A small, white dot dances through the night in front of me. Every time I blink, it reappears in a different place in the forest until the darkness finally swallows it up. It was just a quick glance to the side. But the glaring helmet light of the colleague riding next to me seems to have burnt into my retina like a branding iron into a leg of beef.
Helmet lights are no longer weak halogen bulbs. Friends of the night can get LED-fuelled headlamps for just under a hundred euros. The manufacturers promise four-digit lumen values and daylight trails. But are the inexpensive models really enough for night-time hunting on the trails, or will only the much more expensive models ultimately lead you to the path of enlightenment? We put ten current models up to 400 euros to the test.
You can find the test results of these helmet lights in this article:
- Black Sun Sun Storm II (BIKE tip: price/performance)
- Cube Power Light 850
- Duranova Sirius Twin
- Lezyne Power Drive XL
- Hope R2 LED Vision Endurance
- Juvelo Saphir One
- LED Lenser Xeo 19R
- Light & Motion Seca 1500
- Lupine Piko R 4 SC (BIKE tip: test winner)
- Mytinysun Head 1000 Pro GoPro E.
Whether cheap or expensive - the concept of a helmet light is always the same: as much power as possible packed into the smallest possible housing. The quality of the LEDs used plays a decisive role here. Theoretically, an output of 1100 lumens can currently be achieved with a single diode.
Theoretically, as I said. Because what ultimately arrives on the trail often differs significantly from the values stated in the data sheet. This is also confirmed by our measurements with the integrating sphere. Of the 2000 lumens promised by the Black Sun, just 930 are shown on the coating of the measuring sphere. With Juvelo, 686 lumens ultimately remain from a nominal 1000. This begs the question, where is the rest?
The lenses are often gluttonous and swallow up several per cent of the light emitted by the LEDs. The lens should actually distribute the light emitted over a large area along the path. This shows how much effort the manufacturers put into the development. If the light is distributed correctly, the driver can see what is going on in the forest at night even a few metres away from the path. Of course, this is difficult with just one LED in the housing: a small area in the centre receives the majority of the light. The edge of the path is then more or less hidden in the darkness. If there are two or more LEDs in the lamp head, the light can be better distributed over the trail. One LED focusses on what is happening directly in front of the rider, while the other illuminates the peripheral areas. This makes travelling through the night much safer.
In addition to the expensive models from Led Lenser, Light & Motion and Lupine, the inexpensive Black Sun also scores highly here. Led Lenser goes one step further with the XEO 19R and lets the rider decide for themselves how they want to illuminate the path. Both LEDs can be focussed separately using a small lever. In combination with the massive light output, you are guaranteed to find the right setting. Provided you don't get lost in the confusing menu navigation. 26 modes - we counted up - are operated by five switches. The operating instructions are of little help. Its pictograms are harder to interpret than a poem by Hugo Ball. The Juvelo is not quite as bad. Two buttons navigate through an illogical menu sequence.
Simplicity is key. Especially on night-time trails. Three to four light modes and a button that is easy to operate even when wearing thick gloves - that's all you really need. If you are pedalling uphill or approaching oncoming traffic, you switch to dipped mode. Otherwise, you will be travelling at maximum power most of the time anyway.
If you expect more from a helmet light, you should take a look at Lupine or Led Lenser. The Piko can now be controlled via Bluetooth remote control, which is a real gain in convenience. The charge level indicator on the battery can be used as a rear light, and the various light programmes can be conveniently and individually programmed via app. So far only with Apple devices, but an Android version is currently being launched. Led Lenser has also come up with a few nice gimmicks. The chunky battery pack with its 5200 mAh not only powers the two LEDs. Alternatively, it can also be used as a USB charger for smartphones or GPS devices. A photocell in the lamp head measures the incident light and automatically regulates the light intensity. This is intended to minimise glare for oncoming traffic or passengers.
Good thing, I think. Unfortunately, my bike mate doesn't seem to have the Led Lenser on his helmet at the moment. The little white dot in front of my eyes is already doing its little dance again.
