It was that time again on 26 October: the time change. Even if you're in the fortunate position of being able to punch the time clock at five o'clock on the dot, you still have just four minutes until the sun disappears behind the horizon. That's hardly enough time for an after-work run. If you don't want to be stuck in a stuffy gym or switch to alternative sports, you can hardly avoid a powerful helmet lamp in winter. We have selected the three best models from the last helmet lamp test for you. We will also show you a light set with StVZO approval that will get you home safely and in compliance with the law.
These helmet lamps turn night into day
With around 1000 measured lumens, they light up the house, and battery runtimes of at least 2.5 hours should easily suffice for the small unit after work. The classic in micro format is the Lupine Piko. The set consisting of battery and lamp weighs just 200 grams and is therefore ideal for complete mounting on a helmet. The Sun Storm I from AIM is much chunkier. Its battery definitely belongs in your rucksack or jersey pocket. On the other hand, the spotlight illuminates the trail over a large area. The Hope R4 leaves all options open. The battery can be conveniently attached to the helmet with a Velcro strap or simply stowed in the bag. The elegantly milled lamp head impresses with a particularly clever holder.
AIM SUN STORM I
The Sun Storm does not come close to the promised 2200 lumens in the laboratory. Nevertheless, the spotlight impresses with very good illumination and light output. Deductions are made mainly for the high weight and the fiddly assembly.
Price/Info 198 Euro www.blacksun2.com
Battery/lighting modes 8.4 V Li-Ion 6600 mAh/4 levels, flashing mode
Accessories Helmet holder, charger, battery bag
Weight Lamp/battery/system 130/357/487 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 3:10 h/7:15 h
Lumen nominal/real 2200/1150
Housing temperature 67.2 °Celsius
Light output **********
(10 points)
Illumination **********
(10 points)
Handling ******
(6 points)
BIKE judgement very good
HOPE R4 LED VISION
The Hope R4 is a feast for the eyes and, like the optional handlebar mount, is simply superbly made. The warm light is pleasant on the eyes. Brightness and illumination are top-notch. The current version lasts longer thanks to the large battery.
Price/Info 319 Euro www.hopetech.com
Battery/lighting modes 7.4 V Li-Ion 5200 mAh/5 levels, flashing mode
Accessories Helmet, handlebar and forehead holder, extension cable, Velcro strap for battery, charger
Weight Lamp/battery/system 119/236/355 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:32 h/6:20 h
Lumen nominal/real 1446/995
Housing temperature 55.7 °Celsius
Light output ********
(8 points)
Illumination *********
(9 points)
Handling *********
(9 points)
BIKE judgement very good
LUPINE PIKO 4
Small, light, powerful. The Lupine Piko sets the bar high in the laboratory. In practice, the great holder and the option to ride the light as a complete system on the helmet are impressive. One small point of criticism: without airflow, the Piko dims down quickly.
Price/Info 268 Euro www.lupine.de
Battery/lighting modes 7.2 V 3300 mAh/4 levels, 3 flashing modes
Accessories Helmet holder, Velcro strap short/long, extension cable, charger
Weight Lamp/battery/system 64/136/200 grammes
Battery runtime/charging time 2:36 h/3:30 h
Lumen nominal/real 1200/1160
Housing temperature 60.1 °Celsius
Light output **********
(10 points)
Illumination *********
(9 points)
Handling
**********
(10 points)
BIKE judgement super
SAFELY ON THE WAY HOME
If it takes longer and the sun is already setting, an emergency light will get you home safely. With 50 lux and StVZO approval, the set consisting of Cateye Econom Force 50 front light and TL-LD 611 G rear light makes bikers visible. Both are particularly practical and can be mounted without tools using twist locks. The two lights are easily charged via the USB port on the PC.
Cateye Econom Force 50/TL-LD 611 G
Weight 77/74 g
Price 69,95 Euro
Info www.paul-lange.de
You can find everything you need to know about helmet cameras and installation in our autumn special as a PDF download below.
More autumn topics on Bike-Magazin.de:
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Stefan Frey
Editor
