Fabric FL30 front light

There is something appealing about the Fabric FL30: it's a slick design with what I'd consider the 'right' number of modes – who needs more than high beam, low beam, strobe and flashing? As the name suggests, it uses Chip On Board (COB) technology to offer up to 30 lumens, a relatively low output in comparison with other similarly priced 'be seen' lights, but it does get you seen and is half decent at letting you see, too.

As well as having a classy, upmarket look, the robust nylon casing is waterproof and stands up to the elements. The cylindrical design (23x74mm) is more aesthetically appealing than many 'be seen' plastic looking lights in my opinion, and can be positioned horizontally or vertically with the versatile tool-free mounting system.

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The light is bright enough to be seen by and offers a substantial beam even when riding along roads that are not so well lit; it actually gave off sufficient light on full beam for me to commute on an unlit road; okay, not fast – it's not what the light was designed for – but it's certainly a positive feature, and could help in an emergency.

Peripheral lighting is also surprisingly generous given the shape of the light. I definitely felt I was getting more than the 50-60 degrees Fabric claims.

The switch sits at one end of the light, and it's easy to cycle through the modes: you operate it with your index finger, countering this push with your thumb at the other end. No fiddling for a tiny switch or struggling to activate it when your hands are cold.

One click moves on each mode – high beam, medium, strobe (Fabric calls this 'fast flashing'), flashing, and off. This was the light's only slightly annoying feature – having to cycle through all the modes to switch it off. The same switch acts as a battery life indicator – when it glows red there is only 15% battery life remaining.

The Micro USB port is very well protected by a neat silicone plug that fits snugly to prevent water creeping in. Charging is quick – 1 hour 45 minutes. The on/off switch glows red when charging and goes out when fully charged – all very simple. The braided cable provided is seriously hardwearing but not the longest.

Run-times in the high and low beams were a little less than claimed, but only by a few minutes (3:25 and 5:50), while strobe and flashing were as claimed (8hrs 30mins and 10 hours respectively).

> Check out our guide to the best front lights for cycling

The mounting system is clever: it consists of a split silicone band which enables central mounting on the handlebar, over the front of the stem – so freeing up bar space either side. The band then attaches to a bracket which the light clips into. The rear of the bracket (sitting against the bar, stem or tube) is a symmetrical disc, so the bracket (and in turn the light) can sit horizontally or vertically.

The clasp at the front of the bracket is what holds the light securely. Ridges at the edge of the bracket fit into grooves on the light's casing. It is very easy to clip the light into the bracket but not quite so easy to remove; there is no release lever, so it is a matter of brute force to separate clasp and light capsule.

Fabric claims the light can be mounted on a helmet but I didn't manage this on any of mine (it would mount but the light would shine upwards or backwards). I can see it would work for a rear light, but I'm not sure about a front.

Overall, Fabric has managed to design and produce a quality 'be seen' light. If you only consider pounds per lumen there are undeniably better deals out there, but if you are after a classy looking, durable and versatile British designed light then I recommend investing in the FL30.

Verdict

Pricey for 30 lumens but tough to beat on quality, robustness and aesthetics