NiteRider Pro 1500 Race LED Light NiteRider lights have long been regarded as the benchmark for off-road lighting systems and in 2011 they once again have leap-frogged the competition with their new high powered LED lights. The NiteRider Pro 1500 Race is where the racers, pros and serious enthusiasts want to be looking at for a powerful, long-lasting and durable lightset for training and 24hr racing. With 1500 Lumens of genuine light output, a Lithium Ion battery that pumps out light for up to 6 hours, and a level of build quality that you just can't get on the Chinese or Taiwanese stuff, the NiteRider Pro 1500 Race light is tough to beat for value. There are some big claims going around currently from some generic brands offering high powered lights for very low cost, however after testing these systems in anger we found them to be lacking in overall power, build quality and even safety in some cases (batteries melting anyone?). The old adage that you get what you pay for is no more apt when considering the NiteRider bike light range. In fact, we state quite confidently that NiteRider bike lights are exceptional value for money, particularly after testing the Minewt 350 lumen light that is actually brighter than another “claimed” 900 lumen light. Aside from the actual light and the NiteRider battery, the package is rounded out with quality items that won't let you down on the trail, such as the NiteRider helmet mount that is as adjustable as it is solid. All of the wiring and electronics are built in San Diego, California and are tested rigourously beyond the standards used for the cheap stuff. Race Model For 2012, NiteRider have split the latest Pro 1500 lights into 2 different models; 'Race' and 'Standard'. With a stripped back design, the Race model is not only lighter but more simple due to the omission of the programmable lighting settings. The battery ditches the docking piggyback and instead mounts directly to your frames top or down tube with 2 Velcro straps, helping to drop weight down to just 435 grams for the whole system - 170 grams lighter than the regular Pro 1500. The battery is a 4 Cell Lithium Ion unit that is rechargeable with an included AC adapter, which you can charger during any point in the batteries cycle. A huge upgrade for 2012 is the use of a high powered CREE LED that boosts power over 50% from last years model, providing a class-leading 1500 Lumens of (verified) light. The head unit uses integrated vents to keep the globe running cool and features an 8-step fuel gauge that provides you with an accurate indication of how much battery life you have left. Testament to NiteRider's attention to detail is the inclusion of a circuit protector that flicks the battery off in the event that the connection cord is pulled from the light unit. With 3 different light modes that vary power output between 450 - 1500 Lumens, you always have the right amount of power depending on trail condition and the easy-to-toggle button allows you to switch between modes to maximise battery life. You can mount the headlight onto your helmet or handlebar with included brackets, while the battery will either fit into your jersey pocket or Camelbak, or onto your frame with the integrated Velcro straps. With the lighter battery, boost in power and simple mode system, the Pro 1500 answers all the questions we had with the previous model and makes this new light a standout in a crowded night light market. From NiteRider: "With more than double the light output of the Pro 700, the Pro 1500 sets the trail ablaze. The Pro 1500 is available in two models, DIY and Race, the DIY model allows the user to fully customize your light settings and output while the Race model comes loaded with 3 light settings plus flash mode. The Race model is equipped with a lightweight 4 cell battery, while the DIY model utilizes a 6 cell battery." The NiteRider Pro 1500 Race lightset features:
Ok