TEST: 13 MTB headlights in the test

BIKE editor Ludwig wrinkles the corners of his mouth as he takes the lamp from the table. Is he supposed to go biking with it? Exactly, we wanted to know: How much light do you really need for sporty biking? Does it have to be a high-end spotlight with an external rechargeable battery, or is an affordable compact model with an integrated power source also suitable? The compact models in our test are so small and light that they can be kept permanently in your rucksack and are therefore ready for every tour in case it gets late again. For the performance class with an external rechargeable battery, however, we did not go for the top price category: We set a limit of 200 euros and demanded at least 1000 lumens. From this value upwards, experience has shown that the lights provide sufficient power even for the most sporty of applications.

So the question was not only: How big are the differences between the compact and performance classes? But also: Can the low-cost models in the performance class keep up with the high-end competition, which is around twice as expensive? The reference model was the winner of our last test: the €350 Lupine Piko R 4SC.

We were pleasantly surprised by the most powerful compact lights on our test lap. The lightweights, dismissed as "sparkles", illuminated the trail brightly enough to whizz over the course uninhibited - even the scepticism of our test rider Ludwig was quickly dispelled. At least the models from Cateye, Light & Motion and Moon can be said to be truly suitable for off-road use. The additional lumens of the performance class are mainly noticeable in direct comparison and at high speeds. However, occasional trail excursions are also possible with decent compact lights.

You can find these bike lights in the test:

COMPACT CLASS:
- Azonic Hoss
- Cateye Volt 800
- Knog Blinder Beam 300
- Lezyne Micro Drive XL (BIKE TIP: Price/performance)
- Light & Motion Urban 800 (BIKE TIP: Compact class)
- Moon X-Power 780
- M-Wave Ultra 900
- Sigma Buster 600 HL

PERFORMANCE CLASS (reference Lupine Piko):
- Cateye Volt 1600
- Lezyne Power Drive XL
- M-Wave Ultra 2500
- Sigma Buster 2000 HL* (BIKE-TIP: Test winner)
- Spanninga Thor

Helmet or handlebars - where should the light go?

The positioning of the light also determines whether you want to cruise along the trail in a relaxed manner or feel your way forwards. For night-time trail rides, the light belongs on the helmet. If the light sits on the handlebars, cornering becomes a blind ride, and the light cone bounces restlessly over every obstacle. In addition to a sturdy mount, light weight is a prerequisite for illumination on the head. From 150 grams, the additional load is clearly noticeable - a disadvantage of models with an integrated rechargeable battery. Lamps with an external power source are usually more comfortable to carry and do not need to compromise on battery capacity - here the battery usually disappears into the rucksack.

The lights must sit particularly firmly on the handlebars, as impacts are more intense here and the light cone otherwise becomes a flicker box. This presents manufacturers with a question of conscience, as lights without STVZO approval may not be sold as bicycle lights and therefore not with handlebar mounts. The mounted straps are usually advertised as universal mounts - a legal grey area. Weak mounts have robbed some lights of their off-road capability in our practical test. The Azonic Hoss, the Knog Blinder and Sigma's Buster 600 responded to impacts with an annoying bouncing light cone. Due to the legal situation, some manufacturers only offer more robust handlebar mounts as accessories, e.g. Cateye and Sigma Sport.

Lux or lumen - which is more important?

The top criterion for bike lighting is brightness. What sounds simple is a real challenge for the buyer. Manufacturers specify the brightness in lux or lumen. Our test shows that neither value gives a clear indication of the actual luminosity. A combination is more suitable. The luminous flux (lumen) indicates the total radiant power of a lamp, roughly speaking: How much light does the lamp emit? The illuminance is given in lux, i.e. how much light hits a surface. There is no statement about the distribution of the light. For comparison: A laser pointer provides 400,000 lux - but it is completely useless as a signpost on the bike. In our test, we therefore also measured the lux values in the outdoor area (two metres to the left and right of the centre, ten metres away). A drastic example of the lack of clarity of individual measured values: The M-Wave Ultra 900 delivers a mediocre 540 lumens, but with a lux value of 100, it distances its compact competitors by far. Only a look at the outdoor values and the light image reveals the narrow spot lighting, which takes some getting used to in practice. In other words, the lux and lumen figures only become meaningful when you look at the light images.

