2015 Lights Shootout

CatEye Rapid X Lens

A 22 gram total weight is the the highlight of this CatEye Rapid X tail light. And it's not a silly little LED light that's barely visible, but a long LED array that has nice rear and side visibility. For reference, an AA alkaline battery weighs 23 grams, so there's really no reason even for weight weenies to not leave this mounted on their bike.

It's rechargeable of course and it has a variety of flash modes. Time on solid high mode is only one hour but it can last up to 30 hours on one of the flashing modes. It even has a 'vibrating' mode, which is a pulsing mode that is not as distracting to drivers as flash mode.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szxZ-isSsHM&list=UUSOYbSsGkNJdUfVG-0AnTSgVideo: Test with the CatEye Rapid X Tail Light. Tail Light was shot from 20 yards away with a camera at fixed exposure. The light was pointed at the camera then turned to the side. Different flash modes were activated.

Strengths

  • 22 grams with good output
  • Good side visibility
  • Four flash modes are available
  • Rechargeable even at this size and weight

Weaknesses

  • Mounting is limited with an elastic band
  • May not be powerful enough for some, especially day riding

Specifications

  • Price: $40
  • Time on High: 1:00 Hours
  • Charge Time: 2:00 Hours
  • Mounted Weight: 22 grams
  • Category: Tail Light

Overall Rating

4.5 Stars
4.5 out of 5 Stars

For more information visit www.cateye.com.

This article is part of Mtbr and RoadBikeReview's 2015 Lights Shootout. To see all the bike lights tested CLICK HERE.