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NiteRider
Digital Pro-12 Extreme
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Submitted by
Keith Adler
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins CO.
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Old flowers road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Peformance | | Strengths: | Great tuff construction,Very bright,Many choices for brightness, Good custimer service. | | Weaknesses: | The light craped on me in the first six months but Niterider made it work great no problems since. | | Bike Setup: | Old Bridgestone RB-T set up for comuting with rack and fenders | | Bottom Line: | Great light, Great company, Good custemer service. It's still the best light out there. Niterider is still the best light company. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Strengths: | When not in shop for repairs, the integrated tail-light is very bright, and the fuel gauge are usefull. | | Weaknesses: | CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE!! Dont believe me - call the NON-toll free number - I am convinced that the help line is not staffed. You get put on hold until you hang-up. The trouble is - you will need help as the product WILL fail. | | Bottom Line: | Choose another brand - Lights N Motion ARC HID light seems to be getting rave reviews for both performance and SERVICE. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan W.
a
from Anaheim, CA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop in National City, CA | | Strengths: | Will teach you what not to do with $300 (hopefully you'll
learn the first time).
Reliable. You can rely on this light not working. | | Weaknesses: | Not backed by the WEAK company full of WEAK labor that made it. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE: Other stuff actually works. | | Bike Setup: | Bike with non-functioning, overpriced headlight. | | Bottom Line: | This light acted up from day one. The first time I disconnected the battery from the light to put it in my bike bag so I could walk around without the light accidentally turning on caused the LED indicator to drop to just a fluttering red when the battery was reconnected.
However, the battery was fully charged. The light still worked, just no battery indication. I lived with it like this for quite some time because I needed the light for commuting. THEN IT GOT WORSE! I would be riding to work in the early morning dark with a full battery indication when it would drop to a flashing red LED with the headlamp at it's lowest setting and I couldn't change it. This is after only 15 min. at the 12 watt setting! I still used it for awhile with these annoying problems that eventually became 100% consistent. They would happen all the time. I finally took it back to them explaining the symptoms to one of their so-called enginneers. He took me to the back where they build the lights because he wanted to show me a new, more expensive light. It was a small, unimpressive facility in one of those small industrial complexes that it shares with other small businesses. I understood why my light sucked so bad after seeing where it was built. Everything is done by hand which is fine if you have skilled labor. NiteRider obviously has unskilled labor and ABSOLUTELY NO QUALITY CONTROL DEPARTMENT! I suspect hasty assembly to keep up with the demands of unfortunate consumers like myself.
Anyways, I was told I needed a new battery which I paid for because the warranty was up (about $50). When I got it back on the bike and went for a ride, I found that the problems were still there, no change. This means that they never tested it before giving it back to me! In fact, I suspect they didn't even look at the light; just sold me
another battery. This p**ses me off!!
Now I live in Anaheim which is about 2hrs. from NiteRider
in San Diego and the light completely crapped out today. Because of the faulty electronics and battery indication, I never know if the battery really needs charging or if the
overcharge safety feature works. But I plugged in the charger and got a full charge indication after it sat for awhile. So I unplugged the charger and went to turn on the light. It came on for a millisecond and went out, for good.
Now it doesn't do anything. I also have the tailight that
goes with this headlamp and because it's controlled by the same brain as the rest of the system, it no longer works
either. Now that I live farther away from the NiteRider
facility (I used to live close and they only have one!)
this is going to be a pain to resolve, if that's possible.
I will try to call them tomorrow (good luck!) and see what
they are willing to do for me. I may show up in person again. For anybody that lives close enough, this would be the best bet. I feel for the people who have to ship their
defective product for repairs that may not even happen because shipping comes out of their pockets. This can drag on and on and leave you with no hair.
Don't let the good reviews here sway you. People are more compelled to write a good review than a bad one. When you're angry you don't feel like reviewing a product you
paid for and found out you got ripped. I almost didn't write
this one. For the money this light costs it isn't worth the
gamble. Especially if you live far away from NiteRider.
Your light may or may not work as it's supposed to. It may
not work at all! It all depends on which employee had a part
in the light's construction and/or the quality of the electronics and other parts being used.
Because of this inconsistency with properly working products, I CANNOT RECOMMEND NiteRider to anyone, especially
considering their prices. Not to mention my own experience with them (which isn't over) that is shared by many others. NiteRider is probably too swamped with crap returned by law enforcement agencies to even think about
fixing anyone else's. Their stuff probably just gets replaced promptly. It should be this way for everyone who
shells out this much money for a bike light. You can learn
from mine and other's mistakes here. But if you're still
considering NR, then you know what they say:
A fool and his money........................ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Wenczel
a
from Leverett, MA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Periwinkle | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome light for a halogen bulb. The gauge is nice and so is the 'smart' charger. | | Weaknesses: | In the process of being sent back in for repairs for the 2nd time; system goes to reserve after 15 mins. If they repair for free than rating goes up to 5. | | Bottom Line: | Get the niterider Storm HID, it is in a completely different class as far as visability is concerned. Full-blast for 4 hours! Head and shoulders better than the D12-E. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott LaFever LaFever
a Racer
from Norwich New York
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindagan Hollow Ithaca NY | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | Clorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | 5 Selectable light levels, tail light compatable | | Weaknesses: | First of all I feel some reviewers abuse this execellent review tool deisgned to be informive and helpful to us all by calling others names and being rude. If you read a review and choose to discount it thats cool, if you knock the reviewer thats uncool and you may not have that reviewers valuable input in the future. Please stick to the facts. Each of use have our own experience and based on the culmination of these experiences we can all draw our own conclusions.
Like many of the reviewers who have owned the DP12E for a short period of time (1-6 months) I beleived that the unit was simply awesome. However having owned my unit for over three years and train with it as much as 5 nights a week I think very different of the unit now. The unit functioned as claimed for 6 months then the unit began to fail by quiting and going to reserve. I have had this unit and a Digital Headtrip in for service 3 or 4 times. NR would update and upgrade the CPU and battery cell confiugurations. Each time it would function fine for a few months then the unit would fail the same way with run times progressivly diminishing. For the last year and a half I haven't dared to switch to 20/32 watts becasue the unit fails immediatly without warning and regardless of charge.
I believe the customer service at NR to be the among the best in the industry base on the fact that they stand behind there products. Considering most companies stick to the one year guarantee and NR is for life of the original owner I think that alone says a lot. As for the service of the product once NR has made the repairs I think there should be more thorough testing of the lights before they are returned to the customer. I am currently in the process of returning the Digital Headtrip/DP12E and I will report with my concluion on the quality of customer service at NR and the review of the units that these are replaced with once sufficient time has passed to give an evaluation. | | Similar Products Used: | Nightsun and Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Current race bike which is one of five is a custom Cannondale CAAD 5 with King disc wheels and other elite components (6K invested) | | Bottom Line: | Better wait until I recieve the replacment units before I make this call. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moody in Los Gatos, though closed for years, is still my all-time favorite | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycles | | Strengths: | really lights up the trail; nice design | | Weaknesses: | EXPENSIVE! | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider Classic (6 yrs); Digital Headtrip (3 yrs and counting); Blow Torch (one month and so far so good) | | Bike Setup: | old school Santa Cruz Tazmon with a SID XC | | Bottom Line: | The NiteRider Digital Pro 12E is a kick ass light overall. I haven't had any problems in nearly four years of regular use. The battery eventually died, but this is normal -- batteries don't last forever.
I did have one problem with my Digital Headtrip helmet light (loose part in the light connector), and sent it back to NiteRider to fix. Customer service was pro and I got the light back in perfect working order within one week.
