Product Review: DiNotte 200L LED Headlight & 140L LED TaillightI have been using the DiNotte 200L headlight & 140L taillight system since November 2007. Its about time I write down my thoughts about these products.
I picked them on a special Friday sale directly from DiNotte. The sale basically was $9 less than the standard package but came with extra items thrown in.
DiNotte 200L LED Headlight Package Contents $160
* 200 Lumen LED light engine
* Battery Holder (2)
* Battery Charger
* AA NiMH batteries 2700mAh (4)
* O-Rings (2)
* Velcro Straps (2)
* Helmet Mount
* Battery Bag (2)
DiNotte 140L LED Taillight Package Contents $160:
* 120 Lumen LED light engine
* Battery Holder (2)
* Battery Charger
* AA NiMH Batteries 2700mAh (4)
* O-Rings Large (2)
* O-Rings Small (2)
* Taillight Mount (2)
* Velcro Straps (2)
* Battery Bag (2)
Mounting
DiNotte's choice of mounting system is one of the most simple to use. All it takes is slipping the o-ring around the handlebar or seatpost and slipping it into the groove on the light engine. No special mounting hardware required, its that simple. The o-ring has enough holding power to keep the light pointed where its aimed.
Operating Modes
Both the headlight and taillight units have 6 modes of use, 3 steady light and 3 flashing mode. It makes them quite versatile.
To operate either unit:
Double press power button to turn on.
Press and hold power button for 2 seconds to turn off
Press power button to change the brightness in steady mode or flashing pattern mode
To switch between steady and flash hold the power button down for 6 seconds then double press power button to turn on. It's that simple to use.
The light system power button also doubles as a mode indicator that blinks (in blue) in various patterns to let you know what brightness level or flashing pattern is being used. When your batteries get low, the power button will switch from blue to red and switch to low brightness mode. This is a nice feature of the light rather than just shutting off you still have some reserve light available.
Run time on the AA system provides me adequate run time for the commute I do. Per the instruction manual the run times are as follows:
Single Light Run Times on 4 Cell AA NI-MH
2 Hours @ 100%
4 Hours @ 50%
8 Hours @ 25%
12 Hours Slow Pulse
6 Hours Rapid Pulse
6 Hours Strobe
Comparisons:
My 1st lighting system I used for commuting was a SuperGo HL-10 10w halogen and a Blackburn Mars 3.0 taillight for the rear. The SuperGo unit had one mode only and that was on. It provided me adequate light for my commute, but lacked decent run time. The DiNotte was noticeably brighter and with the various modes available to me, I can extend the run times by carryong an extra battery clip (125g). The taillight unit by far hands down must be one of the brightest units available on the market. You are seen and that's what counts.
Ever since I started using the DiNotte system back in November 2007, here are some of my observations:
* Cars pulling out of parking lots or side streets see me approaching
* Cars in back of me give a wider berth when passing
* I can see further down the road compared to my 1st unit
* I am noticed well before the cars come up behind me and they actually slow down before passing
Since I got these lights, night riding has been less stressful and actually enjoyable. The units are a bit pricey, but for what they provide, its cheap insurance when your life could depend on it.
Additional DiNotte Specs:
Charge time 4 hours
4 Cell AA Ni-MH 125g
Light Engine 185g
Beam Angle: 18 deg
Headlight Output 200 Lumens
Taillight Output 120 Lumens