In past tests, lumen cheating was a major issue. Cheap lamps in particular were unable to deliver the promised performance in the laboratory. In the current test field, 10 out of 14 lamps achieved the stated lumen values and in some cases even exceeded them significantly. Only the two models from M-Wave fell drastically short of their specifications. The Ultra 2500 delivered a meagre 730 lumens in the integrating sphere - instead of the promised 2500. The lack of power was less pronounced, but still noticeable, with Spanninga and Azonic.

Continuous power: How long does the battery of the MTB lights last?

The battery runtimes can also really spoil everyday cycling, because the best light is useless if there is no power at the crucial moment. The lights offer completely different "emergency running properties": Some brands (Cateye 1600, M-Wave, Sigma 2000, Spanninga) literally leave the biker in the dark and switch from 100 to zero within seconds. This can even be dangerous when travelling at speed. Although these lights have a charge level indicator, if the light is on the helmet and the battery is in the rucksack, you will hardly notice it. Other lamps dim down significantly after the specified runtime and then offer a period of low flame. The Azonic Hoss, for example, continues to glow for a full four hours before switching off completely.

CONCLUSION by Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE test editor: "Anyone looking for a compact lamp for everyday use is very well served by the top models in our compact class - they are so small and light that you can always carry them in your rucksack. The only drawback is the relatively short battery life. If you like off-road cycling at night, you'll want to go for a specialist. With the Buster 2000 HL, Sigma Sport offers a very bright companion at a fair price. The differences to the more expensive reference Lupine Piko do not lie in the light output, but rather in the detailed solutions, workmanship, handling and weight. If you want to get away with a much lower price, you have to accept significant compromises in performance. After all, M-Wave and Spanninga deliver very long battery runtimes."

All lights in BIKE 12/2016 were subjected to extensive laboratory and practical tests. The test results are made up of the subjective impressions of the testers and the laboratory values.

Laboratory test of the lamps

In order to determine the actual output of the lamps, all models were measured in a calibrated integrating sphere, with four models showing significant deviations from the manufacturer's specifications. The measurement was carried out by the lamp manufacturer Lupine, who provided the measuring device, which costs around 10,000 euros. A BIKE editor supervised the procedure.

The lux values were measured in a darkened and blackened room at a distance of ten metres. Firstly, the maximum value in the centre of the light cone was determined, and secondly the remaining illuminance at a distance of two metres to the side. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the peripheral illumination and the homogeneity of the light image.

Photocells with an automatic counting system were used to determine the actual lighting duration 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.

Practical test of the lamps

All lights were tested by several testers on a standardised test round to check their suitability for practical use. The actual light output was shown off-road and it became clear how suitable the light pattern is for sporty riding. The operation, mounting, bracket and quality of the lights were also assessed by the testers. These points are summarised in the test sheet under handling.

The test lamps offered up to seven different light modes. In practice, this variety proved to be rather annoying. A simple and quick switch from full throttle to a dimmed mode is completely sufficient, especially off-road. The ease of use increases when you don't have to work your way through several flashing modes while riding.

Illumination:

In order to visualise the illumination and the light cone of the lamps, we photographed them under uniform conditions. We selected the beam angle of the lamps for each individual lamp as it appeared to be optimal for off-road driving in practice. All photos were taken with identical exposure time, aperture, focal length and iso number.

THE TEST RESULTS: COMPACT CLASS

AZONIC Hoss

Price 79,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 CREE LED / n. A. / 4
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 156 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:42 / 5:40 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 34 / 3.5 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 59 / 350 lumen
Battery (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
5 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 4 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION The Hoss lacks the power for sporty use, which becomes clear on the trail at the latest. The wobbly bracket is also noticeable here, causing the light to fidget unsteadily. The light cone has a clear spot, the peripheral areas are only weakly illuminated. The decent battery life, simple operation and clearly visible battery level indicator are positive features. No helmet mount.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 27 points

CATEYE Volt 800

Price 129,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 LED / 3100 mAh / 5
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 158 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 1:59 / 7:50 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 53 / 18 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 895 / 800 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
10 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Strongest light output in the lab and in practice! A clear spot is noticeable on the trail, the peripheral lighting could be more generous. The distance vision is excellent. The clear, simple operation and mounting with quick-release fastener are also pleasing. Handlebar mount available separately. The charging time is noticeably long, the weight is borderline for helmet mounting.

