Cateye R3 - any good?

rakh1

Hi all, I am after a new front light set. I need something with a wide beam for night-trail riding. As much as I'd love a MaxX D I cannot stomach the near £300 price tag and a joystick's beam is far too tight. Also, I want something that'll last nearer 3 hours than 2 on full beam which rules the hope 2 and 4 out.. Oh, I want LED of course.

I saw that the Cateye R2 got a good review last month but it's beam looks a little tight. This lead me to the R3 - seems the right sought of price (£235ish) and appears to have widish beam pattern. Best of all it'll last 3 hours and has charge info and multiple light settings.

But - finding it hard to find any user-reviews anywhere - anyone got one or tried one - how does it compare?

stubishop1488

I had a 2008 Catseye R3, and thought it was rubbish just sold it on and got a joystick, found it to be better regardless of the beam and the fact that theres no battery pack as well is excellant. I've had over 3 hours out of it on max when fully charged, i don't think i'd be going back. Can't say though about the new 2009 since this has a smaller battery pack which can be mounted under the stem, i had problems with the pack coming lose etc whilst riding and found it annoying hanging off the bottom of the top tube.

rakh1

What was the light output like? Wide? I am worried the Joystick;s beam might be too narrow for bar mounts?

R

maximus69

ive got a hope vision 4 and the battery lasts longer than 3hrs on the 3rd setting. there is very very little difference between 3rd and 4th setting so i wouldnt ignore this light.

rakh1

OK - the 2009 Catyeye R3 arrived. Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakh1/sets/72157611097890995/

Have not had time to ride with it yet - hope to later.

Initial impressions are impressive build quality and a much smaller battery pack than I was expecting!

R

rakh1

ok - riden with this for a while now and am pretty much impressed with everything.

The light output is fantastic and the dip/main beem toggle very useful - it is TOO bright to use on roads with oncoming traffic on full.

The battery is light, lasts about an hour and 10 before giving the 50% orange warning and another hour before going red (20% I think). This was in near freezing temps too. It takes its sweet time to charge - 4 to 5 hours from flat.

The light body itself is very well made, totally waterproof (and matches my MV perl white paint). The soft case that the whole unit comes in is handy for keeping leads, chargers, ties all in once place.

So, my ONLY gripe is the crappy Cateye handlebar mount - you can never get it tight, it always moves (especially if you hit rough stuff) and once it has mud in it you cannot take it off without destroying it.

Would be a 10/10 if they had a better mount - so, only 8/10 from me!

R

Great Ayton

Personalty I do not like them. I was quite confused with the MTBUK good review. I would look at getting the Hope Vision, Lupine Wilma or one of Lumicycles systems. Personal preference would be Hope Vision 4 as they give off a great beam and have a great run time on there lower settings yet still giving off almost the same amount of light. Also Hope being Hope makes for great support.