The new Dash 320 is targeted towards road cyclists and uses a unique layout of LEDs to help riders stay visible to oncoming traffic during the day and still perform at night. The quad band of LEDS across the top of the light are designed to flash during the day, and can also be set to flash while the main 3 watt Cree light is also on.
Ports on the side of the light help illuminate the handlebar controls and make you more visible to other vehicles on the road.
Weight is claimed at 74 g and run time is said be anywhere from 1 hr to 55 hr, depending on which of the seven modes used. The light also has a memory mode, so it will recall the last mode used before being turned off.
The other big story at Cygolite is that their entire line up is now brighter for the same price. Their popular streak (which we covered last year, here) has gone up to 310 tofrom 280 lumens, yet still costs the same $50. The company claims this is possible because they’ve been able to design more efficient circuitry and the technology behind the individual componentry is continually improving.
In case you weren’t aware, I know I wasn’t, all Cygolites are engineered and built in their facility in Southern California.
Planet Bike
The Blaze was one of the best selling commuter lights at my shop a few years ago, and now Planet Bike is making it even better by offering a USB rechargeable version. The light uses a Cree LED, is water resistant in case you get caught out in the rain, and uses the same mount as its other lights. Currently it’s limited to just a handlebar mount, but they’re potentially developing a helmet mount.
One unique feature, is that there is a low battery indicator in the button. When you’re running low on juice, the light will let you know, but won’t forcibly kick you down in power like some other competitors models.
Retail for the premiere 500 lumen model is $75, but a 180 lumen version is also available for $45.
The Spok is another light whose form factor and price have been a huge success with commuters. For this year, they’ve bumped up light output from 5 lumens to 20, and updated the mounting strap from velcro to rubber. The lights use a watch battery for power and both the front and rear light retail for $12.99 separately, or for $23.99 as a set.
