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review
Lights - front
Electron Pico Super 2 front lightElectron Pico Super 2

Electron Pico Super 2 front light

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

First Published Dec 12, 2012

0
£24.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Super bright, extremely weatherproof blinkey let down by over-sensitive switch
Weight: 
53g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
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The Electron Pico Super 2 front light is incredibly bright at the price and size, and as for battery, gives an impressive 117 hours in flashing mode. My only minor niggle was the sensitive switch.

It's a super bright, single watt design, identical to its equally potent rear sibling right down to clothing clip and resin mounting bracket, that seems strong, although the screws seemed likely to round off without taking care.

I tested waterproofing by engaging the switch for 10 minutes while immersed in a sink full of sudsy water - no effect, confirming in my mind its suitability for mountain bike duties.

It's easy to turn on while wearing mitts, but the downside of that is it's also too easy to switch on by accident when it's in a bag or pocket.

Watts are a very misleading measure since they refer to consumption rather than useable output but I've been genuinely astounded by the useable light provided in the highest setting. It's superior to some bargain basement dynamo lamps in many respects and perfect for lighting emergencies out in the proper dark.

Flashing mode couldn't be more conspicuous, greatly improving safety when entering traffic flow - and I'd be inclined to buy front and rear. Visibility to pedestrians and traffic ranges from 250 metres in town centres, up to a commendable 500 in flashing.

Verdict

Super bright, extremely weatherproof blinkey let down by over-sensitive switch.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Electron Pico Super 2 front 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?

Electron let the Pico super 2 speak for itself and it says super powerful secondary light for most applications. However, prodigious dimensions, clear peripheral visibility and choice of mount are particularly welcome on trailers and similarly vulnerable couplings.

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

Two 1/2 watt LED's make this front light super bright.

Two white 1/2 W LEDs, giving a huge 1 W output

Mounts to a quick release bracket (included)

Robust, water resistant design, ideal for those wet winter nights

Three light modes, two flashing and one constant

Run time 6 hours constant

Requires 2 x AAA batteries (included)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Position carefully to avoid being dazzled in flashing mode.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

Generous dimensions,strong output and exceptional weather seals lends the Pico Super2 admirably to commuting, touring, mountain biking and tagalongs/trailer duties too. However, a more positive switch is essential to avoid accidental engagement.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Huge surface area,great output and weather seals.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Over sensitive switch, so-so handlebar bracket struggles with bigger diameters.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, with an improved switch.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, with some minor reservations.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  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,

 

Lights
Front light
Electron Pico Super 2 front light
Electron
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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