The DP-12 LCD is NiteRider’s most technologically advanced lighting system. This system includes a 6th generation 8-bit microprocessor, backlit LCD display, smart battery technology and new Micro-Brute race charger allowing rapid battery charging. The LCD display shows remaining burn time or percent remaining, light output level and battery level. Time remaining is constantly updated providing greater accuracy.
Submitted by
v35_pilot
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Jim Thorpe, PA
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eBay or Performance
Strengths:
Bright light, seemingly bomb-proof and waterproof casing, light duration (when battery is fully charged).
Weaknesses:
NiteRider customer service, battery requires a lot of maintenance throughout the year or else it will permanently die, OEM battery replacement way too expensive in relation to light's initial cost.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
'97 Fat City Bro Eddy, hardtail, Marzocchi Bomber front fork, Shimano XT/XTR components, just replaced existing front V-brake with Avid BB7 front disc brake.
Bottom Line:
I originally bought two of these lights back in 2001. At the time I was not told about how much battery maintenance is required if the light would not be used monthly. In other words, I should have been charging them once every month while they were in storage for the winter months.
Consequently twice I pulled the product off the shelf after winter to discover the battery would not charge. The first time NR asked for me to send them the batteries (I have two units) and for roughly $50 per battery plus shipping both ways they were able to resurrect them.
However, the most recent time (this week) I discovered my dead batteries I was told my only option was to purchase a new battery for $160 (US) each, or 50% of what I paid for the light new. The NR rep insisted that battery life is only three years - despite the fact that my batteries probably had about 10 total charge cycles on them. Furthermore, the rep added that the replacement battery no longer comes with the chip that provides the information to the fuel gauge, so no more "remaining time." WTF is the $160 paying for?
I was very disappointed with NiteRider's customer service and willingness to work with me on a cost-effective solution for battery replacement. The rep would not budge from his stance that NiMH batteries need to be replaced every three years and that it is normal for their customers to buy replacements this often. Oh, yeah? Where is that little truism mentioned on NR's product page for the light? Where is it mentioned that the buyer must subscribe to a new battery service for $160 every three years? Bet if I had known that when I bought two of these lights I wouldn't have.
I hung up depressed thinking I now had two very expensive book-ends for my bookshelf when I discovered a thread in MTBR's forums suggesting buying replacement batteries from BatterySpace.com. So, I jumped in with both feet and ordered two replacements, to arrive next week. Here's hoping that they work.
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Submitted by
mikejr550
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester, NH, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lake Massabaesic water supply
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Naults Cyclery manch
Strengths:
Bright as my suzuki drz headlight
Weaknesses:
batteries are rediculously expensive for the price of these ni-cad batteries you would expect li-ion.
Similar Products Used:
only "real" light i've owned, havent shopped for a new one because the price of this one scares me away.
Bike Setup:
old school schwinn carbon s all original mint condition.
Bottom Line:
i'm glad i found this review because my old relic digital pro 12 has finally failed after 10 years of light use (couple times a month during riding season)and i need a new one. bought probably the first of this model back in 98'. After reading some of these reviews i'm horrified since i've never had problems with mine till now. Definitely will not be concidering a niterider setup. WOW did not expect these reviews at all. My cat even chewed the wires off the battery and i just soldered them back together then it worked great again. i never even replaced the battery, 10 years! yeah 10 years hard to believe after reading the reviews but true. im thinking i got the only good unit that came from niteriders foctory. Don't buy anything before reading some reviews, good rule of thumb for All purchaces. thanks.
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Submitted by
Joseph Schlau
a Cross Country Rider
from Schaumburg IL Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
When it is working like it should it was great. Unfortunately that lasted less than the first week before I was on the phone to tech services.
Weaknesses:
It often did not work like it should. The fuel gauge was often inaccurate, the light was subject to turning off unexpectedly. 2 batteries and a frustrating return for warranty service later, I am giving up on this model.
Similar Products Used:
Trail Rat 2.0 (which was purchased so I had minimal light when during the 6 week turn around time necessary to send my Digital Pro 12 LCD back to Niterider at the time). During that time Niterider was not even answering their e-mails.
Bike Setup:
Mountain bike set up for commuting to work at all hours/all weather.
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money on this light. Watch and wait before you buy any high end or new product by Niterider.
It's not that Niterider is not capable of making something that works.
The Trail Rat I bought for $100 was infinitely more reliable than the Digital Pro 12 LCD. It never failed to go on and off.
