Exposure Lights MaXx D MK8 2016
Reviews / Lights
8,139
The stats for this light certainly make for impressive reading: 2600 lumens, 300grams, adaptive lighting and a cable free design, this is one serious piece of hardware. With 2600 lumens to play with this is incredibly powerful and feels like mounting a weapon onto your bars. It's incredibly sturdy and looks like it will burn the retinas out of any unsuspecting animals who dare to cross your trail.
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The power can be divided into more combinations than my brain could handle, so I spent most of the time in program one, allowing me three hours on full power (with reflex) and twelve hours on low power. Reflex Technology changes the output level depending on speed and other forces detected by fancy sensors in the light, allowing use of the full 2600 lumens when you most need it. This variation in light output on Reflex mode isn't hugely noticeable, partly because it is so bright already, but also, because it works so well, you can just ride all types of terrain and never feel left in the dark!
Low power is perfect for climbing and any non-technical riding, giving a good spread of light across and down the trail. Only a few years ago this low power setting would have been considered maximum output, but the 'arms race' of lighting has moved on, and lumens have multiplied. High power allows for full throttle riding with day-like confidence, burning a clear path in front of you. The only downside is that the bar mount setup only allows vision where the bike is pointing, and although the beam is wide, when the trail gets really twisty things get a bit more tricky.
Burn time is displayed on the back clearly, and the capacitive switch works brilliantly even if you are wearing gloves, just tap the back of the light to switch between modes. The mounting system is quick and secure, but when not in use the mount does look like an arrowhead ready to do some serious damage in the event of a crash.
There is no skipping over the issue of price on this light; at £344.95, this is certainly not some budget import from Ebay. This is top quality UK manufacturing and comes with a two-year warranty on the light and battery. Those who take night riding seriously or 24hr racers will know how important a powerful and, more importantly, a reliable light is, and this certainly fits the bill. Charge time is 9 hours, so planning ahead is a must to make sure the battery is topped up, but this is a small inconvenience for such long burn times.
Overall
Super bright, compact and sturdy package, but all this comes at a price. If you want seriously reliable bar mounted light, then this is one of the best there is!
This review was in Issue 39 of IMB.
For more information visit Exposure LightsRelated
By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.
