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review
Lights - front
Moon Comet Front lightMoon Comet front

Moon Comet Front light

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Dec 29, 2012

0
£29.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Fairly powerful commuter light but side visibility could be better
Weight: 
37g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk
How we test

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The Moon Comet front light resembles an office strip light that's been passed through a matter-shrinking device. The result is an extremely powerful and surprisingly tuneable light source capable of 110 lumens in overdrive setting.

Most conventional designs work on the basis of a single diode fitted to single printed circuit board, but the Comet employs COB (chips on board) technology whereby a series of tiny diodes proliferate the same space. On paper at least, these enjoy a lifespan of 25,000 hours whereas the rechargeable lithium polymer batteries are good for five hundred cycles before retirement.

Getting started demands a couple of hours charging via a USB port. Run time is excellent; we've managed one hour twenty seven, two hours thirty three, six hours thirteen respectively in overdrive, high, standard, 50/100% flash and strobe settings. The low battery indicator gives plenty of notice when it's giving out.

The watch-strap style mounting system works well and seems dependable.

Weatherproofing is always something of a compromise but we've had no problems in spite of deliberately leaving the port plug open and riding sans mudguards for several hours along waterlogged roads.

A recessed, rubberised switch is in keeping with the Comet's sleek profile but a little hit n' miss in full-finger gloves, especially on the fly, which is a consideration for winter.

Straddling the gap between see-by and seen-with, it's been possible to navigate unlit sections to around 18 mph thanks to a lovely pure beam in 'overdrive' mode. Drivers acknowledged my approach from approximately six hundred metres, less around town.

Dipping down to 'high' from 'overdrive' conserves power and seems optimal for segregated cycle paths to fourteen mph, pricking driver and pedestrian consciousness from 500 metres, although strobe and 100/50% flashing options catch the eye more easily.

Swapping from steady to flashing means depressing the switch for a few seconds, whereupon single prods select the most appropriate speed.

My only criticism of the Comet is that I'd like a little more side visibility to help at junctions and roundabouts.

Verdict

Fairly powerful commuter light but side visibility could be better.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Moon Comet Front light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Frankly it's another cutting edge blinkey designed for city limits/contingency applications-say on the best bike, or as capable sidekick to more powerful, main systems.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

Technical details

1 PCE COB high brightness LED

100 lumen output

Internal Li ion battery

USB rechargeable

2 hour USB charge time

Full beam 3 hours

Low beam 7 hours

Features

USB rechargeable

Flashing & constant modes

Low battery indicator

Auto charge cut off

�–�Side visibility

�–�Includes seat post and saddle mount brackets

�–�Horizontal & vertical mounting

Dimensions: 79mm x 22mm x 17mm 32.6g

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
7/10
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
7/10

A super convenient watch-strap type ensuring dependable purchase on all diameters, while allowing the light to be mounted vertically or horizontal.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
6/10

Generally good and certainly on par with the USB breed.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
7/10
Rate the light for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the light for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the light for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Moon Comet's specialist technology produces one of the purest beams I've encountered to date. Rubberised switches feel a little odd, yet are easy to use and it's obtrusively charged from USB ports without attracting attention from the office snitch.

 

Great for desk bound commuters and/or winter training, 100 lumens is adequate for suburban navigation but shared and flashing are equally conspicuous to oncoming traffic. However, peripheral presence needs improvement and the battery indicator is less informative than others in its class.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Quality of output and quirky design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Peripherally weak.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? Yes.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Moon Comet Front light
Moon
Light
Front light
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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