Infini Sword Super Bright 30 Chip on Board rear light

Infini's Sword Super Bright 30 COB Rear Light certainly lives up to its name – with a light output of 50 lumens it should definitely get you noticed. Add to this the huge run-time – 200 hours on flashing – and I was impressed. However, there is one design feature that lets it down: a short mounting band.

The Sword is a strip light with minimal casing and a simple band mount. This band is integrated and designed to accommodate different tubing widths thanks to three 'openings'. I only ever used the largest one despite attaching the light to several different bikes, and it was a real stretch even on a 27.2mm diameter post, though it does give with use. The shorter strap settings mean you can fix the light to the chainstay.

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The clasp is very awkward initially – the rubber is under a huge amount of tension just to reach round the seatpost and then you have to coax it to sit securely under a small protruding catch. Once attached there is certainly no danger of it slipping off, your efforts are rewarded! After a little use the rubber gave somewhat and mounting became easier, but the rubber has also been excessively stretched now and because of its integrated nature there is no option of resorting to a spare should it break. It seems such a simple oversight, and so easy to amend.

A shaped, detachable rubber pad/shim sits between the light and the seatpost ensuring that the light never slips from its set position. It's moulded to fit into the USB port on one side, protecting it from the elements, and grooved to fit snug against the seatpost on the other side. It's a deep groove, too, which would lend itself well to an aero seatpost, if you can actually make it fit in the first place. I managed it, but it was a real stretch and a fight.

Once you've got the light on, performance is very good. The flashing modes are really striking, giving a good warning to vehicles and pedestrians within a sizeable radius. The 30 COB (chips on board) LEDs sit in a curved transparent casing so the Sword offers side lighting too.

I can also vouch for all of Infini's run-time claims. In high beam you can get just shy of 2 hours, low beam 6 hours, pulsating 4 hours and either of the two flashing modes a huge 200 hours. Changing between modes is a simple click, possible with lightweight gloves, though anything thicker and it becomes very difficult – it's quicker to take your gloves off!

Recharging with the micro USB took 2 hours. The Sword features a low battery warning system: in all five modes a red warning light begins to flash when the battery power is getting low, and in either of the two constant beams the light itself will start flashing as the battery nears flat.

> Check out our guide to the best rear lights

To me, the casing looks a bit cheap, but if you like to leave lights on your bike then this could be a good thing, and when you closely examine the light it looks well put together. It stood up to persistent steady rain, but bear in mind it's described as 'water resistant'. I was careful to give it a quick wipe if it had endured a rainy commute.

All in all, the Sword meets its specification well; its shape results in a substantial strip of bright light that cannot be missed by other road users. It's just a shame the strap isn't a little longer, or replaceable.

Verdict

Dazzling light with a huge flashing mode run-time, but the mounting strap needs to be longer