Grinder Review: Helmet Lights Grouptest

LiteOption Ray-3a MTB Light

Price: £245.00
From: LiteOption www.liteoption.com

The catchily-named Ray-3a is at the other end of the faff spectrum to the Exposure Lights systems. The head lamp unit goes onto the helmet simply enough (the usual Velcro loop) but then, as well as stringing the battery cable into your backpack (or jersey/jacket pocket) in as neat and un-snaggable a way as possible, there’s a secondary cable with a button on the end that you need to pass under your armpit to clip on somewhere easily accessed. The idea is to position the button in as convenient a place as possible (ie. a rucksack strap). It’s a good idea in theory but out on the trail it doesn’t really prove to be any quicker or safer than operating a button situated on the lamp unit on your helmet. All in all we’d be quite happy to put up with a button on our head in exchange for a less-tied-up-in-cables affair that makes it easier to change clothing layers or get something from your Backpack. The illumination on offer however is brilliant. A little bit more oomph than the Exposure Lights Diablo, with a similarly well-executed beam array. Penetrating depth with a clean pool of light for immediate terrain. The lamp unit is light enough not to be noticeable, is easily tilt-adjustable and stays put during rough rides. The burn times – four hours on full power – are impressive, and further make us question the point of a remote button/switch (just leave it on high).

Overall: An impressively well-made light. Excellent illumination. Great burn times. Can we have a system without the remote switch please?

Review Info