I would recommend this light to anyone into technical night riding. But save yourself some money and buy a used one from some sucker who sold his soul to buy a Blow Torch. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Romano
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Light when it works | | Weaknesses: | Breaks alot | | Similar Products Used: | Vistalite | | Bike Setup: | Santacruz Superlight Marzocchi Superfly Full XTR Bontrager Racelight wheelset | | Bottom Line: | This light is great when it works but due to the fact that I bought this light brand new have only used it 6 times anfd three of those times it has broken makes me have to give this product a poor rating. During these six uses the 12w bulb has burnt out twice and then the light wouldn't even charge so I sent it back to NiteRider. They replaced the charging transistor and the battery. The after I get the light back the first ride out the 12w bulb goes. So back to Niterider it goes. So six uses three breaks and two trips bake to NiteRider. We'll see what happens when I get it back this time. The only redeming grace for NiteRider is that their customer service is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dwight Carter
a Downhiller
from Sun Valley, Id
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any that lead to happiness | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Multiple Light Levels, remote switch with fuel guage with backlit LCD like a bike computer. Remote switch has easy to use up down switch to change light levels. 5 hour smart charging. Handlebar mount is great. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Digital Head Trip on my Helmet | | Bike Setup: | Giant | | Bottom Line: | I trail ride at night about 1 to 2 times per week besides I ride to work. If I didn't have my niterider for the ride home from work I would feel naked. Cars definetly give you respect with this light!
The DP-12 LCD is an awesome light. I love the ease of use of the remote switch and the fuel guage is fantastic. The backlit fuel guage is like a bike computer but you can even set the backlit display intensity. The fuel guage lets you know how many minutes you have remaining on the battery depending which light beam you have on at the time, 32w, 20w, 12w, 9w, 6w, 3w.
If one of the two light bulbs should burn out it automatically swithces to the other beam with no loss of light. It happened to me when I was comming down a hill. I called Niterider because I thought something had gone wrong with the light because only one light worked. I sent it in and they replaced the lamp. If it happens again I'll replace it myself. I have to say that contrary to what other reviewers say, I found the customer service people to be very friendly and helpful. I was without my LCD light for only 2 weeks.
Warning: A friend of mine in Salt Lake City bought a Lights and Motion Cabeza Logic after reading all the good reviews at Lights and Motion that slammed NiteRider. He was very dissapointed when he received his L&M Light and saw the cheap construction. He came up to visit me last week and we went riding. After seeing my niterider lights He now thinks the reviews that claim L&M lights are better than niterider are a fraud, maybe planted by L&M.
If you buy anything but niterider be forewarned. I highly recommend anything niterider and give them 5 chillis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Downhiller
from San Francisco CA.
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Start to Finish | | Strengths: | Powerfull beams, a lot of light, long burn times | | Weaknesses: | my batterie doesn't seem to hold the charge | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | It's a great light if you need a lot of light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I won't tell | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$229.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Well made. Good cabling. Nickel Hydride battery is lighter and faster to re-charge than older batteries | | Weaknesses: | The digital read-out is a seperate piece that didn't work on two different tries. The buttons are impossible to push in the desired patterns to get the light to funtion properly when you have gloves on. For me, night riding equates to winter riding and its cold enough for gloves. The light has too many pieces to carry and mount (light, LCD read-out, battery, battery safety strap) and too high a price to leave parked. Recharging system, back light on LCD did not work. Light went dead twice on new moon (no moon) nights. Customer service needs better training and a vested interest in the company or its customers i.e., equity ownership. Engineering and purchasing should reconsider this particular model. | | Similar Products Used: | I used the nite rider classic for over ten years and loved it (except the on/off switch). I went through two batteries in that time. I now have the nite rider blow torch and so far so good and nobody can say 'I didn't see you' ever again. The blue HID gas light is the ticket for seeing and being seen! I will follow up with a review after a few months. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale custom CAD III. Previously owned by Tinker Juarez. The bike is TITS. | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't buy the light again unless it sold for less than $150 and I would buy from my local guy so I could take it back as often as needed. Performance did ok in replacing and Nite Rider tried to fix it once. Performance ultimately swapped the lite for a Blow torch model. The whole process took three months and I am writting this in hopes that you don't ned to experience the same! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Reliable, Bright, GREAT Customer Service, Simple to use (reading the instructions definately helps on this product!) There are a couple of things regarding basic operation, that while not "counter-intuitive" aren't plainly obvious. | | Weaknesses: | cost??? other than that...NONE | | Similar Products Used: | cateye, cheapo stuff | | Bottom Line: | Have used this light nearly everyday for the past 2+ yrs. Simply put...it is one of the most enjoyable, easy to use, dependable bike accessories I own.
I read alot of negative reviews about the CS at Niterider and just scratch my head....I've had 3 failures in the unit over the years: 1) water got in the meter unit and fried it (I rode home in a torrential downpour) 2) switch failed 3)battery went bad??? Techies never figured it out...they just GAVE me the newest battery system on a 2yr old 12E!
All three times I have PAID NOTHING for the service and twice gotten upgrades to a product that was beyond its' stated warranty. Only thing I can think of is the negative reviewers caught a "bad apple" at niterider, or possibly that they called comin in with a "tude"..who knows?
I recently upgraded to the quick charging "micro-brute" system which is awesome cuz it does the job in only 4hrs. Incidentally, I also have the Digital Headtrip II which has worked just as well (the micro-brute charger is a big plus there as it upgrades the charge cycle from 14-4hrs ). Bottom line, if you ride anywhere in the dark..especially with cars around I'd recommend you use the D12E. Five smokin turds after all these years, and 5000+ miles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale XR800 with little left stock | | Bottom Line: | I can't really explain the problems other people have had, but my experience has been awesome with this headlight. I bike commuted 25 miles a day with this light through snow, rain, freezing rain and every other kind of crap you can think of, and I've never had a problem with it. I love the power meter and the plug and forget feature. As for customer service, I wouldn't know since I haven't had to call them. The only quirk I've noticed is one that is even mentioned in the manual, and just part of the design with the digital system. If you unplug the battery from the headlight in the middle of a charge the meter kinda loses track of how much charge its got, and takes a full charge cycle to know what its got again. So long as you don't do that there's nothing to worry about, at least not in my experience. Value wise I got it off ebay for 210, so I can't complain about value ;o) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Huibregtse
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO , USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Very bright, good battery life, lots of level settings, good self-charging. | | Weaknesses: | Product support is non-existent, at least during the past month. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheaper lights | | Bike Setup: | 2 road bikes, 1 mountain bike | | Bottom Line: | The service department must be on strike or something. For the past two weeks, I've been unable to leave so much as a voicemail message to their service department in the hopes of getting an RMA (Voicemail seems to be contantly so full that we can't leave a msg). I was eventually able to get a fax through to them about a week ago, and it hasn't been acknowledged yet. No live-body escalation process, either.
Love(d) the light, but extremely disappointed in the service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart Vanden Wyngaerd
a Racer
from Antwerp, Belgium, Europe
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$311.00 | | Strengths: | control panel: remaining battery level
indicator lights: displays light output level
easy adjustment of light output level
water bottle Smart Battery
6 light levels: 6/9/12/20/32 watts and Walking mode
to 30 minutes Reserve at 6 watts
Over-discharge protection | | Weaknesses: | no | | Bottom Line: | Best available light if you're in for night-rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Karlovich
a Cross Country Rider
from Belmont, Ca
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Extremely Bright Light, sturdy construction, adjustment of light intensity, reserve power. | | Weaknesses: | Product documentation is absolute trash. Trying to figure out how the thing works is a chore. Charger cord is of very poor quality. I handle the thing carefully, but the cord has to be propped in exactly the right position to charge the unit. Also, inexplicably, can't get it to charge from some outlets in my home. Very expensive. | | Bottom Line: | The light is great once you figure it out. I can ride almost anything at night that I can during the day. Technical single track -no problem. The documentation sucks -I mean really sucks. You have to understand how to charge it, and what happens when the light is disconnected from the battery to make sure that it is charged. -No problem if it's complex, but Niterider needs better documentation. The charge unit is of poor quality, or maybe I just got a lemon.
Still, I would buy this light again because of the power of the light and the adjustability of the beam. You look like you have a motorcycle headlight when on full power. As soon as winter sets in (snowboarding, not riding), I will see if nite rider has good customer service to replace the charger or fix it.
The reserve power is a good feature. It's saved me a couple of times.
