The Giant Recon HL 350 is a brilliant front commuter light, delivering a decent level of brightness, good run times and fast USB charging in a compact lightweight package.

Part of a range that runs from 100 lumens (Recon HL 100) to a massive 1800 lumens (Recon HL 1800), this 350 lumen model sits squarely in the commuter light sector.

It has three steady modes and two flashing ones, is USB rechargeable, is IPX7 waterproof and mounts to the bar with a straightforward strap. Side windows spill light for visibility at junctions.

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This is an incredibly easy light to fit. The simplicity makes it perfect for commuting – leaving lights on when you stop is often not an option. Despite this it’s a sturdy attachment too, and a good size for cluttered bars.

2020 Giant Recon HL350 – mount.jpg
2020 Giant Recon HL350 – mount (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The full-power beam is sufficient for me to see even on dark roads, but it really comes into its own in towns and suburbs. The beam is nicely average – neither narrow nor wide – giving good visibility to a decent distance. The flashing modes are ideal for daylight, too.

One thing I appreciate is that it doesn’t turn on in high beam (a personal bugbear as it ruins your night vision), but instead comes on in the lowest steady mode. Clicking the button cycles through modes in the familiar way.

2020 Giant Recon HL350 – top.jpg
2020 Giant Recon HL350 – top (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Run time is convenient for commuting, plus the claimed 1.7 hours on full power was, at least during my test, reliably more like two hours. The lowest steady mode (100 lumens) does more like six hours. Flashing modes take it up to about 12 hours.

It only takes about 2.5 hours to charge from dead, which again is ideal for office commutes. The light automatically lowers its power mode when starting to run out of juice too, to maximise remaining run time.

2020 Giant Recon HL350 – USB port.jpg
2020 Giant Recon HL350 – USB port (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

At £34.99, the Giant Recon HL 350 is on a par with quite a few other similarly bright lights, such as the Vel 300 Lumen Front Light at £30 and the Cateye AMPP 400 Front Light at £29.99. It’s significantly lighter than the Cateye, but a similar weight and size to the Vel.

With its fast charging and decent battery life, low weight and compact design, it’s hard to find fault. The sturdy build and strong water resistance (it can actually be submerged) mean it should last well too. I certainly didn’t have any issues in the rain.

The HL 350 is a supremely well-designed, user-friendly commuter light that ticks all the boxes – and is good value for money too.

Verdict

A well-designed, easy to use and effective light with a good balance of run times, output and charge time

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Giant Recon HL350

Size tested: 350 Lumens

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?

Giant says: “The Recon HL350 has the lightest weight of the Recon series, boasts day/night flash modes with superior run time and is IPX7 waterproof rated, making it perfect for commuting.”

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

350 lumens maximum output

ANSI certified lumens and run time

IPX7 waterproof

Heat-dissipating advanced-plastic casing ensures functionality even at high temperature

Power status indicator alerts remaining run-time before powering off

USB rechargeable

Size 78x24x34mm

Li-Ion polymer battery (1400mAh)

Manufacturer’s stated run times – High 1.7hrs (350LM), Middle 3hrs (200LM), Low 5.5hrs (100LM), Day Flash 11hrs (100LM > 50LM), Night Flash 12hrs (50LM)

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Well made, slim and lightweight.

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

Uncomplicated and intuitive.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
9/10

Supremely easy to fit and stays put, but easy to adjust too.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
9/10

Rated to IPX7, which is good.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
9/10

On its highest setting it lasts longer than the claimed 1.7 hours, and was consistently more like 2hrs. On its lowest steady mode it usually ran for up to 6hrs (over a claimed 5.5hrs). Charges from flat in under 2.5hrs.

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10

Easy to fit and use with a good beam, brightness and run time. Spot on for a commuter light.

Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the light for weight:
 
9/10

Very light and compact.

Rate the light for value:
 
6/10

Pretty good value compared with others.

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

Very capable for city riding and the odd bit of unlit road.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Inexpensive, easy to attach and remove, light and compact, good run and charge times.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing really.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

At this price, the Giant Recon HL350 is on a par with quite a few other similarly bright lights, such as the Vel 300 Lumen Front Light at £30 and the Cateye AMPP 400 Front Light at £29.99. It’s significantly lighter than the Cateye but of a similar weight and size as the Vel.

Did you enjoy using the light? Very much

Would you consider buying the light? Absolutely

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

This is a very easy to use light with an excellent combination of run times, power, charging time and usability in a light yet sturdy package. The price is attractive too. It’s extremely good.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 48  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 77kg

I usually ride: Liv Invite  My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite

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: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,