Moon Gemini Front Light

Moon's Gemini front light is a six-mode model that initially felt impotent compared with some 'office strip light' patterns – especially in the lower settings. However, there is an 80-lumen daylight flash option and the 30-lumen flashing/strobe patterns still offer a very good mix of power and economy.

Available singularly or as a front and rear package, the Gemini has a CNC machined aluminium casing (which also doubles as a heat sink) that houses two 'high power' white LEDs, circuits, switch gear and 3.7-volt 300Amh lithium polymer cell.

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Zero to hero fuel-ups take 2 hours 20 mins at the mains – add 10 minutes or so from laptops and tablets. Auto cut-out prevents the cell overcharging and battery life/charge indicators are pretty standard issue these days. I'm pleased to report that the Gemini's proved very accurate and gave plenty of warning before reserves dipped dangerously low.

On that subject, the Gemini has an auto safe mode, which means you're assured of an hour's burn time once the low battery indicator starts winking; it's hardly a novel concept – many lights have a similar failsafe but don't make it a selling point.

The small, clear rubberised switch sits is pretty intuitive to use, although it takes a bit of practice when wearing full-finger gloves – especially generously padded winter types. Pressing the switch for two seconds brings the unit to life, with a memory function defaulting to the last choice, then prod twice in quick succession if you to select something more condition-specific.

Unleashing the full 60-lumen constant mode produces a strong, relatively pure arc of light. It doesn't equal Moon's Aerolite COB in terms of presence but there's just enough bite for nipping through town and well-lit suburban stretches. Arguably fit for purpose, a real world run-time of 2:03 is pretty good and could literally prove a lifesaver should a main light pack up miles from home.

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Daytime modes stir mixed emotions in me. On the one hand, I tend to run blinkies during the day three seasons round, but I often wonder if drivers have become so used to it they don't even notice. Nonetheless, the double-flash 80-lumen setting is very effective, right up until dusk, and was still going strong after 23 hours.

In terms of economy, most settings have proved faithful to the quoted run times, allowing for the factory battery caveat. I've achieved 8:02 from the 15-lumen constant. Although this setting is handy for those first 40ft or so, before my Univega's 800-lumen hub dynamo powered lamp has woken up, it's underpowered for my tastes; 30 is better, providing enough light for locating correct Allen/house keys.

Flashing were my defaults – visible to around the 125-150m mark on clear nights; pulsing is assertive rather than aggressive, and works a treat round town, snaring attention at similar range.

A quick word about the brackets... Moon offers the standard butterfly and rubber band combo that has grown on me. Accommodating both standard and aero bar profiles, it can also be mounted vertically, which frees up some handlebar space but produces a shallower pool of light and less presence. The clothing clips are similarly tenacious – useful as tertiary illumination on messenger bag straps where the higher positioning amplifies the moderate output.

It took me a while to fully appreciate its potential, but overall I'm impressed with the Gemini and would recommend it if you wanted a compact but very practical safety light.

Verdict

Quirky looking but surprisingly useful safety light