Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Magicshine Recommendations

It appears to me that Geoman is not going to replace the defective batteries in the Magicshines that they sold any time soon. (I would think that by now they would have figured out what to do if they were going to replace them soon.) I'm still using one of their Magicshines. So far no problems. Should I keep using them or is it time to get new batteries?

It appears that Geoman is not going to replace the defective batteries in the Magicshines that they sold. (I would think that by now they would have figured out what to do if they were going to replace them.) I'm still using one of their Magicshines. So far no problems. Should I keep using them or is it time to get new batteries?

Um, you base this on what? Geoman stated a few days ago on MTBR that he is indeed replacing the batteries. Post like yours serve no purpose but to fuel rumors.

Um, you base this on what? Geoman stated a few days ago on MTBR that he is indeed replacing the batteries. Post like yours serve no purpose but to fuel rumors.

Let's try reading the post -- specifically the sentence in the parentheses.

Could you post the link to the Geoman post?

Let's try reading the post -- specifically the sentence in the parentheses.

Could you post the link to the Geoman post?

Let's see, you post bad info, then give me a snarky response to calling you out on it, then ask me to dig up a post for you from another forum and can't even ask nicely? I'm sure you can find it just as quickly as I can.

I haven't even gotten an email from him yet about the supposed 'recall'. Let alone anything about a replacement.

I agree, Geoman is moving slow and needs to update his customers on battery replacement status.

I believe the hazard/danger of MS batteries is a little overblown - I'm far more concerned about a chain breaking, a tire blowing or some lunkhead in 5,000 lbs of motor vehicle plowing into me.

I have one of these (below), it works fine so far. I bought it in November as part of a complete MS900 rig. I got it from this seller in 3 business days. I inquired specifically about battery (re. geoman recall) and Jim of Nova Bike Lights assured me he was selling new batteries from a new vendor. He also stated that Nova Bike Lights offers 6 month warranty on all MS products.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-WATERPROOF-Battery-MagicShine-LED-BikeLight-/280598825934?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4154fe4bce

I've run my light down 4 times on High mode from fresh charge, and got 180-191 minutes runtime until auto shut-off.

Also, you could buy 18650 cells, charger and 2s2p battery holder and assemble a DIY battery. This would be my second choice, since I already have everything except a $15 2s2p holder to power my flashlights. Batteryspace.com sells all this stuff, although perfectly good cells and charger can be had from dealextreme.com for lower cost.

Let's see, you post bad info, then give me a snarky response to calling you out on it, then ask me to dig up a post for you from another forum and can't even ask nicely? I'm sure you can find it just as quickly as I can.

Sorry. I revised the first post to make it clear that it is my opinion. I tried looking for the post on MTBR and the latest I could find from Geoman was the middle of November.

I think I'll go with the Nova battery. Here is a quote from their website: "As of 11/9/10 they (Magicshine) have switched to a new supplier that is UL and CE approved and these are a much higher quality battery." I only have about another month or so need for the light this year. Thanks seeker333.

Hey guys
Yes we have made progress, custom designing and manufacturing an intelligent battery pack to maximise safety, durability and battery life is no easy task. We are are underway and are waiting for the ETA from our US manufacturer on the availability of the finished product. Thanks for your continued patience and support, we appreciate it.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=7623783&postcount=189

Cool - new batteries some day....... I'm still happy I wired my 6xAA carriers. They'll work out great for short rides.

Currently, I could get 6AA and a charger from a big box drug store for $17. The carriers were $1.98, shrink wrap $2.99........

I haven't even gotten an email from him yet about the supposed 'recall'. Let alone anything about a replacement.

Same here.

Geoman is not unaware (i.e. Geoman is aware) of the power of the web to inform those who for whatever reason, fall through the cracks of normal communication. This thread is witness thereof. Because of that same Internet gestalt, I, as a brand new MagicShine candidate purchased the lighthead only, from Geoman and sourced a 2s2p batterypack and charger from batteryspace. Budget conscious lightaholics may want to be aware that some (all?) battery vendors are attempting to charge an extra $25 on orders that include Lion battery packs. This, they maintain, is a fee imposed by Fed-Ex and UPS due to the hazardous nature of lithium batteries. Some sites tell you about the fee pre-purchase and others debit your credit card after you have received your order confirmation.

H

P.S. Do you think you have equal rights to information and replacement of your MagicShine batterypack if you have been flogging it for six months as someone who has only had theirs for six weeks? Where do you think the line should be drawn? Just asking...

P.S. Do you think you have equal rights to information and replacement of your MagicShine batterypack if you have been flogging it for six months as someone who has only had theirs for six weeks? Where do you think the line should be drawn? Just asking...

Rights to information? Absolutely. Geoman has already indicated the batteries are a safety hazard. Regardless of how old the batteries are, he has a moral, ethical, and probably a legal obligation to notify users. Many of us have received no notification. What of those who don't peruse the lighting forums?

