Submitted by
scmtnbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rim Trail, Lake Tahoe, Ca.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
ABS
Strengths:
Nice white light projected way out in front of the rider, Also the HID alomost eliminates nightime depth percetion loss. Great for night singletrackin or bombing fire roads at daytime speeds.
Weaknesses:
The light is a little fragile in regaurds to the break-away safety clip make sure to stock up on them and bring them with you on your ride.
Similar Products Used:
Light n Motion Vega, Light n Moition standard ARC non LI-OIN. Just ordered a Seca 900 Ultra. 900 lumens
Bike Setup:
Specialized SX Trail II, plus many others
Bottom Line:
Great light can't wait to make my buddies jealous with the Seca 900
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wildl
a Racer
from England Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Road user
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
A shop
Strengths:
Brilliant bright light
Weaknesses:
Bulbs lasted ( I had 2) until just after the warrenty ran out.
Charger failed on one.
These people wanted £80 to fit a new bulb (just one). They do not let you do it yourself "Because it is a sealed (and I am sure they used the words Vacuum) unit and dangerous to do it yourself" Total Bollocks. Admitedly you may get a bit of a shock off the exposed unit but as for a vaccum seal, well....it is all lies to prevent you doing it yourself for a bit more cash in their pocket's. I made it clear that I wass not happy to be ripped off. The same type of bulb for a car is a fraction of the price. These guy's seem to have it wrapped up with a unique fitting. After it was clear I was not happy with the aftersales I was told they would let me do it myself but they will still charge me £80 for a bulb. By the time the bulbs gave up the batteries showed clear evidence of not holding a charge for too long So buying new bulbs would have proven uneconomical and you would have bought an expensive disposable light. Ok if you have plenty of money but for the keen cyclist with little money, it a no go and I would seriously not bother with a second hand one unless it was given to me.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar
Bike Setup:
CAAD 2, Ultegra
CR1, Dura Ace
Bottom Line:
Don't bother. Find a good company to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mhjerpe
a Cross Country Rider
from Katonah, NY Date Reviewed: July 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Graham Hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
amazingly bright. I use it for early am mt. bike rides on singletrack - in total darkness -and the light makes it seem like I'm riding in daylight. I also like the fact that I can easily reach down and swivel it to the side to check out wildlife as I ride by, etc... I also like the trickle charge - so I can keep it always fully charged and ready to go.
Weaknesses:
none that I can think of
Bike Setup:
cannondale hard tail mt. bike and cannondale 6 13 road bike. I use the lights on both.
Bottom Line:
amazing light. love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Teasdale, UT Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Intarwebz
Strengths:
bright, solid construction, waterproof, charges fast. generally feels like a high quality product
Weaknesses:
full msrp is pretty spendy
Similar Products Used:
blackburn x6, various cheapo led's
Bike Setup:
surly long haul trucker set up for hardcore touring and commuting. chris king, phil wood, paul, thompson, etc.
Bottom Line:
I lucked out big time and picked up this light for $200 on sale. And boy, what everyone says about it is absolutely true: this mother is bright. Upgrading from a 1 watt LED to this is literally a night and day difference. My co-workers who pass me in their cars tell me that they are afraid to look in their rear view mirror because it is so blinding. Trucks slow down, people move over as far as they can in their lane, and now they even have the courtesy to dim their lights (most of the time). The center beam lights up the road for what seems like miles. The peripheral light, though slightly less bright than the central beam, is still ludicrously luminous. I don’t care how fast you think your funny plastic bike with $2000 wheels makes you, you will never outrun this light. I could go on and on, but let’s just say that if the amount of light is a primary concern of yours, this light will satisfy that concern. Does everyone need a light this bright? Probably not. I commute 20 miles one way in rural Utah at midnight for a graveyard shift year round. Sleet, snow, 20 mph winds, -20 temps, whatever. Add in drunken rednecks, and myopic 70 year old ranchers towing loaded horse trailers, it is very important for me to see and be seen. After having used it, I feel that the L&M ARC warrants the admittedly steep price tag. Of course, I wouldn’t have ever paid full price because I’m a bum. With the L&M Secca LED lights coming out, keep an eye out for ARC’s on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
metalhalide
a Cross Country Rider
from Creve Coeur, MO, USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Brands cycle fitness
Strengths:
Powerful central beam with good spillover. Good runtime. Not too heavy. Excellent handlebar mount. Fun to see drivers and passengers looking dazed. This may be a great tool for nighttime trail riding, but for me this is a serious piece of safety equipment. This light makes you visible during the day, hard to put a dollar value on staying alive.
Weaknesses:
Helmet mount is good, but the weight makes my helmet sit sideways.
Incompatible with a wireless cycle computer. The lamp makes an electromagnetic field that interferes with the wireless receiver. So you either have to get a wired computer or carry a GPS if you want to keep track of your miles.
Bike Setup:
Scott CR1 Pro stock components. SPD pedals and PI MTB shoes.
Bottom Line:
If you commute, you need to have a serious light. You ride at odd hours, alone, and on busy streets. I wear mine on dark mornings, on rainy days, and just plain broad daylight. In other words, all the time. A dinky handlebar-mount won't do the job; it just won't be seen during the day. The Arc LiIon fits the bill. It's just so damn bright.
Handlebar mount is excellent, but I can't flash motorists the way I can with the light helmet-mounted.
If you choose to mount this on your helmet, you may find that your helmet doesn't fit as well as you thought. I am looking for a solution (strap adjustment, pads, new helmet) to keep my helmet level when I wear the light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO,USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mtn Lion Trail - Golden State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very bright, like a stadium light. Company backs the product. Also good battery duration, small package, light weight, and mounting options.
Weaknesses:
Needs a dimmer for road riding to the trail :). Could be even lighter for helmet mount and have a more secure helmet fastner than velcro (nits).