Conclusion Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
If you're serious about travelling through the night on your bike, 100 euros isn't quite enough. However, the Sun Storm II is available for just a little more, illuminating the trail brightly and widely, and is also powered by a long-lasting battery. Led Lenser, Light & Motion and Lupine are on a different level in terms of performance and outshine all other models in the test. Finely finished, with good light output and two powerful rechargeable batteries, the Hope is ideal for long distances or 24-hour races. The Cube is super-light but, like the Duranova, is not entirely convincing on the trail. Juvelo's heavy weight on the helmet is a problem, while Lezyne's weakly supported and wobbly bracket is a problem. Both lights could also do with a little more power.
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Space-saving helmet lamp
The lamp housing is a tight fit. Lens, LED board and the electronic control unit - numerous components have to be accommodated in a minimum of space. A real challenge.
1. The lamp head should be as small and light as possible. The crux of the design is heat dissipation. LEDs generate a lot of heat. Although cooling fins increase the surface area, ultimately only the airstream protects against overheating.
2. The "wiring harness" with the control electronics and the on/off switch has to disappear completely into the housing. Lupine has also recently squeezed a Bluetooth module into the cramped installation space.
3. So-called thin-film LEDs emit light in an uncontrolled area. Their output is specified in lumens. The output of the lamp specified by the manufacturer usually refers to the theoretical output of the LEDs.
4. It is only through the lens that the light from the LEDs is directed in the desired direction. Manufacturers often combine several lenses into one system to optimise the illumination of the near and far range.
5. A cover ring with a clear lens closes the lamp head securely and, in the best case, protects the lens from splashing water and objects.
Power station in trouser pocket format
Just a few years ago, huge bottle batteries provided the necessary energy. Today, the same power is contained in lithium-ion cells, which are often no bigger than a pack of Tictac.
In just five years, the capacity of the most important battery cell (18650 design) has increased from around 2000 mAh to up to 3500 mAh. Today's cells are significantly more powerful. This means that even a small battery can power a powerful lamp without being damaged. Today, only Li-ion batteries are actually used, which have several advantages over NiMH batteries. Firstly, Li-ion batteries do not need to be moved to maintain their performance. This is a great advantage, especially for cyclical use in autumn. In addition, Li-ion batteries have a higher energy density, are cold-resistant and can be recharged from any state of charge without hesitation. After an initial loss of around 5 % capacity after a few months, the performance remains constant for around four to seven years, depending on the quality. The battery should be replaced at the latest when it has lost around 40 % of its initial capacity. If stored in a cool place, the self-discharge rate of modern batteries is also very low at around 15 % per year. In addition to the cells, a battery always contains a protective circuit that protects against overvoltage, undervoltage and short circuits. In most cases, the components are ultrasonically welded together in a plastic housing. However, only bonded connections are reliable and permanently watertight.
