Submitted by
Ken McDowell
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Recycle
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Tantalus
Strengths:
Battery holds strong as stated,lots of light on the high 390 lumen mode.Adjustable easy on the fly a bonus.
Weaknesses:
After a few dozen uses the unit failed me,(critical time had a back up,as we all should)seems to be short.The shop (Tantalus)as allways has been excellent handling the problem.I'm hoping its a quick fix.Worked great up till this point.
Similar Products Used:
Night Sun years ago,now using a Minut2 NR as a helmut mount and its awesome,reccomend it.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic expert,won'tbore with details,great ride 09 model last of the era(Tears)
Bottom Line:
I'll update once I hear back from L&M
All the best.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$238.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Very high quality, features, simple operation, brightness, fast Turbo charger.
Weaknesses:
High price, not enough reserve time when it switches to lower wattage mode.
Bike Setup:
Several
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best bicycle products I've owned. Expensive but worth it if you are serious about riding fast at night and wanting to see and be seen. I have the older, non-mv version of this light. Recently I wanted to get a replacement battery as a backup and to increase riding time. This requires updating the connector which L&M Customer Service offered to do for no extra charge with battery purchase. Can't beat that. Save your money and pick this one up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Motormonkeyr6
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley Date Reviewed: February 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
North Star
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Super long burn, bright enough for all out DH runs. You can dim the beam for hiking or climbs.
Weaknesses:
Battery is not extremly light, but then again I dont care. It just makes my camel back feel full.
Similar Products Used:
some Halo night riders
Bike Setup:
06 7point you get the idea.
Bottom Line:
For the money this light kicks a$$. We've done 3+ hour night rides with this light (my buddy has the same one) It might not be a NEW Led or HID light but it puts out a great beam pattern and its adjustable! Which is a HUGE plus.
Just to give you an Idea we are hitting our trails at around 31mph in the day with this light Im able to hit them in the pitch black at 29-30 with 100% confidence in this light.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy this light again!
The only thing I wish I would have done is paid for the turbo charger. The 14 hour charger has no time and you can fry your battery. But I just set my alarm and turn it off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: January 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Keystone Canyon and connecting trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Water resistant, long battery life, bright
Similar Products Used:
Some LED lights; nothing on the same level as this, though.
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
This light is phenomenal. I've rode with it ON through miles of torrential rain near the Texas coast with no problems. No wonder, since the plug between the light and the battery reminds me of plugs that were meant to be submerged hundreds of feet under water. The casing for the light itself is no joke either, albeit probably not as water resistant as the plug. I loved this light when I had all the parts. Seems like every bike I put the mount for it on gets stolen. :-P I'm giving it three chilis for value only because I can't remember what I payed for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Roaring Run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Great beam and battery life. Light weight. Easy to mount.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher with XT.
Bottom Line:
Great light if you do not want to spend the cash for an HID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kela Weber
a Racer
from Waterloo, ON, CAN Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
The forward tilt adjustment, from stock, isn't tight enough. Sometimes the light can smack itself forward into the handlebars.
Similar Products Used:
niterider storm, night hawk digital emitter
Bike Setup:
nrs air, done up nice
Bottom Line:
I bought this light for my handle bars during races. It is brighter than most other halogens, and very durable. I've run down some fast rocky downhills that shake the light so badly that the light will get tilted forward so quickly into the bars that the bulb pops out. It has never broken though. Just need to remember to never touch the bulb with your hands when putting it back in and it fixes right up. I like durability, and this light is durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Hodgson
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: June 21, 2006
If you want to get out at night during the week particularly on dark trails then this is the light for you, other than the more expensive HID lights this light puts out an amazing amount of light. Too often do I get other people in the opposite direction abusing me and I think that's fantastic. Assists in winter to get me out of the house on a week night. Have mates with the latest LED lights and to be honest they appear dull and really blue. I can ride at daylight speeds even on Medium setting. New battery set up is better than old drink bottle type. If you want a good light for a decent amount of money get one of these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Carr
a Downhiller
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: January 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
West Point Cycles
Strengths:
Great Light - adjustable, durable casing, light weight, strong beam. When not blowing bulbs.
Weaknesses:
This light has been replaced once for blowing bulbs (two in two months). The bulb in the new unit has lasted one month and has just blown. My local dealer has been exceptional but there is obviously a design flaw. I use the helmet mount system
Bottom Line:
I really want to like this light as it serves my purposes adequately. Bought this light for commuting but now I will not rely on it and will look for an alternate manufacturer.Reliability is questionable for such an expensive product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomington, MN Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
The light is very bright for a halogen. 2 hour life on high with the NiMH battery.
