Knog Blinder Arc 220

The USB-rechargeable Knog Blinder Arc 220 front light packs a much mightier punch than 220 lumens would suggest. But while you'll certainly be seen in the sticks, it faces stiff competition from cheaper models offering comparable build quality but, crucially, more versatility and longer run times.

Knog has completely revamped the optics for this winter. LEDs are pretty much the only options for bike lighting these days and I'm pleased to report diodes and circuitry ensure a constantly pure output right until the point its lithium polymer cell is completely exhausted.

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Cosmetically identical to its Arc siblings, save for length, it's very compact so doesn't spoil a neat aesthetic. Available in black, pewter ruby or silver, it shares the same heat-conducting, water repellent aluminium/silicone body as its brethren, which is reputedly waterproof. This extends to the flip-out charging plug. Ours never missed a beat through torrential rain, bucket submersion and, of course, my hosepipe test.

We also have the same familiar silicone straps and metal clasp arrangement. Previous versions came under fire for durability and this season's straps seem a genuinely better bet on bigger diameter bars without impairing easy, intentional removal. In any case, a two-year warranty should placate all but the fussiest of customers, and replacements are readily available.

Collimator lenses, which channel light precisely for optimal power but without dazzling other road users (not to mention the rider), are something we've increasingly come to expect. However, Knog has opted for a scratch- and chemically-resistant PMMA acrylic lens, which seems both hardy and low maintenance.

This family of lights doesn't feature side windows, but this hasn't been problematic at junctions or roundabouts given the pure arc and elliptical pattern. Knog reckons visibility is 1,000 metres. I'm inclined to suggest 750m in flashing mode on a very clear night on unlit B roads, 450m through built-up areas.

Other traffic seemed to acknowledge me at 350m (400m when taking the helmet-mounted option). I'd say 220 lumens is adequate for semi-rural stretches, and to my mind the Knog is better than several lights boasting an extra 80 or so lumens. However, on full power we are literally talking 1hr 20mins before it's completely zapped.

Standard mode certainly cuts it in the suburbs, although we are only talking 2hrs 12mins from fully charged. Low is bang on for town proper, with greater clout than budget LED dynamo lamps. It'll run for almost 5 hours too (4hrs 54mins, real world).

Flashing is feisty and at 10hrs 54mins relatively frugal. Friends on two wheels and four reckoned they could spot me at 500 metres plus, and it's been my default on overcast days, when it's all about remaining conspicuous.

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A small top-mounted switch makes toggling down on-the-fly a bit tricky – especially wearing thick winter gloves, although the battery life indicator proved easier to read than the tiny windows would suggest.

Recharging is around the four and a half hour mark, nearer four when feeding from the mains.

Personally, I like the Blinder Arc series. However, while small and relatively mighty, it's in an incredibly competitive category, and there are several – and some cheaper – models offering similar settings but markedly better low and mid range economy, including the Moon LX360, Oxford Ultra Torch 300 and Niterider's Lumina Micro 350. Find reviews of others we've tested here.

Verdict

Small and more powerful than numbers would suggest, but run times are comparatively poor alongside others in this class