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Submitted by
Ron
a Racer
from Kennesaw, GA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Easy to connect and setup. When it works it works great, but... | | Weaknesses: | I bought the Vistalite Nightstick Code 15 because they advertise the ability to upgrade (i.e. buy more Nightstick batteries for a longer rides, uprade with more lights, etc.) However, what should be a strength is it's biggest weakness. They don't sell just the batteries!
If anything goes wrong, you are SOL. The Vistalite website doesn't have an address, phone number, or Email. The connection on my battery broke and if I want a new one I have to buy the whole kit all over again. Plus the battery holder doesn't keep the batteries in place which makes them easy to drop off on a hard ride (I use duct tape). | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Specialized S-Works | | Bottom Line: | Pray nothing goes wrong. Don't lose a single wire, don't get dirt in any connections, don't let the rubber buttons come loose, don't let the batteries slip out of their holder, and don't believe a word you read about upgrading.
It's a great system if you never take it out of the box. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Boughton
a Racer
from Coventry UK
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Peak District | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Ribble | | Strengths: | Bright, easy to use and lasts pretty well. Not bad for the money either | | Weaknesses: | Weak brackets, poor electrodes on bulbs (they break), no smart charger. | | Similar Products Used: | NiMh smart. | | Bike Setup: | Paganni Road, Ultegra (for winter) | | Bottom Line: | Pretty disappointed with this product, the first problem was it didn't arrive as the Royal Mail van was stolen. I should have known it wouldn't get better! Then when i received my lights the brackets broke/ didn't have the rubbers and the bulbs also fell to bits.
Otherwise a cracking set of lights!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin pyle
a Cross Country Rider
from lafayette, la usa
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | tammany trace | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | easy to connect, install and use. I have had two custom batteries made adn I like the one made with 5 half d size batteries that police use in their flashlights. I can get a little over an hour with the 15 watt lamp. If you don't like the batteries the lights come with then have your own made at a local battery shop. I just ordered a code 25 set, and hope the lightstick batteries work well. | | Weaknesses: | I have a lightstick battery I bought at a bike shop in N.O. for 15 bucks, but I think it doesn't function up to par. Maybe thats why it was 15 bucks. hehe | | Similar Products Used: | just c battery side inexpensive bike lights. | | Bike Setup: | trek navigator | | Bottom Line: | I have over 600 miles of use on these lights in the past three months riding at night time. My brother gave them to me to use. He had purchased the 540 set 5 years ago. I liked it so much I had to order the code 25 for my girlfriends bike, but can't wait to try out the lightsticks. Zefal and Avenir make nice pump straps with the rubber grips that work well for strapping batteries to bike frame. When I'm rich maybe I'll try the new HID light techology. Since my first set was a gift and the Code 25 set I purchased at PricePoint for 139 bucks I am in love with these lights. These lights have made it possible for me to ride about 15 miles in the city without the hassles of daytime traffic. I love it when cars stop and see where the light is coming from. I wonder why the Vistalites were disconinued? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
senth
a Cross Country Rider
from ny, us
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | blue cat cycles | | Strengths: | bright as hell and no problems with connections or corrosion whatsoever.... it has also been completely submerged in fast-moving water a few times ( I had to use my bike to balance myself on a rock ledge ; lucky the water was only about 4 feet deep )... and is great for camping. | | Weaknesses: | well, the charger kind of sucks because there is no indicator to tell when it is fully charged.... also I think that for the price they should give you the better battery and not bother with the nicad. Charging takes too damn long! The charge has lasted as long as it should though... so far | | Similar Products Used: | zippo lighter fastened to the end of a fish pole which was duct-taped to my helmet | | Bike Setup: | stock kona blast hardtail - best bike you can get for under $600. marzocchi front fork makes rock shocks look like complete piles | | Bottom Line: | bottom line is that I have no idea why all these people have had these problems with their vistalites. Mine works great ( I ride fast trails at night all the time
) and is only the 5 watt with the nicad batt pack. Maybe the newer ones with the blue switches are completely revamped... I'm glad I'm not one of the poor shlumps who bought the older models. Oh yeah, and to that girl who said the lights only lasted 2 minutes after she took it out of the box - did you even charge it?? Sounds like a bunch of sh*t from someone who just wants to b*tch along with everyone else. I love my vistalite and will never go back to the zippo. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
t c
a Racer
from i,ca usa
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | several places | | Strengths: | I like the battery shape and size. The charge is relatively quick. The actual light is small. The helmet mount is easy | | Weaknesses: | The battery lastes only 1.4 hrs. at 10W and 1 hour at 15W. It's fine if you are just going for that duration. If you are a solo 24 hr racer you will need at least 8 batteries and a charge source. Thus my $500.00 price tag. | | Bottom Line: | I am envious of each and every racer that blows past me with their blueish white light that lights up the trail like a sports car. However I have invested so much into this vistalite system I can't turn back. This is a fine system for short night rides, or even one night lap in a 24 hr race but as your only system as a solo 24 hr racer look around. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alan nicci
a Racer
from Madison, Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | Great design, doesn't strap to frame or replace water bottle. Bright and reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Old ones had problems, but the new ones are great! | | Similar Products Used: | NiteRider, Jet | | Bike Setup: | Sycip hardtail, Superlight FS, Trek 5900 road | | Bottom Line: | Apparently I got one of the new and improved Nightstick systems, because I've experienced none of the problems other people mentioned here. It's plenty bright, charges quick and holds a charge well, and it hasn't failed me. I bought the Code15 (dual beam and 1 battery) and then upgraded to a helmet light and two more batteries for 24 hour racing. It's great! While I'm out on the course with two lamps and one battery, I have 2 other batteries getting charged up for my next lap! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kriss Anderson
a Racer
from 66 Port O Call Dr. Apt D
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline Indianapolis | | Strengths: | Bright when it works. | | Weaknesses: | The light has very poor sockets for the bulbs. They shake loose and suddenly you have no lights. The light has poor cable connections, they pull loose easily and suddenly you have no light. The batteries have a poor mounting system, if the velcro straps are not pulled extremly tightly the battery will slide down into your chainring and rip the bottom cap off resulting in no light. The mounts are of shoddy construction and break easily resulting in no light. This light is not reliable and downright dangerous on singletrack as you never know when it will fail. For the price I paid, I would expect much better. I will never buy another vistalite product. | | Similar Products Used: | I am purchasing a Cabeza HID light. Judging from the glowing reviews here, I hope it will be a better system. I will right my review in the near future. | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy this piece of junk!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | "powerlines" in phenix city | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | 110 | | Strengths: | Cool battery shape, modular construction, use as headlight or bar light or both, bright light, price. | | Weaknesses: | discontinued. Parts may become hard to get, company has no website. Wish battery life was a little longer. No smart charger. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | '01 Giant NRS1, '03 Santa Cruz Heckler, '88 Bianchi Forza. | | Bottom Line: | I got the 10w and 15w combination with two batteries. Most of the time I use just the 15 as a headlamp, which is fine for off road riding. The 10w is excellent for night riding on the road and gives you a bit better perspective on the trail than just the head light alone. A single battery lasts about an hour with the 15w light; good thing I have two. I haven't had any trouble with parts breaking, and I like the clever design; the battery arrangement is better than any other light system I've seen. If the batteries are in the frame mount you still get to use your water bottle holder, and since the battery is kind of pump shaped it's a perfect fit in the bike pump spot in my camelbak. With their systems my buddies either lose a water bottle holder or have to use 10 velcro straps to hold their batteries on the frame.
