Brighter Lights Review

[Azonic]

A blinding revelation...

 

This weekend myself and my fiance took part in the Addo 100 Miler trail run. No, we didn't run, we seconded the runners by bike to make sure they didn't go crazy at night and run off into the darkness.

 

On Thursday my new Brighter Lights (Revelation 3) arrived, the day before we were to leave (Otherwise I would have been stuck with my Sigma!). It came with all the required paperwork, guides, even a CD with instruction videos. It also comes with a proper balance charger to properly charge the battery pack, not those cheapy power adapter/chargers you get with your R60.00 AA batteries at Builders Warehouse.

 

To cut a long story short, out in the mountain around Kirkwood and Addo, this puppy was amazing. The light has three power levels, 1 being the weakest and 3 being the strongest. I can't recall ever needing to go above level 1. Why? Because with level two and three you start taking the fun out of night time riding because it can't be called night anymore... there is SO MUCH light. I recall Level 1 having around 55 hours burn time on it, but I might be slightly out. There is a "Level 0" to be honest that isn't part of the main menu. It gives out a little bit less light than Level 1, and could probably last for days.

 

The entire system works off one button, the amount of 'clicks' you give the button makes it work, and/or how long you keep the button pressed. The button is mounted on a short, separate cord. This can be strapped right next to your shifters. In "thumbs reach" basically. Everything is explained in the paperwork and videos.

 

With my old Sigma 5w and 10w you had to throw the beam a couple of meters infront of you to see where you are going. With the Revelation I was finding that I was aiming it just slightly under the horizon because the beam spread is so good that everything around you is lit up anyway.

 

This was the best addition to my cycling equipment that I've made in a long time. I paid R4000 for this system (I know the website states R3800), but by what I got for the money I just rounded it to R4k, worth every cent. I'd be almost pressed to say that there is no commercial package in South Africa that can compete with this kit.

 

My rating, 10/10.

 

 

Check the lights out at: http://www.brighter-lights.com/

 

 

 

[anthemboy]

Got mine yesterday.  It has 5 settings and the switch is on the back of the light housing.  All I can say, freaken AWESOME!  Can't beat this light, money well spent! 

 

Up till now I used the Sigma EVO X.  There is no comparison.  Will let the wife use the 2 sets of Sigmas until I can afford a 2nd Revelation3.

[Azonic]

Yeah, I had mine upgraded to the 5 levels as well, also had the button moved. Still very happy. 

[KlapperKnop]

My rating' date=' 10/10.

[/quote']

 

Azonic ... my rating is 12/10 .... This is an awesome light ... Johannes knows what he is doing!!!

[downhill]

I'll start saving now. Very good (excelent) battery life.

[Azonic]

Johannes made me a very small battery back, special order. I use it for short course MTB night races and morning training rides on the road. Battery life is about 1.2 hours on full strength beam, perfect. I only use the big battery when I know I'm gonna be in the dark for many hours.

 

[anthemboy]

Please post a pic of the smaller battery.  What is the weight advantage?

[Azonic]

The smaller battery, if I'm guessing correctly, is about 150g. The pouch I sourced at a local shop when I bought a Conti innertube. But any decent pouch that keeps water out decently will be fine.

 

 

I've put it next to the big battery for comparison. The smaller battery itself inside the pouch is about 1cm shorter than a standard business card which I put on top. You also have to charge it with the balance charger, etc.

 

 

 

[Spaceboy]

How long would the battery life be on the small battery on the lowest beam/power setting? How much extra did the small battery set you back?

 

The thing with the big battery i have been concerned about is the fact that it takes up the bottle cage. On my full-suss bike I only have one cage, so even though i'd have my Camelbak on, I'd have nowhere to put my bottle with energy drink.

[anthemboy]

The seat post mount bottle cages will be at the LBS this week!  Spoke to Victor Momsen yesterday.  Similar to what they used on the Epic.  Problem solved..

[anthemboy]

We just completed the Trans Baviaans race this weekend using a Revelation 3 light in our team.  I was able to go screaming down Bergplaas after sunset at about the same speed as I normally would do in daylight.  The light can only be described as "AWESOME".  It was the best investment I could make for the race.  Any other light can only be described as inadequate in comparison.  I was left to ride in the front of the group most of the time, as the revelation would create such a dark shadow when I sit behind another rider.  Eventually everyone would either ride next to me or behind me.  The light is so user friendly and can be adjusted with ease during the ride.  I was riding on level 5 on fast downhills and then level 3 or 4 on the slower sections.  I eventually left the light on level 5 only because the battery life was so good and there was no reason to dim it down.  Will definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys night riding/racing!