TRAIL LIGHTS
We test the best high-value and high-power lights for burning down black runs and around backcountry epics after dark
Night missions are an awesome way to maximise your trail time and turn favourite runs into a new challenge, and MTB lights are now smarter and better value than ever. But what do you need to literally make your riding brilliant?
The more power you have, the faster you can safely go, so all the lights on test have a claimed output of at least 1,000 lumens. (If you’re cruising on less technical trails, you may be able to get away with half that.) Claimed lumens can vary significantly from actual output, so our reviews detail how bright each light actually is on the trail.
There’s also a big difference in how different lights project that power. Some focus it into a narrow ‘spot’ beam for a long reach and extra detail within a limited field of vision. Others ‘flood’ the light wider so it doesn’t shine as far ahead but gives better peripheral vision, more trail context and lets you see further round corners if you’re not using a separate helmet light (look out for a test of those next issue). Some lights combine spot and flood lenses, which you can toggle between depending on the trail/your speed/etc. Others come with different lens options so you can tune the light to your tastes.
Lights with more power need more battery capacity to keep them going for the same time. We’ve largely kept to units that’ll run for at least an hour at full chat and two to three times longer at lower intensity. Increasing battery and LED efficiency means there are more self-contained lights capable of this performance than ever before. The biggest, longest-running lights still often use separate frame-mounted batteries though.
Beyond the power and battery basics, it’s important to make sure the light fits your bar and doesn’t wobble or droop on descents. A battery indicator helps with managing run times, a remote switch makes it easier to select the right power mode and fast charging is a must if you‘re forgetful.
We’ve thrown in a few helmet-mounted lights, just in case you fancy doubling up and can’t wait till next month. Add a price spread from £100 to over £400, and you should be able to find the ideal illuminator for your riding somewhere in our line-up.