So far the system has been durable under moderate use, though I haven't landed on it or anything. I hit the occasional small branch with my helmet with no ill effects so far.
The charging system is pretty basic - I'd like to have a smart charger so I don't have to set my alarm to remind me to unplug the batteries after 3 hours.
Anyway, you can't beat the price. 5 chilies for value.
I give it 4 chilies for overall because of the charging system and sub 3 hour battery life. I recommend this to anyone who wants to get into night riding for cheap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garry
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oaks fire trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom Cycles, online | | Strengths: | Versatility and modular design. Bright, good battery life (1 hour per nmh battery at 15w). heaps of accessories and comes with a charger for each battery | | Weaknesses: | lights a little tricky to clip onto bar (minor), remote switch pretty pointless (minor). | | Similar Products Used: | non rechargable lights and dynamos (various) | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail Avanti Hammer disc. Deore/LX cross country | | Bottom Line: | These are great lights. I bought the "Code 20" which includes a 15w narrow and a 5w wide light, 2 batteries and chargers, helmet clip, remote switch and battery clip. Cheap compared with other lights of the same power/quality. Moduler design is great as you can use a light on the bike and one on the helmet or one on the bars with 2 batteries or 2 on the bars. Well worth the money. I have only been using them a few months but quality looks great and have had no problems so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iain Rathie
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane Queensland Australia
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daisy Hill - Thunder Child | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike store | | Strengths: | NiMh and Nicad batteries small with good capacity. Lights clip on and off handlebars and helmet easily. Reasonably small and light system. Reasonably inexpensive (compared to other systems) | | Weaknesses: | Very limmited (and expensive) replacement bulb supply in Aussie. Have cracked two mounting brackets (both in same place)Internal bulb holder (for the pins) is a poor design and and needs to have tin foil jambed in it to keep the connection (or a blob of solder put on the bulb pins)Front (plastic) assembly is weak (have cracked two)and needs electricians tape to keep it on (even when not cracked) | | Similar Products Used: | Home made 20 watt system with SLA battery (a bit heavier but has withstood the test of time) | | Bike Setup: | Not important | | Bottom Line: | I would not recommend this system for a serious night time mountain biker. Maybe i got a bad batch or something - but mates with these rigs are having similar difficulties.
We ride hard (at night)at least two or three times a week and our systems need to be tough and reliable (these are n either)
Look elsewhere (do not be tempted by price) If you cant afford a better light - make up your own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley, California, USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flight Boardsports | | Strengths: | Fairly long battery life, pretty bright. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | a lot | | Bike Setup: | Nightstick, rattraps, front shocks, pump | | Bottom Line: | It's a very sweet light. Even the 5-watt is pretty bright! I got a sweet deat on this light. It came with a NiMH battery instead of a NiCad. I also got it for 35 bucks!It is a great little light, but I would recomend a 10-watt or up if you are doing racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip Ellis
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlton Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Ross Harding Cycles | | Strengths: | 10w light brite, compact, good brackets and handle bar mounts, Fairly cheap for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | Battery doesn`t last long, so you should buy two Batterys | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo Hardware shop ones. | | Bottom Line: | Their good value for what you get, if your into night riding but not too and rough serious they'll be good for you, me myself haven't gone out for a good long ride at night yet as it is Winter down here a damn cold at night. I'll get back to you during summer when it’s warmer at night and I'll have really tested them out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Cook
a Cross Country Rider
from midland
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any wooded , with jumps and hills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | On ebay / new | | Strengths: | Cheap | | Weaknesses: | They suck, brackets break, lights turn off buy them selves, unreliable | | Similar Products Used: | back packing head lanps | | Bike Setup: | Cheapo raleigh m40 | | Bottom Line: | They were cheap but suck. Ive had some good rides with them and the nicad bats last about 2 hours but Ive broken two light moduals and two mounting brackets, Actually two lights just died they did not break or get hit they just quit working. The botton broke on another one. Mine have the yellow buttons not blue, maybe the blue are better. Bottom line dont waste your cash buy better lights. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a
from San Pedro, CA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | I'll get back to you | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't hold charge, umm, let's see, battery does not hold charge....oh yeah this battery does not hold charge, now I know why they call it Code '5'. Don't go further than five miles without having another light source....! | | Similar Products Used: | BLT , Vistalite SLA light | | Bottom Line: | It's official, this nightstick sucks! Plain & simple. I commute year-round (CA) and don't have to contend with too much night riding, but when I do, I expect more from a light source. Bought it dirt cheap, on sale, so I shouldn't complain. Where's a BLT dealer in the SoCal area? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cal
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax VA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | decided not to | | Strengths: | clearance sales, versatile design | | Weaknesses: | discontinued, service issues | | Similar Products Used: | purchased Performance Single Pro | | Bottom Line: | Very responsive company rep (Bell Sports) told me it no longer has batteries for this discontinued system and suggested other parts may become hard to find. Said Vistalite has drastically cut its product line. With that, this sucker for a bargain decided to avoid a 15-w solo-battery NiMH Nightstick system marked down to $59 from $180.
