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Gloworm X1 - Single LED Light System

55K views 271 replies 51 participants last post by  pucked up  
#1 · (Edited)
The highly anticipated X1 is the second light by Gloworm, designed 100% in NZ. As the name suggests it is a single LED, XM-L U2 to be exact, driven by a switching regulator that is combined on the same PCB as the LED itself.

The X1 gives out an astonishing 850 lumens from a unit weighing in at 58g (remote included) and 35mm in diameter. It boasts the same characteristics as the X2 in being waterproof, robust and CNC machined from 6061 Alloy - No plastic parts here!

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The optics are a custom solution designed to provide maximum throw while maintaining a beam pattern that is easy on the eye - no discolouration, round beam and no artifacts. The kit will include 3 interchangable optics: Flood, Spot, Super Spot. (Beam shots to come in the next day or so).

This tiny unit will utilise the same low profile style mounting solution as the X2 for the helmet, however will not have a bar mount included in the set. Instead our new QR bar mount will be available as an extra accessory. The QR mount will also be compatible with the X2.

The X1 will be supplied with a 2 cell battery (appx 115g), once again containing high capacity Panasonic cells. Its capacity will be 2900 mAh giving a runtime of 2hr 15min on maximum. The 2 cell battery will be compatible with the X2.

Controlling the X1 will be managed through a remote switch. It will also present the same selectable programmes as its big brother.

The Gloworm X1 will retail for $179 USD with a 2 cell battery and can also be ordered with a four cell battery (runtime 4.5hrs).

Spec Summary


850 Lumen (real, not theoretical)
IMT technology (selectable programming)
Light Head Assembly 58 grams
Waterproof to IP66
2.9 AH Lithium Ion Hard Case Battery
1 x Cree U2 XML LEDs
Interchangable Optics (Spot lens and frosted lens)
2.25 hr runtime on max power
Remote switch

IMT Programmes
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On pressing the button from 'off' the light will start in Normal Operating Mode. Special modes are accessed by holding down the button for 2 sec from any normal mode. This allows the user to conduct any outdoor activity without having to cycle through the special mode and having an interuption of a steady light beam. Additionally, the X2 is shut down by holding the button for appx 5sec. IMT gives you the flexibility of refined programmes and modes without needing to access them every time you go from High mode back to low. Programmes are changed through a sequence of button presses.

Presales will start pretty soon for a limted number of units - more information will be posted here.


Cheers

Bruce and Vag
Team Gloworm

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#197 ·
Just so people know the tool for removing the bezel for optic changes is not a round tool. It is a flat tool.

The 25.8mm blade slots in to opposing cut outs in the bezel to undo it. The bezel doesn't need to be too tightly fitted - just enough to compress the o-ring.

It also has a bottle opener on it (handy for after the ride).

Here is a picture of the tool -
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#199 ·
Has anyone done a side-by-side beam shot comparison between the X1 and X2? I am looking to get my first serious bike light, to go on my helmet, and I'm stuck between getting the X1 or the X2. I do the occasional night ride on bike paths where it's very dark, but mostly I'll be using it for commuting.
 
#200 ·
And as if by magic -

The camera was having some focus issues as it was so windy, the camera was moving on the tripod during the long exposure time. Better pictures will follow next week on a calmer night.

All pictures taken using ISO100, F4, 6 sec exposure, Daylight balance

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Gloworm X1 - Standard Spot optic
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Gloworm X1 - Flood optic
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Gloworm X1 - Superspot optic
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Gloworm X2 - Spot/Flood optics
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XM-L T6 ~Orange Peel Reflector- typical magicshine type
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#207 ·
I think you have that a little wrong. The dimples in the center spread the light a little for the spot. The one with the slightly frosted center is the superspot (though there is not much difference). I took some quick shots on a wall. first is the superspot (frosted center) then the spot (dimpled center) and then the flood (dimpled front)

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#208 ·
Brightest Spot for Greatest Throw

While I was comparing spots I got out the light meter and compared some of the lights I have to measure the light intensity at the center of the beam. Each light was at it's standard high setting and 21ft from the meter. I ran them for 1-2 minutes before taking a reading and moved the meter pickup around to find the brightest point.
The results were not quite what I expected. Brightest was the new X1 with the super spot lens at 270 lux. Next the X2 with spot/spot optics at 240 lux. Then the Xera with it's spot optic at 227 lux, and then the Duo at 195 lux.
If it's throw that you want the superspot X1 concentrates it's 850 lumens in the smallest area lighting distant object the brightest.
Personally I prefer a broader field of view but then I ride a little slower than some and all the trails around here tend to be twisty single track.
 
