Lezyne Macro Drive 1100XL Light

(discontinued)

Lezyne Macro Drive 1100XL

· Available in Black or Silver

· Weighs 195g

· 1100 Lumens

· Recharge in 4 hours (2amp fast charge method)

· Has 7 light modes

· Full aluminum body

· Can be had for about $75

Initial Impressions

              Upon opening the packaging you can immediately see the attention to detail and quality of Lezyne’s products. The aluminum body has a very nice black finish with no sharp edges. The lens for the 2 leds was made just for these headlamps to put out an even array of light. It comes with a charge cable that is about 10” long but no wall outlet. You should be able to use the one from your phone or about any other usb outlet. It can fast charge with some 2-amp chargers. The led on top of the light will blink blue if it is fast charging. It blinks green if regular charging and stays a steady green when it is fully charged.

On the Trail

              I changed out the standard handlebar mount to a Go-Pro style mount for more versatility and stability versus the rubber ring style. I made my own, but Lezyne does sell one for around $5. I use this light on my helmet since the battery is made into the body. This light puts out an even and medium width light span. It does not have any hard edges of light cutoff like some lights have (mostly your cheap Chinese ones). The light does not get too hot to touch at any point and the manufactures claim of 1hr 20min seems accurate when on high. It has seven light settings on the light from dim to full on to strobe. It has a race mode setting that can be used. In this setting when you turn the light on, only economy and the brightest settings are selectable. This is nice so you do not have to go through all of the light modes to get to the brightest for trail riding when you need all you can get.

The Bottom Line

              This is a very nice light for the money. Bike lights can go well over $200, but is that really necessary? I do not think so as this light proves. There is a version that can have a battery pack added to it for longer run times if you need more than this standard one has. Light output for my trail and occasional downhill use is good especially when paired with a handlebar light. In my opinion using a Go-Pro style mount is the way to go for versatility and stability on rough trails. Lezyne has a great product here at a comfortable price.