But I was impressed with Bell Sports, which received my email on a Sunday and responded the next day, a holiday. If I ever need a helmet... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Stevens
a Cross Country Rider
from Northchurch, Herts UK
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ashridge Common | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Wheels | | Strengths: | Good battery storage design and lightweight batteries | | Weaknesses: | Poor connection of bulbs, weak handlebar brackets, cable wears and shorts out battery, no "smart" charger available, yellow button switches break easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Specialised Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | I have had these lights for 18 months now and have had to replace just about every component (some more than once!). I go to a very good bike shop, Leisure Wheels in Hemel Hempstead, who have replaced the bits free of charge (when available from the wholesalers). I am now too embarrassed to go back to the shop with another broken handlebar brackets, probably about the sixth time. The poor design of the brackets is made worse by them getting brittle in cold weather. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | white springs & fort clinch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | these lights are compact, lightweight, inexpensive and offer endless configurations. i have three sets now. first i split a 25w pack from LBS with a buddy. i put the 15w on my helmet and run the NiMH battery in my hydropak, he ran the 10w on the helmet with a NiMH. I then got a pack off the web with two 5w units and a NiCAD battery. Run this one on the bars. Latest unit is the CODE5. If you are new to the light scene, this is a great pack. Comes with 5w light, bar and helmet mounts, NiCAD battery, and charger! | | Weaknesses: | corrosion issues with older units that must have sat in a wharehouse, runtime, must be treated with care. The first two sets are older models with yellow buttons on the bulb housings. The set I got from LBS was fine. The set from the web had problems. As others have mentioned the lights had moisture in them and corroded bulbs. I did get replacements from the website, no charge. Another problem we have had just a week ago, was my buddy was plugging the cord into the battery as we were preparing to hit the trails and there was a short in the cord, poof! NiMH battery was fried. Last weakness is that the runtime is tricky with these: 1.They will not hold a charge for very long sitting. I now charge these a day or two before riding. 2. Turning the light on and off often will chew the charge up as well. I get an hour average out of each battery (i now have three batteries). | | Similar Products Used: | AA handlebar units, substandard for trails at night | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Cannondale F700SX | | Bottom Line: | the latest pack i got addressed the problems we have experienced (blue buttons on light housings are new models). 1. the headlight unit now comes sealed in plastic along with a moisture absorbant pack, NO CORROSION! 2. the cord that plugs into the battery has a straight plug instead of one with a 90degree turn, LESS LIKELY TO TWIST IT, BREAK THE WIRES INSIDE AND SHORT THE BATTERY. *If you take care of your stuff these lights will holdup, otherwise find a more race oriented light.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Boomer
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerville, MA USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam (Milford, MA) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | some dotcom | | Strengths: | Versatility of attachment to bike (battery and lights).
BRIGHT
got it for a steal.
Lightweight battery | | Weaknesses: | Battery dies too quickly unless you use low beam. With low beam on you might as well shut it off.
Brakets for attachment are CHEAP. Busted both within a week of each other.
| | Similar Products Used: | Nightrider, older vistlight system | | Bike Setup: | Ironhorse G-Spot - stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy a different system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Augusta, Ga
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal, Wine Creek, Lick Fork Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | So Far it has had no problems at all. | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to mount, not long enough burn time, the 5 watt is to dim to be of any use. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Ranier SE stock except for the rims, I bent the front and back rims and have had to upgrade to stronger ones, Changed out the tires for heavier nobbies. | | Bottom Line: | So far this light set works great. I have ridden a number of rides thru dirt, water, mud, sand, and over rocks and it has held up perfectly. I got the 10 & 5 watt system and wish I had another 10 watt. The 5 is way to dim to use.
I tried the 10 watt as just a helmet mount and it provided enough light by itself to ride safely. I am getting another battery and going to ride the 5 watt on the bars and the 10 on my helmet.
I also rode it with both on the bars and found that since the bar was not pointed where I was going I had to slow my ride down since the light was not where I was looking.
It also does not have enough burn time. Most of the trails we ride are close to an hour ride durning the day so at night it is even longer and the lights seem to last just at one hour. I could use a 2 hr burn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | Weber Sports | | Strengths: | Batteries are fairly small (Mine is a "Code-20" system with two 2200 ma-hour nimh batteries a 15W, and 5W lights). The lights are small also and are adequately brite. Thier both mounted on the bars so the light being lower than my helmet light shows the rocks better. I like the batttery mount. I don't have a water bottle mount on the bike so I ty-wrapped the mount around my down-tube | | Weaknesses: | More of a spot than my helmet light, and the light is also yellower,(helmet light is a new "Jet Phantom"). Sometimes vibration causes the cord to come out of the bar switch jack | | Similar Products Used: | Jet Phantom | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyll-600, XTR components, Avid mech. discs, Ritchy ZMax tires, all else stock | | Bottom Line: | Nice product for a fair price, Wish the light was a little less of a spot, and a little whiter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Groendyk
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountain National Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Bright, inexpensive, durable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Hardtail w/ XTR, Kore, Thompson, Race Face, and Velocity. | | Bottom Line: | I used the light on a very rocky and bumpy trail, initially afraid the battery might fly right off the mount, but it never budged. In fact, my frame pump was the one that I had to pick up several times. As far as the long cord, I wrapped it around the base of my stem once and the excess slack was no more. Other than around the curves, the 10W light was more than adequate. I may mount the seperate 5W light on my helmet to help see ahead around those curves.
If you're looking for a light, I found this to be the best priced light for what it offered. Offers only 2 hours of run time for 10W light I believe, so beware if you want more than that. The frame mount does come with room for a second battery, not to mention the slim design allows for one in a hydration pack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Acceptable lighting quality. Nice looks for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to secure the loose cord connecting the light to the battery. Questionable battery-mount design. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Rocky Mountain Element Race, stock with risers. | | Bottom Line: | Originally I bought the 5 watt light and Nightstick, but when I realized the light wasn't enough for dark trail riding, I swapped the bar light for a 10 watt, and kept the same battery. The 10 watt lights up the trail nicely, though it's still difficult (obviously) to see around bends. Overall the illumination is good and I have no complaints.
I do have a complaint about the cord though, which connects the light to the battery. It was designed to be long enough so it could reach even the farther water-bottle mount; the problem is, the cord's much too long when you're using the closer bottle mount. What I do is tie shoelaces around my downtube and pull the cord snug against the bike. Also the protective cap that covers the battery outlet is too long; I tie that to the frame as well.
Another thing I don't so much like is the battery and bracket fastening. The battery is only secured to the mount by adhesive means; there is one velcro strap, but it's right in the middle and can't hold the battery securely from both ends. Time will tell whether this holding method will be okay.
