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We have tested these products:
Favourable battery-powered headlights:
High-end headlights:
Test overview of the lights
The script for the duel between the two new top headlights from Lupine and Supernova promises excitement. The two German manufacturers from Gundelfingen near Freiburg and Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate have each invested a good two years of development time from the first sketch to the finished series headlamp, and both candidates boast performance: the light from the Upper Palatinate claims to be the most compact battery-powered headlamp on the market in terms of its light output. The Gundelfingen-based company, on the other hand, is presenting the first dynamo headlamp with a pop-up light. Both spotlights offer state-of-the-art LED technology, the main difference being their power supply.
Stored or freshly produced?
Which is better? The flexible but finite battery power or the "bio-power source" of the dynamo, whose light current flows as long as the legs are turning? Generations of cyclists have been asking themselves this question, and the answer is no easier today than it was years ago, because both power sources have their advantages and disadvantages. The battery is compact and can also be used flexibly on several bikes in your own fleet. Its disadvantage: no battery lasts forever, and the more powerful it is, i.e. the more power the headlight demands of it, the sooner it drains and it goes dark.
The battery's weakness is the dynamo's strength. It supplies constant power as long as the front wheel is turning, and it works reliably thanks to its encapsulated design. Is it a disadvantage that a dynamo wheel weighs more and requires more assembly work? Ready-made wheels with proven dynamos, for example from Shimano, cost from 150 euros in online shops and therefore only a few euros more than a battery upgrade from Lupine.
The argument that the brightest headlights can only be powered by powerful rechargeable batteries because dynamos do not produce enough watts is countered by advances in control electronics and the decreasing power requirements of modern LEDs. Supernova promises that almost any standard dynamo with a voltage of six volts and an output of three watts will suffice as a power source for the new dynamo headlight, including the flare light. Dynamos that are too weak are listed on the website.
Two years and 100,000 euros
What both candidates have in common is the huge amount of time and money spent on construction. David Gedanitz, Head of Marketing and Sales Manager at Supernova, doesn't want to say how many euros the design and mould construction for the M99 DY Pro cost. However, he emphasises that it took a team of many people around two years from the first sketch to the packaged series headlamp. Dr Wolf-Dieter Koch, Managing Director at Lupine, reports a similar investment of time and labour and quotes a specific figure: the tools for the SL MiniMax AF cost 100,000 euros.
Even technology enthusiasts do not immediately recognise the effort involved in high-end headlamps, such as the two test lights from Lupine and Supernova. This is also due to the fact that the control software, although one of the most complex and elaborate components of the product, operates behind the scenes. It requires considerable effort to precisely regulate light management and current flow. And before the headlights are allowed to shine on public roads, they need a letter and seal of approval from an official body, in this case the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Flensburg; only from there can the model-specific K test number be obtained and thus approval in accordance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
On the other hand, you can see the perfect workmanship of both headlights, which also convey a haptic experience. Both have a black anodised housing made of milled, high-strength aluminium. This looks classy and at the same time ensures effective cooling, which works better than with cheaper headlights with plastic housings. The individual facets in the reflectors are fascinating. With Lupine there are 59, distributed over two equal levels, separate for low beam and high beam. With Supernova, the reflector looks like a miniature amphitheatre stand with 99 small boxes, whose 99 facets are reflected in the model name.
It is crucial on the road
Once we had found a low-traffic and sufficiently dark test track in Munich's Perlacher Forst forest, the two competitors were finally allowed to shine in competition. We had four other, cheaper headlights in our test luggage, which are designed more for occasional night rides and cost not much more than 100 euros. The three models GVolt 100 from Cateye, Aura 100 from Sigma and LS 760 I-GO Vision from Trelock had already been included in our last test of light sets in TOUR 10/2022 The latest Super StVZO 600 + road headlamp from Lezyne proved its worth for the first time, outshining all the candidates by a wide margin in the "light duration" category.
In the all-important light competition, however, the four economy spotlights were no longer able to keep up with the light cannons from Lupine and Supernova.
The homogeneous and powerful cones of light that the top spotlights fire into the darkness make you want to ride out at night, whether on tarmac or gravel tracks. This deserves applause, although the Supernova with dynamo power throws a little less light onto the road, but shines forever - could shine forever.
(K)A difference like day and night
Watch out, trap! When viewed in the dark, the answer to the question of which headlight makes night riding more fun and safer is clear: keen night riders should not be frugal in their choice of lighting and invest a few euros more. Especially as the difference in light between the bright Lupine (bottom left) and the Cateye at the highest light level at 30 km/h is even more impressive in reality than can be seen in the photos.
Short & sweet
Anyone who enjoys riding at night - and not just in winter - and wants to mount really good lights on their road or gravel bike will find suitable models from manufacturers such as Lupine or Supernova. The new and compact SL MiniMax AF battery-powered headlamp and the first dynamo headlamp with pop-up light, the M99 DY Pro, are top products for their respective purposes. For those who want to invest less, the affordable models from Lezyne, Sigma and Trelock are a recommendation.