Similar Products Used:
Previosuly had a NightSun.
Bike Setup:
Yeti
Bottom Line:
No worries on rough trails or going fast with this one, it is plenty bright. So light and compact, very easy to carry. I got one of the early ones with charger problems; It stopped working after 3 years. Sent to Light & Motion out of warrenty expecting to pay, but got a new charger and battery. They back their products !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GF
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: November 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Plenty bright, nice even wide beam, reliable, durable.
Weaknesses:
"cabeza" helmet mount
Similar Products Used:
niterider HID, halogens
Bottom Line:
Very bright even beam pattern. Good run times on small light battery. Two years of regular riding/racing in all types of weather without any problems. I wish L&M would re-think their helmet mount. The little screw in the base requires frequent checking/tightening. I have trouble tightening the straps enough to keep the light from moving around on my helmet (softer rubber on the base might help). Strap is showing significant wear where it loops through the slits. Strap is too short for the helmet vents I need to optimally position the light. Rates a 5 except for the mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wideload
a Weekend Warrior
from ABQ Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
Update. I love to eat crow. It took awhile but my light came back with a new ballast, wire and lamp with no charge despite being out of warranty. Will give it a go tonight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kai
a Weekend Warrior
from redondo beach, california, usa Date Reviewed: November 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclist
Strengths:
Its the beam. That incredible even cone of light that allows high speed decents on twisting routes but with excellent peripheral light to make the curves easy and safe. Long burn, simple to charge. Light weight, easy charge and setup for the ride. Oh, did I mention, that beautiful eye resting beam of light.
Weaknesses:
None, two years with daily use October - March with less but some use other times. Flawless with no problems.
Similar Products Used:
My only HID. Have used lights for over 35 years spanning flashlights taped to the bar, leg light (remember that?) Nightrider 15 Watt and just about everything else in between. 1 Watt LED.
Bike Setup:
Put it on the bars. Battery on the seat tube.
Bottom Line:
If you want to ride in the hills at night this light is it. I live in the city and commute as well. One is tempted to use an LED as city lights pretty much allow you to see but the truth is every commuter should have this light. It smokes! and pulls you out of all the light clutter the driver sees on the city streets. The way this thing spreads light gives you a lot of presence in those dangerous intersections. Don't go out without it. I got it for night riding in the hills but really as a commute upgrade it proved its worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wideload
a Weekend Warrior
from ABQ, NM US Date Reviewed: October 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
bright when working
Weaknesses:
not working too often
Similar Products Used:
niterider
Bottom Line:
This is the second time back to the factory in 2 years. I use it 2x a week for less than 2 hours from October-March. First time the unit fell apart when I hit an expansion crack. This time it was dead out of the box when I went to use it this year. First service covered by warranty, this time they wanted a credit card authorization for $105. They've had it a week, haven't heard from them since. Would I buy again-not a chance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Hackett
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford, UK Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Had this now for over 3 years. Still on the original bulb and battery with no loss of power or burn time.
Still love the sweet spot and wide halo of light, and having a battery I can throw innto my pocket and not notice the weight.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of much of note, other than it's made me want another one for the bars.... Bar mount / break out disks are fairly flimsy, but I suppose they are meant to be. Buy a big stock of spares!
Similar Products Used:
Cateye stadium, Lupine Edison
Bike Setup:
does anyone care?
Bottom Line:
Performance is great, and i've yet to have the battery die on me doing regular 3hour + rides on full beam.
Although buying this did seem expensive at the time, I now think this is great value for money after 3 years with no need to spend any more on spares or repairs, which is much better than friends have experienced with Lupines / Stadiums. Although the output is also much lower than the Stadium, the Arc gives a much more useable beam with a big sweet spot. It also appears to be pretty much impossible to cock up the battery through overcharging or leaving drained (I regularly do both!).
The unit has had to go back to L&M in California a couple of times for self-inflicted damage. Each time it's come back fixed within 7 days of posting from UK with no charge. Stuff like that is much appreciated.
If you are in UK, I'd recommend always trying to deal with L&M direct. The only problem I have had was when they wanted me to go via the UK distributors (Madison), who proved to be utter cretins.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john hartigan
a Racer
from omaha NE usa Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
not sure
Strengths:
Brightness and wide scope
Bike Setup:
road bike
Bottom Line:
This light provides just what I needed for very early morning training rides of 20-40 miles, over some city streets, and unlighted park and country roads. Mounted on my helmet, with the cord running over the shoulder to the battery pack in my jersey pocket, the device is relatively unobtrusive. (The light can be swivelled from side to side, and adjusted on the go for elevation) The surfaces I ride are smooth and I haven't been in any crashes with it and I have only used it once or twice a week, so I can't assess durability. But the light floods the field in front of me. It outlines a canopy through the trees ahead. Oncoming drivers will dim their lights as I approach. Just looking at a car coming on from a side street is enough to illuminate its inside like a highway patrolman's light. In combination with a Dinotte rear light, it makes nighttime cycling as safe as it can get. Others that I ride with also appreciate it (they get the benefit of my light, without paying for it. And there is very little comparison with the 'old style' lights they use. They are just pinpoints of light by comparison.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
1) Its jolly bright! 2) Lovely beam pattern 3) Battery life 4) Everyone wants to know what it is
Weaknesses:
Bit annoying to get off the mount when I get home
Mates bellyache if I ride behind them as they throw weird shadows
Similar Products Used:
Exposure Enduro and Joystick
Bike Setup:
A few different ones
Bottom Line:
I love this light.
It cost a lot but it means I ride my bike twice as often thus get double the VFM from it.
Seriously I have tried various combos for night rides but this rocks.