It is too bad that I was subject to the period in Nightrider's corporate history when they ignored their customer complaints. They are supposedly more customer friendly now. I was willing back then to actually trade down for a lower level light that worked. But no deal, they fixed the light which continued to limp along till spring of this year when it was finally stored on the shelf marked bad choices. I keep it only to remind myself to watch the reviews on this site before I make a leap in corporate faith again. Too bad someone from Niterider never contacted this customer for a fair adjustment.
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Submitted by
Chad Milton
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids Michigan USA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
White Pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$365.00
Purchased At:
Alger cyclery
Strengths:
Very, Very bright, Technical indeed.
Weaknesses:
housing gets very hot
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite code 25 w/ nightstick
Bike Setup:
Trek Navigator loaded !!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This light is truly the most Technological light system on the market. I love the many options on it. 6, 12, 20, 32 watts is an awesome menue to choose from. I also like the walk, flash, sos, and beacon modes. Its nice to know that you can select these so many different options. There is no other light system on the market that is this smart and can function in so many different ways. I have not had any trouble with this unit as of yet. When I called customer service they were absolutely great. Every single customer service rep who answer calls should feel good about themselves.They are truly polite, respectful, and very informal. Thank you!! The digital pro 12 lcd is simply the best, hands down. This system may cost a pretty penny but, every penny is worthy. I know that there has been some problems with older units but, I feel confident that Niterider has made some corrections. I apologize to those who have had a defective product but, I'm down with Niterider they have been good to me . If anyone in the front office of Niterider see this review, contact me I'm in Grand Rapids Mi. No one can truthfully say that the Digital pro 12 lcd isn't the best light system out there if they were to put it to a head to head test with the competition. The truth is just that! This light system is what all others try to measure up to.
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Submitted by
Bill
a
from Phoenix, Arizona Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Absolutley None
Weaknesses:
Horrible product, horrible company
Bottom Line:
I cannot encourage you enough to avoid Nite Rider. It is an extremely poor product that cannot be relied upon on the trail. My light worked correctly about a total of six times. One day the battery would no longer hold a charge. As I was about two days past warranty, Nite Rider refused to offer a replacement, or even a discount on a replacement battery. I have two friends with this system who have also had battery failures. SuperGo also refused to offer any help with my problems, despite the fact that they "highly recommend this system. So now I have a $350 piece of junk on the shelf in the garage. Needless to say I would never purchase another Nite Rider product, or spend a dime at SuperGo.
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Submitted by
Mike Anderson
a Racer
from Royal Oak, Michigan Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$325.00
Strengths:
Very bright light. Very durable.
Weaknesses:
Mind boggling cost for a replacement battery.
Bottom Line:
I bought my digital pro 12 LED unit in 1998 and have had an absolutely great experience with it. As soon as I bought the unit I replaced the 12 watt lamp with a second 20 watt lamp for extra light. I ride about 4-5 times a week, and the light has worked flawlessly for almost 5 years, until three weeks ago when the battery died. It didn't bother me until I went online to get a new battery and nearly had a freakin' heart attack at the cost of a replacement(half the cost of a whole new unit). Screw that. I opened it up and found it just contains c-cell rechargeables surrounded by brittle epoxy. Replaced em' with Lithium ions,re-epoxied it and got riding(same voltage,works great). I don't know if the newer units have the same configuration but it's worth checking. Better to spend $40 than $180. I can't comment on how well the new LCD units work, but I can say that NiteRider blows for charging an astronomical amount for something that they know everyone who buys one of these is going to need eventually.
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Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great light... when it works.
Weaknesses:
Can't get it to work anywhere close to the promises of NiteRider.
Similar Products Used:
Had an old, non-digital nickel-cad NiteRider prior to the digital NightMare.
Bike Setup:
Commuting - Performance mtn 406 tricked out for commuting
Bottom Line:
Could never get the light to work as claimed by NiteRider. Constantly dropping into "safety" mode after just a few minutes. This light (2001 digital model) replaced my old, non-digital Nite Rider that had worked well, but needed battery replacement.
After much back and forth with NiteRider, I stumbled upon my own solution... I replaced the grey digital headlamp with my old, non-digital, single-level NiterRider 15W headlamp and it performed flawlessly, staying at full strength for nearly 90 minutes. So it's not the battery (as they told me over and over), it's the chip in the lamp that constantly makes it drop into safety mode.
The 15W isn't as bright as I'd like it to be, but it's better than buying a new system.
Like most others here, I am amazed that a company can market and sell a product at this price point while obviously never taking the time to test it... or even worse, knowing that the products are not functioning properly and selling them anyway.
I suggest that we lobby Performance and other sales outlets to quit stocking NiteRider products until the company gets a handle on these very serious quality issues.
