Description
The Sol uses the same great looking headlamp found on the MiNewt.X2. Make no mistake, the Sol not only looks good, but also delivers excellent performance. Housed inside the headlamp is the same high-powered LED found in the MiNewt.X2 and when powered by the NiMH battery pack, the Sol pumps out an amazing 115 lumens. When it came to optics, NiteRider did not cut corners by using a total internal reflector or standard glass lens; instead the same custom made reflector and Borofloat lens used in the MiNewt.X2 was incorporated. This reflector and lens combination minimizes light transmission loss while maximizing light output. A Gimbal Style mount is used for handlebar mounting. Charging and maintaining batteries has never been easier, just plug it in and walk away. The Sol charger does the rest, making certain your battery never overcharges. When left connected for longer periods of time, the charger monitors battery levels and periodically charges the battery to keep it at optimum levels. Never before have so many features been offered at an affordable price.
Read more...
Decent battery life.
Cons: The plug design is AWFUL.
The power switch is on the battery, not the light head.
Somewhat heavy and bulky.
Recommendation: I borrowed one of these for 24 hours of Moab and it was a piece of excrement. The battery cable came unplugged about a dozen times, and even though I could reach it and plug it back in while riding, the light defaults to 'off' so you also have to find the power button, which is inconveniently on the battery, not the light.
I had finally given up on it when another rider gave me some duct tape and I secured the cable for the rest of the lap.
This light was 3 months old when I used it, and had no visible wear on the battery connector. The issue is that the connector is on the battery, not inline like some others. Any lateral pressure on the plug pops it right off.
This poorly designed light ultimately cost me 15 minutes off my night lap.
There are better lights for the same or less money out there.