Im a bar person, I have never bothered with the helmet mount and the beam is superb, you may say it takes the excitement out of night rides but it means I am the first of my group downhill instead of the last due to caution/wussiness that I am in daylight, and I ride with some real crazies :)
Battery life is about right, I usually meet at 8pm and it still burns on the max setting when we get to the pub at 11
In concusion its a lot of cash, but you get to use your bike twice as much in my case as I can ride midweek at night as well as weekend days
Im giving it a 4 for value, if you have a ££££££ bike you may care to give it 5, and an unreserved 5 overall
Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Torres
a Cross Country Rider
from São Paulo, SP - Brasil Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Every one I ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Flat-out rugged and solid HID. At first I was put off by the plastic casing and the simplistic handlebar mount. Nothing fancy looking here in fact. Right off the box it looked well bellow the super-slick chrome of my old Topeak MoonShine HID and the fancy machined alu casing of the Planet Bike Alias HID I tested 6 months ago (just prior to switching to the ARC). Well, so much for first impressions! It came out better than the two combined, since it´s much more solid, reliable and consistent. The tough nylon headlight is kinda shock absorbing and holds on nice when it heats up into the ride. The beam is smooth and wide, superior to the WA stock bulb so the L&M refletor thing is just not false advertising or hype, it really makes a difference. The beam allows me to focus the center "hot" spot way down the trail or road for speed and safety, and still get plenty of light in the halo formed next to the bike to really give the feel of the trail and the surroundings. I mean plenty, it lights the traisides and the trees above. That much of white, bright light everywhere around you is the wonder of HIDs, way above pretty much anything else except perhaps the new Lupine Wilma or other more powerful HIDs such as the Edison. But those come at a much steeper price too. The ARC just makes night riding so much more fun and safe.
Weaknesses:
The cord is just annoyingly long (at least for my case) and there´s no fix for it. Had to wrap it around the headlamp base, not the best solution both aestheticaly and technicaly, specialy considering the price. Also the light head stands too high atop the handlebar and could benefit of a centered position, but the mount is so solid and stable that I got used to it and once in the dark it´s a non-issue, really. I won´t complain about the price: it´s easily forgoten even before you hit the trail for the first time. It´s just THAT cool to ride this light!
Similar Products Used:
Planet Bike Alias HID (nice) / Topeak MoonShine HID
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB mountain / Scott CR1 Pro road
Bottom Line:
I´m now 100% confident to push the speed and endurance limits on my night exploits thanks to the ARC´s realibility and consitency. I consider both very important in a bike light, well above looks and price cos that´s what matters most when you´re out there in the middle of dark, dark Nowhereland. It turns on every time, stays on for the duration of my longest rides, doesn´t flick and is just plain BRIGHT, at low or high. Did I say low? 10W is blinding, eye-piercing UFO light enough - drivers and peds just go WOW with this thing everywhere, everytime. I was looking for just that when I first purchased the MoonShine and tested the Alias HID 6 months ago. I´m sure there must be other nice HID lights out there (the JETs, Lupines, etc.) but the ARC is very, very good and reliable and is certainly up there with the best of them. I´ve been using mine quite a LOT (long weekly night off road rides) and the battery never ran out. And it´s just so small, light and compact, what a powerhouse! One of my rides extented well over 4 hours and I even made home in the high beam, trying to fully drain the battery to prep for a new charge. Had to switch it off not to overheat the light. Next time I´ll go for a 5+ hour mini-tour just to see what happens. It got rain more than once and after all this use it looks like new once it´s clean and charged in the box. Also have to back on L&M´s customer service: my emails with questions and comments about the ARC were promptly returned and answered and they always had a nice word to say! Can´t see anyone going wrong with this light, highly recomend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Karmiel, Israel Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bytech
Strengths:
Amazing beam. Low-weight and compact. Good battery life.
Weaknesses:
Price. The lamp housing is quite tall, this could be a problem when using the helmet mount. Battery attachment is a bit fiddly. Did I mention the price?
Similar Products Used:
This is my first HID lamp. Other lamps: Sigma Sport 5W Halogen, Cateye HL-EL530 LED
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5
Bottom Line:
It's a fantastic product. After I bought it, and before the first time I used it I couldn't quite believe that I had actually spent so much money on a bicycle lamp. OK, 'lighting system'. After the first ride, I didn't care. It's just that good.
The handlebar mount is solid. Unless I am riding over cobble-stones, the beam is steady. I don't use the helmet mount. I would probably blind all my riding buddies if I did.
The beam is absoulutely smooth, with no dark areas. This is very important to me. It speads evenly from just in front of the frone wheel, whith a smooth 'hot-spot' in the distance, like a combination of a spot and a flood. It's good enough for all but the most extreme singles. If I ever go for that type of riding, I'll get a second unit and mount it on my helmet. In the meanwhile, the low power (10W) setting is enough for the gentler types of trail that I ride at night.
Attaching the battery to the frame using the hook-and-loop strap can be tricky depending on how your cables run. If you need to place it on the top side of a frame tube, it can come loose while riding and drop round to the bottom of the tube. It won't come off though. I would actually prefer a quick mount that remains permanently on the bike (similar to my old Sigma Sport NiMH).
HID lighting is not very common around here, so I don't have a lot to compare the L&M with, but it's beam and light output are much, much better than my friend's Topeak Moonshine HID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Very brignt light, excellent beam pattern. Long battery life - I've never ridden long enough for the battery to run down.
Weaknesses:
Got it for Christmas last year. Worked great for the first few months then an intermittent problem began. Riding mostly on pavement, the light would suddenly switch to the low setting after hitting expansion joints in the pavement. Once it dims, the only way to get it back to full brightness is to turn it off and wait a bit. Just coming home tonight (June 29) it did this to me about 8 times in 2 miles. Also, when it's doing this, if I hit the dim button then it won't go back to bright unless I turn it off. I've heard of others here with the same problem. It had only done it a couple of times before then it was fine for a few months and I thought the problem had gone away. Guess I'll have to call L&M and get it fixed or get a replacement. Any of you have this problem? What did they say was the cause/fix?
