SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

There’s a decent amount as standard and the overall specification is slightly better than I’ve come to expect of the torch type genre. The housing is made from CNC machined 6061 aluminium alloy treated to an equally rugged satin black anodised finish. IPX6 for weatherproofing is increasingly standard but means it should withstand some pretty wild weather and everything bar immersion.

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Two powerful diodes are projected through a polycarbonate lens, which is a spot and flood design. The former with “cut off” car type design to prevent dazzling. For this reason, the light must not be mounted upside down, or “bat fashion” as I refer to it.

 

One of the major talking points is the mighty 10000mAh lithium-ion battery, which is practical for longer night rides at full power. Rather than many, which are designed for commuting and training with scope for shorter blasts through the sticks.

 

For context, Sigma Buster 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing is equipped with a 7000mAh lithium-Ion cell, Ravemen PR2400 is 8000mAh, Ravemen’s K1800 Front Light  Ravemen K1800 Front Light | cycling-not-racing is 5,000mAh.  This charges via a supplied USB C cable and can also be used as a power bank, thanks to the second port and double-ended connector. Both are tucked away at the back, behind a suitably beefy and snug-fitting cover.  The two-year warrantee also adds welcome peace of mind, although if my experience is anything to go by, I can’t see many calling upon it.

 

Mount 3.5/5

A beefy lamp needs a beefy mount, and the Magicshine MJ-6512 aluminium handlebar mount is included in the package. Spares are available separately for £13.99, should you want to conveniently swap between bikes. It’s the familiar Garmin pattern but made from sturdy CNC machined aluminium and with a series of shims than can be used singularly, or together to ensure vice-like tenure to different handlebar diameters.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to discover I could achieve a really secure union with the Genetic Neuron Accessory Bars GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing, although it’s worth noting I’d also dressed these in leftover cork wrap and Genetic Hi-Grip Genetic Hi-Grip Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing to act as further damping No problems with 31.8, 26 and 25.4 bulge diameters, as we’d expected, albeit with a little patience and shim juggling.

 

I wasn't surprised to discover a spare composite mount from its smaller Ray2600 sibling was up to the job-provided it was nipped up very snugly. Nonetheless, CNC aluminium alloy was my preferred choice, given the 3000's weight.  This out-front, auction-site special proved a superior substitute, brings the light slightly lower for a dazzle-free, sleeker aesthetic.  

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Modes & Switch 3.75/5

 There are eight modes in total, carried across three settings and sequences. Starting with the low beam, which in my view covers most bases of road riding. We have 375lumens (cited as a 22.5 hour run time), two 750lumens (10.5 hours and 13.5 hours) and 1500lumens (4.5 hours). Next comes a hybrid setting comprising of 1500lumens (6.5 hours) and the full 3,000lumens (3hours). Finally, there are two flashing modes, only accessible via the wireless remote.

Night flash ranges between 165 and 900lumens (cited 24.5 hours) while the day counterpart offers 1500lumens (33hours cited). The main switch is a top mounted, raised slightly rubbery feeling, yet positive affair. This incorporates an easy-to-read chare level indicator green denotes 100-21% charge, whereupon it will turn red.  Flashing red denotes you’ve 10% and declining charge but thoughtfully, the light will automatically kick down to the lowest power setting to conserve juice. Ideally avoid doing this too often. I should also point out there’s a downloadable app, so you can fine-tune outputs to suit your environment. This could be particularly helpful on a regular commute, or training loop.

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Pressing the switch with the light off will denote the charge status. Holding it down for three seconds will activate the lockout, which will prevent unwanted power ups when its bouncing around in the bottom of a pannier. Holding the switch for three seconds will see it turn green-unlocked and ready to use.

 

Otherwise, a single second press will turn the light on or off. Subsequent, single presses will cycle through the modes. Swift double presses alternates between low and high beam. Then of course, there are the day and night flash, which can only be accessed using the FTR light Sync remote.This employs a fit n’ forget rechargeable battery, which is convenient for the most part, provided you’re disciplined with charging.  You’ll notice there are two buttons. One with a square, the other a circle. Either button held for a second or so will engage or switch the light off.  The square button will automatically unleash the full 3,000lumens, double pressing will engage and alternate between the day and night flash.  

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Double-pressing the circle alternates between high and low beam, single presses work through the available modes.  This took a few rides to become second nature, and I’d recommend doing a few trial runs before heading out like the proverbial child at Christmas. I’ve not had any issues with other Magicshine remotes hijacking the unit and creating mischief.  Some computer head units will also pair using the ANT+ technology.

 

Front and rear Magicshine lights with FTR can also be synced, say if you wanted both to set as day flash for maximum presence. Depress both buttons on the remote for five seconds until its indicator light flashes blue- you’ve entered pairing mode. Now turn on both lights, position them close together, with the remote. Engage and hold both buttons on the remote. When both light indicators turns steady blue, you’ve successfully paired everything. This initially took a few attempts but intuitive thereafter.

Output 4.25/5

Impressive across the board. The full 3,000 is way too intense for all but the murkiest, foggiest country lanes but really bring the trail to life and thanks to the lights throw, gives ample view of conditions and potential hazards. (although confused some deer, squirrels and rabbits, who weren’t quite sure where to run). As a rough n’ ready I was able to maintain a steady 17-20mph canter through swoopy singletrack, faster on the descents, when conditions were clear.

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The spot giving a clear idea of the deal, the flood a generic sweep and largely rendering a second, helmet mounted lamp redundant.  Given my benchmark for country lanes is a 1300lumens, I wasn’t surprised to discover the 1500lumens provided plenty of navigational clout for the sticks and a steady 20-25mph, depending how fresh, or tired my legs were feeling.