Weaknesses:
Round connector difficult to line up to battery, wouldn't want to try it at night.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap handlebar-mounted light.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this light for commuting 17 miles to work. The ride involves a 7 mile section of unlit, paved trail. The light output is very impresive. Oncoming bikers sometimes will yell at me because my light is too bright. I take this as a compliment. It is also nice to have left-turning vehicles a block away wait for me because they think I am a motorcycle. 5 chili's because the light has been very dependable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rock Magnet
a Weekend Warrior
from East Hartford, CT, USA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything @ Case Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Very light weight unit. Turbo charger has the battery fully charged in a few hours. Very bright at 13W setting.
Weaknesses:
Helmet attachment pivot requires mounting lamp on top of helmet. Bracket fixed to lamp, requiring removal of entire unit for day rides (unless you like riding around with a light strapped to your head)
Similar Products Used:
The sun (this thing is bright!)
Bike Setup:
Does it matter?
Bottom Line:
As described above, this unit is extremely lightweight and compact. The battery fits nicely in a water pack. It charges very quickly with Turbocharger. Extremely bright on 13W setting, a bit yellow at 10W though rideable for all but technical/rocky sections. I wouldn't trail ride at low setting unless burn time was a real issue or I was feeling really daring. What is amazing is that the beam remains the same brightness from start to finish on a 3 hr ride.
The helmet mount is a bit disappointing on a couple levels:
Issue 1: the vertical adjustment range is such that you can't mount the lamp on the front of your helmet unless you are willing to tilt your head back when you ride (otherwise you illuminate the trail just in front of your bike). Because of this, I am left mounting the device smack dab on top of the helmet where the next set of vents are located through which to thread the velcro strap. This leaves the lamp vulnerable to snagging low-hanging branches if you ride in the woods like I do. This issue may be more a function of my middle-of-the-road helmet than anything else and will definitely impact helmet purchase decisions in the future. A rubber shim under the mount may overcome the issue.
Issue 2: The lamp is screwed onto the mounting bracket, requiring you to remove the entire lamp/bracket assembly for daytime rides (lest you be whacking the low-hanging branches in broad daylight). This is a bit of a pain since the velcro wants to hang up on everything inside the helmet during mounting and removal (and isn't something to do in the dark!). Frequent removal will eventually wear out the strap and helmet padding.
Overall, the light rocks. You can focus the beam by adjusting the bezel. One of the reasons I purchased this system over the Jet Lites Phantom is that both mounting options come stock with Light & Motion. However, I have not yet tried the included handlebar mount system and may never since I ride mostly winding trails.
5 chilis for value since I got a screaming deal at REI. 4 chilis overall since the mounting bracket is a bit neanderthal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Bright, automatic dimming/shut off when battery is low so you don't damage the battery, water tight construction and conections.
Bike Setup:
Used to be a Raleigh M80 w/ custom rims,cris king hubs, avid disk brakes.
Bottom Line:
Awesome light. Bright. The bezel adjusts the beam. I've been in torential downpour with this light on a 13 mile ride. Nothing stops this light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any ROAD
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light weight, adjustable beam, 3 power settings, even lighting
Weaknesses:
Maybe run time, we'll have to see
Similar Products Used:
cateye (battery), cheapo halogens
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Circuit fixed gear
Bottom Line:
The lights work! Took them out for their first ride. The light pattern is wide and even - it lights up the road from side to side. On dark side streets it lit up the homes lining the road! On Hi it is very bright. I would use this in situations where the road may be lit but with so much extraneous lights that I couldn't see my lights on a lower level. On most roads low or medium works well. The light pattern is expremely even on flood and lights up the road far enough in front of you that (on medium) I can cruise at 18-20 and feel like I'm riding during the day. Bought these for commuting and short (20 miles) night rides. These do not disappoint!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quill
a
from CT Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
Awesome customer support Elegant design Awesome customer support
Weaknesses:
Just one nit... I mistakenly assumed that because the unit works with all the batteries, the charger would too. Nope. That said I'm very happy with the NiMH.
Bottom Line:
I've got an old Niterider on my bars and the Solo Logic on my helmet and I think its a way better setup than my buddies who ride with a single HID. Cheaper too. Customer service came thru for me when they didn't have too... TWICE. Cane Creek is the only other bike company I've had this kind of service from.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus
a Cross Country Rider
from LA, CA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
cheseboro
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$164.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Bright, 3 modes, it has the light indicator to show which mode your on. It comes it helmet mount and bar mount. light weight battery. Don't need to charge overnight with turbocharger.
