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review

Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Light

8
£19.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Capable and keenly priced light, though the mounting kit could be better
Good choice of modes
Decent output
Solid build
User-friendly switch
Convenient charge times
Short run-time in high constant mode
No auto kickdown when battery reserves dwindle
Weight: 
25g

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The Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Light is a capable offering at a great price. There are seven generally sensible modes, a memory function, and the light feels solid – the mounting kit less so, but still serviceable enough.

The body/lens measures a relatively bijoux 55 x 255 x 25mm, and thanks to its curved shape means the arc of light is good peripherally too.

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In terms of output, there are two steady settings, high and low (40 and 10 lumens), and five flashing, from 5 lumens up to a 50-lumen daylight flash, which should cater for most scenarios.

As daylight modes go, the 50-lumen offering here is good rather than great, especially in harsh sunlight. It's much better when it's grey or overcast, when I was visible to around 100 metres (about the length of a football field) – but only about half that when the sun's been strong. I also tried it as a night mode on occasion, and other riders reckoned they'd spotted me at around 150 metres.

For dusk and beyond, flashing mode 4 is the most intense of them, and thanks to the sequencing and patterns, friendly acquaintances reckoned they could pick me out at a good 125 metres through the sticks.

> Buyer’s Guide: 10 of the best rear lights for cycling

I was astonished by how bright the two 5-lumen flashing modes proved – visible to 40-50 metres. Again, much of this comes down to the distinctive flash sequences.

Flashing 1 is overkill for town riding but good for traversing the lanes and semi-rural sections. I've had close to 9 hours from a full charge and friends suggested they could spot the beam pattern at 100 metres, maybe 125 on a clear, starry night.

I have pondered the high constant's validity, given it's only good for an hour (just under) and there's no auto 'get you home' kick-down. In fairness, I have a few costing a good bit more that don't have a bail-out.

The 10-lumen low constant would be my obvious choice for group rides. Otherwise, the flashing modes offer a decent blend of performance and economy and are quite captivating.

Run-times and charging

Run-times were in line with those cited, give or take a few minutes, providing a range from just under one hour (high constant) to 20 for the longest running of the 5-lumen flash modes.

The charge indicator isn't as obvious as some, but manifests as a distinctive, intermittent flicker that has chimed in when reserves dip to around 15%.

The lithium-ion polymer cell charges via micro-USB cable and takes two hours from the mains, another 10 minutes or so from a laptop/similar. The battery life/charge indicator glows red when charging, turning clear, rather than green, when fully fuelled.

Though not always practical, I try to keep batteries regularly charged rather than letting them get exhausted, so I get maximum life from the cells. I wasn't surprised to learn the Prime 360's lithium-polymer cell will manage 300 charge cycles before performance tails off.

Switch

The top-mounted switch feels slightly rubbery to touch but is reassuringly positive, so no unwanted power-ups or mode changes. Powering up/down requires a sustained one-second press, while subsequent prods switch settings.

It also has a memory function which, given the seven modes, is welcome.

Mount

In the pack you get both a helmet mount and a seatpost mount. The post mount feels a bit soft and not that great quality, but true to claims it will offer decent tenure to tubing between 19 and 33mm. I used it on standard round rather than aero posts.

2022 Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Bike Light 2.jpg

That said, I defaulted to using the light's integral clip and attaching it to assorted luggage tabs, with no issues (woven types seem the best hosts). Beefier jersey pocket tops are another viable option.

With some trial and error involving a DIY shim and cast-off rubber strap, seatstays proved secure hosts, though pencil-thin tubing were non-starters.

Durability/weatherproofing

The light's IPX4 rating means 'resistant to water splashes from any direction'. This might not inspire the same confidence as one meeting IPX6, but it's common and good enough for road riding. The port-plug is a large, snug-fitting rubbery affair, and after being out in heavy rain and giving bikes a good clean it's never missed a beat.

I've also accidentally dropped it – only from a height of 30cm – with no signs of cosmetic or more serious damage.

Value

A penny under £20 is cracking value for money, given the specification and overall performance. You can buy cheaper LEDs, but most can't rival the Prime's range of modes and presence.