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Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Chillicothe, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
I like the LCD screen, time remaing and the adjustable brightness
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Vista Nightstick
Bike Setup:
GT Agressor 1
Bottom Line:
I have had NO problems like I have been reading in previous reviews. It has performed flawless for me and I ride at least 4 nights per week. Even on daytime rides I use the light for safety purpose. I added the tail light later and it works great also. Everyone I ride with has been impressed with the light. I looked at the HID but decied against it after reading the reviews that is was "too" bright and caused night blindness if you looked away from the light. Also the bulbs are expensive to replace. The LCD had been great for me and I recommend it to anyone riding at night.
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Submitted by
Barry Reinherz
a Cross Country Rider
from Ibaraki Japan Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
too hard to explain...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$356.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cycllist
Strengths:
I ordered the complete system and one extra battery, as a replacement for my well used two + year old NiteRider Digital LED model (same thing but simpler system of about 2 years or so ago) I've used it for two or three weeks now, and my conclusion is that it is an excellent lighting system when working. The light level control is easy to operate while riding, and would be a wonderful light if it worked as it is supposed to, but...
Weaknesses:
Either the battery or light's electronics are not reliable or the charging and connection of the light and tail light require a better understanding of the system than is conveyed by the minimal documentation. I am an engineer, and I followed the instructions as well as anyone with an eighth grade education could be expected to do. It's going to take follow up with either NiteRider or the folks at Colorado Cyclist in order to get this thing operating as satisfactorily as my previous NiteRider lighting system.
Similar Products Used:
Previous model was a Nite Rider Digital 12-E LED Model Worked Great for 2+ years. Never a problem. Only needed a new battery once. I figured I'd get a whole new system this time, since replacement batteries seemed harder to find than a new model, and I use it year round for my daily to commute to work. I always seem to return in the dark.
Bike Setup:
Canondale V700SX use for commuting over "variable terrain, weather and hour"
Bottom Line:
Honestly, I think this model is an unreliable piece of junk. I wish I had researched more carefully for my replacement lighting system. I though I was getting something like the old model I had successfully used in the past. On this one, the tail light won't operate as it should, and the extra back up battery I bought was dead from the start. Now I'll have to return it from Japan, which will take weeks, and I will probably end up not being able to use the tail light at all, which really compromises safety. My next light will not be a NiteRider, certainly not at the price they charge.
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Submitted by
Dwight Carter
a Downhiller
from Sun Valley, UT Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all 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:
None
Similar Products Used:
Niterider 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.
I highly recommend this light and give it 5 chillis
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Submitted by
Dennis Romano
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bunker Creek, UT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$336.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Bright, with decent duration times. Two lamp system met my requirements. LCD control unit once calibrated worked fine.
Weaknesses:
Battery failed after 6 months. Charging unit interal components became loose inside and just rattle around. Mounting of the control unit very restricted due to short cable length.
Bike Setup:
Marin Rocky Ridge Hardtail, Manitou XVert E, Full XT, Rocket shifters, Mavic 517 wheelset.
Bottom Line:
Due to the extreme cost, I can not recommend this product due to high replacement cost of the battery. I will never purchase another product from them.
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Submitted by
Bill Yogi
a
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Work and back
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
Bikes USA, La Mesa (now Performance)
Strengths:
Bright. Lighting options. Two headlights, if one bulb fails, the other lights-up.
Weaknesses:
Control unit failed after 6 months. Replaced promptly by NiteRider under lifetime warrenty. Customer Services was good. NiteRider needs to emphasis in their instructions that you have to follow the charging procedures TO THE LETTER! I took the 1st one I bought back since the unit was stuck on "reserve". When I got the second one, I re-read the instructions and figured out that I was charging it wrong. Once I charged it correctly, I had no futher problems until hte control unit failed.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2FS XT/XTR set-up for commuting with red flashing lights, red reflector tape and fat-boy 1.25 slicks pumped to 100psi.
Bottom Line:
NITERIDER!! WHY ARE YOU FIELD ENGINEERING ON US??????
It was a dark, slow-ride home the night the unit failed. The manual says to carry a back-up lamp; now I do. I wish I had read the reviews for this lamp 1st. I am apparently am not alone. I'll give it a 3 since I'm hoping it will not fail again.....
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Submitted by
Mark Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bear Claw Poppy, St. George
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Wild Rose
Strengths:
Very nice unit WHEN it works
Weaknesses:
Reliability near zero. Poor customer service.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider XCL-Pro
Bike Setup:
Moots Psychlo-X
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my earlier review of the same light.
I got several very good rides out of the light, but was continually plagued by the faulty electronics which have been described in great detail in other reviews.
