Blackburn Voyager Click front light

Blackburn’s Voyager front LED combines bold stylish design, brilliant optics and generous burn times in a package perfect for mile eaters needing a compact, capable companion nestling next to the dynamo. Sure, desk jockeys might prefer the convenience of USB charging and two modes won’t win bragging contests down at the clubhouse but the quality of light is adequate for tackling town centre traffic, mending roadside punctures and nursed us safely home when my old school Lead-Acid system unexpectedly ran out of juice.

So called because of the clever “click it” combined lens and switch, the Voyager slips effortlessly and with an anaconda like purchase around all handlebar diameters thanks to the rubberised tool free bracket. This has pronounced sideways cutouts for peripheral visibility while a shapely shroud carries the brand logo, shielding the rider from glare-especially in flashing mode.

Flipping it over and removing the rubber handlebar shim provides access to the hatch and two CR2032 batteries. Opening the cover is reminiscent of older computer head units-simply a matter of inserting a coin and turning anti clockwise. Weather resistant as opposed to weather proof, I’d be inclined toward a precautionary blob of Vaseline on the contacts but driving rain and my garden hose torture test have made negligible impression and under normal circumstances, the marques legendary no quibble warrantee gives further piece of mind.

The system is designed with full “sausage finger” winter gloves in mind, prod the switch and it engages, prod again and to choose static or flashing modes. The action is a very smooth, yet definite click, easily operated on the fly but unlikely to engage in pockets, panniers or messenger bags.

Quality of light is excellent- in either mode and if you simply wanted capable contingency lighting for the best bike, it’s hard to see where you’d go wrong. Blackburn doesn’t specify output but there’s ample for moderately lit town and city centres. Visibility seems to be from around 300 to 350 metres in steady/flashing modes respectively while the surface area pricks driver consciousness at the usual danger spots. Used primarily in flashing mode, ours has chalked up 134 hours from the original batteries, six short of the claimed optimum but impressive nonetheless.

Verdict

An extremely well executed back up light – highly recommended