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Digital Evolution - weak in comparison.
Bike Setup:
Klein dual suspension
Bottom Line:
Great light, would buy it again. I hear customer support is top notch. We'll see soon! ;-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Braham
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$409.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
light pattern, battery size, very quick charger, bright!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
maybe helmet mount (not so tough)and $$$$
Similar Products Used:
Cateye little battery type and Jetlite Phantom (awesome)
Bike Setup:
trailbike
Bottom Line:
Was not sure but decided to give a try to HID and L&M. Very nice amount of light. The light pattern is great, no dark spots with good spot and flood light combination. You don't need more light unless really fast downhill at night (Pro level I guess). Then buy a second one ;-) Very light weight!!!!!!! you don't feel like carring a baby around. Don't know about durability but everything looks very nice, the craftmanship, connectors, etc. The helmet mount is the only weakness that could be improved I think Very nice Product, I hope to get years of good riding out of it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
High intensity light output, good (wide) beam spread, long burn time relative to size and weight, quality connector, fast charge.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalight and some other halogen lights whose name I forget
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper set up for XC racing, but use the helmet mount supplied
Bottom Line:
This light seems expensive at first sight (and in the UK list price is about $800!!). However, after attempting a 24hr race with sub-standard lights (too many problems to list really), I can honestly say this is the best $500 I spent on 'bike stuff' in recent years. Whether on the road or off-road the light output never fails to impress and I've used it for 3hr+ night rides on a single charge. Makes riding at night a pleasure rather than an ordeal! So far no technical issues either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Loehr Young
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$415.00
Purchased At:
@The Hub
Strengths:
Light weight, Very simple to use, Nice even beam that is wide spread. So far it works as advertised as far as run time, charge time etc...
Weaknesses:
Not the shear brightest HID out there.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider storm & blowtorch. Old niterider pro-6, and classic plus.
Bike Setup:
Dude I have 6 mountian bikes but who cares..........
Bottom Line:
I really love this light, all the mounts are easy and work well, the charger is quick, and this is a very lightweight set up compared to NIMH battery units, the light head is lighter than others as well. The beam is bright, wide and really pretty even. It has a decent spot too. This light is not as flat out bright as my niteriders were (I have used them together and you can see the difference). You probably wouldn't really ever notice it if you never run them together though. I got this due to many problems with all but one of the niteriders I've had over the years, I have to say that nr's customer service was very good, but I wanted to see if the L&M is more reliable. So far so good! Get one and you won't be disappointed. Can't give anything with that pricetag 5, but for performance there can't be anything better can there?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: November 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Georgetown, Hogg to Russell
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
HID light technology, Lithium Ion battery technology.
Weaknesses:
Customer support, quality control & price. I and some of my riding crew bought HID lights together. We looked hard at the Jet but decided against it strictly because of the low customer support ratings the company recieved. L&M looked good. Right out of the package, my charger didn't work. Called L&M customer support and left a message. Andreas called me back and said they'd send a new one the same day they received mine faulty one. I had to pay shipment to send it back. They recieved it on a Friday and didn't ship it until the following Thurdays. I had to call twice to inquire. They saved themselves a buck by shipping it three day instead of two-day. Missed a slew of good rides over this.
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer
Bottom Line:
I expect much better quality control and customer support for a $500 light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from u.s.a. Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Bright, Bright, Bright.
Weaknesses:
i have not found one.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur XC (which also rocks)
Bottom Line:
Get this lite. Do it. Do it right now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger York-Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Chemsford Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lingwood Common
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very bright, light weight, great sweetspot, simple to look after & charge, and has proved to be very durable.
Weaknesses:
None, really. originally thought it was expensive, but the cost per ride over the 2 years I've had it is minimal.
Similar Products Used:
Others I ride with have Lupines, Stadiums and various halogens.
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar / Giant VT1 / Giant Road bike
Bottom Line:
Update after 2 years use, including my generally slack care and attention schedule plus a good few crashes....
Still a great light. other than one 'back to base' after a summer in the box (returned back to UK inside 10 days) not a single problem. Bulb is still good and the battery seems to have retained it's full charge time, so I still get over 4 hours per charge. Only thing i've had to do is buy some more 'breakaway' connectors (about $1 each) because I'm fairly cack-handed at removing it from the mount.
A group of us ride at night with a variety of hi end lights. The Arc has definitely proved to be the most reliable and the best performer. A few of the group have now even replaced the lights they had with the Arc Li-ion.
I was already very happy with the perfomance of this light, but given the longevity and simplicity of this unit, plus the support from L&M I've upped my score to 5/5.
$400 may seem like a lot for a light, but if you ride 2 nights a week for the 8 months when lights are needed I'd say this works out at pretty good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Val
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Performanace
Strengths:
Customer Service, Warranty, HID technology, Li. Ion, Fast Charging time, Brightness, Battery Life, Light Durability, light weight (under a pound)
Weaknesses:
Cabeza Helmet mount, weak velcro strap connection. (this has been recently improved.)
Similar Products Used:
Read the reviews, went with the best quality and value.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 95
Bottom Line:
Warranty is the best out there. Customer Service outstanding!! (Broke the handlebar mount, bad crash. L&M replaced no charge!) Thanks Trish Jones of L&M!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Cross Country Rider
from Ca$hville Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Bright, if you get one that works. Took me two tries to do so.
Weaknesses:
The first one I got was broken, with the bezel off and the filament in the bottom of the box.
Similar Products Used:
None personally, just riding with others with similar lights.