Magicshine's Seemee 20, for example, a small cube-shaped, four-mode model, is just £17.99 but only pumps out a maximum of 20 lumens, as does ETC's remarkably similar looking Mira 20 Lumen Rear Light which comes in at £16.

Oxford's Ultratorch Slimline R50 Rear LED is another contender, though. A couple of quid cheaper at £17.99, it doesn't feature a daylight running setting but does have a 50-lumen max, and no fewer than eight modes. The rubber-band type mounting strap is a little basic, but again adequate, and easily substituted for something more substantial.

Conclusion

Minor grumbles aside, the Prime rear light is a great option for the money, and does the important things very well, though I'd sooner pay a couple of quid more for a beefier mount.

Verdict

Capable and keenly priced light, though the mounting kit could be better

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Light

Size tested: 55 x 25.5 x 25mm

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Prime says: "The Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Light (PSI) is a reliable and vibrant road cycle light that mounts to seat posts and helmet mounts. It also features Prime's PSI mount that offers secure mounting on the underside of your saddle. Brightness is key for daylight riding and the Prime 360 Super Bright Rear Light offers 40-lumens illumination on high-beam and 50-lumens on daytime flashing mode. With 7 modes to choose from the rider can balance the road and light conditions against the most appropriate illumination. Prime Saddle Integration (PSI) allows you to clip PSI accessories into the saddle base to allow for sleek integration."

My feelings are it's a capable light for the money that gets most things right. However, though functional, the mounting kit feels low rent.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

Prime lists:

Size: 55 x 25.5 x 25mm

Water-Resistant

Micro USB Charging

Battery Level Indicator

Prime Saddle Integration (PSI) Compatible

Post and Helmet Mounts. Post Mount fits 19-32mm diameter posts.

360-degree transparency casing allows for all-round lighting

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Polymer Battery (300mAh)

7 Modes: High Beam (1 HR), Low Beam (6 HRs), Flash 1 (9 HRs), Flash 2 (13.5 HRs), Flash 3 (20 HRs), Flash 4 (3.5 HRs), Daytime Flash (8 HRs)

Weight: 26g

Product Data

Brightness: 0-99

Rechargable: Yes

Charging Method: USB

Commuter: Yes

Touring: Yes

Road: Yes

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Well made, but the mounting kit, though functional, doesn't feel as good quality.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
8/10

Light is intuitive and user-friendly. The switch is more positive than some, which is a good thing. However, it requires a longer (1 second) continuous press before powering up/down.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
5/10

Mounts are reliable enough but the plastics feel soft. Best mounted to the seatpost rather than seatstays, in my experience. The light's integral clip meant luggage tabs were my preferred default.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

IPX4 might not inspire the same confidence as IPX6 but I've had no issues in the wet or when giving bikes a really good clean.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
7/10

In line with those cited and generally very practical.

Rate the light for performance:
 
7/10

Bright and with a good balance of modes for most contexts.

Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10

Seems rugged and with no obvious weak spots. Resistant to stones and other projectiles, and the big, snug-fitting port cover is very good at keeping the elements out.

Rate the light for weight:
 
8/10

25g shouldn't offend most people.

Rate the light for value:
 
7/10

You can buy cheaper LEDs, but most can't rival the Prime's range of modes and presence.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I've been impressed by this light. Though not the most potent, the modes and flashing patterns are nuanced enough for town work and group rides, yet assertive enough for the darker roads. The lowest 5-lumen flashing settings are cases in point – not what I'd default to along the backroads but far more distinctive than their numbers would imply, and super frugal too. The daylight setting lacks the outright presence of some, especially in bright sunlight, but is still very obvious. The only minor niggle is the mounts but again, they're serviceable.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Bright, but very usable modes, reasonable run-times.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Not so keen on the mounts.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

A penny under £20 is cracking value for money, given the specification and overall performance. You can buy cheaper LEDs, but most can't rival the Prime's range of modes and presence.

