The Knog Blinder 1300 is a entrance bike gentle that goes toe to toe with among the greatest bike lights in the marketplace, mixing strong efficiency with a smooth, compact design.
Whereas its 1,300-lumen output could possibly be thought of barely modest in comparison with higher-powered rivals now we have had on check just lately, it excels with a centered beam, vast viewing angles, and spectacular construct high quality. In case you’re after reliable efficiency with out breaking the financial institution, the Blinder 1300 is price contemplating.
Knog Blinder 1300: Building
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 just a little bit sleeker than rivals equivalent to Lezyne’s Drive vary.
With six LEDs delivering a peak output of 1,300 lumens, the Blinder is provided to deal with quite a lot of driving eventualities. Whereas it doesn’t boast the sheer lumen energy of opponents 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 wonderful peripheral illumination.
The Blinder 1300 comes with two mounts out of the field, each of that are safe and straightforward to get together with
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The Blinder gives 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. A protracted press turns the sunshine on, quick presses toggle between modes, and a double press switches between fixed and flashing beams. The button is backlit, offering a helpful battery stage indicator.
Knog features a rubber strap for bar-top mounting and a GoPro-style mount that permits for under-bar positioning, preserving your handlebars clear and arranged. I discovered the GoPro mount to be implausible for once you need one thing just a little safer. Rougher bike paths can shake rubber straps and trigger the sunshine to bop round just a little 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 slender profile match alongside a motorbike pc 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 value level. Run instances 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 street rides.
Knog Blinder 1300: The experience
Out on the street, the Knog Blinder 1300 impressed me with its steadiness of practicality and efficiency. Throughout testing, the broad beam sample proved superb for unlit bike paths round Oxford, the place ambient lighting is sparse. The centered central beam supplied wonderful ahead visibility with out overpowering or blinding oncoming street customers, whereas the peripheral illumination made it simple to determine hazards lurking on the sides of the trail. This stage of management gives 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 opponents too, making it extra comfy for extended use. Relying on the appliance, 1300 lumens can sound like an enormous quantity, or just a little bit on the weak aspect, however typically talking for various use I did not discover the Blinder 1300 was underpowered. It excelled in eventualities the place even, constant lighting was extra necessary 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 pc with out compromising handlebar actual property. The GoPro-style mount stood out as a handy function, preserving the sunshine centrally positioned and safe when required.
For daytime use, the flashing modes are greater than sufficient. The speedy strobe carried out effectively below vivid daylight, making certain visibility to different street customers. Nevertheless, 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 turn into vital.
The Knog Blinder 1300 has a small type issue on the handlebars
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
Total, 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 searching for a high-quality, mid-tier gentle.
Knog Blinder 1300: Specification
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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 digital camera type mount