Weaknesses:
None so Far.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye halogen, cheapy niterider.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Pro w/ Mavic Crossmax, CB Mallet M pedals, CK Headset, protaper carbon handlebar. WTB Epicwolf 2.1 tires
Bottom Line:
I got this because it was on sale and wanted to do some REAL night riding. Here in SoCal its perfect night riding weather (But it been chilly of late, low 50s). This is one of the brightest halogen light that I have seen. First time out on the trail, the trail light up so clearly that I rode as fast as my regular day rides. This came with both the helmet and bar mount which is a plus (didn't have to buy one seperately). With the turbocharger, the light weight battery charges in no time.
Anyone looking to do some serious night riding but don't want to spend $400-$500 for an HID light, this is the perfect light!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom T
a
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
lightweight, simple design, 3 light levels, bright, long burn time potential, ability to use all L&M batteries with this light
Similar Products Used:
niterider, turbocat
Bottom Line:
I bought this light to round out my lighting system for adventure racing. It is a great complement and backup to the L&M Arc Lion HID that I bought at the same time (see my review for the Arc Ultra Lion). I've used it for some training rides and two overnight races. In both races I used the Ultra Lion battery and had the light on for 5 to 7 hours at varying light levels. The light never appeared to be on the verge of running out. With the Ultra Lion battery the light is estimated to have a burn time up to 11 hours, and I believe it. The light is so light you wouldn't know it was on your helmet if it wasn't for the cable. This is a great light no matter what battery you choose.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Wiltshire, UK Date Reviewed: August 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Johns Bikes Bath
Strengths:
Neat, small, simple, fast charger, able to move mount whilst running. Used all through last winter and was very pleased with it. Only thing that I have seen that exceeds it is a HID light (which was vastly more expensive).
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the battery life could do with being longer. Can't see the brightness level LEDs from riding position. The battery strap rubbed the paintwork
Similar Products Used:
Homemade light - failed in the dark, that is why I spent (what I think) is a lot of money on a light.
Bike Setup:
Was on a Kona, now on a Rocky Mountain Slayer 50.
Bottom Line:
I would consider Light & Motion products before anything else before I buy my next light (which says it all I think).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View CA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Henry Coe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Universalcycles.com
Strengths:
Solid and simple helmet hardware Adjustable bezel 2 oz helmet weight Excellent plug and battery Both helmet and bar mounts included Cool light level led Sidelights
Weaknesses:
That battery could be a bit thinner
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Headtrip
Bike Setup:
Road and Mountain
Bottom Line:
The L&M Halogen is the first helmet light that is so light that I don't feel it up there on my helmet. It's elegantly minimalist - the cleanest design out there. At 2 oz, it's half the weight of my old Niterider Headtrip, with a much nicer helmet mount. And while the battery is not as slim as my old Headtrip, neither is the new Niterider battery, and the L&M battery is still small and light enough that I can easily drop it in my jersey pocket. The plug is the best I've seen - really simple and solid.
Besides the weight, the coolest feature is the adjustable bezel. I've often said that I want a spot for the road and a flood for the dirt, and with L&M, I can have both. And it really works - quick and easy to go back and forth, with an excellent beam pattern.
While I'll never use this particular light on the bars, it has a couple of cool features for those who would. One cool feature is the side lights, for visibility - to light up the cyclometer, and with a dual system, to easily see which lights are on. The led shows the level as well on the Logic models. My old Niterider showed the battery level, but I prefer what L&M did - showing the light level.
When it comes to replacing my old bar lights some day, I'll look at L&M first.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Boston Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Great when it works.
Weaknesses:
It doesn't work.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my review below. I did eventually get the replacement charger -- I actually do need to tip my hat to L&M -- thanks. But the damn thing STILL doesn't work. I sent an e-mail to customer support and said I give up. No response. I guess I'll try NiteRider. Based on the other reviews, I must have got a lemon. Too bad. The light looked good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Boston Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
When it works, the light is fantastic -- great amount of light, light in weight. But only when it works.
Weaknesses:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT!!!! OR LACK OF IT!!!!
