The Knog Blinder 1300 is a entrance bike gentle that goes toe to toe with a number of the greatest bike lights in the marketplace, mixing strong efficiency with a modern, compact design.
Whereas its 1,300-lumen output may very well be thought of barely modest in comparison with higher-powered rivals we’ve got had on take a look at just lately, it excels with a targeted beam, extensive viewing angles, and spectacular construct high quality. If you happen to’re after reliable efficiency with out breaking the financial institution, the Blinder 1300 is value contemplating.
Knog Blinder 1300: Development
The Knog Blinder 1300 is a compact, stylishly designed entrance bike gentle with a CNC-machined 6061 aluminum physique that feels each premium and sturdy. Its slim, rectangular form is nice for conserving handlebar actual property, and appears a little bit bit sleeker than rivals equivalent to Lezyne’s Drive vary.
With six LEDs delivering a peak output of 1,300 lumens, the Blinder is supplied to deal with a wide range of driving situations. Whereas it doesn’t boast the sheer lumen energy of rivals just like the Cateye Amp 2200 (2,200 lumens) or Publicity Strada MK14 lights (1,700 lumens), it compensates with a large, even beam and glorious peripheral illumination.
The Blinder 1300 comes with two mounts out of the field, each of that are safe and simple to get together with
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The Blinder presents six gentle modes: three fixed beams and three flashing settings, together with a speedy strobe for daytime use. Switching between modes is intuitive, with a single button controlling all features. An extended press turns the sunshine on, brief presses toggle between modes, and a double press switches between fixed and flashing beams. The button is backlit, offering a helpful battery degree indicator.
Knog features a rubber strap for bar-top mounting and a GoPro-style mount that permits for under-bar positioning, conserving your handlebars clear and arranged. I discovered the GoPro mount to be unbelievable for while you need one thing a little bit safer. Rougher bike paths can shake rubber straps and trigger the sunshine to bounce round a little bit bit on the ground, and the addition of a extra permenant fixing choice does assist to cut back theses vibrations.
The compact design was significantly helpful throughout testing, the place the Blinder’s slim profile match alongside a motorbike laptop with out crowding the cockpit.
Charging is dealt with by way of USB-C, though Knog doesn’t embody a cable, which looks like an oversight for a product at this worth level. Run occasions vary from 90 minutes on the very best fixed mode to 120 hours on essentially the most economical flash setting, providing flexibility however leaving some room for enchancment for prolonged unlit highway rides.
Knog Blinder 1300: The trip
Out on the highway, the Knog Blinder 1300 impressed me with its stability of practicality and efficiency. Throughout testing, the broad beam sample proved splendid for unlit bike paths round Oxford, the place ambient lighting is sparse. The targeted central beam offered glorious ahead visibility with out overpowering or blinding oncoming highway customers, whereas the peripheral illumination made it straightforward to determine hazards lurking on the perimeters of the trail. This degree of management presents a welcome sense of confidence, particularly on winding routes or decrepid bike paths.
The marginally yellow tint of the sunshine is much less harsh than the stark white beams of some rivals too, making it extra comfy for extended use. Relying on the appliance, 1300 lumens can sound like an enormous quantity, or a little bit bit on the weak aspect, however usually talking for various use I did not discover the Blinder 1300 was underpowered. It excelled in situations the place even, constant lighting was extra vital than sheer brightness.
An array of LED’s is roofed with a slight yellow filter, serving to heat the lighting beam
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
Mounting the sunshine was equally seamless. The slim design and versatile mounting choices allowed for simple integration alongside a motorbike laptop with out compromising handlebar actual property. The GoPro-style mount stood out as a handy function, conserving the sunshine centrally positioned and safe when required.
For daytime use, the flashing modes are greater than ample. The speedy strobe carried out effectively below shiny daylight, guaranteeing visibility to different highway customers. Nonetheless, the runtime on high-power fixed mode (1hr 30mins, stretchable to 2 hours in my testing) won’t suffice for riders tackling prolonged unlit commutes, the place a recharge in the course of the working day may grow to be obligatory.
The Knog Blinder 1300 has a small type issue on the handlebars
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
General, the Knog Blinder 1300 is a thoughtfully designed, dependable companion for each city and off-road riders. Whereas it won’t rival the outright brightness or runtime of higher-powered choices, its compact design, broad beam, and versatile mounting make it a powerful contender for anybody on the lookout for a high-quality, mid-tier gentle.
Knog Blinder 1300: Specification
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Knog Blinder 1300 Specification
Lumens
1300
Row 0 – Cell 2
Claimed battery life
1.5hrs at 1300 Lumens (120hrs max)
Row 1 – Cell 2
Waterproofing
IP67
Row 2 – Cell 2
Charging kind
Rechargeable, USB C
Row 3 – Cell 2
Mount kind
Clip system with silicone band attatchment and motion digicam fashion mount
