trusted up to a certain extend.
Weaknesses:
This light is made for smooth XC riding, when it starts to shake hard it shows some functional limits: Too much contrats between the spot beam and the wide light flood (see Bottom line). Battery attachment system isn't strong enough to hold the battery tight on rough terrain (if attached on the diagonal tube or the seat tube). Light head moves under heavy vibrations.
Similar Products Used:
Home made 20W halogen
Bike Setup:
Yeti ASR SL - endurance ready!
Bottom Line:
Hong Kong trails are mostly very technical, we are riding at night on paths full of rocks, steep grades, and steps with narrow turns and often generous drops on the side. It's very important to have a wide beam to see the immediate environment and a spot light to see far ahead. Usually one single light mounted on the bar isn't enough, we also need one our helmets. I bought the L&M HID LI-Ion ultra thinking it would fulfill the 2 purpose (according to the reviews) but it doesn't, I still need to use my home made 20W bike light to get enough light flooding the trail on short distance letting me see what's coming up on narrow curves or irregular steps. HID was supposed to be way more powerful than any halogen, 12W HID sold for more than 30W halogen. In fact it's about the same. Light And Motion should work on a model with reflectors that makes a more even spot for slower, more technical kind of riding. The battery fell twice during mu last ride - I'll stick some velcro on the battery itself to avoid it to slide with the vibrations. The light head moves side ways under heavy vibrations (it's certainly adjustable)
Despite these points, the system has huge assets such as its very simple design and its weight for burning time ratio: about 700 grams for 5 to 6 hours is unbeatable.
I'll give it 3 chilies for value - since I still need another light to ride comfortably and a 5 for Overall since it's an excellent product for anyone who doesn't ride on nasty terrain at night.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Parman
a Racer
from Oshkosh, WI Date Reviewed: March 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
as long as my friends are at the beginning and a cold beer is at the end.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Lightweight lighthead, well constructed. Beam travels both far down the road and lights up trail very well. I am very impressed at both the quality and quantity of light. The pattern that is displated is very well thought out. The battery life is what sold me on this light. I had very nice lights before (still use them in conjunction) but the battery life was not where I needed it to be.
Weaknesses:
The light head should be able to be moved from a helmet light to the handlebar light without any tools, however this is not the case. I can understand that they wanted the lowest profile possible with the helmet mount, but feel that with a little bit of engineering they would have been able to come up with something. I would also have liked it much better if the cord came off of both the battery as it does now and the back of the light. This would be useful because on occasion, I would like to take off my helmet, and since I thread the cord through clothing to get it into my back pocket, I would have to take off my jacket to do so, which in the winter can become quite chilly, and digging in my back pocket for the disconnect requires more effort than it should.
Similar Products Used:
Planet Bike Alias and Alias SC. Schwinn Mod Lights
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 circa 2003
Bottom Line:
Although their are a few things that I would like to see improved for this light, for the brightness and sheer safety that it provides at dusk/night I am going to have to recommend this light 100%... People sneer at me when I say that I spent $400 bucks on a bike light, but I tell them that it sure beats a hospital stay, and at least I have a cool light! Getting hit by cars at night is just no fun.
Regards,
jP
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deluxe
a Cross Country Rider
from Gibsonia, PA, USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Still a tough question...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Scholl's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Light beam intensity; weight; simplicity; and customer service.
Weaknesses:
Nothing significant.
Similar Products Used:
NightRider Flight, Evolution, and Dual Beam (Patrol).
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltamontes, blah blah blah
Bottom Line:
This light is incredibly perfect for twisty night single track riding. The central beam is perfectly focused and intense and the outer beam is perfectly round and crisp allowing your eyes time to adjust between dark and light. It outperforms pretty much any light out there (although I have not tried Lupine). The lumen output on the highest setting is damn near close to 700 as opposed to NR's 600 on the Flight (but NR would not give that out - I received that information from a separate source). I switched from the NR Dual Beam bar mount (32W) used in combination with the Evolution helmet mount(with a 15W bulb) because I needed crisper, whiter light, and I must give props to NR for that halogen set up. So I went to the Flight HID despite some crappy reviews, but it was, in fact, terrible. It simply did not perform to the level claimed -there could be no way that threw 600 lumens. The beam was very weak, it flickered, changed color, etc. (and it is much heavier than the L&M also). Could have been just been a bad light that rolled off the line, but who feels like dealing with that crap after shelling out all that dough?
