Xeccon Mars 30 rear light

The Xeccon Mars 30 rear light has generally build and better presence than the numbers would imply. However, the bracket, though not beyond redemption, needs redesigning.

Technology

Inside the big clear ABS plastic dome (which reminded me of a Portuguese man 'o war, without the tentacles) sit 30 'chip on board' LEDs.

Sitting them directly on the PCB means more can be crammed into the same space, thus providing greater visual punch, compared with more traditional models of similar output.

Buy Xeccon Mars 30
Find a Xeccon dealer

They are fuelled by a 300mAh lithium ion cell, which is reckoned good for 300 charge cycles. It charges via the usual Android phone type micro-USB cable. Refuelling takes a relatively pedestrian four hours but on the flip side, the flashing mode is very gentle on the battery.

The 'smart' element lies in the unit's ability to switch to a 30-lumen constant mode, theoretically to denote braking.

Given brake lights aren't standard on bicycles, there's little to suggest drivers recognise this particular signal but it seems intense enough to keep them at a comfortable distance.

Build quality/Waterproofing

The main unit feels very solid, more so than typical of this price point. The USB port is positioned out of harm's way and the plug fits very securely. Although Xeccon don't cite an IPX rating, I've had no problems, despite some pretty heavy downpours. Cursory blasts from my garden hose haven't revealed any obvious weaknesses either.

Switch

This is a sensibly proportioned side mounted affair, intuitive to use and locate even wearing full-finger, winter-weight gloves. A two-second press brings it to life and subsequent, single nudges cruise through the modes. Debate rages but for the most part, three covers the basics competently. In this instance we're talking steady, flashing and daylight-braking only, by another name.

Powering down also requires a constant, two second press. This and the relatively positive feel means unwanted, bottom of the bag engagements will be rare events. It doesn't remember the mode you were using last, but that's a convenience rather than something I'd get excited about, given there are just three modes. The high, flashing and daylight modes put out 20, 10 and 30 lumens respectively.

> Buyer's Guide: The best front lights for cycling

Bracket

This is a hybrid of hinged and watch strap and very disappointing, since I was never able to get the knurled plastic pin wound tight enough. This meant, over the course of an hour's riding, the light would be misaligned, often projecting upward beneath the saddle, rather than at driver eye-line.

There is scope for seat stay mounting and this seems to cure the problem. I moved ours below the cantilever posts on my fixed gear bike, which largely overcame its appetite for misalignment. Nonetheless, it's hardly going to enjoy universal appeal, since most of us like the option of post mounting.

Output/Performance

The highest, steady setting is good and projects a decent 180 degree cloak of light. Generally speaking 30 lumens is my benchmark for lonely lanes and faster backroads but this is mitigated by the braking function, which boosts output when you slow slightly.

Assuming of course, the hinged bracket hasn't done its rotational trick, the high mode seems to register around the 175 metre mark, dipping to around 125 in town because of competing illumination. Again, the braking mode certainly helps, say when approaching roundabouts, but if I'm intentionally heading that way, flashing is that bit better, thus my default.

Allowing for the auto engagement setting, in flashing mode I've had a good 12 hours from a full charge. Visibility is to 175 metres on a clear night, 125 in suburban contexts. The steady mode is reckoned good for three hours. The highest, steady setting has returned 2hrs 43min. Either way, there's some visual warning when reserves drop to 15%.

The 'intelligent' braking is useful to a point. While it's bright, relative to specification, it's not what we've come to expect of a daylight mode. There's a pause of a second or two before it registers change of pace and disengages. However, the increased presence when breaking on a wet, overcast day is definitely a bonus.

Conclusion

The Mars 30 is a pretty good light for the money but scuppered by a silly bracket. Despite some lovely touches, I would be hard pressed to recommend it over a less powerful unit such as CatEye Rapid Micro rear, which on paper offers less bang for your buck. However, the CatEye is more potent than 30 lumens suggests and the simple O-ring bracket means it will stay where you need it.

Verdict

Potentially a good light but braking sensor and bracket need refinement