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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: APRIL 26th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Ravemen LR1200 Front Light
200g (inc. bracket) Matt Black £79.99
The Ravemen LR1200 is a torch type rechargeable aimed at the cyclist who wants to go that bit further and farther. 1200 max suggests racing and longer night events, too – except, perhaps, technical trails. Whilst it may not have the sophistication of some of its relatives in the Ravemen family, there’s an awful lot to like, and not just a distinctly decent rrp.
Pros: good run times, compatible with a power bank, clear, broad beam, anti-dazzle lens.
Cons: remote control not included, only one flash mode.
Spec 4.5/5
So, the box contains the light itself, the mounting bracket, a couple of rubber shims, the ubiquitous charging cable, and the Allen key required to tighten the bracket. Unlike some of Ravemen’s bright lights – and some dimmer ones – there’s no remote control. However, it is available for purchase (ARB02 wired remote).
Anodised matt black aluminium isn’t uncommon, but always looks good, in my opinion. The control button is a prominent rubber square that also acts as the charge indicator – as with other Ravemen lights. Toward the lens is a sensor for daylight running. There’s a “hot” warning, as well. There are some fins underneath the body of the light to help dissipate heat, too.
The daylight running sensor allows the light to intelligently switch between levels of brightness; the brighter the weather, the lower the flash. In this mode, too, the light will turn itself off if static for more than two minutes – and turn back on when movement is detected.
The daylight running sensor allows the light to intelligently switch between levels of brightness; the brighter the weather, the lower the flash. In this mode, too, the light will turn itself off if static for more than two minutes – and turn back on when movement is detected.
Lens technology is a strength of Ravemen lights. This makes sure that the 1200 lumens max is wide-angle with the top of the beam cut off to avoid dazzling on-coming drivers and cyclists – others, too.
Waterproof to IPX6, the LR1200 should withstand all but significant submersion. The charging ports are sealed against the weather by the familiar rubber flaps. I’ve left it out in the rain overnight and noticed no ingress next morning.
Charge and run times 3.75/5
Three hours from zilch to full: not unusual and pretty decent, and a little less than Ravemen suggest. As ever, best charge up before the battery drains completely. You’ll know this when the charge indicator flashes red (under 15% charge) – green is fine, solid red less than 30%.
Run times are spot on as far as I can see. True, I rarely use a single mode for a whole journey as I am generally riding mixed surface routes in lit and unlit environments. However, night time gravel riders – and others – can rely on the quoted times. In fact, as with other Ravemen lights I have tested, you’ll get a few minutes longer. In this case, I have got fifteen minutes or so. Partly down to the intelligent tech that recognises when the charge is diminished and acts accordingly.
Modes 4.25/5
There are five. That is not especially fancy, but for me, at least, is plenty. I understand there are those who like finer tuning to their needs, but, in my opinion, there is much to be said for simplicity. All modes are in the wide-beam, unlike Ravemen’s dual-lens range.
Here they are;
High 1200 lumens for 1.6 hours; Mid 600 3 hours; low 300 6.5; Eco 150 14.5; Rapid flashing 600 25.5. The Emergency light is 1200.
Of course, run times are affected by external factors, but I’ll reiterate that the published run times seem to be pretty accurate. Whilst they are not especially long, you may only need the top power for brief spells – you ain’t going to be doing long technical night rides, but you are going to find your way through the woods on a moonless night on a short cut home from the Temperance
Reading Room. Its 1200 lumens give around 25 to 30 metres of clear, wide-angle light, and picks out reflective detail a long way ahead. The photo was taken on entering the Grenofen tunnel on the Devon C2C route.
I’ve found the 600 lumens mid mode great for pre-dawn commutes along narrow, familiar canal towpaths at a steady fifteen mph, whilst low or even eco modes are fine for when I hit the quiet city streets. I prefer the low 300 mode when the city streets are busier as dark falls.
The 600 mid mode compares well, although not quite measuring up to the raw power of the Sinewave Beacon (750 lumens), nor its range. However, it has enabled me to travel at similar speeds in the same terrain. I get the feeling that a few on-coming cyclists, pedestrians and drivers like the flatter light and the lower output!
The 600 flash should get you seen a couple of hundred yards away on the sunniest day. Certainly, there’s great presence at 100 yards.
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Switch 4.25/5
The switch requires a firm press, but is easily operated even in winter gloves. When the light is on it glows: green charge is over 30%; red it is
over 15%; red flash time to recharge as soon as you can. A long three to five second press turns it blue and brings the daylight running sensor into play. A single press takes you out of daylight running; a long press turns the light off.
I’ve not experienced and unwonted activation, even when temporarily mislaying the light under the tool kit and spare tubes at the bottom of the pannier.
Gloves have not made activation or changing mode awkward. Equally helpful is luminescence which makes the switch so easy to spot
Bracket/Mount 4/5
Two shims accompany the bracket to fit standard bar diameters. I’ve preferred Ravemen’s watch-strap mounting – nicked from one of their other lights. That makes poring easier, although Rvaemen’s mounts are generally interchangeable, with the exception of that for the mighty dual-lens PR2400. A after-market upside-down mount is available.
General Performance 4.5/5
Around the periphery, side-on presence is pretty good. As ever, a definite plus for multi-surface riding.
The core function of a front light is to show the way, as well as to get you seen. This light does both very well, and without causing huge offence to others.
Value 4/5
Whilst £79.99 is not to b sneered at, this is not a lot for a rechargeable light with this output and build quality. Its PR1200 sibling is £20 pricier, although it is dual-lens and has a wider range of modes. That may endear it more to riders who seek to switch between spot and flood for their type of riding. There are PR1600 an PR2400 models, too, for even more lumens. Equally, there is an LR1600 (review to follow).
Blackburn Day Blazer 1100 is an obvious comparator. RRP is higher, but you may find it discounted on-line. Like the LR1200 is has smaller and bigger siblings. Whilst the Day Blazer may offer a little more sophistication in some aspects, it boasts a beam with a “hot centre and cool edges” suggesting more of a road orientation. Published charge time is longer, too.
Similar in power, but with more in common with Ravemen’s PR 1200 is the dual-lens Magic Shine Ray 1100. It retails at a couple of pounds cheaper than the LR1200.
Summary
The wide-angle beam shouts “Trail!”. However, this is also an admirable light for road use. With sensible modes and plenty of oomph, it is a really good bet for those hitting multiple surfaces in a single ride, and who want to ride with a bit more verve than allowed by, say 800 lumens or thereabouts. You get Jacks-of-All-Trades that master none, but this one masters the middle round. I’ll take it touring, too – as a back-up should anything go awry with the hub dynamo light.
Verdict 4.5/5 Straight-forward and highly functional all-purpose bicycle light.
Steve Dyster
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PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2022
