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The superpowers of the bicycle light world are Cateye, Lupine and Magicshine. It seems as if these three manufacturers are engaged in an arms race like the superpowers USA, Russia and China. The difference is that it is not about the most powerful force, but about the brightest spotlight for nocturnal mountain bikers. Lupine currently holds a firm grip on the sceptre of helmet lights for MTBs with the 6830 lumen Alpha. Its extremely bright light almost looks as if it could start a forest fire on parched autumn leaves. But do bikers really need that much light? To find out, the three superlights are joined by six classic helmet lights for MTBs with 1600 to 3000 lumens. Even the cheapest helmet lamp in the test, the Acid HPA 2000, is anything but underexposed with just under 1600 lumens.
How many lumens do helmet lights for MTBs really need to have?
On the trail, it quickly becomes clear that it's not just the amount of light, but rather a broad illumination and homogeneous light distribution that determine how much fun you have riding your MTB at night. The weight and size of the helmet light also play an important role. Lupine now squeezes a whopping 1700 lumens out of the tiny Piko. When the model was introduced, it was once just 550 lumens, with a slightly larger housing. The lamp head including helmet holder currently weighs just 75 grams. The complete set of lamp and battery weighs 212 grams and can be mounted on the helmet in a perfectly balanced manner. Ideal for a sporty ride through the dark. This keeps the light cone steady and always aimed in your line of vision. With the light on the handlebars, on the other hand, cornering quickly becomes a blind ride. Only the Acid and, to a limited extent, the Exceed 3X from Silva are light enough for the helmet. With the other models, the battery is better stowed in the rucksack or jersey pocket, otherwise the helmet will tip over like a dachshund when hit. With Lupine's Alpha and the Macigshine, the lamp head alone is so heavy and high that mounting it on the helmet makes little sense. These lights are actually also designed for the handlebars, and the helmet mount is merely a gimmick to enable the Alpha to be marketed in Germany at all.
We have tested these helmet lights for MTB:
Helmet lamps from 6000 lumen:
- Cateye Volt6000
- Lupine Alpha
- Magicshine Monteer 6500
Helmet lamps up to 3000 lumen:
- Acid HPA 2000
- Gloworm X2
- Light & Motion Seca 2500
- Lupine Piko R4
- Moon X-Power 2500
- Silva Exceed 3X
How long the helmet light batteries last for MTBs
Incidentally, we were surprised by the performance of the batteries: on average, the tanks last for just one and a half hours on the highest setting. This is a particular problem for models with a maximum output of less than 2000 lumens. Even at the first dimming level, you have to noticeably reduce your speed to manoeuvre safely through the terrain. With Light&Motion and Moon, level two still provides sufficient light for a brisk ride on less demanding terrain. This is where the super spotlights come into their own: If you dim the Lupine Alpha to 20 watts, which corresponds to the output of the Piko, it still shines through the night with a full 2900 lumens for up to five hours. If you then switch the Cateye, Lupine and Magicshine back to full power, you will feel as if the local football club has just switched on the floodlights.
Does this mean that bikers urgently need one of the three extremely bright spotlights? No. But you have to make a decision: The bright helmet lights in the test are heavy, the really light ones not quite as bright. However, if you want to have fun off-road, you don't have to join the arms race on the lamp market. Around 2000 lumens are enough even for sporting activities. If you want to pedal a little longer through the night, it is better to invest in an additional battery and enjoy the low weight of the small lights on your helmet. Everything else is a luxury.
Alternative: StVZO lighting Supernova M99 Mini Pro B54
With the M99 Mini Pro B54, Supernova offers one of the brightest headlights approved for road traffic on the market. 99 extremely elaborately manufactured reflectors provide a full 450 lumens in city traffic, despite StVZO approval. If you turn off-road, you can unleash the high beam with 1641 lumens by pressing the remote control. The M99 can be controlled via app and smartwatch and displays the remaining battery runtime to the minute. Two hours of runtime are enough even for extended night rides. The reserve light provides an additional two hours of low beam in eco mode. The Supernova lamp is only available with a handlebar mount. However, a helmet mount could follow soon. The M99 Mini Pro B54 is likely to be the first light on the market with which bikers can both ride legally on the road and with sufficient light off-road.