The last straw came during a ride when, for no reason at all, the light cut out on me completely, leaving me stranded. This happened on a full charge on smoothe ground in dry conditions.
The light went back to the shop for the fourth time, this time permanently. I was lucky to get a refund.
I have moved on to another brand, Dark..Ends, which promises to be more reliable and offers MUCH better customer service.
Relunctantly must suggest avoiding this light.
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Submitted by
ROY
a Weekend Warrior
from PHOENIX AZ Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
Finding less and less as I attempt to get it to work!
Weaknesses:
I have had the light for 3 months and have replaced it now 3 times. My first one just flat out didnt work, no display on the lcd. Took it back to the store they swapped it out for another one. The second one this is the 2001 of course, the battery became extremely hot and didnt charge. Called Nite rider I had to pay to send it to be fixed. The replaced the battery and the lcd. They told me that the 2001 model computer had a bad chip or something and the 2002 was better. The first time I used the replaced 2002 lcd and battery it worked for 1 hr (miracle). Just charged it and took it out again got to the trail head and the computer decided it wouldnt work, no light, no ride. The light is great when it works, which is about 1 out of every 5 times. I am going on my third light now and ready to throw in the towel. Nite riders customer service is ok but what good does a light do when it is in being fixed 90% of the time???????
Similar Products Used:
My camping headlamp works better!
Bike Setup:
xc
Bottom Line:
Until Nite rider improves their product, it is not worth throwing out 300$ on it. Go somewhere else or go without.
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Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a Racer
from Fresno Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
bright, when it works
Weaknesses:
it doesn't work
Similar Products Used:
2002 model; Cygolight; 2.5 watt lights
Bottom Line:
I posted this review once, and it got deleted? They are different lights, and I'm review BOTH. I have BOTH the 2001 and 2002 model. I own them BOTH. So, doing a review on BOTH. They BOTH are horrible! The BOTH have the same problems, even though you would expect the 2002 model to have improved after all the rotten feedback on the 2001. I rarely have such bad things to say about a product or company, but the product and company in this case deserve the criticism.
Niterider purports to be a smart light. Well, this is the stupidest light I've ever seen. My AA cell 2.5 watt light is more intelligent.
First, it won't charge. At least it "thinks" it's not charged. Spend 5 hours getting through to tech support for a "reset" procedure. That might make it work for one ride. Then, it intermittently goes out, won't come one, goes into "calibration" mode only, or won't recognize a full battery.
These systems are unproven, untested, absolute junk. While they seemed to hold great promise, reality breaks that promise immediately.
Customer support is sparse. It's hard to get through to them, and then they act like either I'm the idiot and can't work the thing, or some goofy reset procedure should cure all the ills. They will not respond to e-mail, unless you call an automated "we don't read our e-mail" response a response.
I bought a 2001 (the gray model) and then a 2002 (the black one), and they both do the same things. These are horrible, horrible products. They do not get any worse. They have left me without lights on several night rides; this is dangerous and very aggravating.
I CANNOT UNRECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS STRONGLY ENOUGH!
BTW, the retailers are allowing me to return them. Thank goodness.
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Submitted by
mike b
a Cross Country Rider
from sodom in the north Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
boggs
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
i am using this forum as another opportunity to slam niterider. everything i have ever owned made by niterider has eventually suffered catastrophic failures at inopportune moments. give your money to someone else.
i worked in retail for ten years. if my companies provided the consistently low level of customer service offered by niterider, they all would be bankrupt by now.
niterider's warranty and customer service department are morally bankrupt.
Similar Products Used:
early generation turbo cat dual beam
niterider classic
Bike Setup:
ibis alibi xtr
Bottom Line:
i will be forced again to use a niterider product because they are offering me a credit on my digital.
i will keep it simple this time and use the niterider classc, since it is relatively proven. even so, why can't niterider put the friggin chip in the charger? dewalt and other power drill makers have been doing it for years now. niterider can offer me NO EXCUSE not to do this, except to trot out every manufacturer's lame excuse, "the expense".
in addition to offering a truly worthless product, niterider has failed to repsond to my emails and repeated phone calls. they have failed respond to my local dealer's repeated attempts to reach them on the telephone to discuss my RA.
how can anyone have ANYTHING good to say about this company? why is the bike industry filled with self serving cretins like this?
each of you who have good things to say about niterider are simpletons.
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Submitted by
Philip Core
a
from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Strengths:
Irrelevant
Weaknesses:
Unreliable Zero customer support
Similar Products Used:
Flashlight
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Big Sure loaded for commuting.