BIKE-URTEIL5 VERY GOOD / 41 points

KNOG Blinder Beam 300

Price 129 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 LED / 2400 mAh / 3 / STVZO
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 157 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:14 / 6:45 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 32 / 12 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 319 / 300 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
6 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 4 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION The only STVZO lamp in the test stands out with its angular light pattern - this is how Knog fulfils the strict requirements of the regulation. In the practical test, the limited light field was noticeable and the amount of light is too weak for serious night riding. The light also wobbles a lot off-road. The lateral illumination is good, and the display of the light mode is also pleasant.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 27 points

LEZYNE Micro Drive XL

Price 49,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 2 CREE LEDs / 950 mAh / 8
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 94 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 1:06 / 3:45 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 26 / 8 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 511 / 450 lumen
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
7 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 8 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Very compact and lightweight lamp at a fair price! The light output can't keep up with the best spotlights, but the illumination is very homogeneous. The brightness is just enough for sporty outings, and a helmet mount is available as an option. This makes the Micro Drive XL a good all-round light. Unfortunately, the battery performance is somewhat inferior and the push button is difficult to operate.

BIKE-URTEIL5 VERY GOOD / 36 points

LIGHT & MOTION Urban 800

Price 130 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 CREE LED / 3000 mAh / 4
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 122 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 1:42 / 2:30 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 44 / 13 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 895 / 800 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
9 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 10 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Very good light output and illumination in the laboratory and practice. The compact Urban 800 also impresses with its warm light and firm clamping. A helmet holder is included, and the low weight also makes it easy to mount. This makes the lamp more than just an emergency light; it also allows sporty off-road biking. The push button could work with more definition.

BIKE-URTEIL5 VERY GOOD / 42 points

MOON X-Power 780

Price 129,90 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 CREE LED / 3300 mAh / 7
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 180 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 1:43 / 5:40 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 47 / 8.5 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 751 / 780 lumen
Battery (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
9 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Strong light output in the lab and in practice, the illumination could be a little more homogeneous. The power is also sufficient for trail excursions. The bombproof handlebar mount cuts a fine figure. Unfortunately, the X-Power is quite heavy for the helmet mount supplied. Good charge level indicator and defined push button. The many light modes make operation complex.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 35 points

M-WAVE Ultra 900

Price 69,90 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 CREE LED / 6000 mAh / 4
TEST VALUES¹
Weight (headboard/total) 125 / 321 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 5:10 / 3:20 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 100 / 3 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 540 / 900 lumen
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
7 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 5 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION The only lamp with an external rechargeable battery in the compact class impresses with its long runtime. The light output could be better, only 540 instead of 900 lumens. In addition, the light is focussed on a narrow spot and the peripheral areas remain cloudy. As a result, the lamp cannot keep up with the best in class on the trail. Simple operation, cheap but sturdy holder.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 33 points

SIGMA Buster 600 HL

Price 99,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 1 CREE LED/ 2600 mAh / 6
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 139 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:03 / 3:45 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 40 / 10.5 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 609 / 600 lumen
Battery (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
7 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION In practice, the Buster 600 HL was not quite able to confirm the solid laboratory values. The testers criticised the mediocre illumination. The built-in universal strap sits very wobbly on the handlebars, a better handlebar and helmet mount is available separately. Solid battery life and good push button. Three different flashing modes are confusing to use.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 32 points

¹BIKE measured values | ²Highest light level | ³Measured at a distance of 10 m, in the centre and at a distance of 2 m to the side | 4Different standards were used for the evaluation of light output and illumination for the compact and performance classes. These bar ratings are only comparable within the category. | 5The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (50-46 points), very good (45-36 points), good (35-26 points), satisfactory (25-16 points), with weaknesses (15-6 points), unsatisfactory (5-0 points).

THE TEST RESULTS: PERFORMANCE CLASS

FULL PERFORMANCE, HALF THE PRICE?

From night rides to 24-hour races - the performance class is in demand when things get really sporty in the dark. But do the affordable models costing up to around 200 euros come close to the high-end spotlights that cost almost twice as much? A comparison with the €350 Lupine Piko provides some insight.