Bike Setup:
One Kestrel. One Kona.
Bottom Line:
As I mentioned above, the first one of these that showed up in the mail was worthless and broken. The second one worked fine. Not a bad light. Crazy bright. But, realistically, L & M are batting 50% with me. So while the second one was fine, the first one blew. Gotta take peppers off for that. Also, for what these cost one can get a jet blast (which I just ordered). So shop around. Overall I'd say if you buy one do so from the LBS so you can check it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIke
a Weekend Warrior
from carrollton tx Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very Very Bright
Weaknesses:
flickers a little over rough terrain
Bike Setup:
Special
Bottom Line:
This thing is bright! I had to send it back to LIM for repair after I bought it because the bulb was loose but there customer service is top notch! I like it so much I bought one for my wife and maybe the dogs get one next. You cant go wrong with this light. Ive been on some pitch black trails and turned off the light just to see how awsome this thing is and I almost pooped my pants until the light lit up the night again. I promise you will not be disappointed if you choose LIM!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin wilson
a Racer
from lenoir, nc Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$499.00
Strengths:
CUSTOMER SERVICE is the best of any company i have ever dealt with
Weaknesses:
kinda expensive if you're poor. but all li-ion lights are
Similar Products Used:
other lights and motion, NR
Bike Setup:
intense 5.5, sram X-9, various wheels. also custom bontrager race light with X-9 and sweet handbuilt wheels
Bottom Line:
for 24 hour racers and night owls the lights are the best out there. run perfect every time and longer than they're rated on the website. the pattern is so much better than any nightrider lights i've seen. but it's the customer service that really impressed me. i lost a mounting screw and was sent three. for free! and when i email a question about compatibility or something i'm emailed or called within the day. probably because they get so few issues since the lights are so good. with various lights and motion lights i've done several years of solo 24hour races and never had a problem.. if only they made women i'd be set
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Construction is tough for the lite weight, reflective mirror is superior to other manufactures, intensity of beam has nice focus for single track but also enough spread for fireroad use, the light is easy use.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn, NiteRider, Cateye
Bike Setup:
XC
Bottom Line:
I read a few magazine articles that highly rated this product, so I went for it. As, for some of the magazines minor gripes comparing to other manufactures and models, I have no idea why they nit-picked...because the beam strength in high and low beam is AMAZING. What they said was this light suited XC racers because it had a better focused beam rather then large beam pattern. They are wrong this light has a very bright solid beam that you will never outrun and...the size of the beam pattern is enough to cast light on a double wide fireroad!!!
My friends NiteRider BlowTorch doesn't have as strong a beam. My battery life has consitantly outperformed the suggested run times. I regularly get over 4 hours of runtime and who really goes out riding much over 2-3 hours unless your racing a 24hr event. The light has been dependable and it ignites everytime. High low beam is nice and save battery life. Battery is lite weight and charges quickly. The charger has performed flawless too.
No complaints...great solid beam for single track and enough spread for a double fireroad. The reflective mirror with ping dimples really works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blue Shorts
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ALl of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$259.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Smooths beam pattern, bright light, long burn time, quality components
Weaknesses:
Helmet and handlebar mounts could be designed better.
5 Spot with 1 L&M HID on the bars and one L&M HID on the helmet.
Bottom Line:
I've previously reviewed this light (Ni-MH) batteries. Im writing this to respond to Dave's post, below.
You cannot and should not discount the negative reviews. The chargers were bad for those people. L&M made it right, but there were still issues.
Contrast that with Jet lights. Look at the reviews. There is not one post about any failure of any kind. That type of performance deserves a 5.
I think the L&M HIDs are great, but I only give them a 4 due to the not so optimal mounting hardware.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
OUTSTANDING light pattern that is far more "useable" than any other light I've seen. LONG lasting -- longer than rated time. Light less "blue" than other HIDs. Is less susceptible orange "flashes" when getting bumped around.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Flight.
Bottom Line:
This is an outstanding product from a company that has terrific support. I originally got a Niterider Flight, but in my test rides I found myself constantly messing with the angle of the light. If I tilted it up, it would leave the area next to the bike too dark. If I tilted it down to alleviate this, it put too much of a distracting "hot spot" up close to the bike, and not enough light down the road/trail. I could never get it "quite right." I compared the NR Flight side by side to the L&M ARC Lion, and it was a night and day difference.
The light spread of the ARC Lion is a VERY wide pattern of light that is incredibly even and smooth all the way up close to the bike. There is a smallish, fuzzy hot spot in the center (the "pencil spot) that allows you to see WAY down the trail, but not at the expense of losing light up close to the bike where you need it. This hot spot is NOT distracting like a lot of other lights. The end result is a perfect combination of a wide pattern and non-distracting center spot that is hands down the best pattern I've ever seen from ANY light.
The Niterider also had a distracting "visible pattern" in it's spread -- i.e. rather than a totally smooth, even wash, there was a visible pattern on the ground that was somewhat distracting. The ARC Lion is free of this due to it superior reflector that does not add any distracting patterns.
The ARC Lion battery last longer than the ratings say it will, which is a refreshing change. The NR did not last as long as the ratings indicated. The color of the ARC Lion light is also less "blue" than most other HIDs, which is nice since it's a more "natural" color.
All in all, this is an outstanding light that I cannot recommend highly enough.
I wanted to comment on the other reviews in this thread, which have resulted in a very skewed overall score. One person first rated the light a 5/5. He then had some problems, and added a new rating of 3/3. He then posted AGAIN saying that the problems had been alleviated and that the light worked fine now, but the rating he attached was another 3/3, which makes no sense.
Another reviewer gave the light a 1/1 due to charger problems. He had not yet tried contacting L&M, but he posts a few days later saying that L&M had taken care of the charger with overnight delivery. He gave a new rating of 5/5, but his 1/1 remains, making an effecitve rating of TWO 3/3 ratings.
