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Moon Meteor Storm Pro

9
£137.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Excellent functionality, though at the expense of size
Weight: 
255g

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The Moon Meteor Storm Pro is a well made all-in-one light with more modes than you probably need, making it great for all conditions both on and off road.

Whether you are commuting, getting your winter training miles in or just popping out for an evening joy ride, a good light is key through the winter. At £138, the Storm isn't cheap, but the functionality heavily outweighs that price.

> Find your nearest dealer here

With five constant modes, five flashing and a boost, the Meteor Storm Pro can be set to provide the ideal output for just about any riding environment. Naturally, the 1700-lumen full beam is best for particularly dark conditions whether on a bike path, trail or country lane, while dimmed settings (850 and 450 lumens, for example) are good for better lit and traffic-heavy areas such as town riding. The 2-hour run-time at 1700 lumens is more than enough for an evening ride and you can get up to 25 hours (claimed) on the lowest 150-lumen setting.

Flashing modes also range in strength, include a day flash mode and even a Morse code SOS option, which is an interesting addition. The 10-second boost at 2000 lumens can be useful when covering a particularly poor road or rough section of path, but requires a double click, which isn't the easiest to perform while riding.

The light also has a mode memory to remember the last used mode at turn on, which is a nice touch to make a quick setup easier.

Charging from a wall socket is quite a lengthy 6 hours from flat, and although there's a USB cable included the wall charger is an optional extra (any USB plug charger will do the job). If that is too long, you can buy additional batteries to replace instead, but it seems a little extreme to me. It has an automatic fully charged cut-off system so no worries of overheating when plugged in for a prolonged period.

Build quality

The double barrelled LEDs, with optical lenses, sit snuggly inside a CNC machined aluminium heat sink cap to help with heat distribution. The main body holds the Panasonic lithium-ion batteries, which are removable via a magnetic 'quick' release cover at the rear; the cap is locked and needs a screwdriver or a penny to open, though, hence not all that quick in my book.

The matrix LED display and power button are embedded into the plastic casing. They are kept away from the hot lights so no worrying about burning your fingers like on some high power lights I've used. The USB port is hidden under the body and well protected by a thick rubber case, keeping it water resistant.

Mounts

The Storm Pro comes with both handlebar and helmet mount as you may expect. Both use the same simple slide and locking mechanism, also seen on the BBB Scope 1500, with a small push tab to release. It seemed a slightly tight fit at times, which may be intentional to reduce vibration, but definitely required a strong tug to get it moving.

The handlebar mount is strong and rigid with no noticeable flexing or movement. It's only compatible with 35mm diameter bars, but an extra shim is available for narrower bars. The protective rubber layer is only secured at one end, so was annoying to keep it in the centre when mounting, but not a big complaint. The hand-tightened screw made it easy for removal if you're frequently changing bikes.

The helmet mount is a standard Velcro strap with padding to protect your helmet. The addition of a hand tightening angle adjuster allows you to set the light how you like. Included is a 'remote' which plugs into the charging port. It attaches to the side of the helmet with Velcro, allowing you to change modes without having to reach to the very top of the light.

Mounting it on your helmet does, however, highlight the only major drawback: with it being a self-contained unit, the batteries do make it heavy and large. On the handlebar it sits tall and can get in the way, especially if you're using an out-front computer, and when on your helmet, the 215g is very noticeable, pulling your head forward while riding.

I realise a two-part light and battery unit are more of a pain to set up, and a smaller battery would reduce power and run-time, but it's a point to note if you're after a sleek look or light weight.

Conclusion

Overall, the Meteor Storm Pro is a very impressive self-contained light with great power and all the features you could need. The light modes can be set to match your riding surroundings and run-times vary but can last over 4 hours on the middle strength settings. My only major criticism is the size and weight, but that's a tricky one knowing that many of the positive features arise from the large, powerful batteries.

And finally, though it's not cheap, it is far less than many competitors such as the Exposure Strada Mk6. If you need the power, looking at bang for your buck this surely has to be up there.

