This review dives into the Olight RN3500 and RN180TL bike lights, evaluating their performance and features. We'll explore the build quality, brightness, and battery life of the RN3500, a powerful 3500-lumen front light, and compare its illumination capabilities to a standard 475-lumen light. The review also assesses the RN180TL rear light, focusing on its smart features such as brake sensing and automatic brightness adjustment, examining how well these features enhance rider safety and visibility. Real-world testing on unlit gravel paths will provide insights into the lights' performance in demanding conditions.From premium packaging to on-trail performance, we'll cover all aspects of these Olight lights. This detailed review will help you determine if the RN3500 and RN180TL are the right choice for your cycling needs, considering their strengths and limitations, including charging time and the external battery pack of the RN3500. We'll provide a comprehensive assessment to inform your decision-making process, weighing the superior brightness and safety features against any potential drawbacks.
Pros And Cons
- Max output of 3500 lumens
- Lasts for approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes at max brightness
- Can run at 300 lumens for approximately 20 hours
- External battery
- Takes 9 hours to fully charge
- Large battery
- Smart tail light
- Brake sensor
- Adjusts output based on ambient light
Read more: Bicycle Taillight Comparison: MagicShine, NiteRider, & More
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Olight RN3500 and RN180TL arrived in surprisingly premium packaging, exceeding expectations for a brand I wasn't overly familiar with. The attention to detail in the packaging instilled immediate confidence in the product quality.
The RN3500 itself is a compact, well-machined aluminum light. The external battery is a bit of a drawback, but understandable given the light's impressive 3500-lumen output.
The RN180TL rear light is sleek and modern. Its smart features, such as the brake sensor and ambient light adjustment, are attractive additions.
Brightness Comparison and Run Time
The lumen difference between the Olight RN3500 (3500 lumens) and my existing 475-lumen light was striking. The RN3500 was significantly brighter, illuminating a much larger area.
The RN3500's battery, a hefty 5200mAh unit, boasts a full charge time of nine hours. While that's a considerable time, it reflects the power it delivers.
I predict that using the light at around 300 lumens would yield approximately 20 hours of runtime, making it suitable for extended night rides.
Real-World Night Ride Test
I took the Olight RN3500 and RN180TL for a test ride on an unlit gravel path. The RN3500's brightness was exceptional, easily illuminating the trail ahead, even on challenging single-track sections.
The RN180TL rear light performed well, providing ample visibility to other trail users. I especially appreciated the automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light.
I initially underestimated the light's brightness settings and used a less intense mode. However, utilizing the full brightness significantly enhanced my riding experience.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Olight RN3500 and RN180TL exceeded my expectations. The RN3500 delivers incredible brightness and impressive runtime for its size.
The RN180TL is a functional and stylish rear light with practical smart features. The overall package is high-quality.
While the RN3500's nine-hour charge time is a factor, the superior illumination makes it a worthwhile purchase for cyclists prioritizing safety and visibility.