The new SL MiniMax AF has improved on almost all key performance figures. More light, greater range and a significantly larger battery are designed to appeal particularly to cyclists who regularly ride on dark cycle paths, gravel tracks or country roads. But with a whopping 2,400 lumens, even mountain bikers and e-bike riders are part of the target audience for this little lighting marvel.
2,400 lumens for high speeds
For its new light, Lupine has opted for three automotive LEDs from ams OSRAM. According to the manufacturer, together they produce up to 2,400 lumens and 200 lux of light output. Lupine states that the maximum range is 270 metres.
However, the light distribution seems more interesting than the raw figures. Lupine has opted for a newly developed reflector system designed to produce a particularly wide and even beam of light. This is intended to prevent dark areas or harsh transitions. Especially on fast descents or unlit paths, uniform illumination is almost more important than the lamp’s sheer brightness.
Bluetooth becomes a lighting system
One of the biggest innovations concerns the controls. The SL MiniMax AF is the first to utilise Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy and features a new handlebar-mounted remote control. This allows the daytime running lights, dipped beam and full beam to be controlled directly from the cockpit. At the same time, the headlamp becomes the control centre for a connected lighting system.
This is because, for the first time, the optional Rotlicht Pro BT can also be integrated directly into the system. Other manufacturers, such as Sigma, offer this option This has been in the pipeline for some time. The front and rear lights can now be controlled together using the same remote control. For commuters and year-round cyclists, this means greater convenience and less effort.
Automatic lighting control for everyday life
As with other models, Lupine has incorporated an ambient light sensor. The lamp automatically detects whether daytime running mode or dipped headlights are required. The full-beam headlights can also be activated via remote control.
Commuters, in particular, are likely to benefit from this automatic system, as they will not have to constantly adjust the lights manually when switching between city traffic and dark cycle paths.
Plenty of power, surprisingly light
Despite its high light output, the lamp head remains surprisingly compact. Lupine states that the light unit weighs just 100 grams. The external SmartCore battery adds a further 240 grams to the total weight and stores 50 Wh or 6.9 Ah of energy.
The battery life varies between two and 25 hours, depending on the operating mode. Of particular interest to long-distance cyclists and bike packers: an Eco mode specifically reduces the light output and significantly extends the battery life.
Technical specifications: Lupine SL MiniMax AF
| Light output | 2,400 lm |
| Illuminance | 200 lux |
| Range | 270 m |
| Light sources | 3x ams OSRAM Automotive LED |
| Battery | 50 Wh / 6.9 Ah SmartCore |
| Duration | 2 to 25 hours |
| Operation | Bluetooth 5.2 Remote |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor |
| Weight of lamp head | 100 g |
| Battery weight | 240 g |
| Material | CNC-machined aluminium |
| Protection class | IP66 / IK09 |
| StVZO approval | Yes |
| Price | €569 |
These are the competitors of the Lupine SL MiniMax AF
1. Supernova M99 Mini Pro 2 S
The eternal rival from Gundelfingen
When it comes to high-end StVZO-compliant lighting, the name Supernova almost always comes up alongside Lupine. The M99 Mini Pro was one of the first systems to feature a genuine high beam on a bike and is still regarded today as the benchmark amongst sporty commuters, gravel cyclists and e-bike riders.
Unlike the battery-powered Lupine, the M99 Mini Pro is actually designed as an e-bike light. Technically, it impresses above all with its matrix optics and an extremely uniform light pattern. The current generation delivers up to 2,800 lumens and 450 lux on high beam.
Weight
- approx. 154 g
Price
- approx. 299 euros (excluding battery, e-bike version)
2. Busch + Müller IQ-XM Highbeam
The sensible choice with high-beam headlights
Whilst Lupine and Supernova often appeal to tech enthusiasts, Busch + Müller has traditionally catered to the practical side of things. The IQ-XM combines 120 lux dipped beam with 170 lux full beam, providing a very wide, uniform beam pattern.
Particularly interesting: the IQ-XM costs just a fraction of the price of the top-of-the-range models, yet still offers genuine full-beam headlights and a high-quality aluminium construction.
Weight
- 125 g
Price
- RRP €199.90
3. Trelock LS 760 I-Go Vision
The Commuter Alternative
Technically speaking, the LS 760 is in a different league to the Lupine or Supernova, but it appeals to the same target audience: all-year-round cyclists, commuters and gravel bikers who want as much light as possible for comparatively little money.
With 100 lux, an LCD display, a remaining battery life indicator and a powerbank function, the Trelock offers a host of practical features. However, the light is designed much more for everyday use than for fast night-time rides on dark gravel tracks.
Weight
- 140 g
Price
- approx. 150 euros
Editorial conclusion
The new Lupine SL MiniMax AF is the logical evolution of this all-rounder. Slightly more power whilst maintaining a consistently low weight. The Lupine thus bridges the gap between StVZO-compliant lighting and high-end night-time running lights. The new Bluetooth platform and the ability to control the front and rear lights together are particularly exciting features. At 569 euros, the light is a premium model and is really only a worthwhile investment for committed all-year-round cyclists.
How important do you think a proper high beam is when riding a gravel bike or on your commute? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Stefan Frey
Editor