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Why should drivers settle for 100 hp when they can have 180 hp? The quest for technical progress and more power seems to have become second nature to mankind. What does this have to do with helmet lights and biking? Here, too, the performance data has been coming thick and fast for years. In 2007, a lamp with 1000 lumens was still a real big deal, but today it is dismissed as a sparkle. The most powerful lights have now reached 6000 lumens. But does this race make any sense at all? To find out, we asked six powerful helmet lamps to undergo laboratory and practical tests. Two of them clearly fall outside the grid. While the majority of our test group plays in the classic league between 1600 and 2000 lumens, the Sunstorm II Mini USB from Blacksun is significantly lower at just under 600 lumens. However, it is less than half the price and is smaller and lighter. The second outlier, the Lupine Wilma, outshines its rivals by almost double with more than 3300 lumens. Why are we comparing apples with pears? We want to know how much light is needed for sporty biking and how the differences are noticeable.
Even the first few metres off-road show this: It's not so much the sheer amount of light as good illumination, i.e. light distribution, that makes the difference between riding and stumbling. The Scope 1500 from BBB, for example, still produced top results in the laboratory, but on the trail the narrow light cone is a limitation, the illuminated area is too small. Lupine, Cube and Hope do better. The illumination is homogeneous and you never have the feeling of missing anything. Even sporty terrain and high speeds are no problem with these candidates. That's all it takes, we think. At least until we switch on Lupine's Wilma, which shines noticeably wider and further with its 3300 lumens. Details on the ground, such as roots, stones and steps, stand out even more clearly in this light. Romantics would probably put it like this:
High-powered headlights rob the last bit of adventure that should actually make a night ride something special. If you think like this, or only rarely leave paved roads in the dark, you can stick to the Mini class. The difference between the Blacksun and the classic league is much more striking than the plus of the powerful Wilma. Anyone switching from 1800 lumens to just under 600 lumens will initially feel severely restricted. In direct comparison, there is an abrupt drop, and in off-road terrain you have to slow down considerably. With around 2000 lumens, on the other hand, you can do pretty much everything a biker's heart desires. Even more? More of a luxury.
Does this mean that we should refuse further progress in lamp development? No. Because the actual increase does not lie in the pure power of a lamp. Rather, manufacturers are managing to pack more lumen into a smaller space thanks to better LEDs and optimised lenses. Lupine's successful Piko model, for example, has remained the same size since its launch in 2010. Instead of 550 lumens back then, it now has a whopping 1800 lumens. Lighter lamp, same power, is the formula that noticeably increases biking fun.
Conclusion Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE test editor:
Pure light output is no longer the decisive criterion for helmet lights, as many manufacturers squeeze high lumen values out of their lights. If the illumination is successful, just under 2000 lumens are perfectly adequate, even for the most sporty of uses. With the HPA 2000, Cube offers a very successful product at a fair price. Lupine's Blika can go one better, but is also considerably more expensive. With its many additional options, this elegant all-rounder shines especially in multi-sport use, for example when the lamp is also used for mountain and ski tours.
WHERE TO PUT THE LIGHT?
Different mounting options are suitable depending on the lamp, area of use and personal taste. BIKE shows the pros and cons.
On the handlebars: Mounting on the handlebars saves tangled cables and additional weight on the helmet. However, cornering becomes a blind ride and the light beam bounces unsteadily when the surface becomes rougher. Caution: Lamps without STVZO approval are not approved for mounting on the handlebars.
On the helmet: The solution for sporting activities, as the light cone remains steady and is always aimed in the direction of vision. However, if the lamp becomes too heavy, it becomes uncomfortable and the helmet wobbles. Lamps with an external rechargeable battery are better. Caution: Fog or snowflakes are more annoying when illuminated from the helmet.
Battery attachment: Whether the battery is fixed to the helmet or disappears into the rucksack or jersey pocket depends primarily on the weight. If the battery weighs 150 grams or more, it is better not to attach it to the helmet. Avoid tangled cables between the helmet and rucksack by attaching a cable guide to the back of the head; a simple Velcro strap is sufficient.
