ZETA 1600 front light

With a very compact aluminium head unit (weighing just 67g) this light is designed to put out up to 1600 Lumens (on the Ultra mode) from just two CREE LEDs. That should be enough power for all but the most ambitious off road riding. With a suggested burn time of two hours (if you just leave it on full  beam) this will usually be ample time for an evening trail centre loop.

With three lower power modes (and a strobe setting) you’ll get more burn time in most cases if you scroll through the modes when riding. Changing modes settings is easy – this light has a wireless remote switch, allowing you to control the output without shifting your hand from the grips. A very neat detail; we’re keen to test this and see how it performs out on the trail. An LED light indicator shows green until you’re at 15% of power – then it’s time to head home…

The Zeta 1600R is a comprehensive package, with all the kit you need. Brackets for handlebars (all diameters), helmet and action-cam mount are included, along with a longer lead for the battery pack. This four cell battery pack sits in a rubberised case and straps securely on the frame. A full recharge from empty takes 5 hours.

At the price, the Zeta 1600R gives an affordable introduction to night riding without feeling the need to stick to the easier trails. It looks like a great buy for the price.

TECH SPEC:

● LED: 2*CREE LED
● Ultra bright output: 1600 Lumens
● Run Time: 2 – 27 hrs
● Modes: Strobe – Low – Mid – High – ON/OFF Mode (Hold 2 seconds)
● Material: Aluminum alloy
● Battery Pack: 8.4V 5200mAh Battery
● Charging Time: 5 Hours
● Waterproof Level: IPX6

PRICE: £139.99

ZETA 5000R FRONT LIGHT

Now this light really does promise some serious output – 5000 Lumens. Yes, you read that right! Not long ago we thought 1000 Lumens would look after us but now there are no excuses, you should be able to ride at daylight speeds with this light. It’s not all about power though, beam pattern and trail coverage are also important. We have a 5000R light here to test and will be putting it through its paces this winter, comparing it to our established favourites.

With one single lamp lens (with 6 LEDS) this light, as with the Zeta 1600R, is compact and looks very well made. It has the feel of a far more expensive light and with an IPX6 waterproofing rating should take all the spray from those trail centre puddles…

At a full 5000 Lumens on the ‘Ultra’ mode setting, this light is designed to run for up to two hours. Mix and match with the three lower modes for the climbs and slower sections and you should have plenty of light for the whole evening – even enough for the road section home after the pub stop.

As with the other Xeccon Zeta lights, this model comes standard with a wireless Bluetooth remote switch. Fitting is with a supplied rubber o-ring making it easy to place for on-the-fly switching through the power modes. Will this prove reliable? We’ll report back…

Complete with all the mounts you need and a well protected battery cover, this high output light sells at well below £200.

● LED: 6*CREE LED
● Max output: 5000 Lumens
● Run Time: 2 – 36 hrs
● Modes: Strobe – Low – Mid – High – Ultra
● Material: Aluminum alloy
● Battery Pack: 8.4V 5200mAh Battery
● Charging Time: 5 Hours
● Waterproof Level: IPX6

PRICE: £189.99

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