Besides that there's nothing much to discuss. If you will be constantly taking your lights off the bike, you might become a little annoyed that the setup isn't instantaneous, but as long as you allow yourself a few minutes, things will be fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Remillard
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in the Wasatch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$165.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | The product has worked just fine with no problems to report. I purchased the HYP-25 with a 10W and 15W light. It lights fine with just the 10W and turning on the 15W at the same time is pretty darn bright! | | Weaknesses: | None to report. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first light set. I use it about 3x/mo. These will likely last forever. | | Bike Setup: | Carbon fiber Giant hardtail with all the bells and whistles. My focus has been to keep it light. | | Bottom Line: | It's been good for me! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Azzy
a Weekend Warrior
from PIttsburgh, PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 40 Acres | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay (bobo_san) | | Strengths: | Small, 2 lights that can be mounted either on a hemet or on your bike. Small battery could fit under a bottle holder (i have mine rigged differently, removed the bottle holder)
I have ridden with these lights a few times tryed to shake 'em or just basicly abuse them (within certain limits), and it seemed to take the beating with the rest of the bike. They stayed on, they stayed pointed where I want them, and the battery life isnt the greatest, but I only have one NiCAD for 2 5 watt lights. | | Weaknesses: | Seemed to get water inside the bulb. Im gonna have to ask the manufacturer bout this, but they still work. A trickle charger/ indicator would be nice. After reading these reveiws, I will be looking out for the problems that otheres are having. That and with the HOT bulbs, the manufacturer says that you have to have a constant sream of air moving over them. (DONT TOUCH THE HOT LIGHTS!!) | | Similar Products Used: | Dollar store kids light (actualy lasted about 3 years, and damn bright) | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose XT500 | | Bottom Line: | Hey, I got em cheap, and they light up a nice area, so I cant really complain yet. But I would advise to try them out if you can, and at least get them where you can return them, If the problems other people are having hold true, then Im gonna be out of luck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tecky
a
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | Almost none, except the light is brighter than my 1.25 watt halogen. | | Weaknesses: | The clamps is really weak. Corrosion eats out the bulb connection, make one of the two 5-watt completely useless. Battery level indicator is not accurate, it only took 5 minutes from full to absolutely empty. | | Bike Setup: | C'dale ST700. | | Bottom Line: | Bad design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wind river | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI_Outlet.com | | Strengths: | I just bought a VistaLite CAD 10 to replace my NiMH 15 that I accidentally frried in a microwave (mark your tupperware well!). The 15 watt Vista light lasted me a year before it started to fall apart, but that is not why I fried it. I replaced it with the two 5 watt Nicad version, which sucked super bad out of the box. I do not think that it it totally VistaLites fault. REI is selling crappy old product rather than send it back to the manufacturer. | | Weaknesses: | Corrosion on bulb connection. Broken mount on one light. | | Similar Products Used: | VistaLite's single 15 watt NiMH, which had problems with the battery connection leaving me in the dark with traffic, and the mount is fragil. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Kaitai. XT & LX mix. | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy the light unless you can see it first. Some suck, some are good for the price. My mount was super easy to release, the batteries light, and the light bright and secure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Paradise Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This light never dims out untill it is ready to die. I've been using a 15 watt system & get around 3hrs. The newest nightstick I've purchased is the 5 watt for helmet use and it totally blows my friends light out of the water, which his were same cost! The lights are very stong and sharp focus. They give a wide glow to see what is near you while also having a long, long narrow focused light. I've been flashed from cars and honked at..lol The desing is super you can mount where you would put a water bottle mount without losing the ability to add your water bottle. Everything is light weight, where water bottle batteries add lots of weight :-) This product is five chili's here. | | Weaknesses: | On the remote for light switch that includes a battery meter, the meter is not exactly acurate. But if the light on the battery meter goes you at most times still have another 45-60 minutes of riding left. The remote is designed to pass off the energy derictly to light as battery gets lower. So really there is no weaknesses to me :-) | | Similar Products Used: | Raod Toads by Visalite, also very good, but I'd only recommend those for casual night rides on paved roads! | | Bike Setup: | Hardcore Hard tail pretty light bike for the hill climbing.
With the front suspension for those nice rides going donwhill. | | Bottom Line: | This product is totally awesome, just whatever you do get the NIHD Batteries they out peform the nicads batteries by far! You get your monies worth for sure! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hawkdriver
a
from BRIDGEWATER, MA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | They look kinda cool | | Weaknesses: | Too Many to list | | Bottom Line: | I bought these lights on sale, and have had nothing but problems. The first set I received had severe corrosion on all the contacts and they barely worked. After shipping them back and receiving the replacement, I thought it was just bad luck. Then the clamp broke, and the lights are getting dimmer....... and so on...... I'd give it zero chili's if I could. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee T
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coulees | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bert & Macs Sports Shop | | Strengths: | Lights stay very bright through the whole duration of use right till very end, with 15 watt light. I've bought the package with dual baterries with a Y connector and on a full charge my rides can average from 2-3 hrs I highly recommend these lights to any one. I also liked that it had a remote with battery level lights. Another plus was that from completely dead the batteries only took 4-5hrs to charge each. These are the NiHD Batteries (Couldn't tell you on the nicads) | | Weaknesses: | The products weekness that I found was the charging an indicator would be nice, but still minor overall. As it is easy enough to figure out how long you've been charging. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye was my first light used, borrowed from a friend. It seemed pretty good but wante4d a little more juice. | | Bike Setup: | Not Sure what needed for this box, but my bike is a hardtail with front suspension and is a Giant ATX 840. I also highly recommend. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this product totally rocks and I plan on purchasing more Vistalite Nightsticks, for headlamp. and more handle bar lights to give the final touch.
These are totally worth the money!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown, MA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks | | Strengths: | Lightweight, simple, cheaper than some systems
| | Weaknesses: | Poor design, poor quality control
| | Similar Products Used: | Flashlight duct-taped to handlebars | | Bike Setup: | Doesn't matter much if you can't see what's in front of you | | Bottom Line: | I bought the 10/15 two light system mainly for commuting but also hoped to try night riding on trails. Out of the box the remote switch/charge indicator did not work. My LBS replaced it with a different model which has a switch but no charge indicator. I was not particularly concerned at first since I charge the battery each time and my commute is only 35 minutes. However, on several random occasions I have found myself with no charge at all. My theory is that the contacts between battery and charger are not tight and thus you can think you're charging the battery when in fact nothing is happening. A better design would have an indicator light on the charger that tells you when the charger is operating. When the battery does charge, I get around 45 minutes on the 15 watt and 1 hour on the 10 watt. When the battery does run out, you don't get much warning at all -- once you notice the light starting to dim, it will be completely out within a few minutes. Thus with no charge indicator, and unreliable connections to the charger, you're really playing Russian roulette when you head out the door -- you may have a full charge or only 5 minutes, and there's no way to be sure.
Another annoying thing about the battery is that it drains completely in about 3-4 days when not in use, so you really have to get in the habit of charging it right before you need it (I charge mine during the day while at work, for the commute home).
Other indications of poor design and manufacturing: the bottom plugs quickly fell out of both batteries, one of the velcro straps on the mount has broken, and the power cord constantly comes out of the battery while riding, even on pavement.
I am planning on using this light for a while longer, since it does work adequately most of the time, but I would not recommend it and will not buy another. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WeaselDog
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Cheap, even cheaper on sale! | | Weaknesses: | Lasted less than one minute | | Similar Products Used: | Moonlight | | Bottom Line: | Bought at REI's blowout sale on Saturday. Charged the battery overnight, and then plugged in both lights. Gee, one's brighter than the other. Gee, one's getting dimmer. Gee, one just stopped working. Total lifetime - less than one minute.