We noticed these details
The test results: 4 affordable battery-powered headlights
Cateye GVolt 100
The headlight can be mounted on or under the handlebars thanks to the swivelling reflector; at full load it gets hot quickly and requires appropriate cooling; the indicator in the pressure switch provides rough information about the battery level; long reserve
- Price: 149 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight (weighed with holder): 194 grams
- Light modes: 3
- Extras: Rotatable reflector, can be mounted on or under the handlebars
- Light duration, reserve: 2:45 h, 2:00 h
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 4 out of 8 points - 3.0
- Lighting duration (25 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.5
- Handling (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.7
- Processing (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.5
- Holder (15 %): 8 out of 5 points - 2.3
TOUR-NOTE: 2.7
Lezyne Super StVZO 600+
Longest light duration, but without reserve, more than 6 hours charging time; indicator with very simple charge level display; the headlamp gets less hot than the previous model, its holder can be flexibly adjusted.
- Price: 110 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight (weighed with holder): 203 grams
- Light modes: 4
- Extras: bracket with large swivel range, aluminium housing
- Light duration, reserve: 4:50 h, 0:00 h
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 6 out of 8 points - 2.0
- Lighting duration (25 %): 6 out of 8 points - 2.0
- Handling (15 %): 3 out of 8 points - 3.3
- Processing (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.5
- Holder (15 %): 6 out of 8 points - 2.0
TOUR-NOTE: 2.3
Sigma Aura 100
The charge level indicator provides precise information, a combination switch for the optional rear light is integrated; good reserve; the mounting rubber is a little short, the headlight cannot be swivelled; very light, inexpensive.
- Price: 70 Euro >> available here
- Weight (weighed with holder): 112 grams
- Light modes: 4
- Extras: Combi switch for optional rear light
- Light duration, reserve: 3:20 h, 1:15 h
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 4 out of 8 points - 2.9
- Lighting duration (25 %): 6 out of 8 points - 2.0
- Handling (15 %): 7 out of 8 points - 1.5
- Processing (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.5
- Holder (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.7
TOUR-NOTE: 2.4
Trelock LS 760 IGo Vision
The best display paired with a simple operating concept: light intensity, charge level with remaining time display in hours and minutes plus time; the somewhat clunky holder only offers a small swivelling range.
- Price: 145 Euro >> available here
- Weight (weighed with holder): 175 grams
- Light modes: 5
- Extras: multifunction display, powerbank mode
- Light duration, reserve: 2:15 h, 0:00 h
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.6
- Lighting duration (25 %): 4 out of 8 points - 3.0
- Handling (15 %): 8 out of 8 points - 1.0
- Processing (15 %): 5 out of 8 points -2.5
- Holder (15 %): 5 out of 8 points - 2.3
TOUR-NOTE: 2.4
The test results: 2 high-end spotlights
Lupine SL Mini Max AF
The most homogeneous light profile, practical remote control, relatively short burn time with high beam; the optional double-size battery with 70 watt hours lasts twice as long, but costs 190 euros, compact and top-quality workmanship.
- Price: 530 Euro >> available here
- Weight (weighed with holder): 299 grams
- Light modes: 2
- Extras: Bluetooth remote control
- Light duration, reserve: 1:30 h, 0:00 h
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 8 out of 8 points - 1.0
- Lighting duration (25 %): 3 out of 8 points - 3.5
- Handling (15 %): 7 out of 8 points - 1.3
- Processing (15 %): 8 out of 8 points - 1.0
- Holder (15 %): 6 out of 8 points - 2.0
TOUR-NOTE: 1.8
Supernova Lights M99 DY Pro
Relatively large but lightweight headlight, top workmanship, very good light profile from 20 km/h; fade light produces a great light profile. The cable for the remote control is a little short, a rear light can be connected.
- Price: 325 Euro >> available here
- Weight (weighed with holder): 206 grams
- Light modes: 2
- Extras: Cable remote control Dynamo
- Light duration, reserve: dynamo headlamp
TOUR RATING:
- Light profile (30 %): 1.4
- Lighting duration (25 %): 1.0
- Handling (15 %): 1.0
- Processing (15 %): 1.0
- Holder (15 %): 2.0
TOUR-NOTE: 1.3
How TOUR tests
We assessed the headlights according to five criteria, the results of which are weighted differently in the overall score. Compared to the light test in TOUR 10/2022 we rated the candidates more strictly in all categories, which is why the identical headlights from Cateye, Sigma and Trelock received slightly lower marks.
Light profile (30 per cent)
The light profile is made up of the brightness and illumination of the measurement route. The headlights were aligned so that their cut-off line meets the top edge of the pylon at a distance of 30 metres. The evaluation is based on how homogeneously the light carpet illuminates the near and far areas as well as the edge of the road. With Lupine and Supernova, we photographed and assessed the light pattern in high beam.
Lighting duration (25 per cent)
Before the final measurement of the light duration, all headlight batteries were completely discharged twice. We measured the battery life at maximum power. To prevent the headlights from automatically reducing their output due to overheating, the measurements were taken outside at a temperature of around ten degrees with additional water cooling. The light duration figures here refer to the maximum level; headlamps with a reserve light function were given a bonus.
Handling (15 per cent)
For battery-powered headlights, switches should have a defined pressure point and be large enough so that they can also be operated with long-fingered gloves. We also rated the visibility and precision of the charge level indicator.
Processing (15 per cent)
Material quality, moulding marks, the quality of the seals and watertightness are assessed. We rate aluminium headlight housings higher than plastic ones due to their better heat dissipation.
Holder (15 per cent)
The mounting options and the firm hold on the handlebars or stem are assessed. So far, only Lupine and Supernova offer practical holders for mounting on modern aero handlebars as accessories.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