 

Optical quality is good enough for tackling less challenging single-track, dirt road and forest trails at a reasonable 16-17mph, faster on clear nights-great if you’re looking to conserve some power on a long ride or are preparing to rejoin metalled road.  Provided the light’s angled correctly, no issues with dazzling oncoming traffic, suggesting the cut off lens technology is genuinely effective.

However, with a bit of practice, dipping down to 750lumens, or lower-say when entering semi-rural and suburban stretches becomes second nature. Those the lens windows are less pronounced than some, there’s ample peripheral bleed for remaining very conspicuous when entering the flow of traffic-even at bigger roundabouts.

 

Continuing the seen-with narrative, I’ve had no issues with being seen even in the lower modes along country lanes. Much the same story with the low 375 lumens, but 750 gives the freedom to blast along with ample notice of lumps, bumps and other potential hazards. Anecdotally, oncoming traffic seemed to respond around 50-60 metres by dipping their lights and braking slightly.  

 

375lumens is more than adequate for suburban navigation but thanks in part to the lens technology is assertive rather abrasive at close quarters. Contexts where the night flash, though very effective, not to mention frugal felt a little over-potent. Other vehicles seemed to clock me at around 50-60 metres, denoted by slowing slightly.  As for the flashing modes, despite some reservations in built-up areas, I’ve found them very effective. 

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The 1500lumen day flash cuts through intense sunlight like the proverbial knife through butter.  Some suggested it might be a little too potent, but I’ve not experienced any hostility from oncoming traffic especially when sitting lower on the forward-facing stem mount. The tempo is moderate and other riders suggested they could spot it at 125metres, 150 metres plus on an overcast morning.  

 

I’ve tended to run the night flash early evening, through to dusk in semi/rural contexts and then switch to the 1500lumens for unlit roads but, in terms of being seen by others, the throw and peripheral bleed are incredibly captivating.   Perfect for roundabouts, junctions and holding people’s attention when they’re emerging from side roads. Talking peripheral, I have noticed, while the beam quality is very pure across the modes, there is some slight colour distortion at the very broadest points. However, this hasn’t impaired navigational prowess or otherwise proved distracting.    

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Run/Charge Times 3.75/5

I wasn’t surprised to discover our sample coming within minutes of the cited run times- at least in temperatures between 20 and 7 degrees. Charge times are similarly aligned to Magicshine’s. Fed from the OEM USB C, its gone from zero to fully fuelled in the 2.5 hours, using a higher capacity tablet cable has saved fifteen minutes. Nonetheless, this is impressive by genre standards and particularly the output and battery capacity involved. It’s obviously good practice not to deplete the battery too often and the generous run times in the 1500lumen setting means for general riding, keeping it fully charged shouldn’t be too much of a chore.  Oh, remember to refuel the remote too, especially if you want to access the flashing settings. The charge indicator can be a little misleading, since it also communicates the light’s charge level. I’ve needed to charge ours twice during the five-week test period, once from the box and again four weeks later.

 

Durability/Care 4.25/5

An expiring Garmin mount spat ours across the tarmac at 17mph and having rescued it, I was relieved and reassured to discover this impact made zero impression.  Not so much as a mark in the anodising, which is pleasing, especially given the Ray3000 is marketed at gravel and trail audiences. Similarly, though I had some quiet reservations about the port cover, this has proven snug against the elements, and I’ve had no qualms leaving it in situ while exorcising scuzzy bikes. No hint of ingress, although I would give the port cover the odd shot of silicone spray will keep it nourished and fitting snugly. Otherwise, with regular charging and basic care, I see no obvious reason why it won’t serve faithfully- the two-year warrantee is also very reassuring.

Value 4.25/5

£139.99 is decent value given the specification and accessories included in the package. Cat Eye AMPP 1700 (£139.99) is a six-mode design employing their Opticube lens, a CNC-machined aluminium housing, a lock mode and 3 colour battery life indicator. However, run times are modest in the Ultra Boost (1700lumen1.25 hours) and high (1300 lumens-1.75 hours) so better suited to those who ride shorter distances along unlit roads. The AMPP only complies with IPX4, which feels a little low-rent by contemporary standards.  

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Lezyne Megadrive 2400+ Front Light is dearer at £180. It boasts a CNC-machined aluminium alloy housing, eight modes, a maximum of 2400lumens and an ultra-frugal femto mode, claimed to return 450hours from a full charge. It also employs a big, by genre standards 9600mAh lithium-ion battery and IPX7 for weather resistance.

Fast charging is another draw.  Run times are favourable in the 1500 blast mode (cited as 4 hours) and there are a good range of modes for most riding contexts. You can also buy a secondary battery for extended outings. However, unleashing the full 2400lumens translates as 2hrs 15 minutes, which falls short of the Magicshine Ray 3000 ANT+   

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Glow Worm CX Core Light System (G2.1) is £135 and produces a maximum of 1750lumens. The package contains assorted mounting options, including helmet, remote switch and can be commanded by an app. Run times are much shorter than the Magicshine- a claimed 80minutes at full power but it can be paired with a power bank for extended ride times and can be fast charged- cited as 1.25 hours using a 45W USB-PD charger.

Summary

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As packages go, the Magicshine Ray 3000 ANT+ represents excellent value for money and superior run times to others producing similar outputs. A serious selling point, particularly if much of your winter riding is along unlit roads.

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While the 3000 lumens belongs on the trail, the 1500 and 750lumens enjoy much better economy. There is some trade-off in terms of weight and the Ray3000ANT+ does consume quite a bit of handlebar space. However, I’ve found a sturdy aluminium alloy out-front stem mount has overcome this. 

Michael Stenning

Verdict: 4/5 powerful and very practical light-especially for longer night rides

Magicshine UK | Official UK Distributor of Bike Lights

  

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