Izone Curve 2 rear light

The Izone Curve 2 rear light ranks as one of the best blinkies I've used at almost any price point and for a very long time. Bucking the plug-in trend, it combines old school AAA practicality with contemporary output and five modes. Oh, and it's extremely well sealed against the elements.

Behind the 360-degree red lens sit three LEDs. The central unit is quoted as being 1 watt (a measure of consumption, rather than output). Apparently, this lead singer projects the greatest punch. Claimed total output is a tame-sounding 11 lumens, but the phrase about wolf and sheep's clothing springs to mind.

> Buy this online here

The composite material used to build the Curve 2 isn't quite up to the same standards you'd expect from high-end units, but it all still feels very solid.

Access to the battery tray is via a coin slot, though thinner flat screwdrivers common to most multi-tools will also do the job without leaving nasty gouge marks.

I was expecting a simple 'rubber band on steroids' seal, but while the two AAA batteries are accessible, circuitry and diodes are well and truly locked away. No surprise that it sniggered at heavy, persistent rain and passed my hosepipe torture test hands down, then...

On the subject of switches, this one is a surprisingly narrow and very positive grey button, which requires quite a deliberate prod in gloved hands. Relatively thin, it sometimes proved elusive, so is best engaged from standstill rather than attempted on the fly.

The Curve 2 mounts limpet fashion to most seatpost/tubing shapes and diameters or luggage via the increasingly default wraparound 'rubber doughnut' strap. Just remember to take it with you when parking up in the street...

So then, these five modes. We have constant, fast flash, slow flash, strobe and chase (essentially a fast strobe), which oscillate at just the right pace to court attention from a good safe distance without dazzling.

Constant is surprisingly frugal, although I've not quite managed the full 30 hours reckoned possible from fresh batteries. But even discount shop specials have seen it creep well into 28, which should be enough for most riders.

Visibility is around the 180m mark on clear, cloudless nights, dipping to about 125 round town – still very useful but I've preferred to combine it with a second, bijoux blinkie in this setting. Mounted vertically, fast flash is by far the most potent – 600m-plus seems a fairly conservative estimate given feedback from other riders, and is still beaming away 40 hours hence.

This felt the safest option through town, especially when tackling larger roundabouts and similarly ominous junctions. Slow flash is distinctive and seemingly very effective on those drab grey afternoons, although its slower pace left me feeling slightly vulnerable when negotiating bigger roundabouts at dusk. This was particularly true when fitted on my low-slung touring trailer. Otherwise we're talking 250m (450 in the sticks).

> Check out our guide to the best rear lights here

Strobe and chase have come in particularly handy on long, steady dusk-til-dawn rural runs. I swapped over to rechargeable batteries for these outings but, as we speak, I've done 20 hours apiece and they're still going strong. Presence is almost on par with fast flash – a good 500m in Sticksville.

Ultimately, the Curve 2 might not match the outright firepower of some über-lumen models, but it still delivers excellent presence and is an obvious option for audax, weekend and longer haul touring. I think it's well worth its rrp, and an even bigger bargain online.

Verdict

Just the right balance of modes, output and decent run times – recommended