Guee COB-X LED Light Set

Guee's COB-X LED Light Set is a relatively potent pairing of safety lights that combine decent output and run times with surprisingly quick charging. The outer silicone monocoque shell is available in no fewer than six colours, and entertains the usual diameters and even some unexpected hosts.

The light itself features a curved rubberised texture which also seems readily accommodating of round and aero tubing alike. Cutesy looks and convenience aside, this protective blanket also shields the delicate circuitry, charge port and lithium polymer cell from water ingress.

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Guee states IPX4 conformity, which means they're water-resistant in the everyday sense, not submersible. I've subjected ours to three minutes sustained tickling from my high pressure garden hose without any problems, so haven't been surprised that they've never missed a beat in 30 miles or so of torrential rain.

In terms of tech, the lenses direct and optimise the diode outputs, which employ the increasingly popular COB (Chips On Board technology). This crams diodes in sardine-fashion for a uniformly bright and powerful pattern of light, while still allowing them sufficient room to counter overheating and, theoretically, premature expiry.

Even mounted horizontally, their small, pimple type switches are surprisingly easy to locate and engage in winter weight gloves, though still require a deliberate prod – so unless you've buried them in the bottom of a saddlebag or pannier (guilty as charged) accidental engagements are pretty rare.

Slow flash/strobe (depending on your perception) is the default on both units – a warm rather than retina-tickling glow that still nails the attention of other traffic. Unlike some competitors I've tested recently, both are relatively tame on grey afternoons.

The rear is visible to 200m on a clear night, dipping to 175 in built-up areas with competing neon. The front is feistier: 230 and 185m. Both maintain their brightness right until reserves are exhausted – 14hrs 52mins, 8 minutes short of ideal world conditions. Yes, some rechargeable models will hit 17hrs plus and deliver more punch, but this is good enough for longer distance commuting and easier on riding companions' retinas.

An orange light kicks in once reserves dip below 30 minutes, which gives all but the most careless/forgetful a sporting chance of making it home.

Fast flash has considerably more bite but is also sensibly delivered. You'll be seen from a good 230m or so along unlit B roads, but it's assertive rather than aggressive so won't dazzle or alienate your riding companions. Economy dips quite a bit – ours returned 8hrs 51mins (curiously, the rear bettered this by 3 minutes) against an optimal 9 hours, but this should be adequate for most general riding contexts.

Despite the relatively narrow lenses, peripheral bleed is better than profiles might suggest – especially when mounted vertically – when those silicone straps come into their own.

> Check out our guide to the best front lights and our beam comparison engine

> …and our guide to the best rear lights here

Thanks to the quality of output, constant is good enough for scooting home with if your main system has gone pop or you've had one coffee and tall tale too many at the café. Intensity is superior to some low-rent commuter lamps and will deliver the seen-by goods for 4hrs 27mins.

Summing up, these are surprisingly competent safety lights that, in my opinion, are well suited to most types of riding. They're small enough for clutter-phobic best bikes and feathery TT missiles, and their combination of fast charging, power and economy lends them to audax and similar endurance duties too.

Verdict

Simple safety lights with decent output and rapid charging times