#210 ·
Hi Team

Well I am back from my quick holiday and ready to answer any questions you may have!

Vag has also been noticeably absent from regular posts due to the final release of the X1...and the following well needed break.

I trust everyone has either received their X1 or patiently waiting for the courier.....we hope you enjoy.

I'll have a flick through the forum and see what has been happening and come back to you if needed.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

Bruce
Gloworm
 
#213 ·
Just got my x1 today - great looking light, can't wait to try it out. Just wondering - my lighthead-only package came with the x2 manual, not an x1 manual. The lights are different enough that I would like to get ahold of the proper manual. Jim or Vag - any help?

Thanks!
 
#214 ·
Just got my x1 today - great looking light, can't wait to try it out. Just wondering - my lighthead-only package came with the x2 manual, not an x1 manual. The lights are different enough that I would like to get ahold of the proper manual. Jim or Vag - any help?

Thanks!
 
#218 ·
Thanks, Bruce!

BTW, rode tonite with the x1. Wow! Great spot pattern, even with the standard optics. Tight, defined beam, good color (warmer than the Xera), plenty bright, even on commuter program. Love the remote.

I think I'm really gonna like this little guy. Good job, Gloworm!
 
#219 · (Edited)
I just got back from my 1st ride with X1 on my helmet (and Gemini Olympia on my bar). I didn't bother with the standard optics, but immediately put the spot optics. I am impressed and so happy. I finally got what I needed. It's got a great spot pattern. I also like the low-profile mount.

I've been using Gemini DUO on my helmet, but I absolutely hated it since the day 1 because its flood beam pattern completely flatten the shadow nicely created by my bar light. If the trail was not twisty, it was much more comfortable to ride with my bar light only.
 
#220 ·
I got mine yesterday, it's tiny and bright. Perhaps I manage to arrange test ride today or tomorrow.

Yes, I read the manual, but stupid me, how I can change optics ? Simple instruction step by step to simple man, please. Because this time I don't try first and end at broken light head.
 
#221 ·
I got mine yesterday, it's tiny and bright. Perhaps I manage to arrange test ride today or tomorrow.

Yes, I read the manual, but stupid me, how I can change optics ? Simple instruction step by step to simple man, please. Because this time I don't try first and end at broken light head.
There will be a flat tool in your kit. At the bottom there is a small slit. The larger side fit perfectly between the notches in the bezel. Use this to unscrew.

Remove the bezel and oring, then remove the optic. Place new optic over the led. The optic will sit flush on the electronics board.

Reverse the process.

Hope this helps :)

Bruce
Gloworm
 
#223 ·
I am still waiting for mine to arrive. Could those of us who have the honour to hold the light in their own hands post some pictures of the light mounted on your helmet, bar, head or whatever it fits to cut the waiting time a little shorter? It would also be nice for the guys who don't know how to fit their light.
 
#225 ·
yeah, finally got my light tonight.

Because of the weather here I won't be able to try it out until next week.

It mounted very nicely onto my Fox Flux helmet. Seems plenty bright with a nice spot beam pattern that should have the throw I was hoping for. I am very happy and excited about the light.

Bruce and Vag, Thanks for putting together an awesome light.
 
#228 ·
Already own the X2 which I've been impressed with. Rode with the addition of my new X1 last night have to say what a great combo they are!! Impressive lights in every way enabling any speed I choose.

Mounting the X1 to the helmet was a bit of a faff due to vents (Giro Atmos road) but I eventually found a good location and mounting using additional Hook and Loop strips not supplied.

I'll try a get some pictures up!

Also I'd recommend ordering the CNC bar mount for either X1/X2 - shame this is not included in the package.

DC
 
#230 · (Edited)
First test ride done. Here the ground and trails are snow covered, so X1 has totally enough light even on low trail mode for slow Fatbike riding and on medium mode it has plenty light with standard optic. It is very nice, that X1 is the only light I need at least in winter time, when the ground is snow covered.(of course I carry small flash light as pack up light) The light system is so light and both light head and battery stayed places as clued on helmet, that i didn't notice it at all.
When the battery started to run out of charge the remote control didn't obey every press. I had to press several times to change light modes. First impression is still very posivite.

Now I have to wait for euro type adapter to arrive before next test ride, because I got by accident uk type charger.