THE ALTERNATIVES
If you don't fancy laying cables, you can opt for a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. The PWR Trail from Knog can be combined with other light heads in addition to the 1000-lumen Trail attachment. The rechargeable battery also serves as a power bank and charges weak mobile phones or cameras. 124.99 euros, 235 grams. There is hardly a bike tour that doesn't end in traffic. And here, being seen is even more important than seeing. The Varia-TL-301 rear light from Garmin is STVZO-approved and has a brake light function, which increases visibility. 52 grams, 69 euros.
LITTLE HELPERS
The differences often lie in small details that make biking with a helmet light easier. We show you what you should look out for.
1. quick-release fasteners on the helmet holder save tedious fiddling when darkness falls on tour (BBB, Cube, Hope, Blika). The holders on Cube and Lupine are nice and flat (small picture).
2. the light modes of the Blika can be continuously programmed via an app. Technology enthusiasts will rejoice, some others will gulp.
3. With Lupine and Cube, the Batteries optionally available as rear light.
4. handlebar remote controlsas used by Lupine and Cube, increase ease of use enormously. The two-button principle (brighter, darker) of the Blika is particularly intuitive.
5. brightly coloured press studs show the light mode (Hope, Lupine) and warn of low battery capacity (BBB, Cube, Hope, Lupine). However, they are not visible when mounted on the helmet.
LEXICON
Lumen
The luminous flux in lumens indicates the total radiant power of a light source. In other words, how much light the lamp emits. There is no statement about the light distribution. In terms of bike lighting, this means that unpleasant spot lighting with dark peripheral areas can also be hidden behind a very high number of lumens.
Lux
Illuminance is specified in lux, i.e. how much light hits a point on a surface. A laser pointer delivers enormous lux values, but is useless as bike lighting. To reveal the light distribution of the test lamps, we measured the lux values in the centre and on the sides of the light cone.
IP and IK protection class
When biking, lights are often exposed to wet conditions, and a whip from a branch can also happen. It's a shame if the lamp gives up the ghost straight away. IP68 indicates that the lamp is dust and waterproof. The lower the second number (e.g. IP66), the lower the protection against water ingress. The IK standard provides information about the impact resistance of a product (max. IK10). The values are not monitored by independent test centres, but in the event of a warranty claim, the buyer can refer to the manufacturer's specification.
Interview with Dirk Zedler, bicycle expert:
"Exploding batteries are not just a pipe dream, they actually happen."
There are lamps circulating on the Internet that promise the same performance data as the market leaders' top products for around 50 euros. Should you go for it or stay away?
I don't want to rule out the possibility that some of these products perform well when new. However, as soon as a battery comes into play, the fun stops. Even major manufacturers don't always have these tricky things under control, the Galaxy Note being a famous example.
Can this really be dangerous?
Exploding batteries are not just a pipe dream, they actually happen. You have to be very careful, especially with cheap products that come onto the market without authorisation. Especially as the battery is often worn on the helmet.
Are there other differences in quality?
Helmet lamps are delicate products, as they generate a lot of heat in a very small space. High-quality manufacturers attach great importance to sophisticated cooling. Low-cost suppliers do not have this problem so well under control. As a result, durability suffers as the individual components are of inferior quality and suffer damage more quickly.
How do I recognise whether the product is at least up to scratch in terms of safety?
The CE mark indicates that the product complies with all applicable regulations. However, a reputable product not only has the CE mark printed on it, but also comes with a written declaration of conformity from Europe, usually in the operating instructions.
THE TEST RESULTS
BBB Scope 1500
Price 199 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class 2 Cree LED / 3.2 Ah / -
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 101 / 143 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:32 (+0) hrs / 2:48 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 136 / 23 lux
Lumen measured / specified 1811 / 1500 lumen
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 5 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The Scope 1500 lights up well and impresses in the laboratory with a strong light output. However, the illumination is somewhat inhomogeneous and a strong spot makes sporty rides more difficult. The height adjustment is too coarse and reinforces this impression. The button is difficult to operate with gloves, but the quick-release fastener is great, and the size and weight are average in the test field.