Bottom Line:
If you want to roll the dice, buy this light. I really wanted to like this light. When it arrived, I had high hopes. It looked great, it was light in weight and worked extremely well the first three times I used it. However, this is when the party ended. I bought the turbo charger thinking I could save myself my time. Instead, I bought a big headache. The turbo charger self-destructed on the third use. I contacted Light and Motion customer support, who seemed really helpful. Chris at support promised me he would FedEx a new turbo charger overnight. Great, I thought -- a Company that will step up to the plate. Unfortunately, they lied. Now it's a week later and still no turbo charger. Chris keeps giving me BS that it should be there tomorrow, etc. Unless you want to beat your head against a wall, DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ClydesdaleMTB
a Weekend Warrior
from NH Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
I have a NiterRider Digital Note Owl-II that has given me nothing but problems since the day I got it..... The Manager of the LBS is sending my NiteOwl-II back and gave me a Solo Logic to use until NiteRider can figure out what is wrong.
After a few days with this lighting system, I don't want my NiteRider back..... ever!
This light is wonderful, everything it should be, and more.
I hope NiteRider replaces my unit with a new one so I can return it and buy a Solo Logic instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
"enter clever response here..."
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
Light pattern is even..wide. battery life as-advertised, charger simple and quick. Resists rain real well. Pivoting head is sweet. Keeps saving my lycra-clad tail...
Weaknesses:
not really...
Similar Products Used:
niterider digital evolution (2000)
Bike Setup:
various
Bottom Line:
great light. long run times, real weather-proof, nice light-pattern, compact cage/battery not brushing my thighs, and pivoting head lets me watch the possum that just about made me stack. I've commuted with it five days a week for a couple months. And the guys at L&M are great. Haven't tried anything better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Round Rock TX Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
I bought the Solo Logic with the quick charger (which I highly recommend). This is a great lamp. The side light ports throw off enough light to illuminate by cyclocomputer. With an adjustable beam and three power settings, you can set this up to handle virtually any situation. At high beam, it's bright enough that you can be seen from relatively long distances. I have recommended this light to friends who want to ride at night. They say, "but it's so expensive." I say, "what's your life worth?"
Similar Products Used:
AA-powered lights.
Bike Setup:
Trek 7500
Bottom Line:
This is a great bicycle headlight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a
from Novato, CA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
ClassCycle, Novato
Strengths:
Extremely lightweight and compact Very high quality Very bright Three levels with the Apex Logic - a great feature. Upgradeable
Weaknesses:
Expensive (but worth it).
Similar Products Used:
In past, I had the Performance Viewpoint and the Niterider Cyclops.
Bike Setup:
I use it primarily for commuting - on both a road bike and a mountain bike.
Bottom Line:
Speaking for commuting where it is necessary to see and mostly to be seen, this light is great. It is extremely bright - really catches the attention of drivers who probably think that a motorcycle or scooter is approaching. I don't have cars pulling out in front of me anymore - they wait. This is or is close to being the lightest weight light, and certainly the most compact design for bottlecage-type lights. The single light (rather than a dual beam) is fully adequate for commuting even on dark roads. Having three light levels is great for saving battery life when you don't need the full power.
Compare battery voltage when comparing brightness of lights, not just the watts. The Apex has 10.8 volts and a 15-watt bulb; most other lights have only 6 volts. It makes a big difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHUCK RADER
a Weekend Warrior
from TORRANCE,CA.,USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
PALOS VERDES
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
LIGHTS & MOTION
Strengths:
WEIGHS ALMOST NOTHING,PUTS OUT A HUGE AMOUNT OF WHITE LIGHT, QUICK CHARGER AVAILABLE
Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR
Similar Products Used:
VARIOUS CHEAPO THROWAWAYS
Bike Setup:
KLEIN ATTITUDE,THE ONE YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO BUY IN THIS COUNTRY,STOCK WITH SOME GOOD AND SOME ADEQUATE PARTS,WILL UPGRADE AS THEY BREAK.
Bottom Line:
THIS LITTLE LIGHT IS ONE OF THE BEST ENGINEERED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE. HAVING BUILT JETS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS,YOU GET A FEELNG FOR WHEN SOMETHING IS DONE RIGHT. YOU ONLY HAVE THE SMALL HANDLEBAR MOUNT LEFT ON YOUR BIKE WHEN THE LIGHT IS REMOVED,NO BIG DEAL.IF I NEEDED MORE LIGHT, THEN THE DUAL WOULD WEIGH HARDLY ANYTHING MORE. THE MOUNT IS EASY TO POINT AND STAYS PUT AND THE FOCUSABLE BEAM IS A BIG PLUS. LIGHTS & MOTION SEEM TO BE THE ONLY FOLKS OFFERING A SMART RAPID CHARGER. THAT AND THE FACT THAT THESE ARE THE LIGHTEST SYSTEMS AVAILABLE MAKES ME GLAD I HAVE MINE. YES,THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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