Yet another reviewer gave the light a 3/2 saying that he had a charger problem. He posted back the same day saying he had received a call from L&M, and they would be taking care of him. The rating he put for this new post was 3/3. He posted again a few days later with a 5/5 rating. This means that even though his final review was 5/5, the total of ALL his ratings came out to only 3.7/3.3, and since he rated 3 times, it was as if THREE people gave only a 3.3 overall rating.
There are other examples like this, but the final result is a VERY skewed average since single reviewers gave multiple ratings that did NOT reflect their final opinions, or did not logically reflect what they were saying (a 3/3 for a review which said "I'll post my updated results later.") It's not the reviewers' faults since you can't "edit" your reviews, but the bottom line is that the final average (4.14 at this time) is inaccurately LOW given the actual final opinions of these reviewers.
By my calculations, if you eliminate the multiple postings by the same people and take their "final" opinions only, the "actual" rating of this light ends up as Value=4.6, and Overall (the one that counts)= 4.87 (MUCH better than 4.14.)Since the problems were due to a bad batch of chargers that were replace by L&M, I think that 4.87 more accurately reflects the "overall" score this light should receive.
Larry
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mando
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA. Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
EBay (ComCycle)
Strengths:
- As stated, amazing amount of light from such a tiny unit - Craftmanship. Great quality - Fast charge times - Various mount positions
Weaknesses:
- A "pouch" to carry the light and components in - Battery Strength indicator
Similar Products Used:
None. Researched a TON of them (Niterider, JET, Lume, Lupine, etc.)
Bike Setup:
Specialized HardRock (2002).
Bottom Line:
I just started to get back into bike riding and the only time I have to ride is at night. So, in researching lights, the thing that I kept focusing in on is "get the best light you can afford." So, luckily, I had the ability to expand my budget to include, if so desired, the Lupine Edison 10.
However, after doing some research, I came to the conclusion that, based on feedback and great reviews of service, and the amount of night time riding I would do (no more than 2 hours a night), the Light & Motion ARC NiMH would be the ideal light for me.
Due to a "flooding" issue with my seller, they didn't have any NiMH versions available (all damaged). They offered to upgrade me from the NiMH to the Li-ion version for $50. I said "OK." Glad I did...the difference between the NiMH and Li-ion battery pack size is pretty dramatic. However, this was not a driving force to get the Li-ion version. If weight is not an issue, stick with the NiMH version (unless you get a great deal on the Li-ion version).
ALL components are well made and constructed of great material. Nothing on this set feels "cheap" and it better not, considering this light costs as much as some bikes!
This light, as anticipated, did interfere with my wireless computer. No problem. I mounted the light as far as I could from my computer (on the handlebar, underside - helmet mounted would have also eliminated this issue as well), and that did the trick - No more interference.
Let's face it..this technology, in today's market, costs $$$ and you get what you paid for. How much ($$$) do you place on your visability/safety?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Flower Mound, TX, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Northshore, Grapevine Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
+ Insane brightness + Long runtime (Never ran out of juice) + Comes with dual mounts (Helmet & handlebar) + Cable length seems to be about just right + Beam Pattern (Smooth with No Rough Transitions) + People always want to know what brand of light it is...
Weaknesses:
- 30 second warning to NO light condition - No backup source of light (LED?) - No tail light option (Not a big deal though) - Could use one extra velcro strap to attach cable to back of helmet when back holes are too small for connector - No connector disconnect on light
Similar Products Used:
None, but considered NiteHawk, NiteRider, Lupine, and others.
Bike Setup:
2004 Gary Fisher Tassajara (Stock)
Bottom Line:
This light is great, and has not failed me once yet, this season. I just started night riding just after summer was over this year, and love it.
The beam on this light is close to several of the other higher-end brand lights. Runtime is very good, however all the low mode is really good for, is conserving a little energy while stopped, as there is not much of a difference. Must be hard to dim HID's.
A lot of people have mentioned charger problems. Mine is a 2006 light, and it seems that the charger has been upgraded, because now it includes a Multi-Chemistry Charger, which is different than what the instructions indicate. It now charges both Li-Ion and NiMH. So far, I've never had a problem with it, and it has always charged faster than 3 hours.
I'd like to see a tail light option, something with LED's would be nice, and a connector that allowed a passthrough for the HID light (maybe a 'T' type connector on the tail light). The tail light would then come with a seat post mount, as well as a clip, for a backpack (camelbak), when using the light on a helmet.
A fuel gauge would be nice, but then again, I use mine on my helmet, so I wouldn't be able to see it, but it would still be a nice feature, so you would always know what state the battery was in when starting out.
I'd buy from these guys again, because they are in tune with the environment, and seem to know what they are doing. The light is expensive, but in line with other bike light prices.
I'd say the same thing someone else did, save yourself money, and go for the HID first, and skip the Halogen. Halogen's are cheaper, but you get the light you pay for. Until LED lighting can compete with HID, they will be the top of the line. (LED could be as bright, but still consume almost twice the power of an HID.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Disconcerting Unibrow
a Cross Country Rider
from Vermont Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Performancebike.com
Strengths:
Brightness, evenness of light field, light weight, run time (for weight), ease of use, !!!!CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!
Weaknesses:
Wish there were an easier way to switch from helmet to handlebar mount without using a screwdriver; helmet mount velcro belt loop is thin/fragile.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Evolution, Vistalights Code 15
Bike Setup:
RX w/ Fox Talas
Bottom Line:
Awesome light- totally bright enough by itself for any night ride. The helmet mount velcro belt loop broke when mounting it on my helmet (guess I pulled a little too hard). I called L&M and paused awkwardly for a second when a REAL, LIVE HUMAN answered the phone!! This human's name was Eric, and he was totally cool about it. He shipped me a new helmet mount for no charge at all. Can't say enough about how good it feels to have such a quality product with people who stand behind it.