Don't buy this light unless you need a serious setup for technical nightime riding. It is overkill for anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unhappy User
a Racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Day time trials | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | They look stronger than other lighting systems | | Weaknesses: | Unreliable, poor customer service, too expensive, the worst company I have ever dealt with, and that's saying something, since they are in the bike industry. | | Similar Products Used: | Digital Nite Owl, (P.O.S.) Pro 12V (P.O.S.) Classic Dual Beam. | | Bike Setup: | one that I can only ride in the day since I mistakenly bought the worst lights made. | | Bottom Line: | Nite Rider has a serious problem with their digital systems, and I don't think they are bright enough to fix it. They seem to want to blame the user.
My group went on a ride the other night and 4 (yes 4!) out of 5 digital systems on the ride failed for different reasons. Two of the systems had already been back to nite rider for warranty. One Nite Owl shows emergency power even though the light is fully charged. That's why I sent it in last time and they told me they had a problem with the micro prossessors. (looks like they still have the same problem. My buddies digital head trip had the same exact problem, and his was the other that had already been "fixed" at nite rider. This was his first ride with it since it had been "fixed". The other two lights were Pro 12V dual beam systems. The both get false emergency power even though they are left to charge as nite riders instructions say. Emergency light isn't half the problem with this P.O.S. light. The connections are so bad that both of these lights cut off when you take a hard hit. So, you'll just be riding along and "boom" no light! Needless to say, that's the last thing you want your light to do when your jamming down a fire road or single track. These lights suck. Period. So, out of 5 lights only one worked. We have other friend who missed the ride do to lights being in for warranty. I guess there is a 20% chance your light will work when you need it. If that's good enought for you then, this might be the light for you. Some other company needs to step up and put these guys out of business. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Downhiller
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Start To Finish (No longer exists) | | Strengths: | The output of this light is amazing, it seems to go on forever and i love the flashing mode. | | Weaknesses: | The unit becomes very hot. | | Similar Products Used: | Headtrip | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi duel susp.cross country bike w/monster T Jr. Bomber | | Bottom Line: | Great light for hi intensity output | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wilbur
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges | | Strengths: | High intensity light output | | Weaknesses: | Battery life. After being very careful (I'm a finatic) with battery care, I've found the battery to last 10 minutes on 15W now. NR uses a hosing process to make it the users fault, from what I've seen posted. | | Similar Products Used: | Vista Lite | | Bike Setup: | several | | Bottom Line: | Good Light, bad charger/battery | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flip-Z- Bird
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ.
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Name One! POOP-A-GO TRAIL'S | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bike Shop | | Strengths: | GREAT LIGHT SET UP! If You ever want to Night Ride This is a GREAT SET UP! Easy to use, set up is a snap, charger works fast and easy too. It can take a licking and keep on SHINING BRIGHT! Long burn times, I have used this light every Wed. night for over a year now without one Challenge on the trail ever! The light put out is the best I've seen. The Dual-beam with the NiMH DIGITAL battery pack is the olnly way to go. This light works GREAT OUT ON THE TRAIL! | | Weaknesses: | After a wile the Bar clamp gets weaker. I wrap a velcrow strap around it to keep it locked on the bar. Not a big deal, I just want it to stay put wile out on the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | "ONLY NITE RIDER!" | | Bike Setup: | Conejo AP/5-AT, with lot's of other $TUFF ON IT! | | Bottom Line: | It get's "TOO HOT" down here to ride the Desert trail's after Noon in the Summer months from May-Oct. I started Night Riding with My friends that Race on WED. Nights just to keep in shape during the long HOT SUMMER MONTHS. Night Riding on the Desert trails is the best. I liked the Digital Pro-12-E so well that I also got the Digital Head Trip as well. I use the Head Trip to seek out what way the trail is going next? ahead of Me in the DARK, at SPEED! You can ride the trail's much faster this way when you get the hang of it? I use them both just to REALLY LIGHT UP THE TRAIL'S IN FRONT OF ME AT NIGHT! We Night ride all YEAR ROUND now. THIS IS THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE ON YOUR BIKE! NITE RIDER'S RULE!
Flip, out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Warren, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Marty's Reliable | | Strengths: | They have a strong market share and are at all the 24 hour races. | | Weaknesses: | The poor customer service and lack of accountable they take in the problem. Learning that the batteries only last one year. I have now returned the light for repair 3 times. Their customer support has taken anywhere from one week to mouth to return. | | Similar Products Used: | I have used their lighting system for the last 6 years and gone through three of their complete set of lights in this time. | | Bike Setup: | IBIS Bow-Ti, full XTR, Crossmax Tubeless and White Brothers fork. | | Bottom Line: | I wish for two thing another company to make a better lighting system that would work as NiteRider promise or advertise. Second that NiteRider would make good on their products and make sure they work the first time and not to blame the customers or misuse. In talking with other riders I have not found anybody that not had to return there lights for repair. I did not like the idea that NiteRider thought that I was looking for free stuff when calling to get my lights fixed as noted on the return RMA form. It would be nice for once if both of my lights to last through one ride. Riding in the dark is not what I had in mind when using there lights. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Navin Poonpipat
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dark Hollow, Brian Head, UT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | 1. Bombproof quality.(I had a rare problem with the charging port on the side of the wire).
2. Multiple power settings, good for long slow climbs (can go for 6hrs on min. power).
3. Easy charging (plug and forget), just flip open the dust cap and plug into charging port on the side of the wire.
4. Nice handlebar mounted thumb switch.
5. Easy to read and accurate (if you follow directions) battery life indicator. | | Weaknesses: | 1. 45 minutes of battery life at max power. (I ride on rough terrain, so I installed two 20W bulbs and got even less time).
2. Slight condinsation in bulb which dissappears after running for a few mins. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye Stadium 3. Many single beam NightRiders. | | Bike Setup: | '01 Storm Thunder w/Fox RC, 130mm Marzocchi Z.1 QR-20, 8"/6" Hayes, Rhyno Lites, Maxxis HighRollers. | | Bottom Line: | Good for long rides because you can use the low power setting and go for hours. But at high power settings it uses the battery in about 45 mins. Less than that for me, I tried two 40W bulbs, one spot and one flood. It was bright but it ran out fast.
If you need longer running time with LOTS of power, then try the Cateye Stadium 3. It uses HID (Same as those bluish white BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche) bulbs, goes for 3 hrs, and is almost twice as bright as the Pro-12. Only problem is it has only one power setting and costs about 25% more.
I hope NightRider will make a dual beam system with HID on one side for High beam and regular Halogen on the other side for lower power settings, similar to the Specialized.
1 chili taken from value for not offering the most light for the $.
1 chili taken from overall for the charging port problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bjorn
a Cross Country Rider
from El Paso, TX
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Frankiln Mountains State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | REI.com | | Strengths: | Nice solid construction. Digital controls, fuel guage, reserve. Nice bright lights. SOS flash so when I bite it hard I can call for help. Tail light plugs right in and doesn't drain battery at all. Holding the unit is like closing the door of a Mercedes, nice and satisfyingly solid. Feels well made. Got it for $130 with next day shipping included. :) | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy, but then everything is. Charger you get is too slow. Quick 5-hour charger is $75. | | Similar Products Used: | The sun and the moon. | | Bike Setup: | GT i-Drive, XTR, Spinergy Xyclone, XT disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | So far a great lighting system. Plus, I got it for only $130. Of course REI gives you an 8% yearly cashback dividend on whatever you bought the previous year, so mine were $200 of regular price, but hey, that's fine with me. I like the idea. Buy stuff, get money back from buying stuff, so more stuff you buy is cheaper, and then still get money back fro the cheaper stuff you just bought, and then get more money back, and then buy more stuff, and then.... Well I think you get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Webb
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | You can't kill the battery, either by overcharging or overusing
NiMH battery - no "memory" like NiCad, lighter weight
Good burn time, I've never run out of juice on a ride
Easy to switch between power settings
Power meter helps keep you on track on how much you have left to burn
Little green lights on top of light unit make it easy to see out of the bottom of your vision which light or lights are on
Wide range of power settings to choose from
Lights up the trail extremely well
| | Weaknesses: | LED meter is not always accurate, but this is a rare occurance - as long as I take it straight off the charger it's been 100% accurate.
