Cateye HL EL600RC Single Shot

Cateye’s CL EL 600 is a rechargeable, single watt LED front light well suited to urban commuting and as a complement to dynamo systems but despite generally good build quality and user friendly design, more accessible batteries and a USB charging option would be welcome refinements.

Separating the imaginatively named EL600 from the competition is a clever Reverse Offset inner lens (ROL) which focuses the single watt beam upon a precision, curved reflector, maximising output. Three beams (high, low and flashing) give run times between two and twenty four hours and selection is simple-even on the fly and wearing winter gloves courtesy of a well positioned, rubberised switch.

A full charge takes five hours using the surprisingly cumbersome smart charger, although in a pinch it accepts dry cells but access to the battery compartment demands removing the slightly vulnerable lens assembly held in place with two tiny (2mm) Allen screws-fine in the living room but a nightmare along dark country lanes. Some might reason, used properly this should never happen but we live in an imperfect world and the option of a USB charger would be a welcome upgrade.

An ingenious, tool-free universal fitting kit consumes nominal space and accommodates all bar diameters-I’ve successfully attached ours to a Space Saver bracket and even mounted it securely atop a helmet. Bridle path blasting has failed to budge it. Despite advice to the contrary, positioning millimetres away from a wireless computer hasn’t presented any problems. Run times are pretty accurate, although ours only managed 23 hrs and 45 minutes against the 24 stated in flashing mode, but hey, that's a lot closer to 24 than 23.

Stout weather seals are to Cateye’s usual high standards and toggling between modes in a downpour hasn’t revealed any obvious flaws. Just the same, mile munching, foul weather commuters might want a lick of Vaseline on the battery contacts. Output is more than adequate for being seen by- even on unlit roads and is handy for roadside mechanicals but insufficient for rural lanes. Sixty quid seems steep too- nice tyre driven dynamos and budget ten watt lead acid systems can be had for the same money. However, low weight and reliable design backed by a two year warrantee gives peace of mind.

Verdict

Good, if pricey lamp for urban riding and complementing dynamos on rural runs