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Lights tests

Lights test 2009

The 2009 Lights test was more thorough than ever, with an industrial design assessment and statistical analysis of the data in addition to the visibility testing and the Gear Guru's final judgement. Here we present lights that were best in test and best value

Best scores in test

Front light:Basta Polaris 5 LED (BA3C)

Rear light: Cateye TL-LD610-R

These two lights are consistent performers in these annual tests and it’s good to see that this year’s industrial design tests support previous years’ assessment that they have all-round quality.

Best value

Combination: Planet Bike Beamer 5 and Blinky 7

Front light: Basta Polaris 5 LED (BA3C)

Rear light: NiteRider TL 5.0

The NiteRider TL 5.0 is a standout for value. This is the cheapest rear light in the test but has good visibility, high water resistance and it compares fairly in other categories. The set of Planet Bike Beamer 5 and Blinky 7 is the cheapest of the combos in this test and although it came fourth in the overall ratings it was still a strong performer in all categories in a tight field, making it good value. The Polaris 5 LED takes Best value as well as Best overall score because the only cheaper front light seriously failed the strength test (see 'poor performers' on main page).

How to get them

Basta through Echelon Sports (07) 3392 0022

Cateye through Pacific Brands 1800 333 054

NiteRider through JetBlack

Planet Bike and Princeton Tec through Cycling Connections call Brett Dutton (02) 9580 7173