Lights are not completely waterproof. I've noticed some moisture in one of the lights, but it hasn't caused a problem. Yet.
Slow recharge time with the regular charger. Takes at least an overnight charge | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Who cares | | Bottom Line: | Yes, they are expensive, but other than the CatEye Stadium (which I've never tried), I haven't seen anything else come close. Some people think the digital control is overkill, but talk to a few people with older lights and they'll tell you of an overcharged battery at some point. This will never happen with this setup.
I've had this setup for almost two years and go out for two-hour plus rides and I've never run out of juice. I've found the 20 watt setting to be the best balance between good lighting and burn time, but I switch around depending on the conditions to ensure I'm not straggling home on the low-light reserve. A helmet light is essential for high-speed runs on twisty singletrack, but this setup will get you far.
Switching the various power settings is easy to do no matter the conditions.
The only times the LED meter is not accurate is when you leave it unplugged for several days, otherwise it's good to go.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john charles
a Downhiller
from phoenix,az
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | south mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | lombardi's sports | | Strengths: | great all around light!lights up the trail like a spot light
on a police car! very easy flick of the thumb for changing
light beams this light has saved me so many times on the
road when people are about to pull out in front of me they see me coming & they hit the brakes quick! this light is also bomb proof I was hauling on a downhill when my water bottle holder broke oh-no! the battery fell on the ground
bounced a couple of times & some how the power cord got all wrapped up in the front wheel I freaked out! I stopped took it out of my front wheel put it together hit the on button
good as new! that's what you spend $ 300.00 for I probably
like many other people contemplated spending $300.00 for a
light but when things like that happen it makes you relize
it's well worth it! | | Weaknesses: | first couple of weeks I had it I road in the rain-no no!
it toasted the microprocesser so I sent it back they fixed it. (for$ 300.00 plus it should be waterproof!) then about
6 months later I was having charging problems so I called
niterider not to happy & explained to them that I bought there most expensive light they make not there cheapest one
&told them I just sent it back 6 months prior for the microprocesser. bottom line they sent me a new one no questions ask! that's a company that stands behind there product. | | Similar Products Used: | cateye,nightsun | | Bike Setup: | GT i-drive 1000 chris king, raceface, full xtr | | Bottom Line: | if your like me & use your equipment all the time it's worth
the money! as the old saying goes-you get what you pay for!
the plug&forget rules you can come home after a ride plug it in go to bed wake up & its charged & ready to go. niteriders
rule! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | pacificbicycleonline.com | | Strengths: | Im just following up on my previous review. After being frustrated with the lame customer service person I was dealing with I decided to call sales and see what they could do. The sales guy put me directly in touch with a tech. I explained the deal and he told me he would pull the unit and look at it asap. He apologized for the lame customer service I received. Within about an hour or so he calls me back and informs me of the problem (faulty wall power supply), says he will let the unit recharge over night and send it out the next day if all else is cool. The guy was totally professional and didnt point any fingers so to speak. Its still too bad I had to go thru all that but they came thru in the end. Like the review below me says, Customer Service is everything, I was a Service Manager for a Honda bike shop and am very familiar with these situations...I dont think I was being un-realistic, I just wanted what I was promised and paid for. | | Similar Products Used: | Digital Headtrip | | Bottom Line: | Excellent Lighting, multiple modes are great for saving power when you dont need too much light (climbing). Fuel meter is sweet, and brainless charging is sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WTFISGOINON
a Racer
from SG
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Strengths: | WTF IS THIS REVIEW BELOW ME NR? YOU GUYS HAVE GOOD REPUTATION. | | Bottom Line: | CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE KEY OF HAVING A GOOD BUSINESS. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. THIS PRODUCT IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE MARKET.
I'M AN OWNER OF ONE OF THE BIGGEST BIKE STORE IN U.S. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian Cesana
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | pacificbicycleonline.com | | Strengths: | Great battery life, excellent wide and distance beam, the extra low level modes are great for saving power. System is fairly lite weight also. Definetly a winner for night riding, but I would also recommend a head unit, the combination is the ultimate. | | Weaknesses: | Nite Rider customer service, THEY SUCK. Hopefully you will never have to send your unit back in for repair. My unit was just a 1 weeks old and wouldnt charge (no lights) so I called them. Their RMA dept said it would be faster to send the unit in to them for repair than sending it back to PacificBicycle for replacement and they would have it done quickly since it was so new. Well quickly to me means just a few days. They recieved the unit on 12/22 (per UPS tracking) but didnt log it in until 12/27 (ok it was a holiday). Ive called a few times since and they keep telling me a tech has not seen it yet. Its now 1/9/01 and still a "tech has not seen it yet". WTF? Now they tell me all RMA takes at leat 10-12 business days...Well its been 14! Ive reminded them politely that they informed me the repair would be done "quickly" since it was so new. Their RMA person Jennifer really doesnt have much to say when I politely explain things, she just sits on the phone without saying anything and than says, "there is nothing I can do", how about some FRIKKEN Customer Service!!!! At least humor me and say Ill investigate it or Ill make it a point to get a tech on it or something. | | Similar Products Used: | Flashlight | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Mountain Cycle, Mars MonsterT, Stratos Helix Pro, Race Face, Hayes, XTR, Azonic, Thompson. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet light works excellent, charging system seems ok I guess once it works...I like the brain dead charging ability. Just hope you never need to get it repaired, I would highly recommend trying to get it replaced from your purchaser before sending it to NR. I would give the system 5 Flamin Chili's but since their CS sucks so bad I had to reduce it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Hill Divide | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good battery life, plug and forget charger, battery charge meter, very bright, excellent customer service. | | Weaknesses: | NOT TO BE USED IN THE RAIN!!! | | Similar Products Used: | NightRider Pro-6 | | Bike Setup: | Stock '00 Cannondale R800, Stock '99 Specialized FSR XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | I love this light. But I have had it in for service 3 times. Once when I first got it because it would always shut off after about 10 minutes, and twice because it's computer chip got wet when riding in the rain and got fried. They tried very hard to fix the problem, but I still sometimes have problems with the light, even when riding in the fog! I use it more for commuting to work than for the trail. I highly recommend this light unless you need it to work in the rain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerico
a Downhiller
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere i can ride at night | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Super go | | Strengths: | Very Bright!! Great design. | | Weaknesses: | I don't know yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Jets Dual Beam sold it to a friend. Cat stadium3 Suck! | | Bike Setup: | Foes, Raceface, Xtr | | Bottom Line: | BRIGHT LIGHTS. I CAN SEE THE WHOLE TRAIL. GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I THINK THIS IS THE BEST IN THE MARKET FOR THE PRICE. ***** NR | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM, CA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan , Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | super go | | Strengths: | SMART!! Durability! Saved my life.. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Turbo Cat, Jets | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth , XTR all the way. Z1 | | Bottom Line: | This by far the best lights I have ever used. Jets lights are good too and the Turbo Cat but not as smart as the NR. NR lights are so bright too because motorist are yelling at me. The sos code saved me from a major accident which I could not walk because I broke my leg. I dragged my bike as to where cars can see me. I switch my light in to the sos mode and cops actually identified the signal and called for help. Believe it or not.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guido Gritmuncher Nightrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bennachie at Night | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$310.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Simple to charge; has an indicator which shows when charging is complete and how much juice is left while riding; excellent bright light. Other riders here can not believe the light intensity! Regular fast downhills at night at speeds above 40mph are now common. Biggest hazard are the sheep and rabbits who freeze when the light hits them. | | Weaknesses: | Not sold in the UK. Needed a 240V --> 110V transformer (bought for 20UKPNDS). Had to pay US$60 shipping (was fortunate not to pay tax/import duty on package!). On the second ride had sudden power failures (first one while heading downhill towards a tree!). Was due to the wire from the battery to the light being too loose and hitting the frame. Made sure on the next ride that the wire was tight and had no further problem. Also had some problems with Night Rider who could not advise me on whether it was safe to charge up the battery with a transformer. Therefore had to do it at my own risk. Fortunately nothing has blown up yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap $60 Cateye. Hated the 'straight beam'. Now can't believe I struggled with those lights for a season. | | Bike Setup: | Green Specialised Stumpjumper - old model. Still love it but time to get a new one! | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant light! Have seen a few since a lot of different ligths are used by the riders here but none beats this one.