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Black Sun Sun Storm II
Price/Info 113.95 euros, www.blacksun2.com
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, 4 levels/4400 mAh, battery cannot be mounted on helmet
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 122/255/377 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:50/4:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 65/45 lux/max. 60° C
Lumen nominal/measured 2000/930 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points
Conclusion Lightweight lamp head with simple but broadly supported mounting; fairly homogeneous and sufficiently wide light pattern with light spot; good rechargeable battery; specified light output is not achieved.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Cube Power Light 850
Price/Info 99.95 euros, www.cube.eu
Technology/Battery 1 LED, 3 levels/5200 mAh, battery not suitable for helmet mounting
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 107/275/382 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 4:45/5:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 64/25 lux/max. 53° C
Lumen nominal/measured 850/610 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 5 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Conclusion Very lightweight lamp with very simple operating scheme; hardly noticeable on the helmet, but somewhat fiddly to mount; very limited spot with low edge illumination; powerful battery, low light output
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Duranova Sirius Twin
Price/Info 119.95 euros, www.bmx-b2b.com
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, 5 levels/2600 mAh, battery can be mounted on the helmet to a limited extent
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 125/143/268 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 1:25/3:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 34/18 lux/max. 62° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1200/640 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 4 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 3 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Conclusion Similar in design to the Black Sun, but slightly larger; separately switchable LEDs; disappointing light output, barely recognisable spot, low edge illumination; lightweight but weak battery
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
Lezyne Power Drive XL
Price/Info 99 euros, www.lezyne.com
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, 6 levels/battery integrated in the lamp head
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 186 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 1:15/4:45 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 49/35 lux/max. 36° C
Lumen nominal/measured 900/1202 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 4 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 5 out of 10 points
Conclusion Surprisingly high performance in the laboratory test; rather low, homogeneous illumination in practice; no really bright area; heavy due to integrated battery; holder somewhat wobbly because supported too narrowly
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Hope R2 LED Vision Endurance
Price/Info 358.20 euros, www.hopetech.com
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, up to 6 levels/5100 mAh, not suitable for helmet mounting
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 127/326/453 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 4:05/7:00 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 76/51 Lux/max. 49° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1400/1150 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points
Conclusion Absolutely high-quality milled lamp, but therefore somewhat heavy; two long-lasting rechargeable batteries in the set; top operation and good light output with homogeneous light image and warm light colour typical of Hope
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Juvelo Saphir One
Price/Info 269.95 euros, www.juvelo-germany.de
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, 5 levels/4800 mAh, battery can be attached to helmet holder
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 127/130/257 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:15/6:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 66/32Lux /max. 53° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1000/686 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 5 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 4 out of 10 points
Conclusion Lamp and battery on a holder, therefore somewhat heavy; mount high up on the helmet, lamp can only be turned downwards; narrow, not maximally bright light cone; cumbersome operating logic
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
LED Lenser Xeo 19R
Price/Info 259 euros, www.ledlenser.com
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, up to 26 levels/ 5200 mAh, battery cannot be fixed to the helmet
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 146/284/430 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:45/6:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 260/99 Lux/max. 62° C
Lumen nominal/measured 2000/1786 Lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 3 out of 10 points
Conclusion Really bright! Both LEDs can be focussed individually, resulting in perfect illumination; unconvincing helmet holder; the many modes and operation via five buttons are overwhelming; automatic dimming function
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Light & Motion Seca 1500
Price/Info 400 euros, www.lightandmotion.com
Technology/Battery 6 LEDs, 4 levels/battery cannot be fixed to the helmet
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 162/188/350 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 1:55/2:20 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 94/57 lux/max. 80° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1500/1508 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Conclusion 6 LEDs provide a wide, homogeneous light pattern with very good light output; simple operating scheme, stable holder and acceptable weight despite large design; somewhat short battery life
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Lupine Piko R 4SC
Price/Info 350 euros, www.lupine.de
Technology/Battery 2 LEDs, up to 6 levels/3300 mAh, battery can be fixed to the helmet
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 66/134/200 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:00/3:00 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 86/65 lux/max. 59° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1500/1490 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Conclusion Minimal weight, can be mounted on the helmet as a system and perfectly finished; very good illumination with a light spot in the centre; control via Bluetooth switch is a real benefit
BIKE judgement² SUPER
Mytinysun Head 1000 Pro GoPro E.
Price/Info 249.95 euros, www.mytinysun.de
Technology/Battery 1 LED, up to 6 levels/2900 mAh, battery can be fixed to the helmet to a limited extent
LABORTEST¹
Weight lamp/battery/system 154/128/282 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:05/3:30 hrs.
Lux/housing temperature 59/39 lux/max. 71° C
Lumen nominal/measured 1100/860 lumen
PRACTICAL TEST
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Light output (25 %) 5 out of 10 points
Illumination (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Conclusion The small lamp with GoPro holder loses its weight advantage somewhat due to the separate switch; the light output is sufficient, the distribution, especially at the edge, could be even wider
BIKE judgement² GOOD
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 1/2016 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
