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Infini Sword Super Bright 30 Chip On Board Front LightInfini Sword super bright 30 chip on board front light .jpg

Infini Sword Super Bright 30 Chip On Board Front Light

7
by Silversides
UPDATED Fri, Dec 09, 2016 15:46

First Published Dec 9, 2016

0
£29.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Very bright, with a run-time that competes with the best, and the options for mounting are appealing
Weight: 
35g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
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The Infini Sword is a super-bright and super-light safety light that offers long run-times and a discreet design that can be fixed to forks as well as bars.

At only 35g, with minimal casing and a simple mount, weight certainly isn't an issue. Designed for being seen rather than seeing by, its 30 COB (chips on board) LED offers a 120-lumen output.

> Find your nearest dealer here

Although not designed as a headlight, on high beam the Sword could light up a dark road sufficiently for a leisurely paced ride, although it's not ideal. It does meet its design purpose very well, though. Its shape results in a substantial strip of bright light that cannot be missed by other road users. The flashing modes are really striking, making it a perfect warning to vehicles and pedestrians within a sizeable radius. The light is curved at the ends, so the Sword offers a little lateral lighting when on full and low beam too.

Its mounting band is integrated and accommodates different bar widths thanks to three 'openings', though I only ever used the largest one. The clasp is a little awkward initially, but once attached there is no danger of it slipping off. After a little use the rubber gave a bit and the clasp became easy to work.

A shaped, detachable rubber pad sits between the light and the bar, ensuring that it never slips from its set position. This strip of padding is moulded to fit into the USB port, protecting from the elements. It also has a deep cutaway, so lends itself well to any kind of aero shaped bar or even a fork leg – handy if you have very little free bar space. Naturally, mounting it here meant it stayed in one mode for the duration of a ride, but it's refreshing to have a light that could easily be attached somewhere other than the bar.

Infini's run-time claims are about right. In high beam you can get just shy of 2 hours, in low beam 6 hours, pulsating 4 hours, and either of the two flashing modes a huge 200 hours. Changing between modes is a simple click, possible with lightweight gloves, but anything thicker and it gets more difficult – I found it quicker to take the gloves off.

Recharging with the micro USB took 2 hours. The Infini features a low battery warning system, a red warning light that begins to flash when the battery is running low. In constant beam you get further reminders with pulsations of increasing frequency as the battery nears flat – you're unlikely to be caught out.

> Need a brighter headlight? Check out our guide to the best

The casing, to my mind, looks a bit cheap – although if you prefer to leave lights on your bike then this is perhaps a good thing. It looks well put together, though, and stood up to persistent steady rain.

Price-wise it's slightly cheaper than similar designs from Moon – its Comet-X Pro and MKII Rechargeable COB Front Light. The long-running flashing mode, quick mounting system, and a design that affords more than one mounting position makes the Sword a great safety/secondary light.

Verdict

Very bright, with a run-time that competes with the best, and the options for mounting are appealing

road.cc test report

Make and model: Infini Sword

Size tested: 80x24x31.5 mm

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?

A super-bright, USB rechargeable front light for being seen.

Infini says: "Being seen is always a priority when cycling in low, poor light conditions or in the dark. Ordinary safety lights accomplish this goal but a super bright safety light does it even better. Sword is your answer for enhanced visibility when cycling.

"Infini Sword is a safety front light . It comes with a USB rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery providing up to 200hrs of continuous use. A LED light on the side of the light designates battery strength. Multiple settings satisfy needs in various terrains and conditions. Sword's simple, effective design mounts to most posts hassle-free."

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

*USB (micro) rechargeable (lithium-ion polymer battery), cable provided.

*Long burn time

*Five modes - constant high, constant low, flashing 1, flashing 2 and pulsating

*Mode memory function

*Tool free installation

*Water resistant

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Seems well made but doesn't look very sturdy. The transparent light casing is completely exposed – no rubber or harder plastic framing to protect it should it be dropped or impacted.

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

Easy to adjust the position, switch on/off and change modes. Its shape meant it could fit nicely onto the fork.

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

Getting it onto the bar was initially awkward; the rubber strap needed to go right round the side of a catch, which was fiddly. It became easier as the rubber began to give a little.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
7/10

Infini only claims 'water resistance', and it shrugged off persistent showers.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10

It takes two hours to fully charge on a micro USB port and lasted 110 minutes on full beam, 6 hours on low, and an impressive 200 hours on flashing. All in line with company claims.

Rate the light for performance:
 
7/10

The light isn't designed to light up a dark lane, but certainly seemed to alert other road users, which is exactly what it is designed for. Its long running time in flashing mode makes it a perfect second light, a permanent safety fixture on your bike.

Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10

Looks a bit vulnerable, but no problems so far.

Rate the light for weight:
 
8/10

Very light.

Rate the light for value:
 
7/10

Given the exceptionally long run-time in flashing, the option to attach it to a fork rather than clutter up your bar, and that it's USB rechargeable, this isn't a bad investment for £30.

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

Excellent as a safety light.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

The fact that it could be used on the fork if the bar is cluttered. Its position plush to the bar and understated design could make it less obvious or appealing to potential light-fingered opportunists.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

The initially awkward catch and no spare fastener. Personally, I would prefer a standard USB port over a micro USB.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? Possibly

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

With a flashing mode run-time that will be tough to beat, an integrated and quick mounting system, and the ability to mount it on forks as well as bars, it's a good little safety/secondary light. 

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 173cm  Weight: 64kg

I usually ride: Road  My best bike is: Carbon road.

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

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, general fitness riding, getting to grips with off roading too!

Infini Sword Super Bright 30 Chip On Board Front Light 2016
Infini Sword Super Bright 30 Chip On Board Front Light
Infini 2016
Infini

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