Martys iBlaast
II Mountain Bike
Light.
Update:
After burning out a globe on my Trailtech light I ordered a
replacement and also a ballast for Lithium Ion batteries. Both failed within two
weeks which was disappointing as my original light had worked well for about two
years. I decided I needed something more reliable and after a lot of looking
around I bought myself an iBlaast II.
Before
the iBlaast II arrived I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be as bright as the
Trailtech light I'd been using, however I was willing to make the sacrifice in
order to get reliability. I needn't have worried, the iBlaast II exceeded my
expecations and more!
The
IBlaast II was very bright but I wasn't able to do a side by side comparison
with the Trailtech light, (as it had burnt out), so I dug out my old twin 5 Watt
Luxeon, and it looked absolutely dim compared to the iBlaast II. I tried out the
iBlaast with a 12v Lead Acid battery but it didn't seem to be able to reach the
same brightness as with a 14.4 volt Lithium Ion battery. I would recommend the
higher voltage battery to get the maximum brightness out of the light. At
this point I have to add that my view is purely opinion and not based on
scientific measurement.
Besides the brightness, the beam shape is the
best I've seen from any light, not too narrow and no rings or shadings. I got a
handlebar mount with my light but have since ended up using it mounted on my
helmet. The light comes with a special velcro type tape made by 3M. It's called
Dual Lock and works so well I've ordered 10 metres of it from America as I can
think of many other uses for it on my canoes and other toys. The tape has a glue
backing that sticks like epoxy, I mounted the light on my helmet using the tape
and it stays there, but can be easily removed when not needed.
The iBlaast II
has a memory that enables you to set it up how you like. I set mine up with
three light levels, full brightness for single track riding, a medium level for
road riding, and a minimum level for reading maps and doing things whilst
stopped. The battery type setting is great. The light lets you know when your
battery is getting low and is settable for different battery types, lead acid,
Nickel type or Lithium type. I supplied my own Lithium Polymer 14.4 volt battery
which I got from Hong Kong via eBay, so I can't comment on the batterys from
Nightlighting, however I have no doubt that their batterys and chargers would be
as good a product as their light, these guys know what they're doing. The
battery I use is sold for use in model aeroplanes, it's 14.4 volt, 4 amp hour.
It lasts for about 5 hours on high beam, and then will go for about another hour
after the iBlaast has indicated the voltage is getting low. I've actually got
two of these batterys, which gives me enough light for an all night ride. The
charger I use is also from China and is especially designed to go with these
batterys. The batterys have an extra connector that allows each cell to be
charged individually, giving a better charge and extending the life of the
battery. The only drawback of the charger is I have to run it off my car
battery, 12 volt power supplies don't seem to be able to handle the initial
current draw on a low battery. The charger has LEDs that turn green as each cell
is charged. I believe that all chargers should be like this, as battery charging
is one of the biggest grey areas with bike lighting.The light is made in New
Zealand, delivery was very fast and postage cheap.
I have no hesitiation
recommending this light.
Marty
Links:
Home made Luxeon LED lights, 5 watt.