I was directed to L&M and I couldn't be happier. This light completely outperformed the Flight in terms of intensity, clarity, and beam pattern. I did break the helmet mount cranking down on the velcrox strap during installation but their customer service is incredible. Had a new one in two days from CA to PA - they didn't need to see the broken one. I do like the ease of NR's helmet mount system so if there is one area to "improve," maybe L&M can gin up a mount that permits the light to be removed occassionally; but I understand there are some other features associated with their design - such as a break away feature to void damage to the light if you endo - so I can live with that.
You definitely get what you pay for with this light. I highly recommend the Ultra to any and all 24 hour racers and weekend warriors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bIZZYb
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Andersons/ Helenas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Phantomcycles
Strengths:
Battery never goes flat on you in the middle of a ride! Great breakaway system protects the light in the event of a stack
Weaknesses:
Apart from price... none!
Bike Setup:
Giant 2006 Faith 2
Bottom Line:
Perfect if you are looking to do more than a 2 hour ride. Battery lasts for ever. The beam craps all over Halogen light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Gililland
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose,CA. USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All in the Santa Cruz mtn's.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
This is the most awesome light! I've tried less expensive light's and this one is well worth the money... It does a great job of illuminating the trail.
Weaknesses:
The li-ion ultra has a bit of weight due to the battery, but you never worry about it going dead!
Similar Products Used:
Older nite rider.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler.
Bottom Line:
Do your self a favor and shop around. It's alot of money for a light, but in this case you get what you pay for!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike R
a Cross Country Rider
from Akron, Ohio Date Reviewed: December 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Holiday Vally--Bent Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Bike Authority
Strengths:
Bright, even light. Long run times, fast recharging, light weight
Weaknesses:
Turning on the light: "Double-click to ignite" while it's attached to helmet while riding is just begging for an endo.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider HID--3 yrs.
Bike Setup:
Comes with bar and helmet mount
Bottom Line:
The light is insanely bright--it almost takes away from the novelty or experience of riding at night. I usally forget that it's not daylight while riding. Battery re-charges in one hour after 3 hrs of hi-beam use. IF the "on" button was larger, you wouldn't have to stop to turn on light(using helmet mount) Jury is still out on bulb and battry life; but so far it's been great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
I am dangerous
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Bright, long beam pattern down the middle for fast descents, bright on the edges for tight single tracks, battery good even if you forgot to charge it since the last ride.. actually probably good for 4 rides, charges quick, helmet mount tilts all the way down, plug is easy to remove and insert not like my friend's NR Flight, not as blue so it's a bit easier on the eyes, washes out most others' lights on group rides, built to last.. it's almost mil-spec.
Weaknesses:
Too bright. I blind people walking in my direction so I have to look the other way to be polite.
Similar Products Used:
NR Flight.
Bike Setup:
I know high quality =P Intense 5.5 handmade goodness.
Bottom Line:
I go riding by myself to places that my friends think I'm crazy for doing. And it's all thanx to my L&M Arc Li-Ion Ultra. Plus if something were to happen to me while I'm out, I could signal for Batman with this light!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento,CA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe/Sierra Foothills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Very bright and even distribution of light. The center beam is bright enough to light objects 300 feet away, while the peripheral beam lights your surroundings evenly - no dark rings to hide pesky rocks while crossing draws and streams.
Weaknesses:
Light does not detach from bracket for day riding. The price is a hefty blow, but you get what you pay for with this deal. Lights blink 1 minute or so before full power shut down, be prepared if you ride longer than 6 hours.
