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review

Light & Motion Vis 360 rechargeable front head light and tail light

8
£149.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Superb rechargeable commuter lights with off-road capability
Weight: 
118g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Light & Motion Visa 360 is beautifully made, a delight to use and when all’s said and done, worthy of the asking price. 140lumen output outstrips many mid range bike mounted systems but Light & Motion have ensured this prowess doesn’t have the effect of blinding oncoming traffic. Run and charge times are practical for most commuters and 135g neither feels cumbersome or encroaches on rider freedom. However, the Visa is designed to compliment rather than substitute bike mounted systems and though genuinely visible from 360 degrees, blind spots were still possible when turning the head far left/right.

The diminutive package comprises of a 140 lumen CNC machined front lamp containing the switch linked to a four-lumen rear hosting the charge port. Unlike some, it doesn’t become overly hot with prolonged use and two triangles present peripheral outlet when negotiating the usual hazards. Claimed universal fitting to both mtb and road variants wasn’t an exact science so allow for a little trial and error but once seated, it’s never missed a beat whether trickling through town or blazing the trail and the angle is easily adjusted on the fly.

USB types often aren’t quite so well protected from the elements but persistent, freezing rain made no impact whatsoever and my main system's failure confirmed its prowess along unlit roads, drivers reacting to my presence and dipping their headlamps much sooner compared with comparable handlebar lighting. A quick press of the large rubberised switch dips the beam (although not considerably) for improved efficiency and economy round town. Speaking of which, the peripheral beam’s amber hue is so effective that negotiating ordinarily intimidating junctions was almost fun while high beam comes into its own along swooping singletrack, moving in sync with rider gaze, filling in the shadows effortlessly. Rhythmic flashing from the headlamp eight minutes apart signals time for a top up but there’s around thirty minutes grace before cut out.

The four lumen rear gives plenty of presence, meaning your're unlikely to be mown over by approaching SUVs but works on the principle of large surface area rather than searing output. Even in the highest setting, its 180 sibling has more punch but nonetheless, the 360 produces a really effective aura, visible from all directions at four hundred yards plus.

Verdict

Superb rechargeable commuter lights with off-road capability.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Light & Motion Vis 360 rechargeable front head light and tail light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product 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 Visa 360 is the first all-in-one light with a powerful headlight, amber side markers, and a 4 lumen tail light, all for a nicely balanced 130 grams that snap-fits to almost any helmet".

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

140 lumens (front) 4 lumens rear, CNC machined front casing, USB charging, 360 degree illumination.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Delightful, round town or down the trail. Claimed run times 2.30 (high) 2.15 actual, low 5hrs (4.52 actual) 20 Flashing (19.25 actual) Approximately 4hrs30 for a full charge.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Hardly noticeable. 135g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

Intended as a complementary commuter system, the VIS 360 is remarkably efficient with an equally astounding output that will light a trail at twenty-mph. Simple charging and good power to burn time ratios with generous indication of charge status means its viable for longer commuting, mountain biking and a bit of Audax too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Impressive output & solid build quality

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing specific.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 37  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,

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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