Rights to replacement? Doesn't matter what you and I think. Geoman has already publicly committed to it.

Should I keep using them or is it time to get new batteries?

I'm into my second winter with mine. I'm using it for after-work rides in the dark. No problems with light or battery thus far.

On a related note...I'm still using mine, but only on my Fuji, I've been using my P7 for the last month on the snow bike. We got a break in the weather and I rode my Fuji Monday. I decided last night to ride it again today, so I charged the MS battery...but the light on the charger was green, as if it had a full charge. I don't remember charging it. Can someone refresh an old, probably going senile, fool's memory...does the green light mean charging or charged? Gawd I feel stupid for even having to ask. :o

On a related note...I'm still using mine, but only on my Fuji, I've been using my P7 for the last month on the snow bike. We got a break in the weather and I rode my Fuji Monday. I decided last night to ride it again today, so I charged the MS battery...but the light on the charger was green, as if it had a full charge. I don't remember charging it. Can someone refresh an old, probably going senile, fool's memory...does the green light mean charging or charged? Gawd I feel stupid for even having to ask. :o

That mean one of two things. The battery is fully chargers or the charger is not making connection to the pack as if it is unplug.

That mean one of two things. The battery is fully chargers or the charger is not making connection to the pack as if it is unplug.

Actually there is another option...that the outlet the charger was plugged into had no power...which was the problem. :o

When you plug the charger in to an outlet, no battery, the light should turn green, then turn red when connecting a battery that needs a charge. (I found the manual online). In this case, the light was not coming on at all when plugged into an outlet, but turned green when connecting the battery...essentially my battery was powering the charger's LED.

Thanks for the help...next I am going to try to find my ass with both hands. :D

Actually there is another option...that the outlet the charger was plugged into had no power...which was the problem. :o

When you plug the charger in to an outlet, no battery, the light should turn green, then turn red when connecting a battery that needs a charge. (I found the manual online). In this case, the light was not coming on at all when plugged into an outlet, but turned green when connecting the battery...essentially my battery was powering the charger's LED.

Thanks for the help...next I am going to try to find my ass with both hands. :D

I should have known better since things comes in three and I only thought of two :p

I'm into my second winter with mine. I'm using it for after-work rides in the dark. No problems with light or battery thus far.

Same here, and I certainly don't intend to chuck it. How many fires? How serious? How many battery packs sold? Can't make a decision w/o the facts....

I'm still using mine also, 5 hours a week on low, never seen an issue, or the red light go on while riding. So there has been no sign on my unit of any potential issues, clearly, I am using the power only on low most of the time.

I'm also not surprised about the delay in finding and qualifying a reliable replacement battery given all the work and testing needed while meeting the cost target.

Sorry. I revised the first post to make it clear that it is my opinion. I tried looking for the post on MTBR and the latest I could find from Geoman was the middle of November.

I think I'll go with the Nova battery. Here is a quote from their website: "As of 11/9/10 they (Magicshine) have switched to a new supplier that is UL and CE approved and these are a much higher quality battery." I only have about another month or so need for the light this year. Thanks seeker333.

Had second thoughts about this battery based on the Gemini light thread. There they say only the battery cells are UL approved. Could this be the same situation here?

It is doubtful that anything "value priced" like these are actually UL listed or approved - the specs for the UL standards for Li Ions alone are $970. You could ask them for the UL number and see what they say. I assume you are talking about Nova because the Gemini guy has been pretty forthcoming in the other thread including battery cell UL number.

None of my chargers including MP3 player, cell, bike lights nor even LaCrosse charger have the UL symbol (all the AC-DC converters seem to have one though). None of the Duracells, Eneloops or Energizers on hand have a UL symbol. I think someone is fibbing - either the vendor or the Chinese.

No problem with mine either. Sees pretty much daily use right now lighting my after work rides.

I am seriously considering buying a whole new light system to replace my Magicshine. It has been several months since the battery issue arose and still no replacements. My MS batteries still work but the run time is very inconsistent. On very cold days, my battery lasts only one commute (about 90 minutes total) running on the second and third highest power setting. On milder days, the battery lasts two commutes if I'm lucky.

I have emailed Geoman several times about the replacement batteries. He has responded each time and said new replacement batteries are coming, but I can only hold out so long. As a bike commuter, I use my lights nearly every day and I'm afraid that the MS will leave me stranded one day when the battery finally gives up the ghost.

This just came up in another thread. Ballistic Batteries (http://www.ballisticbatteries.com/Page.cfm?Category4=Mountain%20Bike%20Light%20&InfoID=200&Search=) is a RC place that has started making MS packs. They have 4400, 5200 and 7800 packs as well as a decently priced charger. They assemble the packs themselves.

I dont know if they do the $25 Haz Mat shipping fee, if not the 5200 looks like great as does the Gemini pack (same size).