Bottom Line:
In the ongoing saga (see my review of the 2001 LCD) my bike shop got me the 2002 LCD. It has a completely new cabling configuration. Straight (not curled) lines and triple prong connections. Their brochure describes their conclusion that the NEW LCD TECHNOLOGY requires high quality cabling. I had exactly the same problems with that light and its cabling as with the 2001. (See review below).
I loved the features on this light but that was the end of the road for me. In the 10 days that I kept it and tested it it worked only 5 out of 8 times that it was plugged in. In other words I would have missed 3 out of 8 rides if I had been expecting to ride on each occasion.
Another reviewer mentions that resetting takes "a minute"??? I don't understand that at all. I would like to know what that instant "reset" procedure is. For recalibrating (described in the user manual) the battery has to be brought to full charge again (minimum 2 hours) and then has to be discharged fully by burning the light at top level (another 1.5 hours) and then the battery has to be recharged (4-5 hours). I know this procedure well having done it with three different lights about 8 or 9 times. If (rather than WHEN) you go to ride and this light won't light YOU WILL NOT RIDE THAT NIGHT!!!
The same reviewer mentions having gotten this light from Performance for $280.00. The standard retail price on this light (without the taillight) is $389.00. I have never seen this model in Performance's catalogue (I have seen the Digital 12 Pro Extreme NOT the Digital 12 LCD). I have to wonder how/when Performance came to sell this light for over 25% below market.
The long and the short of it is that the LCD connectors haven't solved the problem and Night Rider is pushing forward anyway. I thank my lucky stars that I bought this through a bike shop that has the integrity and the market clout to return my money and deal with Nite Rider on their own. I think Nite Rider is cooking its own goose by pushing this item without having gotten over the version 1.0 bugs.
If you have to buy a light from Nite Rider do it with a credit card so that you have some recourse. NOTE WELL: For this $389.00 light the warranty for electronics is 90 DAYS!!!!
I spent from July through October trying to get a Digital LCD that worked. I spent many hours at the attempt because I loved the lights when they worked. I gave up because I had tried everything and knew that they would not work at least 30% of the time.
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Submitted by
Loch Miwa
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
VERY BRIGHT! Easy to control Bullet proof construction
Weaknesses:
New HID may be even better
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
Most of the time, this is more light than I really need! I ride on the road in the city, so most of the time I'm on the 12W setting. If I forget and leave it on the 20W or 32W setting, cars flash their high lights at me! It's really that bright.
I looked at the Pro-12E, but the LCD's up/down buttons and LCD display were so much easier to use than the 12E's one button control that I paid the extra dollars. Having used it for a while now, I haven't ever regretted the decision.
Three other reviewers have mentioned the "locked into low battery" problem. I have experienced this one time. I called NiteRider and was immediately told what happened, how to prevent it, and how to solve the problem. Can't ask for any better service than that. The battery to light connection is a multi-contact connector. If you try to push it together crooked, you can short the data connector to ground and the computer "forgets" it's burn time calibration. No harm done, but it then goes to low power reserve until you reset it. If you simply push the plug straight together, this won't happen. I haven't had the problem since. The reset process is simple and takes about a minute. I do not feel that this in any way reflects poorly on the product, but that's just my opinion.
I also purchased the matching LED taillight and it's so bright (in blinking mode) that it gets drivers' attention even when they're looking directly into a sunrise!
Only caveat - you may want to check out NiteRider's new HID lighting system. It's supposed to be about the same price and even brighter / whiter. Unfortunately it wasn't available when I needed to get a light.
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Submitted by
Sebastian Rozkuszka
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Ebay (new)
Strengths:
Great strength, makes night into day!!!! Can be used at half power and still as strong as other brands. Battery life (once understood how to work) lasts forever! Battery amazingly lite. Easy installation and very easy removal High strength electrical cord Battery and light unit has a brain (microchip)
Weaknesses:
battery gets very hot Takes time to find out how to use the battery and the LCD display (dont expect to get it working on the first charge, Charge it fully once for 5 hours and unplug it then plug it back in for 45 minutes. After this is done the first time the battery is set to REMEMBER youe usage.)
Similar Products Used:
BLT Blitz
Bike Setup:
klein mantra 1999 Cannondale F800
Bottom Line:
This light does take some time to get it wroking right, once its charged and discharged for the first time the battery is ready to get used properly! The price is expensive but you are buying a top of the line system taht is as bright as a police spot light. TRUST ME! If you have the extra cash buy this but be patient and careful and the light really shines!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Core
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Strengths:
Great strong lighting Long burn time Easy to use
Weaknesses:
Completely unreliable
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Big Sur equipped to the max for commuting.
Bottom Line:
This is a great system when it works. Unfortunately it usually doesn't. Nite Rider's customer support is zero. I have had EXACTLY the same problems as the two previous reviewers. I.E. The battery apparently wouldn't charge.