So far no battery charging issues for the 4-odd weeks I've had it. I estimate about 10 rides total I've had with this unit.
Note I purchased from Performance using a 20% coupon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Horse
a Cross Country Rider
from Cremorne, Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: October 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Penrose
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light weight, brightest light you will find, fantastic run time - I get 3-4hrs.
Weaknesses:
No battery meter, very little "low" warning.
Similar Products Used:
none. no need to - can't go past this light.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1
Bottom Line:
Firstly, I will say I have had no charger issues. Turbo charge is great to have.
I use the light to commute and it's run flat on me when half way home twice now. Not enough warning when the light dies (maybe 30s). There is no limp home function. If you are using it often like I do, you will need to track how long you have been riding, or carry a spare light.
As for perfomance, I find this light great for the road, and awesome for offroad. I agree with other reviewers - no cars will pull out from cross streets as you approach - you definately get respect. I have people stopping me in the street asking what it is. Helps with visability from behind too as the light pattern on the road is so strong.
On the trail it is the perfect light when put on your "lid". Bright pin spot will show you what your looking at and nice wide spread of light.
Highly Recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from SB IN USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Construction, Brightness, Pattern, Battery life
Weaknesses:
I'm reaching here but the plug wont fit through the vents on my helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Storm 2.0
Bike Setup:
single speed
Bottom Line:
The Light & Motion HID ARC Li is awesome!! I would go as far as saying it is better than the Night Rider Storm 2.0. The flood pattern is nicer, brighter, wider, and the center beam on the high setting is amazing. There is no need for a second light even if racing if you use the helmet mount.
I had plenty of battery and better visibility than any one with a halogen lamp(s).
I was able to ride at 90% + speed
This product has an incredible value and I would recommend to any one that is thinking about night riding to get this light. If you buy a HID first you will save money as you will want/ buy one after you get a halogen.
I will post more as I time test
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Oxard
a
from Chelmsford Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lingwood Common
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very bright, long runtime, easy maintenance
Weaknesses:
cost, too bright for road (can't dip it much)
Similar Products Used:
Various halogens
Bottom Line:
brilliant light with great penetration & beam spread and very low weight. I get about 4 hours on full power.
Only downside is that it probably blinds oncoming drivers when used on the road.
After about 8 months and a lack of use over summer mine failed to ignite. A quick email and it went back to base and was retuened to UK within 10 days all working fine, so I'd recommend L&M as a decent company to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brennan Sandusky
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalispell, Montana, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Going-To-The-Sun
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
www.cactusbuke.com
Strengths:
- Illuminates Everything - Long lasting! - Light - Fast charging
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Marwi Elite, Specialized Fireballs Sport, Niterider Trail-Rat II, Various head-mounted LEDS and just the moonlight itself.
Bike Setup:
Big & Strong. Does it matter?
Bottom Line:
SHAZAM!
Finally, I picked one of these up for the famous moonlight rides of the Going-To-The-Sun road in NW Montana. Amazing. Washed out all other lights on the hill, including various HID's. Highbeamed by 3 separate cars. Bombed downhill at 40+ mph with no hesitation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula,CA, US Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very bright light and light weight
Weaknesses:
It needs a better cord and handlebar mount
Similar Products Used:
Niterider and nightsun
Bike Setup:
Cake 1 DLX 2004
Bottom Line:
This is a great light. I know some people have had charger issues, but those bugs will eventually be worked out. The brightness of this light more then compensates for a potential problem that might occur. I would buy this product again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Leicester Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Lutterworth Cycle Centre
Strengths:
Very Bright, light weight, excellent beam pattern, especially for off road.
Weaknesses:
frame mounting for the battery can slide around a bit
Similar Products Used:
Nite Sun
Bike Setup:
Scott CR1
Bottom Line:
Excellent light as you would expect for the price. the spread of light is much better than other people HID lights that i train with most are much more of a spot light, this gives a much broader area of illumination, as well as being just about the brightest.
Battery weight is unbelievable, and i've had no problems with the fixings. Reliablility has also been perfect, so i've not had to test the L&M customer service yet.
i'm a roadie and some say this is a bit of overkill, but its the only light were every car without exception assumes you're another car or motorbike, so you get a lot more respect on the road, and no one will ever say to me "sorry mate, i didn't see you". this makes it worth the money on its own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from midwest Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up from my prev post. I called L&M and Scott sent me out a new battery and charger. He said I was having problems because Nashbar sent me the wrong charger. I have since been able to charge the battery several times with no problems and the LED lights work fine. Good support.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall L
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my other posts. I did receive a new battery and charger from L&M. I’ve had no issues with any light components since. Riding happily at night. I would recommend this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a
from Cypress, CA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Called Patrick over at L&M. No waiting, no hassle. Overnight delivery. AWESOME SERVICE!!
This is a fantastic product, and nothing can outperform this light. Compound that with amazing customer service, and you have one deal where you can't go wrong.
If your hesitant about the cost, take my word for it, it's worth it, buy it, you won't regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Kang
a
from Cypress, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I have the same charger issue!! The LED light doesn't turn on! Very dissatisfied. Will call L & M tommorrow, if there isn't too much of a hassle and they fix the problem, I will be okay. But, no matter what, I wasn't able to ride tonight, and that just sucks like hell when you pay $400.00+ to make sure you can. I'll give higher ratings if the charger ends up working.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from midwest Date Reviewed: January 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Bright light, good depth, cars think your another car and give you room and respect.
Weaknesses:
Design problem with charger and/or battery??? COST IN RELATION TO RELIABILITY.
