Global Gear – Nocturn Lights

I recently acquired some new bike lights from a small company named Global Gear. They are producing some fairly impressive handlebar and helmet lights. I haven’t had a chance to take them for a test ride but I will very soon and report back to more details and hopefully some night ride pictures.

They come in a pretty nice case and are made using a pretty decent specs. The model W660 light is their handlebar light which claims to have 660 lumens, 2.5 hour runtime, and most importantly to myself 95 grams (Yes, I am a weight wennie.)

I also have their Helmet light model N230 which also has some impressive numbers. It is a narrow beam with 230 claimed lumens 4-8 hour runtime and the same 95 grams.

So far without having put them to the trail test, I am fairly impressed with these lights. I have really embraced LED lights in every way. A few months ago I replaced almost every light in my house with LED bulbs using 7-12 Watts of electricity versus 60-100 Watts for an old school incandescent bulb. Every flashlight I own has been replaced with LED bulbs. I have even built my own LED bike light that I ride with. I have done my research in the LED world and so have these guys.

The model W660 is built with the Cree MC-E bulb which is actually 4 tiny LED combined on a single 20mm board. I can’t confirm but it’s very similar to the Cree MC-E that I have in my NiteRider 600 Pro. The reflector used is also made of an alloy not some plastic with chrome paint. The batteries are also Lithium-Ion rated at 4400 mAhs at 3.7 Volts. The mounts are also alloy and once clamped down I’m pretty sure they won’t move during the ride like some other lights with a rubber O-Ring fastener.

The most important specification that I will point out is the price. The model W660 is $99 and the model N230 is $79 which includes the light, battery, charger, and mounts.

One last thing… Check out the FAQ on their website http://www.global-gear.com/. They did a pretty good job on explaining the difference on a Handlebar versus a Helmet light.

It’s summer and the daylight isn’t too much of an issue. But like all good things, these wonderful warm and long days will come to an end, even for us fortunate enough to live in Southern California. So when it does, just grab some bike lights and keep on riding.

Stay tuned for a full review and comparison.