Choosing the right bike light can be crucial for night riding safety. This comparison pits three popular models against each other: the Shark 500, Cateye Volt 800, and Planet Bike 650 XLR. We put these lights through rigorous testing, both in a controlled dark environment and during real-world night rides, to assess their brightness, battery life, and mounting systems. Our goal is to help you determine which light offers the best performance and value for your cycling needs, regardless of budget.This showdown goes beyond simple lumen comparisons. We delve into the practical aspects of each light's performance, including its effectiveness in various weather conditions and the usability of its mounting system. We examine not only peak brightness but also how each light performs in different modes, including flashing, and assess the longevity of their batteries. Ultimately, we aim to provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of each light's strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed purchasing decision.
Pros And Cons
- Brightest
- Cheapest
- Amazing flashing mode
- Simple mounting
- Allows some angle rotation
- Battery life: two hours on high, eight hours on low, four hours flashing
- Flashing is less bright than expected
- Bright
- Not as bright as expected for 800 lumens
- 80 dollar price point
- Mounting is silly
Read more: Bicycle Taillight Comparison: MagicShine, NiteRider, & More
Brightness Comparison: A Dark Garage Test
The initial test took place in a dark garage to accurately assess the brightness of each bike light. The lights were tested individually and then in combination to highlight the differences in luminance. Environmental factors like the garage's darkness helped to showcase the lights' performance.
First, the Planet Bike 650 XLR was turned on. Its brightness was noted as relatively decent. Then, the Cateye Volt 800 was added, and its noticeably greater intensity was observed. Finally, the Shark 500 was introduced, immediately standing out as the brightest of the three.
Real-World Performance: Night Ride Observations
During actual night rides, the surprising brightness of the Shark 500 became apparent. The reviewer initially underestimated its intensity, believing the higher-lumen Cateye Volt 800 would be superior. The exceptional brightness of the Shark 500 was even mistaken for a car's headlights during a rainy night ride.
This incident highlighted the unexpected power of the budget-friendly Shark 500, proving its effectiveness for night cycling. The experience underscores the importance of considering real-world performance beyond the manufacturer's specifications.
Features and Battery Life: A Detailed Comparison
The Shark 500 boasts an impressive battery life despite its small size, offering up to 50 hours in flashing mode and several other modes with decent battery life as well. The Cateye Volt 800 offers good brightness but shorter battery life, with approximately two hours on high and up to eight hours on low settings. The Planet Bike 650 XLR offers a more modest battery life, proving less impressive.
Each light exhibited different flashing modes with varying brightness levels. The Shark 500's flashing mode was praised for its visibility; however, the other two lights had less impressive flashing modes, providing lower visibility.
Mounting and Overall Value: Final Verdict
Mounting mechanisms varied across the three lights. The Shark 500's mounting system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, allowing for adjustment of angles. The Cateye Volt 800 also had an adjustable mounting bracket, but not as widely regarded.
The Planet Bike 650 XLR's mounting was described as “silly” and less practical compared to the other two. Overall, the Shark 500 offered the best value for money, surpassing expectations in brightness and battery life despite its lower cost. Although the Cateye Volt 800 provided decent brightness, the Shark 500 ultimately reigned supreme in this comparison due to its brightness, performance and battery life.