Magicshine's Seemee 20, for example, a small cube-shaped, four-mode model, is just £17.99 but only pumps out a maximum of 20 lumens, as does ETC's remarkably similar looking Mira 20 Lumen Rear Light which comes in at £16.

Oxford's Ultratorch Slimline R50 Rear LED is another contender, though. A couple of quid cheaper at £17.99, it doesn't feature a daylight running setting but does have a 50-lumen max, and no fewer than eight modes. The rubber-band type mounting strap is a little basic, but again adequate, and easily substituted for something more substantial.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? Yes

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Very good light for most riding contexts for the price, which is the reason it just scrapes an 8 overall, even though the mounting kit merits upgrading – even if that raised the price by a couple of quid.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 48  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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9 comments

Avatar
KRSL64 | 2 years ago
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I have one of these and it a neat and bright with excellent day light visibilty according to my cycling friends.  

Prime Saddle Integration system works with all Prime badged saddles that start at £9.99 for an Endurance model.  If you don't use a saddle pack it is a great way to have a light without rubber bands.

Doesn't every light have a short run time on maximum brightness?

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OnYerBike replied to KRSL64 | 2 years ago
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KRSL64 wrote:

Doesn't every light have a short run time on maximum brightness?

Some are shorter than others - my TraceR claims a runtime of 3 hours on the brightest constant mode (not sure exactly how many lumens that corresponds to, but brighter than this one). Another Exposure light - the Blaze - claims to be even brighter and last even longer on full brightness (six hours).

Avatar
KRSL64 replied to OnYerBike | 2 years ago
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Three hours is impressive on full power!

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hawkinspeter replied to KRSL64 | 2 years ago
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KRSL64 wrote:

Prime Saddle Integration system works with all Prime badged saddles that start at £9.99 for an Endurance model.  If you don't use a saddle pack it is a great way to have a light without rubber bands.

Didn't see it on https://www.wiggle.co.uk/prime-primavera-carbon-saddle

I think it's a new thing, so will be on all of their newer saddles.

Avatar
KRSL64 replied to hawkinspeter | 2 years ago
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The Primavera carbon is one of the older saddles so you're right, it doesn't have the PSI.  All the new ones do and it is a pretty neat way to have a light fitted all the time.  

Avatar
OnYerBike | 2 years ago
0 likes

I feel a bit of a chump for buying the "Vel 40 Lumen Rear Light" given that it appears to be exactly the same light with different branding and a higher price tag! That said, it might be useful to know that you can buy additional mounts/straps etc through Sigma Sports in case you lose/break one and/or want to have mounts attached to more than one bike.

Beyond that, I would say my experience has been much the same as the reviewer's. I wouldn't like to rely on this as my main light, but as a back up or extra light it's good. I tend to pair this with a Exposure TraceR - the TraceR is brighter and has a longer battery life on constant, but I find the beam quite narrow for urban riding. This light on a flashing mode offers a wider field of visibility and feels a bit more attention grabbing.

The only thing I would highlight is that the light is attached to the supplied mount with a quarter-turn interface which doesn't feel especially secure. It hasn't failed or fallen off yet, so maybe my fears are unfounded, but I wouldn't trust it hugely.

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hawkinspeter replied to OnYerBike | 2 years ago
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The quarter turn connection on my one seems pretty rock solid - no movement there at all.

Here's a quick pic showing how the go-pro mount fits to the PSI saddle mount which clips to the saddle.

Avatar
RoubaixCube replied to OnYerBike | 2 years ago
0 likes

The Vel 20 is also a solid option. I picked one up in the new years sales but i cant exactly remember for how much.

Sigma are currently selling them for £12  and they still give you 180' coverage and decent run times.

180' isnt 360' (yes i know) but its a light worth considering.

Avatar
hawkinspeter | 2 years ago
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I bought one of these just to try out the Primavera saddle mounting (confusingly called PSI). The Primavera shorty saddle comes with a go-pro style adapter that clips into the rear of it (replacing a blank plate) and this light comes with a matching go-pro connector that clips into the light and allows you to bolt it to the saddle clip at whatever angle you desire. Then, the PSI clip and light can be easily unclipped from the saddle for easy charging.

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