After reading the reviews on MTBR, it's packed up and heading back to REI. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda, MD
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | ediscountbike.com | | Strengths: | Low price, light weight, dual light | | Weaknesses: | Battery wiring and mounting,low run time. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Union generator with a halogen light that died. | | Bike Setup: | Cheap | | Bottom Line: | I bought these lights from an ebay vendor BEFORE finding this great website. Anyway, I've had most of the problems described in the other messages (cheezy connections, plastic caps that fall off, bracket bounces off, etc.). I figure that the vendor (listed as H&E Surplus, dba ediscountbike.com) probably picked up a warehouse full of them...so the battery has been in a box for 3 years. I got another NiCad battery made at a place called Batteries Plus for $20 that fits the stick fine and serves as a good backup. The bottom line is it works fine as a commuter light system--much brighter than the self-contained lights. Plus I don't have to worry about taking an expensive light system with me when I park the bike at the subway station. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Derby, Derbyshire, England
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Peak Districts | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Somewhere in London | | Strengths: | Compact Battery unit, coiled cable from battery to light unit, strong beam. | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality housing for light - generally poor durablitiy. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye, maglite | | Bike Setup: | Scott Team Racing | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste your money on this product. I have used it - it has broken. I have used this light several times on a few night trails - I ride to and from work daily, and at the moment I am in the dark.
If you are doing a few trails the light will within a short period of time fail on you and all you will be left with are a couple of flash looking batteries.
On the whole the light unit itself just doesn't measure up - in my opinion this product should be avoided. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian McCulloch
a Racer
from Bristol, England
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ash Army Ranges, Aldershot, England | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike (my local store) | | Strengths: | Cost, light weight, 'in principle' benefits of NiMh as the battery material. | | Weaknesses: | Durability, Reliability | | Similar Products Used: | BLT (Dry Cell), Nicad rechargeables in Cateye lightset | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | What's the expression?...you pay peanuts you get monkeys! Well I don't think the retail price here is exactly peanuts (cashews maybe?) and the failings of this lightset could easily be rectified without contributing greatly to the cost.
Lord I wish I had read some of the reviews here before buying this light set because I can echo so many of your reviewers experiences.
I have used the setup on my road bike which is hardly a punishing 'off road' experience and already I am on my third charger, the seal on the light switch has bounced off a month ago, the female connectors on the batteries are slowly disappearing inside the battery housing and the original 15w bulb blew whilst using the nightsticks to illuminate my garden shed.
I am getting those 'Oh no not you again' looks when I enter my local cycle shop and I know from the wholesaler that they have already had batches of chargers and lights returned with faults.
A different charger supplier - they build these things in vast numbers in the far east and a reliable supplier should not be difficult to find, a more robust cable & plug arrangement, some attention to the battery housings and Vistalight should in theory have a perfectly sound product.
It is a shame that this lightset fails on what must be such minor quality control elements as I was really sold on some of the ideas behind this system.
I guess it's back to hanging a tin paraffin lamp off the front of my handlebars! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the DON! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | silentsports.com | | Strengths: | it's light and mounts easily under the water bottle. makes a good whacking stick for bad car drivers. | | Weaknesses: | my buddy had problems with his. The housing seemed weak and failed. Mine work beautiful. | | Similar Products Used: | maglight duct-taped to my head | | Bike Setup: | GT.. trail abuser | | Bottom Line: | I dig the lights. I mounted the 10 w to my helmet, the 15 to my handlebars. they last a long time, I can get over an hours use from it. More if I just use the 15 on the bars and swap batteries after awhile. I find them very durable.. but then again, I take care of my stuff, perhaps teh other reviewers are too rough. Shop and compare..
check out www.canadiancycle.com for more details. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from brooklyn
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | ediscountbike.com | | Strengths: | Pretty bright. 2 beams. Damn cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Nitestick stinks if you cant mount it on water bottle mounts (like on my dualie). Anyway, it fits in your water pack nicely. | | Similar Products Used: | Battery powered safter junk. | | Bike Setup: | Catamount MFS. | | Bottom Line: | I have the CAD 10, which is 2 5 watts with 1 stick. This system is OK at $100, but ediscounbike is blowing them out at $50. I don't work for ediscount. This is the cheapest way to get 10 watts on the bike. Suitable for medium speed trail riding. Get a helmet light to go faster. As far as how long the battery lasts, on my few rides I get 55 minutes with both bulb, but being conservative and using only 1 when I only need 1, I get 1:15 of rideable light.
NOT BAD FOR FIFTY BUCKS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Not telling you. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | universal | | Strengths: | NimH battery size and weight, price | | Weaknesses: | Product quality control and durability | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | yah right | | Bottom Line: | I have both the hyp 10, 2 5 watt and one NimH nightstick, and the supernova, 1 10 watt lead acid battery. First the problems: NimH battery did not provide advertised run time(72% of advertised 2.8 Hrs.), I have already broken the wires on the back of one bulb(had to solder and glue a fix), I have had two premature battery failuers(charger problem?, the 10 watt bulb I got with the supernova is too focused(must be a spot light bulb)and multiple problems with bad connections causing me to have to fiddle with them to get them to work. To Vistalites credit they replaced the NimH battery and tell me that a replacement bulb is on the way for the one I broke but these events have all cost me riding time. I generaly ride with one 5watt on the bars and one 5 watt on the helmet (highly recommend a helmet light) and that provides enough light for fast riding (30+ mph) at night on fire roads. Bottom line is the vistalites at not top quality but neither is their price and they do have good customer service, I just wish they would take the money they are spending on replacements and improve their product a little. If your strapped for money and are a little handy I would recommend vistalite, just be aware that you get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hui
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | blackmountain bike | | Strengths: | light weight, battery design, dual lights and batteries, economic | | Weaknesses: | mounting bracket | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first light system | | Bike Setup: | specialized stumpjumper fsr xc | | Bottom Line: | So far I am really happy with this light system. THe bulb is very bright. Battery seems to burn according to the advertised time. I will like the every thing "dual" fact, that you can mount one flood light on the handle bar and put the 15w spot on your helmet, or mount both lights on handle bar. This is a nice up side when compare to those $300-400 night riders, which has lots of fancy but none essential features. The price is realy attractive, i got mine at a sale price for $149.
I have been using my lights almost every night going home from work through this canyon near by, which has some fast true single track downhills. The light is so bright, I can even go full speed.
The only donw side is the baterry mount. If vistalite make a mount that you can mount the beterry inside the frame space, that would be perfect. Who cares about the water bottle while riding at night anyway.
I recommand this system to any who is practical.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, Kansas, USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lawrence, River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Batteries are not shaped like a water bottle, so you don't have to sacrifice a cage on your downdube. The batteries are very slender, and fit easily in most backpack or hydration packs. | | Weaknesses: | I have had nothing but trouble with these lights. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap Cateye for commuting. | | Bike Setup: | I have used this light on my 1999 GT Outpost, 2000 Kona Roast and 2000 Surly 1x1. It easily mounts to any of them, or any other bike with a bottle cage. | | Bottom Line: | I am in the process of sending my set back to the manufacturer. In fact, my LBS is sending back all that they have in mass.
Some friends and I do night rides pretty consistently on a not-too-technical trail. It's fast and bumpy with logs obstacles, but nothing that would beat the lights to death. However, my friends and I have had trouble with every aspect of the system.