In actuality the technology of the LCD controller works extremely poorly with the battery. It appears that the battery hasn't charged when in fact the controller can't recognize it, with the result that the headlight won't function.
In addition Niter Rider tech support didn't return either my telephone calls or email. Luckily I have a great LBS who have made every effort to solve the problem.
I first charged the battery overnight (i.e. over twice as long as the 5 hour minimum). When the battery was plugged into the headlight the LCD read "batt LO" and wouldn't go above 6 watts (i.e. emergency power). After repeated attempts to charge the battery and no return call from Nite Rider tech I went to my LBS. Nite Rider told them "Oh it just needs to be calibrated" (a procedure which the instruction sheet insists in bold letters has to be done only after TEN charges and only with a FULLY CHARGED battery).
According to Nite Rider it was a "synchronization problem " and calibrating would take care of it. I tried to calibrate it and couldn't get it to respond. My LBS manager was walked through the process by Nite Rider Tech and eventually got the LCD to show a charged battery.
The battery worked for 6 wonderful rides. One night I got geared up to ride and plugged the battery in and it was "batt LO" again. I tried to charge it three more times and it wouldn't charge. Nite Rider Tech said that "sometimes if you don't plug the battery into the headlight just right it needs to be reset..." When the LBS manager declined to accept that answer, Nite Rider said it was a "...synchronization problem and if you send it to the factory we'll work on it and send it back..."
My LBS manager offered to simply order in a completely new system for me and work out the problem with Nite Rider on their own.
The new light had exactly the same problems. I tried three times to charge it. When it wouldn't charge I successfully went through the calibration procedure. (Except for some reason one of the headlights didn't come on when both should have). Well it went through the almost two hour recalibration and I got a reading of 54 minutes of burn time available at 20 watts. The other headlight wouldn't light up. I recharged overnight and got "batt LO" NO POWER. NO RIGHT HEADLIGHT. I took it back to the LBS.
Nite Rider's web site is now advertising a Digital LCD "2002" for the same price that I paid for the LCD "Lemony Citrus" model that I got. ($380.00)
(The additional amount that I registered ($40.00 making a total of $420.00) includes the tailight feature. The tail light also didn't work properly but Nite Rider said that was because they hadn't sent me the instructions for it's operation in conjunction with the LCD controller!!)
I then looked at the two reviews here and saw that someone else had gotten two lights in a row with the same problem as mine both times and that both (2) previous reviewers had the same problem.
I believe that Nite Rider's new LCD is Version 1.0 of a particularly buggy system. They are already selling a NEW 2002 LCD (which they didn't offer to me). Their tech support didn't want to talk to me and would only respond to my more market powerful LBS. I believe that Nite Rider knows that this is bad technology and that explains why they don't want to replace a unit and why they are making the buyers go through the hoops to "fiddle" this thing into limping along. (By the way their web site has downloadable tech manuals for every product EXCEPT this one). The LCD 2002 is aptly named to ensure that the problems with the current LCD are not attributed to their debugged (I hope!) 2002 version.
So it is now almost three months since I first ordered this system from Nite Rider. I paid $420.00 for the whole nine yards LCD "top of the line" with the tail light etc. Nite Rider doesn't have the time to return my telephone calls. Nite Rider wants me to fiddle with this thing endlessly and refuses to acknowledge that there is any fundamental problem. I have spent hours and hours fiddling, discussing and trying to resolve this. I have lost weeks of potential night riding time and am approaching the time of year when I will need lights to commute. I feel that I have gotten nothing but grief for my $420.00.
This is by far the most expensive lighting system you can buy. I should be one of Nite Rider's most favored customers because I bought the top of the line with all the bells and whistles.
Instead of making it right I feel that Nite Rider simply shoved me out the door and that they don't want to see me back. Apparently as long as I get stuck with this lemon and not them they don't care. Does that make sense??
Who knows if the LCD 2002 has been debugged? Whatever you do I would advise you not to buy any Nite Rider product except through your local bike shop because if it had not been for my bike shop I would still be left hanging and slowly turning in the wind.
I loved riding with this light when it worked but it rarely did and Nite Rider's actions all said loudly "It's your baby now!!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bear Claw Poppy, St. George
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Wild Rose
Strengths:
Bright light output Loooong burn times Way-cool digital control panel Light weight Excellent quick-release bar mount Very fast charging Looks sharp
Weaknesses:
May still have some bugs
Similar Products Used:
NightRider XCL-Pro
Bike Setup:
Moots Psychlo-X (road/commuting) Santa Cruz Superlight (mtn)
Bottom Line:
I have used a NightRider XCL-Pro for several years, and decided to upgrade to the 12-LCD. I got the unit home and charged up, only to find one of the two bulbs inoperative. The problem was a wire which had come unsoldered. I returned the light to the factory, and had it back, fixed correctly, in about 2 weeks.