BIKE judgement⁴ GOOD
CUBE HPA 2000 (BIKE TIP: Price / Performance)
Price 229,95 Euro >> available here
Technology / battery / protection class 2 Cree LED / 3.4 Ah / IP68
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 75 / 137 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:33 (+7:22) hrs / 2:52 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 84 / 2343 Lux
Lumen measured / specified 1660 / 1600 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION Small and lightweight light with good luminosity and light distribution, the newcomer can keep up with the top dogs straight away. It also has a well thought-out holder (GoPro-compatible), a remote control, rear light function and attractive workmanship. A harmonious overall package perfectly designed for bikers. Our price-performance tip! Good: very long reserve runtime.
BIKE judgement⁴ VERY GOOD
HOPE R4+ LED
Price 300 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class 4 Cree LED / 5.1 Ah/ -
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 80 / 330 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 4:04 (+2:28) hrs / 8:10 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 68 / 23 Lux
Lumen measured / specified 1729 / 1500 lumen
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION Elegantly milled aluminium housing and equally high-quality light image. Only average in terms of absolute brightness, but very even and pleasant light distribution with a warm light colour. The thick rechargeable battery is too heavy for the helmet, but provides a super battery runtime. The quick-release fastener on the bracket is great, but the R4+ is quite high on the helmet. Unfortunately, there is no remote control.
BIKE judgement⁴ VERY GOOD
LUPINE Blika R4 SC (BIKE-TIP: Test winner)
Price 399 Euro >> available here
Technology / battery / protection class 2 Cree LED / 3.3 Ah/ IP68, IK09
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 84 / 135 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:45 (+0:24) hrs / 3:27 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 110 / 32 lux
Lumen measured / specified 1870 / 2100 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The illumination of the latest Lupine offspring, the Blika, is also outstanding. The peripheral areas are pleasantly bright, the additional spot LED provides extra range - that's all you need! The lamp specialist also packs many extras into the small housing, with functions such as red, green and diffuse light, it particularly appeals to multisport enthusiasts. Perfect: intuitive control via two-way remote control.
BIKE judgement⁴ SUPER
BLACKSUN Sunstorm II Mini USB
Price 84,95 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class 2 Cree LED / 4.4 Ah / IP66
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 58 / 141 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:31 (+1:07) hrs / 8:41 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 46 / 8 Lux
Lumen measured / specified 588 / 500 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 4 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The tiny and lightweight Blacksun naturally falls somewhat short in direct comparison with its significantly more expensive rivals. Nevertheless, it is still sufficient for forestry trail rides, and occasional trail detours are also possible, as the light distribution is successful. Fitting the helmet holder is a little fiddly, and the mediocre workmanship is not surprising given the favourable price.
BIKE judgement⁴ SATISFACTORY
LUPINE WILMA R7
Price 495 Euro >> available here
Technology / battery / protection class 4 Cree LED / 6.6 Ah / IP68, IK09
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery 135 / 245 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 3:03 hrs (+0) / 6:30 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 183 / 72 lux
Lumen measured / specified 3329 / 3200 lumen
Battery (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %) 10 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The reference model with twice the amount of light naturally outshines the test field by far. Noticeably more range, perfect illumination, even at the edges and just in front of the front wheel. If you want to get the most out of it, the Wilma is the right choice. The larger lamp head can still be worn on the helmet, but the large battery has to be carried in the rucksack. Expensive.
BIKE judgement⁴ SUPER
¹BIKE measured values
²Highest light level, reserve running time in brackets
Measured at a distance of 10 m, in the centre and at a lateral distance of 2 m.
⁴The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. The two lights highlighted in blue show side views in terms of price and luminosity.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 1/2018 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