Worth getting from the States if you ride elsewhere. Pricepoint.com has an excellent international shipping system in place, although pricely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnson City,tn,usa
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Excellent light. All details of the light are excellent. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | other niterider products | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz superlight | | Bottom Line: | It's expensive, but worth it. I really depend on it. Buy this light if you like to conserve your battery on rides. It is easy to change light settings to maximize battery life. Plug and forget charging is great for a person like me who has trouble remembering how long to charge a battery. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DirtDad
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Like I would tell you | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Brightness, run time, customer support, flexibility. | | Weaknesses: | Weight (just a trade off, really), reliability (comes with complexity, I guess). | | Similar Products Used: | NightSun, other NiteRider models | | Bike Setup: | Cannondales Rule! | | Bottom Line: | The people at NiteRider really take care of customers. I had the bad luck of having my electronics go bad on two separate occasions. NiteRider always took care of me quickly and went beyond just fixing the problem. And I love their hold music - really! I do 24 hour races, and they have provided great support.
As far as the light itself, it is on the heavy side for racing, but it is my favorite all around unit. It is great to have the extra run time and brightness when you need it. On the trail, I mostly just run it in 9 watt mode with a helmet light. When I crank it all the way up, I refer to it as "melting the trail". On the road, you feel like you have a car headlight on. You feel like that off-road, too, now that I think about it.
As far as value goes, it is expensive, but NiteRider seems to understand that and take good care of you when you need it. That alone makes it worth the price, in my eyes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a Racer
from Kingston, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Minnising | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Won it at the 24 HRS of Adrenalin , Conyers Ga. | | Strengths: | This is the best For brightness,Ease of use.Easy to read battery strength. Very durable. | | Weaknesses: | NONE.
| | Similar Products Used: | Vista, Jet, BLT.
| | Bike Setup: | KHS Team ST, Bomber X-Fly ,Full XTR, XT Disc's | | Bottom Line: | I have been racing 24 hour events for the last 4 years as a solo rider and on 5 person teams. Needless to say I have done my share of night riding. I have used many types of lighting systems over that 4 year period. The Night-rider
system has worked flawless, I have been using it as my main system for the last year. There suport at races with recharging and lending of systems is unequaled in the race comunity. I am presently looking to buy the Digital Headtrip. I keep my other systems for back up. When your riding all night you can never have to many lights and battries. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS on sale! | | Strengths: | Fuel gague, variety of light functions, AWESOME customer service, and it's damn bright! | | Weaknesses: | on/off switch can get turned on in your pannier | | Bike Setup: | cannondale | | Bottom Line: | OVERALL: EXCELLENT! Not a complaint! Buy it, you won't be sorry!
I made my decision to buy one year ago based on reviews here, the only negative of which dealt with the limited 3-position mount -- I have to say, that has never been a problem for me. The only issue I have with the mounting system is that the quick release is a tad bit cumbersome when you unclip it every day as I do when commuting (but that's being VERY picky - it's fine, really it is!).
BUT ONE BIG BAD STORY: When transporting the light in my pannier one day, the on/off switch was depressed, and when I got to my destination, I noticed a funny smell.... then there was smoke seeping out of my pannier!! Holy #$&$^#@!! Fortunately for me, it burned just a small hole thru a rather meaningless place in the pannier, but it did melt the tail light wire to almost nothing... and black goop got all over the headlamp.
In the product literature, they state that leaving the unit plugged together is best for efficient battery monitoring, but that it should be unplugged when being transported in luggage, etc. So I risked it, and paid the price. WARNING: make sure you unplug the battery when it's in your pannier/luggage!!
THE GREAT ENDING: NiteRider has, without hesitation, had me send it in to them for repair - free of cost, even though the accident was clearly MY fault and nothing to do with a manufacturing defect, etc.... I could hardly believe it - when was the last time a company did something like that?
They also said they are trying to address the issue of the on/off switch and the prevention of accidental turn-on as happended with me. They said one idea they had was to require a longer "hold-down" time before the light came on, but I think that would not necessarily solve the problem and tried to suggest some sort of cover that could be placed over the switch when it's in transport....
All that's to say - be careful, it's a powerful, thus hot, light, but beyond that, it ROCKS! And so does the company!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Cleeland
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Julie's Mtn Bikes, OH | | Strengths: | NITERIDER CUSTOMER SUPPORT, LOTSA Light, nifty features, battery duration. | | Weaknesses: | Price, no good place to mount the on/off remote on a road bike, cord exit points on the head are kind of in the way. | | Bike Setup: | Road: Miyata 916 w/9sp Ultegra; Mtn: Voodoo XT/LX kit, Judy. | | Bottom Line: | This is truly a great light by a great company. I consulted this forum before purchase a 1.5 years ago, and have never regretted the purchase (except when paying my credit card bill ;-) I purchsed from BikerBob, but haven't heard much about him since.
I recently had a question about the product and ended up discovering that mine was one of the earliest models and that there was some new software for the head unit and that my battery's configuration could run hot. I sent the unit back and got a flash upgrade and a new/rebuilt battery--FULLY CHARGED! Incredible service. They've also come out with a much nicer quick-release offset mount, and that makes it MUCH more convenient to switch from bike to bike.
One feature I find really useful is the daytime flash. I ride on the road in the city a lot in the dawn and pre-dawn times. There comes a time when steady lights don't help you get noticed, but the flasher sure does. I honestly believe that it's saved me a few times.
This setup's lived in Ireland with me for 6 months (it was originally purchased to get me thru their dark winter) and now it gets me thru early morning rides here in the US during the three seasons when there's no daylight before 6am.
Buy this light--you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert A.
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Brightness, fuel guage, clarity of beam, run time | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | If you can ride it during the day, you can ride it at night with these super bright lights. The fuel gauge is super accurate so you always know exactly how much juice you got left. I've riden with these lights over 150 hours of bumpy, rooted single track and have never had a problem with them. It has way more brightness adjustability then you will need (kind of like 9sp), but it makes the battery run a lot longer when you can turn it way down. When I first started riding at night I would use both the flood and spot. Now that I'm used to it I primarily use only the spot. I almost bought the Performance lights but they were sold out. These cost 50% more but are very worth it. If you want to ride technical singletrack at night these are the lights for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob V.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whitmore Gulch - Purisima | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Brightest, most bulletproof system out there. Outstanding customer service from Niterider | | Weaknesses: | Cost | | Similar Products Used: | Nite-Rider Digital Head Trip, and Tail Light, Specialized handlebar light. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Proflex 2000,Judy XC,XTR/XT | | Bottom Line: | If you want to be able to ride anytime, anywhere, under any weather conditions then Niterider has a product that will make it so you can see where you're going. Their customer service is OUTSTANDING. The two minor problems I've had over the past 3 years have been fixed or replaced by the factor without questions, fast, with NO cost to me. They really stand by their product. I use my 12E everday on commutes to/from work for road/dirt/singletrack riding and it performs flawlessly everytime. Charges to full strength very quickly. GREAT PRODUCT!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista, California
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Brightness, Relatively light compared to other systems, Digital features, Long burn times, NiMH battery, 12v system, Smart charging, Good company/service | | Weaknesses: | Price (ouch!) but like most things, you get what you pay for. Would like more than one switch to control some features/power levels | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider Digital Headtrip, Nite-Owl, Headtrip | | Bottom Line: | Awesome Light! If you need more light, you shouldn't be riding at night. People think I'm a car. My riding buddies told me they could probably shut off their lights and save their batteries, the Pro-12 and my Dig Headtrip could almost light the trail for all of us.