I then encountered problems during charging. After an overnight charge cycle, the fuel gauge read empty, and the light would only function in the low-output "reserve" mode. I returned to the shop where the mechanic called the factory and was told there was a synchronization problem between the battery and the control unit. The shop was able to reset the control unit so that a full charge was read.
I have an unproven theory as to what caused the synchronization problem. The owner's manual clearly states to plug the charger into the wall, wait for the green light, then attach to the battery. When I had the charging problem, I attached to the battery first, then plugged the charger into the electrical outlet. I have charged about 8 times since, being careful to plug the charger into the wall first, and have had no more problems.
Other than these relatively minor problems, the light has been fantastic. You can run the light from 3 watts to 32 watts, covering any conditions. The light output and beam patterns are superb. Riding at 32 watts is just like riding in the daytime.
The unit has a really cool digital control panel that shows how much burn time remains at each power setting. It also has a fuel gauge that displays the remaining power, even when the light is off.
The camlock handlebar mount is great. You can move the light between bikes very easily, and don't have to leave the mount attached to the bars like on older models.
Last night I rode until the battery was nearly discharged. When the panel read "0" minutes remaining, it automatically went to the emergency reserve mode and continued burning at low level. The best part was the recharge. In less than 5 hours, the light was fully recharged. That's a great improvement over older lights.
The nickel metal hydride battery is amazingly light - significanly lighter than the nicads.
I'm hoping the bugs are worked out of this light. I've used it daily for about one month with no more problems. When it functions properly, it really is a great light.
I think it's worth a try. Not many lights have such a long list of features in once package. Just be sure to buy from a shop you can trust with handling returns, just in case.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Poor quality control from NiteRider.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Pro 6
Bike Setup:
Various on and off road
Bottom Line:
I was originally interested in buying a new "Storm" HID light in a handlebar mount to use for commuting. I called NiteRider and was told that the Storm was not available in a handlebar mount because the bulb was too fragile to withstand the bumps and vibrations. Well if the bulb was not of good quality, I didn't want that.
So I purchased the Pro 12 Digital LCD. What a mistake!
After buying this light for $380, and thinking that you usually get what you pay for, I was very disappointed. The initial charging process was lousy. After 6 hours on the charger the fuel bar showed 1/3 full and the operation screen gave me "batt lo" errors. So I charged it for another 5 hours. After the second charging the fuel bar read 3/4 full. I tested the light at my couch and found the light to be very brite and responsive. However when the fuel gauge read 1/4, the light automatically shut down. I could get no further response. So I charged again.
This time the red light on the smart charger never went off, and at 6 hours I removed it from the battery. I plugged it into the light and got no response from the controller. Also the battery began to get hot, and I mean SMOKIN'- literally! The battery case was so hot it bowed out on the bottom and it was makine a hissing sound and producing a very smelly "electrical" odor. My wife thought it was getting ready to BLOW! I put it outside and it was still too hot to touch after an hour.
I returned this light to the store where I purchased it from and got another $380 NiteRider Pro12 Digital LCD "wonderlight". Thinking I had just gotton a lemon and the new light would be functional, I plugged it in for the initial charge. After 3 successive charging cycles the battery level still read nothing. I called NiteRider and was told to do various button pushing to reset the computer, however during this handholding I was told that the battery needed to be "reprogrammed" at their factory. I said enough's enough and this light also made it's way back to the store. I got my refund and am now looking into NON-NiteRider products.
Wish there was a lower score, this product is pathetic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Poor quality control from NiteRider.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Pro 6
Bike Setup:
Various on and off road
Bottom Line:
I was originally interested in buying a new "Storm" HID light in a handlebar mount to use for commuting. I called NiteRider and was told that the Storm was not available in a handlebar mount because the bulb was too fragile to withstand the bumps and vibrations. Well if the bulb was not of good quality, I didn't want that.
So I purchased the Pro 12 Digital LCD. What a mistake!
After buying this light for $380, and thinking that you usually get what you pay for, I was very disappointed. The initial charging process was lousy. After 6 hours on the charger the fuel bar showed 1/3 full and the operation screen gave me "batt lo" errors. So I charged it for another 5 hours. After the second charging the fuel bar read 3/4 full. I tested the light at my couch and found the light to be very brite and responsive. However when the fuel gauge read 1/4, the light automatically shut down. I could get no further response. So I charged again.
