One23 Mega Bright 3

This light is tough, waterproof and highly effective, with enough runtime that you won't get caught out even on longer night-time rides.

So far as I can tell, this is a rebadged version of the RSP Asteri 3 that Big Dave tested back in March. He gave it the thumbs up and who am I to argue with a man who has been through more lights than Blackpool Illuminations?

The RSP version claimed 200 lumens, whereas this version claims 170, despite them both being powered by a 3w LED. Where have the other 30 lumens gone? Personally, I reckon they've been snaffled by the Solstice Goblins. Prove me wrong if you can...

The first thing that strikes you is how attractive the light is. The stubby torch-style body is pleasantly chunky and the aluminium casing is reassuringly tough. Waterproofing isn't a no problem either as the only access to the inside is via the screw-on end cap, which has a long enough thread that nothing gets in. The only potential weak spot is the recharging port, which is on the underside and covered by a rubber cap. I didn't have any problems with it but I've heard of this bung coming loose, so you might want to invest in a little electrical tape, just to be on the safe side. The only aspect of the design which I didn't much like was the bracket, which is on the stiff side, and I struggled with over-sized bars.

In use, the beam is modest but perfectly usable on unlit roads so long as you're not in a rush. The light provides a fair amount of peripheral light. I ran it alongside the similarly priced L&M Vega 120 I tested last year and the difference in beams was noticeable. The One23 has noticeably more spill, unlike the more tightly focused beam of the Vega. You wouldn't want to rely on it when tackling fast descents on muddy, stony lanes but for unlit commutes it's perfectly adequate. There is also a low power setting you can switch to for well lit portions of your ride and a flash option. The only caveat is that the switch is hard to operate with gloves on, and if you do decide to go to the flashing mode you'll have to switch the light off before it cycles back into full power again.

Where this light really scores is in it's runtime. Unlike the NiMH powered Vega, the One23 has a 2200mAh li-ion battery which powers the 3w LED for almost six hours on full power – all night on the lower setting. The button also serves as a warning light, giving you about 10 minutes' notice that darkness is about to descend. Once you get home, charging takes just 2.5 hours from empty.

The one criticism that Dave had was the lack of side illumination. That remains a flaw, but for me it's not such a worry, riding as I do on predominantly unlit country roads.

Verdict

Well made and with an excellent runtime, this is a very effective little light