Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alafia, FL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Brands Cycle
Strengths:
Handle bar mount Helmet mount Long run time Good beam coverage Low price compared to Halogen or HID setup
Weaknesses:
Cable location on light
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider Evolution Smart, Vista Lite 10W halogen
Bike Setup:
GIANT NRS2, Giro helmet
Bottom Line:
I have been using my Vista Lite setup for some 10 years now and the batteries finally quit. I have used a Nite Rider Evo Smart loaned from a friend. SolMate is much brighter then the old 10W halogen, but not as bright as the Nite Rider. For fast runs on the trails I paired it with a MiNewt x2 on the handle bar for increased coverage. I recommend this to folks that want an effective setup without a heavy draw on the wallet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Small & light battery. Helmet or bar mount. Decent light output.
Weaknesses:
Weird cable setup (should come out the back of the light). Decent (not huge) light output.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn X3. Old Nightsun halogen.
Bottom Line:
Runtime and weight are exceptional for the size and price of this unit. Noticeably brighter and lighter than the Blackburn X3 that I bought for the same price a couple of years ago. Of course, you have to give something up for the price. The light output is pretty good but not great. Good enough for some moderate road or trail riding but not adequate for prolonged high speeds. This shouldn't come as a shock at this price point so don't take this as a bad review. FWIW, I actually bought the Sol and then bought the helmet mount kit = SolMate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vinz Klortho
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, Jefferson Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Brown County, IN
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
The light was well worth the money. It is small, light, and easy to work. The on button lights up to tell you if it needs a charge or when the charge is done. It stops charging automatically. The light gets warm but not hot like other light's I've tried.
Weaknesses:
The clip that holds that strap down kept coming lose during the ride. The light would then slip down the helmet. The battery wire comes out the front of the light instead of the back. It needs to come with another velcro strap so you can run the wire to the back of the helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Light and Motion HID.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Hardtail, Giro Helmet
Bottom Line:
I did an initial test burn and I stopped it at 3 hours. The manual says that it has a 4 hour burn time. Out on the trail we compared it to my friends Light and Motion HID light. The Solmate was ALMOST as bright and lit just as far. I was really happy with it out on the trail. I have to figure a better way for the stap to say clipped. I recommend strapping it to the top of the helmet rather than the front. For a first light, I'm happy with my choice. If I ever feel the need for more, I can always get the Sol for my handlebar
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Helmet or bar Mount Long Run Time 4 hours Low Price
Weaknesses:
Not quite enough light by itself to ride fast
Similar Products Used:
Dinotte LED Nite Rider 10W halogen
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade
Bottom Line:
This is one of the new generation of LED light that offers the brightness and low price of a halogen but the batteries last 2-3 times longer because LED is a more effeicent system.
The SOLMATE is the helmet mount version of the SOL. It's the same light but costs 30.00 more for the helmet mount and a short extension cord. Kind of a rip but that's they way they do it at Nite Rider.
The light is fairly bright but if you wanted to go fast you would need a second light for the bars. It's a great beginer light or a replacement for your old 10W halogen helmet light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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