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider Digital Evolution - on a bad recommendation.
Bike Setup:
Rubber side down, rider up is preferred, but now well executed.
Bottom Line:
I ride single track with this light. I'm not a roadie. This light illuminates objects that were not detectable with other lights, letting you focus on the trail and enjoy the ride. This light has made my transition to winter much more enjoyable. The only thing that compares to it is a car's headlight. It's been reliable for a year, and has excellent battery life (6 hours).
If this is your first light purchase, save you money and buy this light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a Racer
from Fresno, CA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Fantastic light, works every time.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Tried 3 top of the line Niteriders, (2x) Digital LCD Pro and recently a Moab (HID), and they were all total junk. Would not work. Various other halogen and LED.
Bike Setup:
Several bikes, but mainly on a commuter.
Bottom Line:
The Light and Motion HID light is perfect. Works every time. Shines a light from straight down at the ground to 1/2 mile ahead, and 10 feet to either side. The light nearly blinds oncoming traffic, which is good. I run the light daylight, too, for extra visability. I absolutely love this light.
Quite a contrast from the Niterider products I've tried. They are total junk. Recently, I bought a Moab and it would not turn on. More repeats of the run around from customer service I got several years ago when I had the Digital LCD Pros. Those never worked more than few minutes.
No doubt about it, Light and Motion is far, far superior to Niterider. Fewer features, simpler, but hey, they WORK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Southampton Date Reviewed: September 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
*bright white light *amazing run time *i got this model on ebay.com (USA import) for £250 inc delivery! bargain:) *helmet mount's beam adjustment on the fly *beam is consistance spot in the middle and provides good lighing for techical stuff
Weaknesses:
*the cable is a bit too long, have to wrap it around my frame several times. *the helmet mounting unit's strape could be longer for more stable fitting to the helmet *the only thing i don't like is the bulb life time only 700hrs. it will cost £75 to replace once it goes, and you will have to send it away to get that done.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
saracen zen 2
Bottom Line:
This lights are great for single track, i can bomb it down really tight stuff using my helmet mount. i also got the blackburn system x3 lights for back up. but they are no match at all with the HID lights. the difference between 10w and 13w is hardly noticable. i just use 10w my night vision is quite good anyway. as i have mentioned the i got these from ebay brand new for £250 but the price of it is going up for some reason. i have also published on my blog the Light and Motion ARC Ultra vs Blackburn System X3 lights here is the link:
i am hoping that i will get more beam shots up later.
hope this helps
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Cross Country Rider
from Delray Beach, FL , USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Bright, waterproof, good construction, break away discs, lightweight
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None, this is the only light I needed to buy!
Bike Setup:
specialized crossroads xc expert with fenders, rear rack and waterproof panniers. the light is mounted to the bars and the battery is attached to my neck riser extension. very clean!
Bottom Line:
I live in Florida, there aren't hillls here so no real trails to bomb downhill on... sigh. But I do commute 18 miles daily back and forth to work. I definately read lots of articles and opinions before purchasing any light system. Anyone who has been in South Florida knows that all of New Yorks bad driver's move down here when they are old and can't see. I didn't really purchase this light to be able to see, I needed a light that would demand attention from motorists. This light does that, and as an added benefit I can see that roadway and pedal faster! Sometimes drivers mistake me for a motorcycle, that's how bright this light is! Pedestrians are blinded! Cars make extra room for me on the road when the light is on! This light has definately saved me from being run over by careless cyclists and motorists several times. Coupled with a cateye TL-LD1000 on the bike and a Vistalite Total Eclipse on my helmet, I get seen. I am as safe as I can be! I have grown to like cycling in the dark better because of this light. Cars give me more room and more respect because of my lights than they do in plain daylight! Buy this product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cjc
a Racer
from portland, OR Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Bright, durable, bright, lightweight, bright, helmet mount included, bright, fast charging, bright, burn time, bright, and oh yeah, this light is BRIGHT.