Facts about the Supernova M99 Mini Pro B52 lamp
- Price: 579 Euro
- Technology / battery: 11 automotive LEDs / 54 Wh
- Weight lamp / battery: 184 g /318 g
- Battery runtime / charging time: 2:00 (+2:00) hrs / 54 Wh
- Lumen / Lux measured: 1641 / 320
How BIKE tests helmet lights for MTBs
The test judgements are based on extensive laboratory tests and practical impressions of the lamps in operation. We determined the exact lumen values and the lighting diagrams with lux values in co-operation with Supernova in Gundelfingen. This gives us objective measured values for the light output of the lamps. To determine the actual light output of the lamps, all models were measured in a calibrated integrating sphere (photo above). The measuring device was provided by the manufacturer. A BIKE editor supervised the test procedure. We measured the battery runtimes, charging times and weights in the BIKE lab. Assembly, handling and off-road illumination were tested in extensive night rides. Photocells with an automatic counting system were used to determine the actual light duration with a fully charged battery and at the highest level. To prevent the lamps from dimming and overheating, a constant flow of air cooled the lamps during the measurement. The actual charging time was also determined, in each case based on a fully discharged battery.
Illumination of the tested helmet lamps in detail
To illustrate the illumination and light cone of the MTB helmet lights, we have photographed them under standardised conditions. We selected the beam angle of the helmet lamps for each individual lamp as it is optimal for off-road riding in practice. All photos were taken with identical exposure time ("40), aperture (F22), focal length (12mm) and iso number (200). To illustrate the lighting range of the helmet lamps tested, pylons were placed at the side at a distance of ten metres.
Cateye Volt6000 - 959 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
1 x 144 chip COB LED / 6.8 Ah / n/a A.
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 122 / 600 / 722 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:02 (+0) hrs / 3:25 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 6605 / 6000 lumen / 74 / 40 lux
Test conclusion: The Volt6000 fan on the helmet buzzes like a bee. This ensures reliable cooling, but can also be annoying in the quiet of the night. The brutal 6600 lumens cast an extremely wide, homogeneous beam. However, the light range is somewhat limited. The lamp sits lightly on the helmet. The fiddly holder, the clunky battery and the remote control don't look very good for the price. The fan is susceptible to dirt.
Lupine Alpha - 1070 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
8 x Cree XM-L2 LED / 6.9 Ah / IP68
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 219 / 454 / 673 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:33 (+0:55) hrs / 3:55 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 6830 / 7200 lumen / 471 / 10 lux
Test conclusion: Lupine does not miss the opportunity to produce the brightest lamp on the market. The Alpha literally burns the leaves off the trail. It is extremely bright, especially in the centre and in the distance. However, the illumination is not completely homogeneous. It is very heavy and high for the helmet. Its button is hidden on the underside, but there is a wireless remote control. Top: the revised app, outstanding workmanship and unrivalled service.
MagicShine Monteer 6500 - 298 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
3 x Cree XHP50.2, 2 x Cree XM-L2 / 10.5 Ah / IP65
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 166 / 366 / 542 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:20 (+0) hours / 4:50 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 6589 / 6500 lumen / 226 / 15 lux
Test conclusion: The Monteer looks like the Alpha's little sister, but is a little lighter. It shines almost as brightly and far. However, its light pattern is more homogeneously distributed and slightly wider. The narrow helmet holder wobbles slightly on the helmet and the lamp does not sit too firmly in it. Otherwise, the workmanship of the Chinese lamp is impressive. If you can do without bells and whistles such as an app and remote control, you get a lot of light for your money.