First, the lights themselves are too delicate. I have seen bulbs burn out prematurely, the actual bulb housing break apart, and the female power input fail, (where you plug in the cord from the battery. I think that it may have corroded, but I really can't be sure.) Fortunately, we have all been able to get replacements, but as they say: "if your part's in the mail, you can't ride the trail."
I have also heard that the bulbs die if they get rained on, but I cannot confirm this. On thing that I can confirm is that the bulb housing is so small, that you will burn yourself VERY quickly if you touch it. There is no insulation dissipate heat, or protect you from scarring yourself. Also, the mounting bracket to attach the light to the handlebars looks pretty flimsy, but I have not actually had one break yet, so I can't say anything more than that I don't trust it.
Also, I wish the lights could be focused for wide or tight beams, but totally secondary to the fact that they break so easily. Right now, I think that the 15-watt light is wide beam only, while the 10-watt seems to be much more tightly focused. I can't say anything about the 5 watt since I have not used it.
Secondly, the cord that connects the battery to the light is also very poorly constructed. The point at which the cord mates to the plug is very weak and cracks easily. Once the crack is complete, then only two tiny wires actually hold the wire together. I tried using electrical tape to strengthen the wire, but once it's cracked, you are basically screwed. If this is vague, I am sorry. It's pretty obvious where the problem is if I could show you a picture.
Finally, the batteries have a very innovative physical design, but are terribly inadequate otherwise. They are shaped like a tire pump, approx. 12 inch long by 1-inch diameter cylinders. The slip into a camelbak pretty nicely, and you don't have to sacrifice a bottle cage when mounting them to the down tube.
One Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery last about 45mins to an hour when powering a 15 watt bulb, which sucks when it takes an hour and 15mins to ride the trail.
Also, the charger system is woefully inadequate. Ni-MH batteries need to be charged for a specific amount of time. If you over charge them too often, they will be damaged. Unfortunately, Vistalight did not see the need to provide a trickle charger, or a smart charger. These items would be infinitely helpful. If I remember correctly, a full charge on my batteries takes 5 hours. Problem is, what if you don't need a full charge? I have actually sat at work with my light on so I could run down the battery to insure that I don't overcharge it. The alternative is overcharging, which may shorten the batteries charging capabilities, and possibly it's overall longevity. Or I might undercharge it, which means I'm stuck on the trail walking home.
Needless to say, I think that I will be spending the extra cash to buy a more dependable and tested light system. Sorry Vistalight, but you really dropped the ball on this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nzumbi
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Zanadoo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Lightweight
nice battery design
| | Weaknesses: | durability of battery
durability of lights
| | Similar Products Used: | Jet Designs | | Bike Setup: | Uzzi XC | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to an earlier posting. I had to send one of the batteries back because the bottom plug fell out and it must have caused a wire to come loose because it wouldn't charge or work or nothing after that.
The good news is that it was warranteed and I have always received good customer service from VistaLight. These lights aren't bombproof but then again they didn't cost me $300 either. I use them on my handlebars and my Jet 12 Watt mounted on my helmet and I'm good to go. I like the lightweight batteries and small headlamps. It works real well on a bike with riser bars.
I'm a firm believer in the two light set-up. If one set goes out you still have something to light the way home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul W
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight
Good amount of light
Small and stylish | | Weaknesses: | Light switches don't look like they will be hard wearing
Charging instructions somewhat obtuse and contradictory | | Bike Setup: | Ummm... on my handlebars?
What difference does the bike make!
Ok, Tomac Buckshot, SID XCs, XT, Maggie HS33s, Mavic 517s, blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | I have only run my NiMH batteries down three times and the instructions say that maximum performance will be gained after this. So far I have had at least the advertised burn times.
The light brackets seem to be nice and strong although I am carefull to only tighten them until they will not move easily - at this stage there is no real tension on the knob and it would be easy to over tighten them.
With the rubber padding on the battery bracket and the velcro straps my batteries will not move no matter what I do when I am riding.
Overall I am very happy at the moment, but all of the other reviews here have got me waiting for something to happen.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Prior
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VT
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Many.. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$152.00 | | Purchased At: | Lane Road Cycles, Charlestown, NH | | Strengths: | Nice narrow battery tubes, light, etc | | Weaknesses: | The problem I have seen is that the batteries inside like to move around, so its hard to snap in the connector. Its easily fixed by "gently" tapping the connector end onto a table top or whatever. A permanent fix would be to stick some wadding of some sort in the tube end (end without the connector..) to prevent it from moving in the first place. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I have read reviews on most of the light systems and have noticed that it doesnt matter much of what others say. There are lemon products everywhere.. | | Bike Setup: | 97 Specialized Ground Control Comp | | Bottom Line: | I got rid of the battery mount because I ended up taping the 2 batteries together and then used velcro straps to mount them to the bike. It fits perfectly inside of the v, right above the front derailleur. The stock mount would have brought the battery ends REAL close to the chain rings, and after looking at various mounting positions with a typical FS frame, this was the best place, very easy position, out of the way. Awesome! If you want to see what Im talking about, I'll send you a pic.. Im very pleased in the setup so far, hopefully the battery life and set quality will work out to the best too. If you want a easy light system where you dont have to think, get a bottle cage.. if you ride a weird frame and can do a little thinking on your own or own a standard rigid frame this is a great system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rupert
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Battery design. | | Weaknesses: | Poor build quality - in one week I had to lights fail, a mounting broke and I had a dodgy switch. Oh and the charger broke. Thankfully the shop gave me my money back. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Vision 30 | | Bottom Line: | Do not purchase this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | great light output, light weight, nimh batteries weigh almost nothing and i can get 1 3/4 hours run time out of them, 6v means less beefy wires with the same output | | Weaknesses: | could be improved by having wires click in to battery with detent, stronger battery holder. | | Bottom Line: | i have the hyp 25 set. it comes with a 10w and a 15w unit and two nimh batteries which weigh nothing and provide about 1 3/4 RUN TIME.
recently during technical riding i had the plastic piece at the front fall off. i emailed vistalite AND CUSTOMER SERVICE GAVE ME A NEW ONE THAT ARRIVED WITHIN A WEEK OF MY INQUIRY. With a little shoe goo the plastic peice shouldn't come off though. The composite battery holder allows you to continue using your water bottle although the composite could be a bit beefier, or metal. i ride a lot of technical sections. with a little shoe goo it works great,GREAT SYSTEM, WORKS GREAT AT A LIGHT WEIGHT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
APDBIKE
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, AL
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Nice compact design. Light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Batteries, NIMI battery sticks, light seals, battery seals | | Similar Products Used: | Night Sun, Cyclone | | Bike Setup: | Trek and Raleigh Police Bikes | | Bottom Line: | I bought these lights to outfit police bikes.We have two NIMI systems and one NICAD system. Here is the list of problems we have had:
The burn time sucks, the NIMI batteries will not hold a charge( we have had three out of four replaced by vistalite), the switch covers on the lights come off, the weather covers on the batteries come off, the charging jack on the batteries pushes down inside the battery stick, the velcro straps that hold the sticks to the batery mount break easily.