Similar Products Used:
Gycolite nite rover, cat eye, and a couple of cheap o's
Bike Setup:
SC Blur, Fox Float (R), Fox vinilla RLC, Thomson posts and stem, Monkeylite bars, Race Face Crank and BB, Shimano XT & Garmin Venture GPS that lets the data FLOW!
Bottom Line:
I was worried that purchasing a $460.00 bicycle lite could be frustrating if it did not perform well. Now, after reading Randall's review I'm really worried! I have had the exact same problem. I charged and used my battery 2 times before I got the "no LED light problem"; charger got warm but did not charge the battery. I contacted Light and Motion and they sent out a new battery and charger, hopefully I can get more than 2 charging cycles out of them this time. The bottom line is, the light is very bright, and with that comes all sorts of advantages; one that I really like is the fact that on comming vehicals think your another one, so they give you more room; the brightness of the light also cancells out part of the on comming headlights beams which reduces the "blinding" effect to me. However, if you can't charge the battery then you can't use the light. Also, just how far is Light and Motion going to back a flawed charger design (if it is flawed); are they going to keep sending me a new battery and charger every few charging cycles? I'll write another review upon findings...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Myron
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah, WA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tolt MacDonald
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Turns night into day, very light, very reliable.
Weaknesses:
Cord may be too long, but not really an issue.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Digital Night Owl
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
This is my second light (but first HID light). I was tempted to get a NiteRider Cyclone, but with a few problems I had with the Night Owl and hearing of problems with newer HID lights (plus I hated the fact that NiteRider changed connectors), I got the L&M ARC Li-Ion. I used the helment (or Cabeza) mount, and I like the fact that it is balanced, but I have to be careful of low hanging branches. I am amazed how light this system is, and it is so bright I can ride technical trails at night with ease. Last night, I even saw a pack of coyotes (they were too far to identify, but I got the reflection from their eyes and a silhouette of their profile). Highly recommended for reliability and quality and seeing in the dark.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall l
a
from Olympia, WA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Bottom Line:
Follow up from last post. I just received a call from L&M. They’re making arrangements to send out a new battery and charger including return shipping costs. I’ll update again once I receive and test the new parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Olympia/Tenino and back
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Bright and light.
Weaknesses:
Turbo charger
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
Well, I’ve been using this light for about 3 months. Now that the winter months are hear I’m riding almost exclusively at night. I’m a roadie so I like the fact that cars seem to really notice that I’m there with the light burning. So far I’ve gotten great performance out of the light. I wish I could say the same for the turbo charger that cam with it. I had one charger fail (no led lights). I contacted L&M and they responded to my issue the next day. They promptly sent me a new charger. Well, you guessed it. This new charger has failed as well. Can’t seem to get any of the leds to light. Thus, I have no way of knowing how much charge the battery is holding. I have been attempting to contact L&M for about a week now (phone and email) with no response. At this point I’m basically down because I don’t want to take a chance on being 40miles from home on dark back roads and run out of battery life. I get the impression that the Li-ion turbo charger may have an inherent flaw in the design. I’ve been doing as much testing as I can over the last week without disassembling the charger but have been unable to identify any failure pattern (qualification: I’m a design engineer for Intel). Perhaps if L&M sent us the schematic for what they’re trying to build we could whip something up for them that works on a consistent basis.
Long story short, love the light. Hate the charger and becoming disgruntled with the customer service. Planning to move up to a Lupine Edison.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce P
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: December 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
This is a followup to a previous post...
We all know the saying, "The squeeky wheel gets the oil" (or something like that). Well, this wheel just got greased. Kudos to L&M for recognizing a disgruntled customer and fixing the problem.
Bottom Line:
I had major concerns about their customer service, due to lack of response to my emails (perhaps they were waiting for me to get the package they sent but I never received). I also had problems getting through to them on the phone (I didn't want to leave a message - I wanted to speak with someone). BUT... After they read my "bashing" on www.mtbr.com, they more than corrected the original deficiency.
Side note: I understand the need for a "break-away" mount to protect the hardware. It is my feeble opinion that it is too generous on the break-away. However, I am just one rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: December 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Porqupine ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Holy brightness, and soooo lite you hardly even notice it. I unlike the other reviewer and very happy with the plastic replaceable clip (which came with 2 extras) I hit a branch with my light on my helmet moving rather fast and not ducking enough, clip broke and total saved me from haveing to buy a new light. Going to race solo on this light for the year. VERY HAPPY
Weaknesses:
price, but it's HID and I paid that much for a HID storm, and this is way brighter.
Similar Products Used:
night rider
Bottom Line:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soooo bright and sooo lite. YO!
:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce P
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
National/Telegraph Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Bright, good balance
Weaknesses:
Mounting hardware is horrible. My bike fell over... the handlebar mount broke (no impact on the light itself). I replace the cheap plastic piece. Then, a few rides later I brushed my arm across it... Same result. We are talking about a PLASTIC mounting ring! WHY IS IT PLASTIC?
Similar Products Used:
Niterider
Bottom Line:
Good product (not as bright as Niterider Flamethrower), but the service is the worst I have encountered. I traded a couple emails... Told them I needed replacement rings. Was told they would send. I never recieved them. I emailed twice since then (offering to pay each time). Nothing. I have tried to call twice... No answer. Maybe they are out of business. Judging by their consideration for a customer, they should be out of business.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Ventura County, Ca. Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It turns on reliably, low wieght, small sized batt., easy mounting (light & batt), better light pattern than comparable NR HID system, come with both bar and helmet mounting hrdw.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider HID
Bottom Line:
If you want the best....chose any of the three Light & Motion ARC systems. You will not regret it!!! Mine is on my mtn bike (bar mounted) and the trails we ride can be pretty rough and demanding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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