Verdict

Excellent functionality, though at the expense of size

 

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Moon Meteor Storm Pro

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 light is designed for all uses, from complete darkness to well lit areas and even day use with flashing modes. Very much for those who want to see where they are going as opposed to just being seen by vehicles.

Distributor Raleigh says: "The Meteor 1600 is designed for durability and style. The chassis contains 2 Cree LEDs for superior output."

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

Light Source: 2 pcs Cree XM-L 2 (U2) high brightness LEDs

Beam: The LEDs are angled seperatley to provide true spot and flood options

Brightness: 1700 Lumens in standard mode. Up to 2000 lumens on Boost mode.

Battery: LX-BAT-3200 (PANASONIC Li-ion battery 3200 mAh) X 2

Run Time: From 2 hours - 140 hours depending on which modes used

Charge Time: 6 hours

Battery Life Indicator: Low battery, charging and fully charged indicator

Mounting: Quick release handlebar mount (fits 22-35mm), Quick release helmet mount

Light modes: 11 modes - Mode 1/ Mode 2 / Mode 3 / Mode 4 / Mode 5 / FL 1 / FL 2 / FL 3 / Day FLASH / SOS / BOOST

Construction: CNC aluminium heat sink casing, Water resistant (IPX 4)

Extra Features: Over heat protection system

Weight: 215 grams

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Extremely well made. Sleek transition from the aluminium into the plastic casing.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
8/10

Nice looking design with main features kept away from the hot aluminium casing. Impressive to have packed in the two larger batteries in there too. Easy to cycle through the many modes, even if the LED matrix screen doesn't make it all that obvious which setting you are in.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
7/10

Helmet mount was quick and easy to attach. Handlebar mount is slightly more fiddly but a hand-tightening screw makes life easier not having to get an Allen key out. The slide and locking mechanism was very good although a little tight, making removing the light a slight struggle.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

Well designed unit with tight magnetic release at the back to keep it watertight. Only worry was when using the remote and having to use the USB charging port, but a large case around the cable seemed to keep water out.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
7/10

Recharging is long at 6 hours (claimed), and not having a wall charger included seems harsh. The run-time of the batteries is plenty, ranging from 2 hours on full beam mode through to 25 hours on lowest.

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10

Excellent range of modes for all conditions. Easy to change between modes, and nice added touches such as the mode memory and day flash mode.

Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10

In the short term it's been faring well, showing no signs of wear over the first few wintry weeks of commuting and riding 'cross.

Rate the light for weight:
 
5/10

The self-contained unit means the batteries make it heavy and large. Mostly a problem if you ride it with the helmet mount, pulling your head forward somewhat.

Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

Very good value for money, especially when you compare it to its direct competition. Very few lights offer the same high end power and range of functionality at this price.

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

Performed very well. No flaws.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

The number of modes made it perfect for all scenarios whether riding home via the woods or on the busy roads of Bath.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Just the size and weight due to the large batteries.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? Yes

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

If it wasn't for the size this light is nigh-on perfect, with modes to fit all your needs and good run-times even on the most powerful of settings.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 22  Height: 5ft8  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Cannondale Cadx  My best bike is: Scott CR1 Pro

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives,

Add new comment

4 comments

Avatar
Budgewana | 5 years ago
1 like

While this light is very bright and great battery life, it does interfere with wireless computers. My Cateye  strada slim wireless does not work when the light is turned on.

Quite dissapointing.

possibly include this in your tests for the future.

Avatar
martynshort | 6 years ago
1 like

Are these any good for road use, or is the beam a bit too wide? I don't want to be blinding oncoming drivers...

Avatar
RoubaixCube replied to martynshort | 6 years ago
0 likes
martynshort wrote:

Are these any good for road use, or is the beam a bit too wide? I don't want to be blinding oncoming drivers...

 

Just angle the light down and be modest with the power settings and you'll be just fine.

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Cracking good light performance, yes expensive, but if quality is there, why not for dark commutes

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