Pave Your Path.
Portland Design Works' Pathfinder USB Headlight features Vertical Cutoff Beam technology, providing 200 lumens of concentrated light onto the ground directly ahead so you can safely define the best path from A to B. In addition to the primary Vertical Cutoff Beam, there are secondary beams that are designed to enhance your visibility, making it easier for oncoming traffic and fellow cyclists to spot you. To ensure reliable, year-round use, the Pathfinder USB Headlight features rugged, all-weather construction. Four modes of illumination - steady low, steady high, daytime flash, and pulse - facilitate environmental adaptability. The super bright daytime flash mode is great for situations in which you might benefit from enhanced visibility when the sun is still high in the sky, such as narrow road shoulders or new routes. A battery level indicator on the top side of the light makes it easy to keep it charged. While charging, the indicator flashes green to signify successful charging is underway.
Features & Tech:
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B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.
Application: Road/Commute | |
Lumens: 0-500 | |
Pathfinder USB | Light Type: Rechargeable |
I commute on a daily basis quite early, before sunrise, and want a light to see where I'm going on trails that are poorly lit. I have used various solutions including lights not specifically for biking attached to my helmet but I thought I would try a handlebar mounted approach. The last handlebar light I had with a similar design (but a different manufacturer) I see with some research was more than 10 years ago, so happily there has been good progress with this one. It is less then 2/3 the weight and the light is well directed so it is easy to avoid blinding oncoming riders while seeing the trail reasonably clearly. At bike commuter speed the amount of light is fine; I suppose if I was riding a class 3 e-bike I would want more. I'm not sure about the handlebar bracket's rubber attachment system; will it age well? Because the light unit is not heavy the bracket keeps the light from moving around. I only use this on the high setting; according to the info provided it should get two hours from a full charge at that setting. My commute is about 50 minutes and I keep an eye on the power gauge; my strong impression is that the battery doesn't hold an initial charge well, by which I mean if I charge it on Friday evening by Monday morning the battery will have lost 5%. That surprises me but basically for my purposes this should work fine, charging it after each use. Pluses: enough light, not expensive, doesn't blind others.
I use the light for daytime riding in flash mode. It is very bright and visible even in bright sunlight. The battery lasts for quite some time. I have done as many as 5 rides, 3 hour long, between charges. Even after those rides the indicators show that there was charge left. It is larger than my previous headlight, but it is better design over all. I have had very good luck with Portland Design Works products, and this one simply confirms my faith in the quality of the company.
