Rear Lights Testing Continues
#1
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Rear Lights Testing Continues
Left to right: Knog Blinder 4, Blitzu Cyborg 168T, Cygolite Hotshot Micro, Nitrider Lumina Flare, Cateye Rapid X2, Light & Motion Vis 180 Micro, Cygolite Hotshot Pro 80. Half of these lights are mine. Other half is borrowed. Big thanks to BFold of New York City for lending me their lights for testing!
Red Light District by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
We're Turned On by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Red Light District by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
We're Turned On by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
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#2
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Well the Cygolites look to be the better for daytime, no doubt about that and that's pretty much what I would have expected ( given the lamps you have ). The Vis 180 doesn't even look like it's on. I've never seen the Hotshot 80 in action before so I'm impressed with that. I have a feeling the when the Hotshot 150 comes out in a couple weeks a lot of people will be springing for those.
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Well the Cygolites look to be the better for daytime, no doubt about that and that's pretty much what I would have expected ( given the lamps you have ). The Vis 180 doesn't even look like it's on. I've never seen the Hotshot 80 in action before so I'm impressed with that. I have a feeling the when the Hotshot 150 comes out in a couple weeks a lot of people will be springing for those.
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I've seen the Cygolite Hotshot Pro 80 in action locally during a group ride. By far the brightest rear red LED I've seen yet, brighter than the popular PDW Radbot 1000, Lumina Flare and PB Superflash -- all of which I've seen locally. I haven't seen everything available but the Hotshot Pro 80 appears to be the best bang for the buck.
It's almost too bright for nighttime use on the daylight setting. It's on my to-buy list for my next light purchase because it's really bright enough to be visible in daylight.
One quirk of the Hotshot Pro 80 -- not uncommon, either -- is that it's almost collimated, intensely bright when viewed directly from behind, less so from side angles. My Planet Bike Rear Rack Blinky 5 has the same characteristic, but less bright. It's useful for nudging drivers or tailgaters away.
It's almost too bright for nighttime use on the daylight setting. It's on my to-buy list for my next light purchase because it's really bright enough to be visible in daylight.
One quirk of the Hotshot Pro 80 -- not uncommon, either -- is that it's almost collimated, intensely bright when viewed directly from behind, less so from side angles. My Planet Bike Rear Rack Blinky 5 has the same characteristic, but less bright. It's useful for nudging drivers or tailgaters away.
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BTW, in my own video and still photo tests, some lights that appear red to the eye are washed out with some digital camera sensors. And none of the cameras I've tried -- Nikon, Fuji, Ricoh -- can accurately convey the intensity of bright red LEDs. But comparing them side by side as the OP has done helps give some idea of the comparative brightness.
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Anyone shopping for a new rear light really needs to consider the Cateye Rapid X3 https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Rapid-.../dp/B018IAS9QU which is not pictured above. 100 lumen USB rechargeable, and while it is more than the HotShot 80, it is quite a bit brighter. I like the dual rows of LED's that allow you to choose what each side does, one can flash, the other can be solid, or they can flash on different patterns.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
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I purchased the Hotshot Pro 80 2 months ago to replace a previous hotshot 30lm that was attached to a bicycle that was stolen. I have done a moderate 'walk behind bicycle about 150 feet' test during daytime and was satisfied. However, during nighttime, it is entirely too bright to the point where I worry about target fixation from drivers.
The only mode currently that can be dimmed is steady on, which I don't think is effective enough by itself at night. Great for nighttime MUP use though.
For nighttime use I use it on either Steadyflash 'steady mid level on, coupled with programmable timed triple flash bursts' or the steady pulse mode. Both of which light up both sides of all reflective surfaces on a 4 lane road to a ridiculous degree for must be 1/8 - 1/4 mile behind. It reflects so much so that I really do worry about target fixation. Hopefully they will implement dimmable functions to all modes in future models.
The only mode currently that can be dimmed is steady on, which I don't think is effective enough by itself at night. Great for nighttime MUP use though.
For nighttime use I use it on either Steadyflash 'steady mid level on, coupled with programmable timed triple flash bursts' or the steady pulse mode. Both of which light up both sides of all reflective surfaces on a 4 lane road to a ridiculous degree for must be 1/8 - 1/4 mile behind. It reflects so much so that I really do worry about target fixation. Hopefully they will implement dimmable functions to all modes in future models.
Last edited by EricSteven5; 08-19-16 at 02:35 AM.
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Anyone shopping for a new rear light really needs to consider the Cateye Rapid X3 https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Rapid-.../dp/B018IAS9QU which is not pictured above. 100 lumen USB rechargeable, and while it is more than the HotShot 80, it is quite a bit brighter. I like the dual rows of LED's that allow you to choose what each side does, one can flash, the other can be solid, or they can flash on different patterns.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
It appears that Cateye have updated the Rapid X3 to 150 lumen.
https://www.evanscycles.com/en-au/ca...light-EV276557
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It appears that Cateye have updated the Rapid X3 to 150 lumen.
https://www.evanscycles.com/en-au/ca...light-EV276557
https://www.evanscycles.com/en-au/ca...light-EV276557
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I think because the product is new, Evans Cycles hasn't got around to updating the description and the previous description is still in place.
Here another UK store has done the same thing. --> Accessories : Cateye Rapid X3 150 Lumen Rear Light - Climb On Bikes Hereford
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This time I found another UK based store that has a description to match the headline.
Cateye Rapid X3 Rear Light £53.99
Cateye Rapid X3 Rear Light £53.99
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The PB Superflash Turbo is now extremely dated, many lights are brighter.
