LED Lights Shootout - Exposure Enduro Maxx, Race Maxx & Joystick Maxx

January 13th, 2008 by

thien

RoadBikeReview LED Lights Shootout Main Page

Light	Price	Claimed Lumens	Runtime	Battery Type	Light head weight	Battery Weight	Installed Weight	Lumens per gram	Lumens per dollar
Exposure Enduro Maxx	$450	720	4hrs	Lithium Ion	236g	n/a	257g	2.80	1.60
Exposure Race Maxx	$350	480	3hrs	Lithium Ion	192g	n/a	213g	2.25	1.37
Exposure Joystick Maxx	$250	240	3hrs	Lithium Ion	77g	n/a	97g	2.47	0.96

Exposure Enduro Maxx $ 450.00

Exposure Race Maxx $ 350.00

Description:

The Maxx series of lights are self-contained light systems. The Enduro Maxx has three LEDs and the Race Maxx has two. Both share the same case which about the size of two D-Cell batteries. The machining is impecable and the laser etching is both attractive and informative. These lights set out to achieve a compact package, light weight, long run-time and a bright, clear beam pattern.

The mounting systems were very well thought-out as well. The handlebar mount features one-handed install and removal of the light head. The Joystick helmet mount is completely adjustable and the light snaps on and off easily but securely.

The Lumen claims of 720 for the Enduro and 240 for the Joystick seem a bit generous compared to competition. Like most companies, Exposure does not measure lumen output. They base their numbers on best case scenarios for the LED bulbs used. From our photos and light measurements, they are about as bright as the lower rated Niterider Trinewt and Dinotte 600L.

Light Head Close ups:

Mounting Options:

The Enduro Maxx and the Race Maxx are for handlebar mounting only.

Strengths:

Self-contained, no wires system
Very light for the amount of light it puts out
Nice beam pattern with no hot spot
3+ hour is very impressive for it’s size
Handlebar mount is very slick and removing the light when not in use is very simple
Piggyback external battery option makes the system very flexible

Weaknesses:

On/off switch is small and one of the harder ones to turn off
Charging is slow at 12 hours for the Enduro and 8 hours for the Race Maxx
A bit pricey for its class
Beam pattern could be a bit wider
Not as bright as its Lumen claims
Handlebar mount is a bit sharp when no lights are connected

Bottom Line:

The Enduro Maxx and Race Maxx are revolutionary products. It’s slick, it’s trick and is very functional. It throws out a bright light with it’s 250 gram weight and no wires and it looks good doing it. At the end of day, functionality and light brightness is most important and these lights deliver. We would recommend the Race Maxx and Joystick Maxx combo as a great combination of price, size, weight and light brightness for trail riding.

Beam Pattern Photos:

Enduro Maxx on trail, Enduro Maxx

Race Maxx,

Value Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

Overall Rating:

4.75 out of 5 Stars

Read or write reviews:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Lights/product_131502.shtml

Exposure Joystick Maxx $ 250.00

Description:

The Joystick Maxx is about the size of two AA batteries and it weighs about that. The brightness and quality of the beam pattern coming from such a small package is truly surprising.

Mounting options:

The Joystick can be mounted on the helmet or handlebars. It is ideal for helmet use, complementing a wider handlebar light.

Light Head Close ups:

Strengths:

Self-contained, no wires system
Very light for the amount of light it puts out
Nice beam pattern with no hot spot
3+ hour is very impressive for it’s size
Brilliant helmet mount for the joystick
It’s small size makes it the ultimate flashlight as well

Weaknesses:

It rides a bit high on top of the helmet and can get in the way of low-hanging obstacles
Not as bright as its Lumen claims

Bottom Line:

This was one of our favorite products of the shootout. While not ultra bright, it’s perhaps has the best brightness per weight ratio. (Lumens per Gram). It virtually disappears on top of your head with its 100 gram mounted weight and no wires.

Beam Pattern Photos:

Joystick Maxx,