Glowworm X2 Mk3

In one of those switch-about things, we have Glowworm’s new edition of its twin-lamp unit for our helmet test, while having had its single lamp X1 in our recent handlebar test. Of course there’s nothing to stop you running whichever one you want, wherever you want. The system features a 1500 lumen lamp and our system here comes with the four-cell battery, though the two-cell one will save you weight and £20 too. The CNC headlamp uses a rubber o-ring to control the up/down movement of the lamp (and unlike the Lupine, can be cranked down tight to stop it moving). There’s a velcro-backed, remote switch on a hardwired lead and we’re pleased to say the new switch is a robust little thing and an improvement on the older version. While we’re at it, the unit is waterproof and the connectors are all shielded from the damp.

The rubber-covered battery unit has a 100/80/40/20% indicator and it’ll either velcro to your helmet or slip into a jersey or Camelbak with the extension lead. If you want to run it on the bars, there’s a neat o-ring mount included too.

There are two easily-accessible modes: ‘trail’ is accessed by a click, while ‘commuter’ starts with a double-click. Trail mode gives you low/medium/high – from a 600 lumen low (9hr burn) up to 1500 lumens (with a 2.5hr burn) – there’s also a dim mode that’ll run for 48 hours. The commuter programme limits the lumens to 1000, but gives five hours burn in return – plus there’s a flash mode for being seen. In addition, you can delve deeper into the menu and set up whatever light-levels you want to run, all programmed with the single button. Clever stuff.

Overall: The X2 gives the kind of programmability that you only used to get with super expensive German lights. While it’s not quite up to German levels of fanaticism, it’ll suit trail riders everywhere who are after a great, versatile light for not too much cash.

Review Info