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I purchased the Hotshot Pro 80 2 months ago to replace a previous hotshot 30lm that was attached to a bicycle that was stolen. I have done a moderate 'walk behind bicycle about 150 feet' test during daytime and was satisfied. However, during nighttime, it is entirely too bright to the point where I worry about target fixation from drivers.
The only mode currently that can be dimmed is steady on, which I don't think is effective enough by itself at night. Great for nighttime MUP use though.
For nighttime use I use it on either Steadyflash 'steady mid level on, coupled with programmable timed triple flash bursts' or the steady pulse mode. Both of which light up both sides of all reflective surfaces on a 4 lane road to a ridiculous degree for must be 1/8 - 1/4 mile behind. It reflects so much so that I really do worry about target fixation. Hopefully they will implement dimmable functions to all modes in future models.
The only mode currently that can be dimmed is steady on, which I don't think is effective enough by itself at night. Great for nighttime MUP use though.
For nighttime use I use it on either Steadyflash 'steady mid level on, coupled with programmable timed triple flash bursts' or the steady pulse mode. Both of which light up both sides of all reflective surfaces on a 4 lane road to a ridiculous degree for must be 1/8 - 1/4 mile behind. It reflects so much so that I really do worry about target fixation. Hopefully they will implement dimmable functions to all modes in future models.
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This is my 3rd cygolite hotshot. They've all shared this same functionality.
Last edited by EricSteven5; 08-19-16 at 11:45 AM.
#17
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Well the Cygolites look to be the better for daytime, no doubt about that and that's pretty much what I would have expected ( given the lamps you have ). The Vis 180 doesn't even look like it's on. I've never seen the Hotshot 80 in action before so I'm impressed with that. I have a feeling the when the Hotshot 150 comes out in a couple weeks a lot of people will be springing for those.
One other point VIS 180 Micro's claimed lumens is 25, standard VIS 180 is 70 and the Hotshot Pro 80 is 80.
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#18
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In a few weeks Cygolite Hotshot Pro 100 and Pro 150 are coming out:
https://www.rei.com/c/rear-bike-ligh...-lights&page=1
https://www.rei.com/c/rear-bike-ligh...-lights&page=1
I've seen the Cygolite Hotshot Pro 80 in action locally during a group ride. By far the brightest rear red LED I've seen yet, brighter than the popular PDW Radbot 1000, Lumina Flare and PB Superflash -- all of which I've seen locally. I haven't seen everything available but the Hotshot Pro 80 appears to be the best bang for the buck.
It's almost too bright for nighttime use on the daylight setting. It's on my to-buy list for my next light purchase because it's really bright enough to be visible in daylight.
One quirk of the Hotshot Pro 80 -- not uncommon, either -- is that it's almost collimated, intensely bright when viewed directly from behind, less so from side angles. My Planet Bike Rear Rack Blinky 5 has the same characteristic, but less bright. It's useful for nudging drivers or tailgaters away.
It's almost too bright for nighttime use on the daylight setting. It's on my to-buy list for my next light purchase because it's really bright enough to be visible in daylight.
One quirk of the Hotshot Pro 80 -- not uncommon, either -- is that it's almost collimated, intensely bright when viewed directly from behind, less so from side angles. My Planet Bike Rear Rack Blinky 5 has the same characteristic, but less bright. It's useful for nudging drivers or tailgaters away.
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#19
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BTW, in my own video and still photo tests, some lights that appear red to the eye are washed out with some digital camera sensors. And none of the cameras I've tried -- Nikon, Fuji, Ricoh -- can accurately convey the intensity of bright red LEDs. But comparing them side by side as the OP has done helps give some idea of the comparative brightness.
in on the beam itself. You may have to focus either a bit above or below; or to the side of the light(s).
Hotshot Micro vs Blitzu 168T by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
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It'd be cool to include some serious lights, like the DS500 or the Dinotte Quad Red.
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#21
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https://www.bikeforums.net/electronic...your-lite.html
Well the offer still stands; if anybody wants to lend me their light(s). I'll add it to the mix. Just ordered a NiteRider Solas 150; should be here next week:
https://www.rei.com/product/109771/n...ear-bike-light
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#22
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Anyone shopping for a new rear light really needs to consider the Cateye Rapid X3 https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Rapid-.../dp/B018IAS9QU which is not pictured above. 100 lumen USB rechargeable, and while it is more than the HotShot 80, it is quite a bit brighter. I like the dual rows of LED's that allow you to choose what each side does, one can flash, the other can be solid, or they can flash on different patterns.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
I only use the X3 and a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro that I have, which is also 100 lumens. My HotShots, Thunderbolts and all other taillights have been retired. They truly pale in comparison to these two lights.
Agree. Both cameras and video can't really represent all of what the human eye can actually see.
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I have the standard solas. It is apparently a 30 lumens light. The badging is simply for niterider solas like the following:
https://www.niterider.com/product/solas-30/
Now niterider has 100 and 150 lumens versions of the solas. Will it be worth it to upgrade? Obviously my current solas is working perfectly.
Also wondering if the cygolite 150 would be a significant upgrade. I don't doubt the 150 versions are a bit better, but perhaps not 5X better.
https://www.niterider.com/product/solas-30/
Now niterider has 100 and 150 lumens versions of the solas. Will it be worth it to upgrade? Obviously my current solas is working perfectly.
Also wondering if the cygolite 150 would be a significant upgrade. I don't doubt the 150 versions are a bit better, but perhaps not 5X better.