At first I had a case of sticker shock, but I do about half of my riding at night, including the occaisional commute home from work (with an occaisional side trip, of course). After trying the Digital Nite-Owl (also a quality light) I decided I wanted more light and longevity. I got both with the Dig. Pro-12. It is well worth the money if you do a lot of riding at night. There are probably some out there with $3000+ bikes that think the Pro-12 is kind of expensive, but its really no different than any quality component.
The beam pattern is good, somewhat wider than thier 6v bulbs (although, I do like the focused narrow beam of my Dig. Headtrip). There are a number of Digital features that are useful. Adjustable Power Levels, Fuel Guage, Daytime Safety Flasher for commuters, and a safety feature that prevents overdischarge of the battery. Tiny fiber optic cut-outs/lights that show which bulb is in use. Smart charging is also a nice feature.
One switch controls everything, two separate switches to control power levels and bulb selection would be nice.
NiteRider also has a reputation for durability. While I haven't crashed or abused the Pro-12 yet, I did crash head first with my Dig. Headtrip. It took most of the blow, and was caked in dirt. I think I partially buried it in the ground. I cleaned it off and its as good as new, not even a scratch.
Look for it on sale. I got mine 20% off. Helps reduce sticker shock.
I can't imagine where you could find a better light. I am totally satisfied with the Dig. Pro-12. Get one and wear your shades at night!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Flagstaff Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Extremely bright. Many lighting options. Very durable -- survived a serious crash unscathed. Very long burn times when used in 12w/economy modes. Nice and easy handlebar mount. Awesome LEDs represent how much battery power remains. | | Weaknesses: | One button to control all lighting modes. Wish there was a separate button for the "economy" mode. | | Similar Products Used: | VistaLite VL-400 | | Bike Setup: | Trek 990, XT/DX | | Bottom Line: | I love this light! Riding at night is a snap, and you only need the highest 32w mode in the darkest conditions. The quick-release handlebar mount is extremely easy to install. I use this light for riding trails and streets, as well as commuting at night (and I highly recommend it for these uses). Although this light is fairly expensive, you get a good bang for your buck -- it's a high quality, bright, versatile light ideal for anyone who rides at night. I think safety is important to emphasize here, also. This light is necessary for riding down mountain roads at night. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERT COLE
a Cross Country Rider
from MCBH KANEOHE BAY HAWAII
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | have many but this rules ( pali trail) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | bright,many options,rugged(even buried in mud)reliable,
looks good, safety strobe (outstanding). easy to clean!!
great w/taillight. | | Weaknesses: | Cost is a major factor in the purchase $349.00 only thing I can find wrong with the whole system.. | | Similar Products Used: | I own the DP12-E,HEADTRIP,12V TAILLIGHT,AND THE DIGITAL NITEOWL. TRIED THE SPECIALIZED LIGHTS BUUUT THEY DON'T QUITE
SUIT MY NEEDS FOR A LIGHT. | | Bike Setup: | SPECIALIZED FSR GROUNDCONTROL,
RUN DP12-E ON FRONT MAIN LIGHT (NITEOWL BACKUP)ALSO RUN TAILLIGHT AT ALL TIMES. | | Bottom Line: | IF YOU DON'T OWN ONE YOUR WASTING YOUR MONEY.
THE TECHNICAL STAFF IE. ERIN,JOSH,AND JENNIFER HAVE HELPED ME OUT AND FIELDED MY EVER HOUNDING QUESTIONS (THANKS GUYS)
THIS PRODUCT PAYS FOR IT SELF IN BATTS YOU DON'T BUY AA,OR AAA THE PLUG-N-FORGET CHARGER IS GOOD DUE TO NO WORRYS ABOUT OVER CHARGING AND BATT LIFE BEING SHOT TO H---.
ALL THOSE WHO RIDE EVERY DAY LIKE ME SHOULD INVEST IN ONE.
THOSE WHO GET OUT ON OCCASION YOU PROBABLY WOULDN'T NEED ONE.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian R.
a Racer
from TENNESSEE
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | TSALI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Brightness, relatively light weight, durable construction, many lighting options, smart charging system, peace of mind that this lighting system is historically one of the most reliable. | | Weaknesses: | I would say price but at $300 it is not the most expensive system yet I think it is the best. | | Similar Products Used: | Nite-Hawk Dual Beam, NiteRider Digital Headtrip, various other cheapie lights that broke and sucked. | | Bike Setup: | I set this light up on the handlebar just left of the stem on my bike. | | Bottom Line: | I hate to have spend $300 on a light but this really adds to the amount of time I can spend on the trails when I'm working during the days. I was making do with just a NiteRider Digital headtrip helmet light before and it was kinda tough. Having both lights now I feel I have about as good as it gets for attacking the trails at night. Just looking at the light and knowing others who have owned one, I feel this will be a very durable light. I think if you are going to be doing night races you should bite the bullet and spend your cash on this baby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a
from Redmond, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Oh-so bright!! Many different combos of lighting and features... Bombproof design... Nice gauges... Smart computer and charger... | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely zero!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | '98 K2 4500 Carbon frame, Manitou X-Vert DC, NR4 rear shock, Hayes discs front and rear, Race Face and Shimano drivetrain, Easton carbon post and bar, Time pedals, Spin wheels.... | | Bottom Line: | This has to be the best light on the market... I mean c'mon, this thing has a brain!! Just plug it in and forget it... No checking the charger or worrying about overcharge... Many different light modes... Nice looking, but better yet, nice working!!! High capacity battery... My battery just recently started dying prematurely, but I had quite a bit of use (and abuse) on it, and I definately got my moneys worth out of it... Oh and the customer service is absolutely awesome!!! Never had a problem with them, and they are always on top of things, keep it up Niterider!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pancho
a Weekend Warrior
from Medicine Hat, Alberta - Canada
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Spruce coulee | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Solid construction- ease of use- brite-brite-brite | | Weaknesses: | price-- ouch | | Similar Products Used: | cateye-vista | | Bike Setup: | rocky mountain element to, digital headtrip | | Bottom Line: | Killer light, super brite- lights up the night- lights the way for a few riders- initial review, so hopefully no problems will surface- very happy with the light so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont CA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Toads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | very light system ,and quality workmanship | | Weaknesses: | low burn times | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn mod 4 and digital headtrip | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz superlight - best of everything | | Bottom Line: | This system works great but it does not have a very long burn time as 3 other riding buddies compared. The Schwinn light last almost twice as long but it weighs almost twice as much . As soon as they can add a lot more burn time this could be the perfect light but for now it gets 4.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Rod Barcenilla
a Weekend Warrior
from Lowell, Arkansas, USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Devil's Den | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light lives up to Nightrider's reputation
Excellent controls (read the manual!)
Tie-in for a LED tailight (a must have for commuters)
12-watt spot is nearly as bright as the 20-watt flood (probably because very good lenses) | | Weaknesses: | Price
Bulky battery (whad'ya expect from a 32 watt system?) | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye Halogen
Cateye Reflex Tailight | | Bike Setup: | '99 K2 900 (Stock)
Digital Pro 12 Tail Light | | Bottom Line: | Excellent light for the commute. It really helps to see as much as you do in a car when you're on the road (no more nailing roadkill!). The Cateye Halogen is NOT a good viewing light (imagine driving your car at night with a cheap flashlight). Have to wait to see how it performs on the trails...