They promise to turn night into day: Powerful helmet lights enable a sporty riding style even in complete darkness and challenging terrain. Everyday bikers are put off by the horrendous prices of this class; it is not uncommon for these models to cost over 350 euros. We wanted to find out how inexpensive models with at least 1000 lumens for a maximum of 200 euros fare. As a reference, we took last year's test winner (BIKE 1/16), the Lupine Piko R 4SC, back to the test lab and off-road. The Cateye Volt 1600 delivered similar values to the Piko in the lab, and in practice the two lights are even closer together. The Volt's problem: with its integrated battery and 263 grams, mounting it on a helmet is virtually impossible. At 210 euros, the price is also not that far off the top dog. Our test winner from Sigma Sport manages to outperform the reference in terms of light output. Noticeably brighter, with good, albeit slightly less balanced illumination of the peripheral area. The Sigma lamp is significantly larger and heavier than the Piko, but the battery lasts much longer. The holder and operation are inferior to the Lupine.

Data Lupine Piko
Lumen (measured / nominal): 1498 / 1500
Lux (centre / outside): 73 / 28
Weight (headboard / system): 69 / 209 grammes
Price: 350 Euro

CATEYE Volt 1600

Price 209,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 2 LEDs / 6800 mAh / 5
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 263 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 2:02 / 14:30 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 80 / 29 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 1660 / 1600 lumen
Battery (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 4 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
9 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION The Volt 1600 is just over the price limit, but delivers outstanding performance. The amount of light and illumination are extremely similar to our reference Lupine Piko. The sticking point: the light with integrated battery is clearly too heavy for helmet mounting. A handlebar mount is available separately. Simple operation, reasonable runtime, noticeably long charging time.

BIKE-URTEIL5 VERY GOOD / 38 points

LEZYNE Power Drive XL

Price 114,95 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 2 CREE LEDs / 3000 mAh / 6
TEST VALUES¹
Weight 147 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 1:14 / 5:25 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 41 / 16 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 1155 / 1100 lumen
Battery (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
7 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 9 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION The second lamp with integrated battery is just light enough for helmet mounting. The absolute brightness isn't overwhelming, both in the lab and in practice. However, the illumination and the balanced light pattern are impressive. The undefined button spoils the joy of use, but the uncomplicated mounting and the extensive accessories including brackets are pleasing.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 34 points

M-WAVE Ultra 2500

Price 129,90 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 3 CREE LEDs / 9000 mAh / 4
TEST VALUES¹
Weight (head/total) 137 / 445 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 4:58 / 4:20 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 40 / 8.5 lux
Lumen measured / nominal 730 / 2500 lumen
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
5 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 5 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Instead of the promised 2500 lumens, the nominally most powerful lamp only delivers a meagre 730 lumens. The lux value is even significantly lower than that of its little sister, the Ultra 900, but the illumination is more homogeneous thanks to the three LEDs. On the trail, the lamp delivers a passable performance, but is clearly inferior to the top dogs. The workmanship is mediocre, the performance is excellent.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 30 points

SIGMA Buster 2000 HL

Price 199 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes 3 CREE LEDs / 6400 mAh / 7
TEST VALUES¹
Weight (head/total) 123 / 471 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 3:45 / 3:15 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 106 / 41 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 2070 / 2000 lumen
Battery (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
10 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 8 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION By far the strongest light output in the laboratory and in practice, the Buster 2000 is also fun to use in extreme conditions. The large and heavy battery provides a good runtime with a short charging time. The handlebar remote control increases comfort enormously, but overall operation could be more intuitive. Unfortunately, the helmet mount is only average in terms of handling and stability.

BIKE-URTEIL5 VERY GOOD / 43 points

SPANNINGA Thor

Price 109,90 Euro
Technology / battery / light modes xx
TEST VALUES¹
Weight (head/total) 123 / 355 grammes
Battery runtime² / charging time 6:18 / 6:12 hrs
Lux (centre / outside)³ 36 / 6 Lux
Lumen measured / nominal 740 / 1100 lumen
Battery (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Light output (30 %)4
5 out of 10 points
Illumination (20 %)4 4 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points

CONCLUSION Somewhat disappointing light output, which falls short of the specified value and is focussed on one spot, which means that peripheral illumination and long-range vision suffer. Very simple operation thanks to only two light modes and a defined push button. The battery life is great, as are the extensive accessories. Unfortunately, it can only be attached to the helmet with an adhesive pad.

BIKE-URTEIL5 GOOD / 30 points

¹BIKE measured values | ²Highest light level | ³Measured at a distance of 10 m, in the centre and at a distance of 2 m to the side | 4Different standards were used to assess light output and illumination for the compact and performance classes. These bar ratings are only comparable within the category. | 5The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (50-46 points), very good (45-36 points), good (35-26 points), satisfactory (25-16 points), with weaknesses (15-6 points), unsatisfactory (5-0 points).