The CatEye Volt 300 & Rapid X: Banish the Night

by | Dec 10, 2014 | Previews & Roundups, Sports | 0 comments

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Photo: Courtesy of Bike Radar

With winter fast approaching, daylight hours are being reduced by one minute each day until late December. This does not bode well for any cyclist who depends upon their bike for transportation or exercise. Leave it to CatEye to solve that dilemma. Designing cycling products since 1981, they are ever expanding their line of headlights and safety lights to provide the best visibility at night.

Recently, I received both the Volt 300 and the Rapid X units. I have been using them now for over four weeks and I am most impressed.

The Volt 300 is designed to give off 300 lumens of light with the use of its quick-change cartridge battery, which is USB rechargeable. Five modes of operation provide a range of three to 60 hours of light with a low battery indicator. If your commute is longer than the run time, easy to change spare cartridge batteries can be purchased as an add-on. Weighing only 120 grams, this light is small enough to not clutter your handlebars. Despite its size, the manner in which it lights up the road will shock you. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the ingeniously designed mount that will accommodate most any handlebar. It is easy to put on and remove, and its tight grip is such that you will never experience any light shimmy.

Also USB rechargeable and only 22.5 grams, Rapid X will not only give you visibility from behind, but it also offers superior side visibility as well. The COB LED red light is extremely bright and its six modes will provide one to eight hours of light. Rapid X achieves full charge in approximately 2 hours. Providing additional safety, the “Auto Save” function will automatically change the light pattern when the remaining power runs low.  Attaching it to your bike is simple due to its unique design and rubber band mount.

So if your desire is to ride sans sun, let CatEye provide a new level of safety. These two remarkable products will allow you to be seen and be safe.

-John Cap Capobianco M.Ed.

Downtown Magazine