Light & Motion Vis 360 rechargeable front head light and tail light

Light & Motion Visa 360 is beautifully made, a delight to use and when all’s said and done, worthy of the asking price. 140lumen output outstrips many mid range bike mounted systems but Light & Motion have ensured this prowess doesn’t have the effect of blinding oncoming traffic. Run and charge times are practical for most commuters and 135g neither feels cumbersome or encroaches on rider freedom. However, the Visa is designed to compliment rather than substitute bike mounted systems and though genuinely visible from 360 degrees, blind spots were still possible when turning the head far left/right.

The diminutive package comprises of a 140 lumen CNC machined front lamp containing the switch linked to a four-lumen rear hosting the charge port. Unlike some, it doesn’t become overly hot with prolonged use and two triangles present peripheral outlet when negotiating the usual hazards. Claimed universal fitting to both mtb and road variants wasn’t an exact science so allow for a little trial and error but once seated, it’s never missed a beat whether trickling through town or blazing the trail and the angle is easily adjusted on the fly.

USB types often aren’t quite so well protected from the elements but persistent, freezing rain made no impact whatsoever and my main system's failure confirmed its prowess along unlit roads, drivers reacting to my presence and dipping their headlamps much sooner compared with comparable handlebar lighting. A quick press of the large rubberised switch dips the beam (although not considerably) for improved efficiency and economy round town. Speaking of which, the peripheral beam’s amber hue is so effective that negotiating ordinarily intimidating junctions was almost fun while high beam comes into its own along swooping singletrack, moving in sync with rider gaze, filling in the shadows effortlessly. Rhythmic flashing from the headlamp eight minutes apart signals time for a top up but there’s around thirty minutes grace before cut out.

The four lumen rear gives plenty of presence, meaning your're unlikely to be mown over by approaching SUVs but works on the principle of large surface area rather than searing output. Even in the highest setting, its 180 sibling has more punch but nonetheless, the 360 produces a really effective aura, visible from all directions at four hundred yards plus.

Verdict

Superb rechargeable commuter lights with off-road capability.