4 chilis for value because of the price
5 overall because of the quality | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Marchionne
a Cross Country Rider
from Collingswood
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Super bright, plug-n-forget charging system, super-durable | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy on the head, pricey | | Similar Products Used: | NiteSun | | Bottom Line: | I bought this 1-year old light on E-bay and it rocks better than my NightSun did when brand new! The lighting options are great, and the fuel gauge helps monitor battery life. It is so much better to have the option to mount the light on the helmet (off-road) or handlebar (road), unlike the NightSun. The light did cause my helmet to slip forward on my head somewhat, but tightening the rear straps should fix that. Anyone seriously considering night riding should save up and get this light! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Evanston, IL USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | I ride 16 miles to work each day, 16 miles back, generally leaving in the morning when it's dark and returning at night when it's dark. This product, coupled with a nitrider taillight and my digital headtrip, give me the visibility of a car with high-beams on. Alone the 12E is stunning -- people cower from the bright light thinking it's a cop or a motorcycle. I was disappointed to see how the light does against the others in terms of beam pattern (http://www.mtbreview.com/spotlight/lights/beampattern.shtml), though I can't see how that's possible, given the extraordinary intensity and distance my headlights enlighten. It's expensive, but it does the job. | | Weaknesses: | Some problems with indicator lights -- have to send in for repair. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 7000 | | Bottom Line: | I use this over 2 hours 5 days a week commuting to work It has gotten used and abused, but it holds it's own. After almost a year, I've got the original bulbs and they work perfectly. Get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Racer
from Piscataway, NJ
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mahlon Dickerson Reserv | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Built quality, brightness, customer service and support. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Super V with HeadShok, Specialized Stumpjumper M2 with Marzocchi Bomber Z5. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous posting. Since my last posting the system stopped charging completely. I contacted NightRider and they told me to send the whole thing back to them. They sent it back to me with a brand new battery and they shipped it UPS Overnight. I've cycled the battery 3 times so far and it seems to be working just fine. Two of my other teammates had similar problems and both got new batteries/systems from NightRider. I guess when we all got them at the same time we got a bad batch. Now they're working brilliantly. Hopefully they got all the bugs out by now. Now the bottom line, super lights, super customer support. Worth every cent, all 30,000 of them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, DE
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
BRITE!! GREAT CHARGE TIEMS | | Weaknesses: |
NONE!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Vista Lite road toad VL600
Trek Vision 30 | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Joushia X-1 | | Bottom Line: | This brite is so brite on 32 watts, i can't even begin to tell you. the digital feul gauge is great, you know when to go down to 20 watts and when it is ok to rev it up to 32. have had great service from niterider so far. i asked how much an upgrade to the new 2000 model would be and they said it was FREE, can you image something alcutally free in this world! aynway if you have the money to spend on this don't settle for less spring for the extra bit. and quick charge is great espciallly with the digital becuase it doesn't over charge. this lite alos has some other great fetures so go to www.niterider.com and check them out:) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SCOTT
a Cross-Country Rider
from SAN DIEGO
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MISSION TRAILS | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
SIMPLE OPERATION, PLUG AND FORGET CHARGING, LIGHT WEIGHT, VERY BRIGHT, DURABLE | | Weaknesses: |
NOT CHEAP - BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. | | Similar Products Used: |
CYGOLITE DUAL BEAM, AND
TURBO CAT | | Bike Setup: |
NUNYA FULL-SUSPENSION | | Bottom Line: | STEVE THE RACER DORK FROM L.A. NEEDS TO QUIT WHINING. SINCE WHEN IS COMPANY LIABLE FOR YOUR STUPIDITY? IF I CRACK THE WINDSHIELD IN MY $30,000.00 CAR, WILL FORD REPLACE IT FOR FREE? NO, PROBABLY NOT. NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PAID FOR MY VEHICLE. THE NITERIDER DP12E IS ONE OF THE MOST BOMB PROOF ITEMS FOUND ON MY BICYCLE. I HAVE CRASHED MANY TIMES, SOMETIMES DIRECTLY IMPACTING THE LIGHT HEAD ITSELF AND HAVE YET TO HAVE A PROBLEM. BOTTOM LINE, THE LIGHT WORKS AWESOME, AND STEVE NEEDS TO GROW UP A BIT AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS MISTAKES. IT'S WAY WEAK TO THREATEN COMPANIES INTO GIVING YOU FREE PRODUCT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Hinman
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Bright,
excellent taillight option.
Good warrentee | | Weaknesses: |
First had a bad weather seal in the switch paddle. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized 12 Watt Pro Nicad (3 of them under warrantee) | | Bike Setup: |
98 Trek 8500 | | Bottom Line: | After a couple of rides in the rain the switch paddle had visible moisture on the inside that could be seen where the LED are. Shortly there after it died. I called NiteRider and they said to take it to the LBS. The LBS gave me a new Head Unit and sent the bad head unit back. So far the new light has had no problems. Last night the clip on my VistaLight taillight broke leaving a plastic stub on my bike. I purchased the NiteRider taillight and I have to say that it is incredible. My only concern is now being rear ended by a driver having an epileptic seizure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Flat creek ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very versitile and bright | | Weaknesses: |
cost | | Similar Products Used: |
Cateye daylights | | Bike Setup: |
98 S-Works M2 | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the guy complaining about the cost of the bulbs.
This light is my brothers and he rants and raves about it so after much coaxing(and a credit card deposit) he let me use it for a 24hr race. To make a long story short my buddy was trying to install this light a 4 AM and couldn't figure it out. Thinking that the male end was an adapter he tried to pull it out with his teeth. Its is bad right? Right! Well the guys in SanDiego fixed and sent it back to Austin for free, yes free. This is with an honest explination of what happened, even pointing out the teeth marks. So I would have to say the service rocked.
Don't buy expencive equipment if you can't afford the maintenance.
Five chilis to keep with the average.
Post on TMBRA if you want to sell that bulbless digital 12. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Dailey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Brightness, Lighting options, Smart charging, and long burn time. | | Weaknesses: |
Price, but well worth it! | | Similar Products Used: |
Vista Light 540 with two 10w bar mounted lights and one 15w helment. | | Bike Setup: |
Ellsworth Truth whith a White Bros. SC92-UL | | Bottom Line: | This light is awsome! All lighing companies should strive for this type of product. Night rider ups the voltage on the lights to 13vdc. This gives the light double the burn time it would have at 6 volts (most lights use 6 volts).You have the choice of 32w, 20w, 12w, 9w, & 6w settings with the light. The lights seem to be brighter than other lights rated at the same wattage. The CPU on the light monitors battery consumption and displays info on a fuel gage. There is a 20 minute reserve for use with the 6w light. The battery automatically is shut down when the battery gets too low, this prevents premature battery death! The charger is also controled by the lights CPU. The charger will automaticly go to a trickle charge, so you can leave the batteries on the charger all of the time without any battery damage. This helps protect your investment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
last one | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Ease of use, light mounting system, easy charging, BRIGHT light, burn time | | Weaknesses: |
None noted | | Similar Products Used: |
Vitsa w/lead acid | | Bike Setup: |
M4 FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Very pleased this light is quite reliable and shines bright! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Wei
a Racer
from Piscataway, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mahlon Dickerson Reserv | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Built like a brickhouse. Bright as an airplane coming in for landing. Smart charging system. Logical controls. Economy/flash/S.O.S. modes. NiMH (no memory) battery. NiteRider offers charging (for a nominal fee) at many 24-hour endurance races. | | Weaknesses: |
Pricy. Quirky battery. Manual states it needs to go through about 5 cycles of charge and discharge to achieve its max running time. I've done two 24-hour races this year and the battery, freshly charged by NiteRider at their charging station, crapped out on me 15 mins into my second night ride. I had to rely on my Headtrip helmet light to guide me through the next hour of riding. | | Similar Products Used: |
NiteRider Headtrip. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Super-V 1000. | | Bottom Line: | Good lighting system but a Digital Pro-6 is enough. Pro-12 is overkill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shawn
a Racer
from clemson sc
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
bright, heavy duty | | Weaknesses: |
kinda expensive but worth it | | Bike Setup: |
schwinn homegrown factory team | | Bottom Line: | All my friends have Night Sun's and using only one beam, my nite rider is brighter. I am very impressed so far with the performance and quality. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Godwin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Brightest, most diffuse light available. Cars and peds. will mistake you for a car w/one headlight or a motorcycle | | Weaknesses: |
1.25-1.5 hours on maximum -- could be better | | Similar Products Used: |
Cateye lights -- pathetic | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 7000, Judy XC forks | | Bottom Line: | Coupled with the compatible taillight (I also just purchased the Digital Headtrip and can't wait to try out it's blazing 15 watts of light), the safest way to travel at night, bar none. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Anacortes WA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Plug and forget is the only way to go.. Not to mention the extreme light this thing puts out!! a must have for any riders who like to play in the dark | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding light | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ethan