This time the red light on the smart charger never went off, and at 6 hours I removed it from the battery. I plugged it into the light and got no response from the controller. Also the battery began to get hot, and I mean SMOKIN'- literally! The battery case was so hot it bowed out on the bottom and it was makine a hissing sound and producing a very smelly "electrical" odor. My wife thought it was getting ready to BLOW! I put it outside and it was still too hot to touch after an hour.
I returned this light to the store where I purchased it from and got another $380 NiteRider Pro12 Digital LCD "wonderlight". Thinking I had just gotton a lemon and the new light would be functional, I plugged it in for the initial charge. After 3 successive charging cycles the battery level still read nothing. I called NiteRider and was told to do various button pushing to reset the computer, however during this handholding I was told that the battery needed to be "reprogrammed" at their factory. I said enough's enough and this light also made it's way back to the store. I got my refund and am now looking into NON-NiteRider products.
Wish there was a lower score, this product is pathetic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Poor quality control from NiteRider.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Pro 6
Bike Setup:
Various on and off road
Bottom Line:
I was originally interested in buying a new "Storm" HID light in a handlebar mount to use for commuting. I called NiteRider and was told that the Storm was not available in a handlebar mount because the bulb was too fragile to withstand the bumps and vibrations. Well if the bulb was not of good quality, I didn't want that.
So I purchased the Pro 12 Digital LCD. What a mistake!
After buying this light for $380, and thinking that you usually get what you pay for, I was very disappointed. The initial charging process was lousy. After 6 hours on the charger the fuel bar showed 1/3 full and the operation screen gave me "batt lo" errors. So I charged it for another 5 hours. After the second charging the fuel bar read 3/4 full. I tested the light at my couch and found the light to be very brite and responsive. However when the fuel gauge read 1/4, the light automatically shut down. I could get no further response. So I charged again.
This time the red light on the smart charger never went off, and at 6 hours I removed it from the battery. I plugged it into the light and got no response from the controller. Also the battery began to get hot, and I mean SMOKIN'- literally! The battery case was so hot it bowed out on the bottom and it was makine a hissing sound and producing a very smelly "electrical" odor. My wife thought it was getting ready to BLOW! I put it outside and it was still too hot to touch after an hour.
I returned this light to the store where I purchased it from and got another $380 NiteRider Pro12 Digital LCD "wonderlight". Thinking I had just gotton a lemon and the new light would be functional, I plugged it in for the initial charge. After 3 successive charging cycles the battery level still read nothing. I called NiteRider and was told to do various button pushing to reset the computer, however during this handholding I was told that the battery needed to be "reprogrammed" at their factory. I said enough's enough and this light also made it's way back to the store. I got my refund and am now looking into NON-NiteRider products.
Wish there was a lower score, this product is pathetic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Poor quality control from NiteRider.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Pro 6
Bike Setup:
Various on and off road
Bottom Line:
I was originally interested in buying a new "Storm" HID light in a handlebar mount to use for commuting. I called NiteRider and was told that the Storm was not available in a handlebar mount because the bulb was too fragile to withstand the bumps and vibrations. Well if the bulb was not of good quality, I didn't want that.
So I purchased the Pro 12 Digital LCD. What a mistake!
After buying this light for $380, and thinking that you usually get what you pay for, I was very disappointed. The initial charging process was lousy. After 6 hours on the charger the fuel bar showed 1/3 full and the operation screen gave me "batt lo" errors. So I charged it for another 5 hours. After the second charging the fuel bar read 3/4 full. I tested the light at my couch and found the light to be very brite and responsive. However when the fuel gauge read 1/4, the light automatically shut down. I could get no further response. So I charged again.
This time the red light on the smart charger never went off, and at 6 hours I removed it from the battery. I plugged it into the light and got no response from the controller. Also the battery began to get hot, and I mean SMOKIN'- literally! The battery case was so hot it bowed out on the bottom and it was makine a hissing sound and producing a very smelly "electrical" odor. My wife thought it was getting ready to BLOW! I put it outside and it was still too hot to touch after an hour.
I returned this light to the store where I purchased it from and got another $380 NiteRider Pro12 Digital LCD "wonderlight". Thinking I had just gotton a lemon and the new light would be functional, I plugged it in for the initial charge. After 3 successive charging cycles the battery level still read nothing. I called NiteRider and was told to do various button pushing to reset the computer, however during this handholding I was told that the battery needed to be "reprogrammed" at their factory. I said enough's enough and this light also made it's way back to the store. I got my refund and am now looking into NON-NiteRider products.
Wish there was a lower score, this product is pathetic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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