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review
Lights - front
Lezyne KTV Pro front lightLezyne KTV Pro front light

Lezyne KTV Pro front light

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 8, 2015

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Nicely designed safety light with distinctive settings and high quality output
Weight: 
52g
Contact: 
shop.upgradebikes.co.uk
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The Lezyne KTV Pro front light is a six mode safety light, intended mostly for being seen, that's just powerful enough for suburban navigation in blast mode. Its build and quality of output in lower settings are its most compelling features.

Eighteen quid buys you a rectangular machined body sandwiched between rubberised composites. A pronounced lens employing 'total internal refraction technology' is another way of saying it gets the very best out of two little LEDs, producing a very pure arc of light.

Within the aluminium body sits a lithium polymer cell that charges via a push fit USB stick shrouded in a weather repelling sheath. I had some minor teething problems refuelling from a mains charger but overcame this using another brand's coupler. No such faff with laptops or PC, mind.

The bracket converts from bar to clothing mount courtesy of a swivelling composite clip and ladder type band. Twist the clip 90 degrees then introduce to the bars using the ladder-strap. Forgo said band and it cadges a lift on peaked caps, handlebar bags/similar accessories pretty convincingly too.

Top marks also go to the intuitive centre mounted button switch, which requires a consistent two-second press before powering up (or shutting down). There's no memory, which can be a little frustrating since it defaults to economy mode.

Subsequent prods produce a 70-lumen blast then three 30-lumen flashing settings and a perky little pulse. Some suggested the latter were gimmicky. Arguably steady/flashing are all that's needed, though some like the way pulse mode is always on.

However, the patterns seem very unique and moreover, attention-getting. The lens' broad profile and LED quality certainly helps but some of the slower strobes registered faster, especially in town centres. In these contexts I was clocked at around 125 metres, nearer 200 outside city limits.

All aside from pulse will return a few minutes shy of six hours, making them great dynamo companions on long nocturnal rides. At the other extreme we have blast and flashing. In keeping with several competitors, blast slashes run time but is adequate in the navigational sense to around 18mph along suburban sections.

Economy is the default and stirs mixed emotions in me. On the one hand it's saved my bacon when my high power rechargeable unit got the sulks, and it's rather nifty for locating keys, lock mechanisms and roadside pannier rummaging. That said it's best paired with a second, 'bobby dodger' especially around dusk and along shared use paths.

Verdict

Nicely designed safety light with distinctive settings and high quality output

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne KTV Pro front light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"The Lezyne KTV Pro is a compact, aluminum bodied, 70 lumen front safety light. The machined aluminum body is lightweight, durable, and extremely weather-resistant. The Composite Matrix back clip features our moveable Clip-On System, for versatile strapped or clipped mounting. The multi-position silicon rubber strap attaches directly to the back clip to secure the light to a wide range of handle bar diameters. The Side Visibility lens extends beyond the body providing 180 degree visibility, and increasing user safety. The bottom cap can be removed to reveal its integrated USB stick, making recharging convenient and cable free. The KTV Pro is available as a single front light or as a front/rear combo, paired with the KTV Drive Rear". Well designed and good value for money.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

70 lumens (blast) 30 economy, flash 1, 2, 3 (30 lumens each) and pulse. CNC machined aluminium body,180 degree lens employing 'total internal refraction technology

"composite matrix" back clip, silicone rubber strap, integrated USB charge stick, lithium polymer battery.

WEIGHT: 55g (Official figure)

RECHARGE TIME:3hrs 15 minutes (official figure)

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
7/10
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
7/10
Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
7/10

Has resisted hose-pipe testing and stormy rainfall very convincingly.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
6/10

This is generally very impressive and Lezyne's claims have more than passing affinity with reality, something I attribute to lithium polymer cells. I've managed 54 minutes in blast, stepping down to economy sees this rise to 1hr 56 (2hrs quoted) while the three flashing modes have returned a consistent 5hrs 54. (6 quoted) Pulse is something of a maverick and only runs for 3hrs 53 (4hrs). Complete charges demand 3 hours 10 minutes, which isn't particularly outlandish but longer than some riders may accept.

Rate the light for performance:
 
7/10

All modes are genuinely effective. However, flashing have been my default since they'll command attention from 200 metres in the sticks and 125 around town, while sipping battery reserves.

Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10

Looks favourable so far, especially given the moderate price tag.

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the light for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the light for value:
 
7/10

Very competitively priced.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall, the KTV Drive Pro is a really well executed and fairly unique light. Some settings will be used more regularly than others and for the most part flashing 1, 2 and 3 have struck the best balance between output, economy and visibility.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Decent output, wide choice of settings, nicely executed mount and favourable pricing.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing given the asking price and design brief.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? Yes.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Definitely one to consider.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Lezyne KTV Pro
Lezyne 2015
Lezyne
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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