LEZYNE Micro Drive Pro 800XL Light

Product Information

I tend to use both lights in "race mode" after dark, but in the daytime in the normal setup so I can use the pulse mode for additional visibility as needed. This is a sinusoidal "flash" that doesn't blow people's eyeballs out. I get migraines from sudden strobing flashes, so I do not use the daytime flash modes unless I believe my life is in danger. At dusk, I begin on the low-power femto/economy mode until it gets dark enough, then put it in race mode. I have had two of these lights in frequent use for the past three years, an 800 and 1000. Both are mounted to the bars with an optional alloy clamp mount, which I believe is well worth the extra cost. Also, both of mine have external controllers. I use the wired controller with the 800 and a wireless controller on the 1000. Since technology marches on, the wireless controller is now offered with the 1300 lumen light, but mine is the slightly older and still totally adequate 1000 lm spec. The one exception I'd make are German lights manufactured to throw a shaped beam that cannot dazzle oncoming road users. In that case you can just use them on full all the time. But then on paths where you wand uniform coverage, for example to get even left-right cornering coverage, they don't work. The next setting is Blast (500lm/3hrs), then Enduro (250lm/5.5hrs), Economy (150lm/19hrs) and Femto (15ml/87hrs), which finishes off the solid options. Like Stu with the Lite Drive last year, I think eight modes is a bit much, but there's sure to be something to meet your needs and cope with every circumstance on the road.

For the size of the light the run-times are pretty impressive, often over-achieving not just hitting the targets, in use.

Ravemen FR160 Pro USB Rechargeable Out-Front Front Light

Redesigned for our Year 13 collection, the Strip Drive Rear features our new Wide Angle Optics lens that provides up to 270° of visibility. It also features an increase of 27 hours in runtime for a maximum of 57 hours. Its co-molded construction is more compact, but still boasts five LEDs for up to 150 lumens of output. With 11 output modes, including a Daytime Flash mode, it’s got options for any time day or night. A versatile mounting system attaches to aero or round posts and it’s micro-USB rechargeable. The Lezyne Macro Drive 800XL is a decent-enough, all-in-one light with significant runtimes, but it's let down by poor beam focus and a wobbly mounting system.

There are eight settings in total, which gives you plenty of versatility for balancing battery life against output, and I wouldn't real cull any of them – well, maybe the Pulse – but I would definitely change the way you access them to make the light more user-friendly. I didn't use Economy or Femto much, but it is nice to know they are there, should you start to run out of battery. Our beam test comparison data contains beam shots and data for over 40 of this year's lights, so you can directly compare one with another. After it, we take a look at the various options in lighting technology and recommend some of our favourite lights. That said, the weatherproofing is to Lezyne's usual high standards. Over a few months of riding in occasionally soaking conditions the Macro Drive 800XL didn't miss a beat, nor did the road.cc shower test of doom faze it.The 800XL sits at the bottom of Lezyne's 'Performance' range, which then drops to 'Sport' with lights of 450 lumens or lower. In the 800XL you get standard light settings from 15 up to 400 lumens, with runtimes decreasing from 63 down to 3 hours. There are 150 lumen pulse and flash modes lasting over 13 hours, plus Lezyne's trademark 'Overdrive Race mode', with a simple toggling between 'low beam' at 150 or the Overdrive 800 flagship output lasting 1hr 40mins.

Switch to Economy, though, and it just isn't bright enough to see where you're going. If it was the 500lm Blast combined with Overdrive it would be spot on, and you'd be able to use it like the high/dipped beam of the Ravemen PR1600. Mount For me personally, I wouldn't choose any light that scrolls through flashing as it just annoys me, but I certainly can't fault its quality and beam for the money. Verdict When on you can cycle through the modes or a five second press when the light is off activates the Overdrive mode which reduces the options to just two. Cons: Could do with better mode grouping; I prefer a proper handlebar clamp to keep the light secure

How we tested

It's worth pointing out that the light can be twisted on its mount; it's a very stiff movement, no float whatsoever. It means you can mount it on certain helmets if you wish. The Micro Drive Pro 800XL offers be-seen modes as well as a powerful beam that's sufficient for dark night outings on unlit lanes. It will suit most commuters and many keen roadies, a realistic option that will help you avoid the super-powerful, eye-blinding, wallet-emptying elite light category...

With up to 800 lumens of output and a powerful Daytime Flash mode this cycling LED light is impressive day or night. It features a lightweight, durable machined aluminum body with integrated cooling fins and cutouts for 180° of front visibility. The micro-USB rechargeable design boasts an impressive 87-hour max runtime (15 hour increase) and eight unique output modes. Boost is still plenty bright enough to see where you are going on wide main roads with cats-eyes and the like, plus the Enduro will, too, at a push. I'd say the light is only let down by the excessive number and grouping of modes. If you're happy to tolerate this, given the simplistic operation, ease of mounting, decent beam pattern, solid build and fair price, it's definitely one to consider. Verdict For the record, I have had a number of interactions with Lezyne support, and so far they have always stood behind their products. Waterproofing is great as well. It dealt well with any rain it encountered and had no issues when given a blast in the bathroom shower.They are really the only flaws, though. Everything else about the Lite Drive 1000XL is pretty good. The Day Flash mode puts out 800 lumens and is top notch for riding in daytime traffic; EVERYONE notices you! It's followed in the cycle of modes by Flash and Pulse; these two are much better for evening riding in urban areas – they don't send your eyes funny but still make others aware of you. The light is compatible with a remote switch but I didn't test this. Personally, I found the operating switch easily accessible and the addition of a cable to operate it doesn't strike me as a huge advantage. Battery life and charging