Moon Crescent front light

The Moon Crescent front LED light continues the marque's tradition for innovative, durable and eye-catching systems. Fifty lumens hardly sounds like phenomenal firepower but the Crescent kicks many of today's similarly priced commuter torches firmly into touch.

Inside the low profile (70x19.5x12.4mm) lozenge-shaped casing lie ten super bright LEDs no bigger than a pin prick fed by a USB charging lithium polymer battery. Despite weighing a barely-there 23g, the plastics and lens seem very hardy. They have survived ejection from jersey pockets and similar brushes with terra firma unscathed.

Charge ports are always vulnerable to moisture but the Crescent is blessed with a deeply recessed rubberised plug, which seems better designed than most. Ours has withstood trail spatter, heavy rain and repeated provocation from the garden hose.

Inboard sits a similarly tactile switch, easily commanded wearing stodgy winter gloves but just firm enough to prevent unwanted engagements in pockets or luggage. That said, it's worth familiarising oneself with the mode sequence before setting out.

Two quick but definite presses put it in standard mode, a steady 10 lumens. Subsequent prods unleash 20 and overdrive respectively. The flashing mode proved a little elusive to start with but comes on stream in exactly the same fashion. Vertical mounting saves a bundle of handlebar real estate and is easiest to command, although peripheral bleed can be a little rough on the old mince pies in faster flashing modes.

Moon employ a watch-strap mount, which contrary to suggestion, isn't universally compatible with Cat-Eye but seems more accommodating of oversized diameters than most and can be cajoled around a head tube.

Initial impressions were that 50 lumens must've been a misprint. The searing white arc of overdrive mode is more than adequate for map reading or roadside mechanicals and almost overkill for scooting around town. The Crescent's peripheral presence knocks its 110 lumen Comet cousin into a cocked hat, which made roundabouts less traumatic at rush hour.

Accurate run times and nagging battery indicator limit unexpected shutdowns to rider complacency and we've discovered several leading brands of smartphone charger work fine in a pinch. Flashing/strobe cycles are hardly shrinking violets and do so at a unique pace, thus remain distinctly conspicuous against competing illuminations and excellent dynamo companions.

Shop around on line and you'll find it currently being substantially discounted, making it worth bagging a couple now for next winter.

Verdict

Remarkably potent secondary/contingency light but requires frequent recharging, especially if used in higher settings.