Weaknesses:
Pricey
Similar Products Used:
several led lights, cateye twin halo
Bike Setup:
Klein FS
Bottom Line:
This light is awesome. Used it for 3 adventure races and it was the brightest light in all 3 races. (I wouldn't use it as my only light in an adventure race as it can cost time in transition taking it off your helmet, carrying the battery, etc..) In all 3 races it did not show any dimming or run out of juice at all even after 6+ hours. My cateye ran out at a couple of hours. With this light on your helmet, you do not need anything else. In a 24 Hr adv. race I lit the trail for myself and my team after 1 am and we were all thankful for this light. It's expensive, but if you can swing it, you'll be glad you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Barnard
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
American River Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
R.E.I. Co-op
Strengths:
Bright, bright, bright. Five hour burn time at 675 lumens - awesome! Nice color temperature, not as blue as other HID lights. Good spread. Smart charger is fast and convenient. Cabeza mount is simple and solid. L&M is a great company.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Nightsun Team Issue, Light & Motion Solo, Light & Motion Vega, Princeton Tech Eos, various LED "safety lights"
Bike Setup:
Bacchetta Aero Recumbent, Rans V2 Formula Recumbent
Bottom Line:
This light is probably overkill for most commuters, though the extra light sure can't hurt. Motorists give me more respect with this light than I've ever received in the past; I get the feeling they think I'm a motorcycle or sports car with one headlight out.
Here in NorCal we get very heavy "tule" fog; this is the first light I've owned that cuts through heavy fog to alert drivers of my presence.
Well worth the expense.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Crough
a Cross Country Rider
from Frederick, MD 21701 Date Reviewed: November 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Bright, reliable, rugged, easy to install, light, quick charge time, long burn time and the spectrum-adjusted output is more effective that the cold-blue light of most HIDs
Weaknesses:
None that I've found. It's expensive but worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
NightRider Flame Thrower HID, but with poor luck.
Bike Setup:
Fuji 04 Cyclocross, mounted on a bar extension, but moves easily to my Lemond Ti.
Bottom Line:
I researched Bike Lights for 6 months before making this purchase. The Light and Motion Arc Li Ion far exceeds my expections. It's bright, rugged and last a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: April 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$599.00
Strengths:
Rock solid light housing, amazing white light and good spread. Battery can be easily strapped onto frame or even water bottle cage.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 FSR-XC
Bottom Line:
As well as for trail riding, I use it for my commutes which is totally overkill since London streets are well lit. However, no one can deny the safety aspect of being seen, and believe me, drivers see you from a mile away! It just works as advertised! Customer service is amazing - I broke the base of the light (the part that slides onto the handlebar mount) in a fall and Patrick from L&M wrote back to say no problem, on it's way to me in London. Yes pricey, but when you have great product and exemplary customer service, you can't complain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom T
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great light quality, long burn time, lightweight
Weaknesses:
None as far as I can tell.
Similar Products Used:
niterider, turbocat
Bottom Line:
I bought this light because I wanted a system for adventure racing that could get me through the night without carrying the extra weight of multiple heavy batteries (turbocats worked great but batteries are heavy and burn time is only about 3 hours; and no turbocharger). A couple years ago I borrowed an L&M system from a friend and it worked great. So when I started shopping around this year and saw the new Ultra Lion system I went with it...and some sponsorship from a couple sources also helped make it possible.
Aside from some training rides I've used the system in two overnight races and it lived up to and beyond expectations. I kept the HID on low beam, which is plenty of light, and even at the 6 hour mark, when the sun rose or we changed displines, the light was burning strong. At the same time, I know that if I was going to be on the bike for more than 6 hours on a night section I would carry the smaller Lion battery as backup.
I also have the Solo Logic MV to wear on my helmet. A nice complement to the HID and a good back up. See my review under the Solo Logic MV for more details.
Lastly, it is important to point out that L&M customer service has been excellent.
I give the product 4 chilis on the value rating only because of the price, which might have been prohibitive for me without sponsorship sources.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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