I would never reccomend these lights to anyone, especially for trail riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate "U-lee" Ullenberg
a Racer
from Mukwonago, Wi
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Emma Carlin/ John Muir | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Pretty bright lights, especially because I only paid $90 for the HYP 10. Good setup the battery isn't that bad the only problem is that it slides around up and down | | Weaknesses: | Only get about a hour twenty five minutes with them with both on (By the way I do get that much every time, whoever was complaining about that) Only real gripes with it is that the pattern isn't very wide, AND that piece of crap remote switch/gauge has got to be broken on mine because there is a light that comes on for low battery and it shines a bright red dot right in your F%cking eyes and it never goes to full charge dot even when it is fresh off the charger and I get about the full run time with the lights. That light beam that shines in your eyes f#cks up your vision and I almost pinned a tree because of it, Make a new switch Vistalight (one that doesn't blind you) and these lights are fine | | Similar Products Used: | Performance Preview
Nightrider Cyclops | | Bike Setup: | 97 Klein Pulse Pro, 00 SRAM everything, Marrzochi z4 Flylight, Sun RPMs | | Bottom Line: | Good Lights, Sh/tty switch, worth the money but the first charging is a pain in the A$$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Lim
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Runtime
Battery Cable
Brightness
| | Similar Products Used: | Cygo-Lite Night Explorer | | Bike Setup: | GT | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is these lights suck! I have tried time and time again to use these cheap lights, but they don't hold up. Either the cable comes out of the battery, or the lights go out on me in less than 10 min. (Yes, I followed the instructions of battery charging). I highly reccomend not to buy this light, unless your commute is around the block. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck D
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskatoon, SK
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Look and mounting.
| | Weaknesses: | Burn time was about 1/2 terrible.
Cords always bang around.
The lightstick always slides up and down. | | Similar Products Used: | Night Hawk | | Bike Setup: | Cannodale KVF700 | | Bottom Line: | I got somewhat of a deal buying these lights. I have used them twice, and they have died out on me both times (I only live about 1/2 away from my destination). Sure they look cool and the mounting is very descreet, but the performance part sucks. I've used a Night Hawk system on my other bike, sure it is heavy and the battery pack is heavy, but it rocks! It is super bright and has never failed me yet. Do not buy the nightstick, might as well have a real nightstick attached to your bike; both are good for those self defense moments. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
\/omitga5
a Cross Country Rider
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that is dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Bright, Light, Good Battery. | | Weaknesses: | Pattern isn't too wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Zippo Lighter or two | | Bike Setup: | One with lights when I need them. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this. I got the hyp15 at cost. I wouldn't have bought them for their advertised price, but I am very happy with them. Everyone with battery problems should probably read the instructions before messing around with them. I have used them a few times, and as per instructions, they are lasting longer each use. First an hour and a half. Then an hour and 3 quarters. Etc. I haven't had any problems. I also have the VL511 helmet mount. Not a bad light either. This I also got at cost. Both good by themselves, but together I am very happy. The reason the value rating for me is 5 is because of the deal I got on them. Only not a 5 overall because I have nothing to compair them with other than a few zippos. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Underwood
a
from Birmingham, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | NIMH batteries and battery mount. Good amount of light. | | Weaknesses: | Handlebar mounts for the lights. | | Similar Products Used: | OLD vistalite VL600 that has never failed me! | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Specialized FSR sport | | Bottom Line: | I haven't had the burn time problems of some of the others. I get the advertised burn times from my system. The mount that holds the lights to the handlebars keep breaking. I was very very careful to only tighten them enough to keep the light from moving after the first break. Guess what, went to ride tonight... one falls off when I switched it on! Good thing there are 2 lights in the HYP-10 or I would have been stranded in the dark or riding one handed! For $110 US I expected better quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Perkins
a Weekend Warrior
from chesapeake Va
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Nice setup with the battery mount. This is the only reason I bought this kit. | | Weaknesses: | The battery plain sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | spare flashlight when my battery dies. | | Bike Setup: | Marin Rift Zone full suspention | | Bottom Line: | The setup is nice. This is one of the only kits that fits my bike well. However the battery run time is nowhere near what it is supposed to be. I used it last weekend and it lasted 10min. This weekend after an 8hr charge it died in about 30min. The bottom line is if you want a reliabe light dont buy this one. I am tired of walking out of the woods in pitch black. I would rate it a 0 if the computer would let me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Pickle
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver B.C.
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light weight
battery mount | | Weaknesses: | burn time
crappy connection
headlight leaks | | Similar Products Used: | BLT | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Trek 7000 | | Bottom Line: | Burn time is not anywhere near the amount claimed. I wanted
a commuter light nothing to fancy, maybe be able to change bulb to a higher wattage for occasional off-road, but the burn time is terrible even with only the 5W bulb. I have only used this system on the street & it still has not held up. The jack at the top of the stick (female end) keeps sliding down the inside of the tube, cutting the connection. Once fixed, it soon starts happening again. Also, the rubber seal ring on the light does a poor job & water leaks in very easily.
I would never consider this system for trail use.
