Info Lupine SL AX 2023
- High-end bike lamp with StVZO approval
- Price: 675 Euro
- Weight: Head 160 gram / battery 240 gram
- Mode: Daytime running light, low beam, high beam
- Light pipe: 38 watts (3800 lumens) high beam, 22 watts (dimmed high beam), 8 watts (low beam), 5 watts (dimmed low beam, 2 watts (daytime running function)
- Maximum light range: 380 metres
- Operation: Bluetooth handlebar switch
- Battery: Smartcore 7.2 V / 10.0 Ah
- Waterproof: 2 metres
- Shock resistant: 2 metres
- Special feature: Light levels can be individually programmed via app,
The first thing that strikes you is the visual similarity to Lupine's €1090 Alpha racing light, which with 8100 lumens and fetishistic workmanship is the ultimate in bike lighting. Like the Alpha, the head of the SL AX is made of CNC-milled aluminium. The dimensions of both lamp heads are also similar, namely rather bulky. This is partly due to the technology installed inside. But it is also due to the fact that the housing with the cooling fins also has the function of dissipating heat. The maximum light output of the SL AX seems rather puny in comparison with the Alpha. 3800 lumens (38 watts) is a proud figure, but not very impressive in direct comparison. Especially as the SL AX is anything but cheap at 675 euros.
What makes the Lupine SL AX a StVZO-compliant bicycle lamp despite its 3800 lumens?
The decisive difference between the Lupine SL AX and a classic bicycle lamp is that it does not dazzle oncoming traffic. The light cone is virtually cut off at the top. Nevertheless, it has the option of full glare if you want to use the lamp in a 24-hour race or master a difficult off-road passage on tour. The daytime running light is also a special feature. This is intended less for illumination and more for being seen by other road users.
The Lupine SL AX has five levels. Daytime running light. Low beam (normal and dimmed) and high beam (normal and dimmed). First check: the daytime running light is, as expected, quite weak in terms of illumination, but would be just about sufficient for evening journeys in the city. The dipped beam offers decent illumination. However, the hard-cut upper area, which prevents oncoming traffic from being dazzled, takes some getting used to. If you switch from this mode to full level, it's like an explosion of light. Wow! The darkness is as if atomised by a cone of light that not only shines far into the distance, but also evenly illuminates the areas to the left and right in front of the front wheel.
Minor drawback: Due to the specially shaped handlebar/stem unit on the test bike, the SL AX sits on top of the Ahead cap, which is possible thanks to an adapter. However, due to the high and recessed position of the lamp head, the light falls in such a way that the front wheel casts a shadow. This is not quite ideal. With the classic, original handlebar clamp, which only fits round handlebars, this would not be the case. Lupine offers a GoPro mount as an attachment option. There are various counterparts for the MTB on the accessories market. The company K-Edge, for example, has a special bracket with a GoPro mount in its programme, which can be attached to the bottom of the Syncros handlebar stem unit.
Once you have found a classic, round handlebar for the quick-release clamp on the bike or an alternative mount, installation is quick and easy. The battery is simply attached to the top tube with Velcro and sits firmly in place. The Bluetooth switch can also be attached without tools.
The Lupine is fully convincing in normal everyday use. The workmanship is premium. It can be mounted without tools in seconds. The illumination is perfect, even on unpaved paths. The battery lasts between six and ten hours if you mainly ride in dimmed mode. That's great. Nevertheless, the question arises: do you need such a powerful, expensive bike light for everyday use?
The big argument in favour of the Lupine SL AX for me is that you can ride it normally on public roads, but also on 24-hour races, adventure trips or off-road excursions. Caution! For the latter, be sure to check whether you are riding in protected areas for game or similarly sensitive zones. The SL AX offers the full range of possible uses. That's what makes it so special. But how good is it in tough racing conditions? To find out, I took it on the legendary 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo in Arizonaone of the oldest and most legendary 24-hour races in the world.
Hardcore test at the 24-hour race: Is the Lupine SL AX suitable for tough off-road use?
What is even more noticeable on the race track than when cruising comfortably is the excellent illumination of the trail. With the SL AX fully switched on, the night is a bright day, at least within the light cone. Everything is clearly visible. The area in front of the front wheel (apart from the short section of shadow directly in front of it due to the special mounting on my bike). The side areas to the left and right of the trail. And also the next 100 metres. You could ride all night long as if it were an afternoon. If the battery lasted that long. At its brightest, however, it would only last a little longer than one of the 25 kilometre laps, for which I need around 1:20 hours due to the technical demands of the ride. The art of the 24-hour race is to use the light levels as sparingly as possible. Even on the slightest climb or on less rough passages, the lights have to be dimmed down. This is called battery management.
Switching to low beam mode on the Lupine SL AX takes some getting used to. This is because the upper field of vision is suddenly cut off. A hard edge now separates light and dark. Not ideal when you're pushing full throttle on a race track. This is better with the Alpha. To get a better view into the distance, I turn the lamp slightly upwards. The area directly in front of me is still bright enough, but the view to the front is no longer so cut off. In road traffic, this would dazzle oncoming traffic. However, as racetracks are one-way streets, this doesn't matter here.
Dimming down the dimming mode (from 8 to 5 watts) reduces the brightness slightly. But not dramatically. I have to concentrate a little more on the course, but I can continue to ride at the same speed without feeling unsafe. At this level, I feel quite comfortable despite the further reduction in light intensity, because I know that the battery will now certainly last through the night. Exactly how long depends on how often you switch to high beam in between. I do this on every descent. When I check the battery level with the control button after two laps in the dark (i.e. after about 3 hours), three of the five diodes still light up. Everything is in the green zone.
Conclusion bike light Lupine SL AX
The Lupine SL AX is a premium bike light with an extremely wide range of uses, from daily commuting to 24-hour races or even tougher. It feels good to know that you won't dazzle other road users, or that you won't be ticketed for failing to comply with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Installation, operation and light duration are just as you would expect from a perfect bike light. The special feature of the SL AX is its beautiful, wide and even light pattern. Riding in dimmed mode takes some getting used to because of the hard-cut upper area. Is this light worth 675 euros? Definitely yes, but whether you really need such a marvel of technology is up to you to decide. - Henri Lesewitz, BIKE Editor-in-Chief