Acid HPA 2000 - 229 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
2 x Cree XM-L2 LED / 3.4 Ah / IP68
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 80 / 139 / 226 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:02 (+7:13) hrs / 2:20 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 1593 / 2000 lumen / 92 / 2 lux
Test conclusion: Already our price-performance tip in 2018. The small and lightweight Acid helmet light (which comes from Cube) with good luminosity and narrow but sufficient light distribution is still a good choice for bikers. The well thought-out GoPro mount, wireless remote control and attractive finish are convincing. We were unable to confirm the alleged battery runtime of 2:33 hours, but the reserve runtime is excellent. Tip: An additional rechargeable battery for just 59 euros doubles the lighting time.
Gloworm X2 - 269 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
2 x Cree U2 XM-L2 LED / 6.8 Ah / IP66
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 120 / 236 / 362 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 3:15 (+4:35) hrs. / 3:30 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 1588 / 1700 lumen / 138 / 1.25 lux
Test conclusion: The X2 is a good choice for extended winter tours. It runs for several hours on the highest setting. The power is just enough for real trails. Its cone is quite narrow, but sufficiently bright in the centre. Practical: the GoPro-compatible holder. Unfortunately, the Velcro fasteners fray quickly. The battery is too heavy for mounting on the helmet. The remote control can operate two lights. Apart from the helmet holder, the X2 is made to a high standard.
Light&Motion Seca 2500- 399 CHF
Technology / battery / protection class
k. A. / 28 Wh / IP67
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 167 / 189 / 357 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:20 (+0) hrs / 2:30 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 2274 / 2500 lumen / 93 / 20 lux
Test conclusion: The Seca forms a wide, homogeneous cone without any interfering spots. Top for technical trails. Its large lamp head emits a lot of heat and is sufficiently light. Mounting is a little fiddly, the long cable on the lamp head is unfavourable. Despite the 3-cell battery, the Seca only runs for a good hour. The mediocre workmanship is somewhat surprising considering the high price, and there are no extras. The Seca is currently only available in Switzerland.
Lupine Piko R4 - 323 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
k. A. / 3.5 Ah / IP68
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 75 / 119 / 212 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 1:16 (+0:45) hrs / 3:25 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 1700 / 1900 lumen / 99 / 1.5 lux
Test conclusion: In terms of comfort and operation, no other helmet light in the test can hold a candle to the Lupine Piko. Even with a battery, the extremely flat lamp is hardly noticeable on the helmet. Remote control, app, perfect workmanship - what more could you want? Its 1700 lumens form a somewhat narrow, but bright and far-reaching light cone. Its light is just enough for intensive trail use. If you need a little more runtime, choose the larger 4-cell battery and pack it in your rucksack.
Moon X-Power 2500 - 299 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
4 x Cree XM-L U2 LED / 6.4 Ah / n/a A.
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 167 / 299 / 502 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 2:51 (+0) hrs / 5:30 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 2962 / 2500 lumen / 175 / 4 lux
Test conclusion: Definitely brighter than the moon: the Moon produces almost 3000 lumens for over three hours. The four LEDs produce a soft and sufficiently wide cone, and the light range is also good. The bulky lamp head wobbles slightly on the helmet and the massive battery has to be carried in the rucksack. The remote control with cable makes little sense. If you can do without high-tech features and chic looks, the Moon is a bright, long-lasting light.
Silva Exceed 3X - 329 Euro
Technology / battery / protection class
3 x LED / 3.3 Ah / IPX 5
Test values¹
Weight lamp / battery / ready to install: 103 / 169 / 268 grams
Battery runtime² / charging time: 0:54 (+0) hours / 4:45 hrs.
Lumen measured / specified / lux (centre / outside)³: 1609 (2396 boost) / 2000 lumen / 35 / 3 lux
Test conclusion: Very high-quality multisport helmet lamp with a great headband. The helmet mount and operation via the large button are also impressive. Its narrow light cone is not particularly bright, even in the centre. Boost mode with 2396 lumens is only available for ten seconds. If you swivel the Exceed 3X downwards, its light cone widens, which is good when travelling slowly. The battery is almost too heavy for the helmet and doesn't even last an hour.
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 30 degrees
Stefan Frey
Editor