Back to BLT, They're heavier with a longer charge time but at least they work & they cost less too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from st paul
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | ability to upgrade to more powerful lights/add lights battery (so I thought) | | Weaknesses: | OK... has anyone got more than 45 minutes of burn time out of the HYP 10 (ie one stick w/ 2 five watt bulbs)? I have used my lights for 2 months now and even after an eight hour charge they dim out after 45 minutes. Even when using only one light I am in the dark after 50 minutes. Sometimes they don't even last that long! Today, for example, I put the battery on the charger for 5-6 hours and then went out for a short ride... after 10 minutes the battery was dead. (and i was only running one 5 watt bulb!) I'm looking to buy something more reliable... and in the meantime I'll stick to taping a flashlite onto my handlebars, as it gives better performance. The HYP 10 is CRAP!! | | Similar Products Used: | one of those cheap flashlites that clip onto the handlebars | | Bike Setup: | schwinn s10 | | Bottom Line: | CRAP. CRAP. CRAP. CRAP. If anyone is getting more than 45 minutes of run-time out of their HYP 10 i'd like to hear from them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Bays
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bonneau, SC
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
tsali, thompson loop | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
price, battery design | | Weaknesses: |
cable connections | | Similar Products Used: |
nightrider headtrip | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | So far, the light has performed as expected. I hace the 2 battery - 10w single light head. Burn time is a little over 2 hours. I am pleased with every aspect except where the cables connect to the batteries; there seems to be some play when inserting these connectors into the battery housings which allows them to wiggle ouy through the ride. This was solved by inserting them through the weather proofing and then puting the weather proofing and connector on at the same time. Any way...a descent light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fleet, Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lake District | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
powerful(15 + 10W) | | Weaknesses: |
Handlebar mounts | | Bike Setup: |
Road bike usually and K24000 full bouncer (Noleen f+r shocks) | | Bottom Line: | My comments are not strictly about the new nightstick lightsets. My vistas are last years VL530RW twin set,10W + 15W, only the batteries are redesigned.Originally the quick release bar mounts had the lamp fitted atop an offset arm which was extremely fragile, I broke two of these.This design of bar mount was superceded by the curent style, the clamp is the same but the offset arm has gone.Unfortunately the choice of material which these mounts are made from is very poor. They crack unbelievably easily. I have broken a further three. These breakages have not been due to stakking the bike, remember that they are usually fitted to my road bike. The answer lies in the two small opposing rubber pads which grip the bar when the clamp is screwed tight, obviously if the clamp is screwed ridiculously tight then the clamp will deservedly break.However, what may be considered `barely tight` will most probably be to much also.The two small rubber pads only allow the clamp to contact the bar at two small points of pressure, thus when the screw is done up the clamp cracks at any point not touching the bars. My advice is to bin the pads, this ensures that the whole 360 degrees of the clamp is in contact with the bars BUT still be aware of the danger of overtightening.Now go and buy yourself a spare mount for when the inevitable happens.Vistas quality is otherwise top notch, I think that maybe the head designer was on holiday when the mount design slipped quietly through! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tsunami a wanna be
a Racer
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ho Chi Minh Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price! For $170 (what I paid at LBS) I got two 2.4 mah NiMH batteries, a 15 watt light, a 10 watt light, optional helmet mount, optional switch, two chargers, and one car charger.
slim and light batteries
easy to mount
can use as bar mount, helmet mount, or both. | | Weaknesses: |
battery mount. batteries are secured well, but has a tendency to slide.
mounting of battery is a little wide, but my legs don't come in contact with it, so it's all good.
cockpit space. with two lights, a cycle computer and switch, you might have problems fitting all this if your hadlebars are not wider than 580mm
Battery Life too short when running at full load. | | Similar Products Used: |
flashlight and duct tape
cateye HL500 with a really really bright 1.5 watt bulb | | Bottom Line: | Since tonight was the brightest night in 133 years, I thought I would go for a night ride. These lights worked well and did what was expected. My only real complaint is that the batteries only last about 1 hour 15 minutes when running at full load. The sun works a lot better than these things, but hey, at least I have the option of riding trails at night now (since I did not have the option of turning the sun on and off when I wanted to). You can even go all out on these things proveded you stay under 25 mph and are familiar with the trail. I plan to buy some more batteries, hope they're cheap!
For the price you get a lot of accessories, and this kit comes out to be a heck of a deal.
I found the best combo was when I used the 15 watt flood beam on my bars and mounted the 10 watt spot beam on my helmet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
they are all fun at night | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight battery
small lamps
long run-time
pretty bright for the wattage | | Weaknesses: |
the battery slides inside the mounting bracket but I modified it so it works fine now. No other complaints | | Similar Products Used: |
Jet Design
Vista Light 430's
NiteRider's | | Bike Setup: |
Intense Uzzi XC w/Magura Louise disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | I got a heck of a deal on the basic NiMH Nightstick light set-up that comes with one battery and two 5 watt lights. I already own a Jet Design light set-up which I use on my helmet. I had been using my old Vistalight 430's with a heavy lead acid battery pack strapped to the frame but the NiMH Nightstick is way lighter to pack and attaches to your water bottle bracket. I did have to put a section of old inner tube around the battery to keep it from sliding in the bracket-- it's nice and snug now. I have been riding some pretty technical stuff and I have been really pleased so far. I may purchase a 10 watt bulb to go into one of the lights but I find that if I have both of the 5 watt lights on along with my 12 watt helmet light, I have plenty of light for the knarly stuff and then I can shut back down to a single 5 watt to conserve battery life and ride for a hell of a long time. I highly recommend having both a helmet light and bar mounted lights. You can ride faster and it provides a backup in case one light craps out on you. If I did't already own the Jet Design lights, I would consider getting another battery and a helmet mount kit. The battery would fit nicely in a camelback. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbia, MO
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Show Me Loop/Berryman | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great run time, I can use the water bottle cage, they work once you glue 'em together. | | Weaknesses: |
Stupid frickin' batterys fell apart on my first ride, so I gotta buy new ones. | | Bike Setup: |
Steel Hardtail, Indy SL fork, mounted on downtube | | Bottom Line: | I really like the light, but I would love the light if the batteries held together. However, one of my riding buddies/ co-workers at the shop got the latest build of the lights, and he hasn't had any problems, so a;; I have to do is buy the newest batteries,and since they're 40 bucks a pop, I'm only getting one at a time. When I get the new battery, I'll probably post a better review. Just make sure you buy the latest version, or you'll be sorry. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
lightweight batteries, short charge cycyle, no charge memory, small lightweight lamp | | Weaknesses: |
pricey batteries, battery frame mount, needs option of narrow or wide lamp for helmet or bar use, | | Similar Products Used: |
BLT, various home made systems | | Bike Setup: |
Norco Java | | Bottom Line: | Battery size and weight makes theNiMH single lamp unit ideal for a helmet. Frame battery mount is too wide, I think it could be a lot narrower as we could afford to lose a bottle cage for night rides, I switched the lamp for a 10W wide beam MR-11 and modified the housing to accept the deeper reflector, its the perfect helmet light now, wide enough pattern for cornering thru trees and twisty trails. I run it with the inexpensive BLT dual bar mount lamps and the lead acid bottle battery and its like portable daylight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse Riechman
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, Ohio
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
River to River trail across Southern Illinois | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
This set up lets you customize your mounting options, placement of both batteries and lights, and seems more than bright enough. | | Weaknesses: |
The batteries seemed a little vulerable when mounted to the bottle cage on the down tube, and there is a considerable amount of wiring when using more than one battery, light, and/or remote switch | | Bottom Line: | the only place this light system lacks in is the mounting aspect. However, if the biker is a little creative, a few very nice mounting possibilities make this one of the better deals out there, I believe. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
YardSale
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
As good as any Vista Light
Does not fit in your bottle bracket (beside it) | | Weaknesses: |
If you mount the battery as intended it could be a bit wide since the batteries go on either side of the bottle cage. | | Bike Setup: |
'97 FSR | | Bottom Line: | The main difference between these lights and the other Vista H.O.T. lights is the battery.The battery is a tube about a foot long and 3/4 thick. It is intended to mount beside your water bottle so you can still use the bottle while running your lights.These are ideal for my use since they slip inside my Roach frame pad. For the helmet mount option the light slides right in beside my Camelback bladderwith no problem.The lights are bright and I was able to ride at full speed along a familiar trail with plenty of confidence. | | Overall Rating: |
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