a Cross-Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | This light is the only one to bye. It is so bright. The Plug-n-Forget chargeing system is the best. You can not get a better light system. I have had no problems with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Vakiener
a cross-country rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Plug and forget is the only way to go! They are always ready, and the quality of the light can't be beat. I use them off road and on and have never had a problem after 1 year. The increase of ride time is worth the high price. And when the battery is drained it kicks itself down to low, and you know there are 20 minutes left to ride, after 2.5 hours on high! Very durable, through mud rain and snow, great mounting system. Battery is heavy, but it is a battery (duh!). Didn't have it securely fastened once, it popped out of the cage and I dragged it downhill through a real rocky section for acouple yards. Snapped a cage once, did the same thing again. No problems with battery case or wire connections. Haven't blown any bulbs yet, and they are readily available at EMS stores. Best light on the market as far as I am concerned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Daniel
a racer
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
expensive but worth it. two years and it's still like new. plug-and-forget makes recharging a pleasure. finally a product that does what it says it does. now if i can just find a cyclo-computer that can work with it. the EMFs make my Vetta C500 go spastic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Costa Mesa, CA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I commute to work about every day, and I've had several Niteriders before, but this is the first dual beam. It is the best! It's much brighter, of course, but the thing I appreciate the most is the very long burn time. Great off-road too. I have to disagree with Steve above who was dissatisfied; accidents happen, and it's not reasonable to expect someone else (Niterider) to pay for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
N. Dough
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Recieved this light system for Christmas and so far, I am very pleased with it. I commute by bike and even though some may consider this particular light overkill for this purpose, I haven't had anyone make one of those abrupt right turns in front of me since I began using the daylight strobe feature.I haven't yet taken the light off road, so I can't speak to it durability or performance in this area - yet. I'll return with an update after I've done some night riding.Ride on! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Goochie
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These things are so bright they put the sun in the shade, the only thing brighter I’ve seen is a Cateye Stadium. I have been using them for a couple of months both on (every day of the week) and off road and they work bloody well. The display that tells you how much juice you have left is a great idea, so is the 6 normal light settings. The only down side I can find is that using them on dual beam I only seem to get about 45 minutes burn time on a full charge. I have also got the rear LED plugged into my system and it is one bright mother. On road, no car driving scum could ever claim they couldn’t see you, off road your mates will always let you go first. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve w
a cross-country rider
from minneapolis
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm probably in the wrong section since I have a digital Nighthawk but it sounds the about the same as the digital pro. I've been commuting 12 months a year for 3.5 years in Minneapolis and the light has been a lifesaver, good charge time, good burn time and a hell of a lot of light. I did finally have to replace the battery but got fantastic customer service from Niterider. I use it with a Headtrip for both commuting and and off road night rides and have nothing to say but I can see everything and the hated auto people see me. It has also taken numerous crashes without flinching. Expensive but worth every penny. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Sorry to bring the rating down from a perfect 5 star but I have to tell you why I am doing this. I have a Digital 12E and I dropped the headlight part from about 3 feet onto a linoleum tiled floor. Well, it stopped working. Called the company in San Diego and got a really great guy on the phone. He said what probably happened was that I broke the filaments in the bulbs (both of them). He said that I could probably get a discount on the replacement bulbs because they are so expensive, but he didnt have the authority. He put me on the phone with a gentlemen who then proceeded to tell me that no, I could not get a discount, from either Niterider or a local bike shop. I told him that nowhere in the literature does it state that the headlight is fragile and be careful with it. I guess one assumes that when you buy such an expensive and well built product that it could take a bit of a beating, it cant. The bulbs were broken and $50.00 later, yes that was $50.00 for 2 bulbs the light is up and working again. I asked to speak to the general manager or owner of the company. He told me that they were both out of town at a trade show and that he was in charge of the company at the moment. I told him how unhappy I was with his product and that for being a small company he probably wouldnt want unhappy customers. He was unfazed by this, told me no discount and was adamant. I then asked him if he read MTBR and he said yes, he did. I told him to look for this posting. Again, no reaction. All the other small companies that I have dealt with in the past have never treated me so badly. I always try to buy from small boutique companies whenever possible because of the wonderful service I get. To make a long story even longer......anyway, be careful of this fragile product and dont drop it, unless you want to spend $50.00 and be treated badly | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Boston, Ma.
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this system as a present for Christmas in 97. I love it. I've never had one problem with it and I've dropped it, left it on for a few days, got it wet, crashed with it, you name it. It lights the trail like the sun. I got additional clamps for the light and switch it to my other bicycles too. I wouldn't consider anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stewart gunyon
a cross-country rider
from montreal canada
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
been using this and the digital headtrip for about 2 months now. i decided not to mess around with other systems and went straight to these two. what a fantastic pair of lighting systems these are! i hate worrying about the recharging, so the computer does it for me. my run times are great. i only use the headlite on the road, but when i hit the trails i'm running 32w below and 15w above. the best thing riding trails that are normally full of people - i might as well be in alaska with these on. i'm all alone.very easy to use. only complaint is the handlebar mount is a pain to remove to put on my road bike so i just use the headlite on my rb. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Leventoff
a cross-country rider
from Rock Hill NY
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just received my Niterider Pro 12 extreme last week and man this thing kicks ass! The battery is much lighter then the one on my Nitehawk, and the controls are much easier to use. I love the indicators that tell you which beam is on,so you dont have to stick your head over the bars. The new type battery also recharges much faster. The only reason I bought this light, was because the refurbished Nitehawk I bought from Performance was defective and would turn itself off if you hit a bump hard. I guess this is a fluke because the Classic Dual beam I had always worked flawlessly. Well enough already go buy yourself this light and ride ride ride!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian V.
a racer
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these lights for almost two years. Never have I been left on the trail without light. The adjustment switch lets you consereve when needed and light it up when you want. No problems with bulbs. Have had plenty of crashes. If your serious about night riding no other light will do. If not dont bother. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a racer
from Englewood, CO
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a new digital pro 12 about 2 months before the '98-24 hours of moab. Ive ridden with Turbocat and Nitesun lights before this, and, as much as it pains me to say it, I should've gone with a Niterider from the start. It's simply a superior light.At Moab, before my final night lap, I went down to Niterider's tent to pick up my charged battery, only to find out that it wouldn't take a charge on their monster charging system. At the time we were leading the Coed open class, so I was a bit frantic, but Bryan at Niterider handed me one of their extra systems to use on my lap. Problem solved, for the time being. When I got home, I plugged my battery into my charger and it took a charge fine. Wierd. I've been on about 5 night rides since Moab, and the light has continued to perform flawlessly. I'm guessing their charging system was on the fritz or something, because my battery is fine. Not a cheap light, but if you're looking for the best, you'll find it with the Nightrider Digital Pro-12. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Queen
a racer
from scottsdale,AZ
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had never done a night ride before I got the Pro-12. So far I have ridden about five times at night in the desert through rain and technical rock ladden hills, sand washes, you name it, I could have ridden all day long or was it night time? It lite up the desert like a torch. One nice feature I liked was how you just push the button on your handlebars to switch between light settings, and if you are swithing bulbs one dims out as the other one lights up so you are never in total darkness. the light doesn't shake or move even when bombing down rocky hills. Now I don't have to worry about getting home from work and getting a ride in before night fall. Couldn't be happier, well worth the $300. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tarek
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Did a lot of research, hesitated alot, finally forked out the money. So far only a few pitch darkness rides in very technical jungle. They are great. Stadium lights !! So adjustible. Nite riding is brilliant with these.
Yes they are more expensive but I've seen others fade on the trail.
Worth the money
TA | | Overall Rating: |
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