I am seriously considering buying a whole new light system to replace my Magicshine.

Getting a battery from another source would be cheaper than replacing the whole unit. all-battery has a 4 cell pack for about $42, if you could solder on a MagicShine connector you'd be all set. I bought one of their 8 cell packs a year ago on sale, soldered on a MS connector, and it's been running great, I can run a week without recharging. Unfortunately the $25 price is gone, they're $70 now.

This just came up in another thread. Ballistic Batteries (http://www.ballisticbatteries.com/Page.cfm?Category4=Mountain%20Bike%20Light%20&InfoID=200&Search=) is a RC place that has started making MS packs.

Even better.

I am seriously considering buying a whole new light system to replace my Magicshine. It has been several months since the battery issue arose and still no replacements. My MS batteries still work but the run time is very inconsistent. On very cold days, my battery lasts only one commute (about 90 minutes total) running on the second and third highest power setting. On milder days, the battery lasts two commutes if I'm lucky.

I have emailed Geoman several times about the replacement batteries. He has responded each time and said new replacement batteries are coming, but I can only hold out so long. As a bike commuter, I use my lights nearly every day and I'm afraid that the MS will leave me stranded one day when the battery finally gives up the ghost.

I was in the same situation last November, so I bought one of these (see post #6):

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-IMPROVED-MAGICSHINE-4-mode-LED-Bike-Light-Set-900L-/280586392661?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4154409455

Notice the 6 month warranty on MS products. I haven't seen any warranty offers at all from alternate battery suppliers.

I've used my Nova Bike Lights MS900 18 times since purchase, for a total of about 38 hrs, still working like new. I get 3 hrs runtime on high mode. It has received a number of minor improvements over the Geoman MS900 I bought in August, 2009, and is significantly brighter too. I think the current production MS-type lights have better SSC P7 emitters (900 lumen bin D vs 800 lumen bin C?) than the 2009 models.

I've read Colleen's review of the Gemini Titan. To me it appears to be essentially the same light as the Nova MS900, with a 4hrs-runtime battery vs 3hrs, for a USA delivered cost of $130 vs. 96. I think Nova is the better deal, unless you really need 4hrs of runtime.

Nova also sells a std MS battery for $42 shipped to USA addresses (link in post 6).

It's hard to justified getting a whole new unit. It was a little different reasoning for me. I got the Gemini Titan for the better throw and different tint. I figure I can still use my old MS900 on my partner bike with the old battery because she don't ride that often in the dark. I do and that extra 1hr runtime was a plus for me to try a different light.

Honestly, I just keep using the MagicShine. I'm careful when charging it. Worst that can happen if it overheats while using it is that it'll melt through the bottom of my pannier and drop onto the ground.

I've read Colleen's review of the Gemini Titan. To me it appears to be essentially the same light as the Nova MS900, with a 4hrs-runtime battery vs 3hrs, for a USA delivered cost of $130 vs. 96. I think Nova is the better deal, unless you really need 4hrs of runtime.


All packs will lose capacity over time. If you like/need 3 hours now, it doesnt hurt to get a 5200mah pack so that you can still get 3 hours out of it 2 or 3 yrs later (provided the light lasts that long). You can also avoid fully charging a 5200 to prolong its service life.


To me it appears to be essentially the same light as the Nova MS900,

They are all very similar and both the Nova and Gemini seem much improved over the current Geo MS version. The Nova has a different (better, IMO) power control scheme than the Gemini, it has a low mode which the Gemini does not and the Gemini comes with a larger capacity pack. Some of the Nova text has to be taken with a grain of salt: his supplier told him they are UL approved and using LG cells in the packs. I checked and the charger is not listed in the database. Not a big deal because a charger need not be UL approved to be good, but the ummm...fibbing bothers me.

Many of the Ballistic packs have a 6 month warranty, though it is not listed in the MS descriptions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=110623299483&si=a2KGRyOfrh6cq2B%252FqCrRsPk1%252Be0%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1342wt_1139

My original battery is good for about 90 minutes on high in cold weather. Because of the recall by Geoman, I bought the new battery shown in the link above on ebay for $36. It provides over 4 hr with the light on high and the tail light on. I liked the LED, but it failed. The seller was great and replaced it even though the battery performed great.

I went ahead and ordered a Light & Motion Stella 300. Their prices have come down a lot, and I was able to buy a new one on eBay for about $180 w/shipping. Basically I just want something of higher quality that I can rely on since I commute in the dark nearly every day. Hopefully I will eventually get some replacement batteries so I can sell my Magicshines. (I've got 2 of them)

Why is it there are new batteries on E-bay and not through Geomangear? Does that seem quite odd to anyone else?

Why is it there are new batteries on E-bay and not through Geomangear? Does that seem quite odd to anyone else?

Probably becasue someone is trying to cash in on the recall and is selling the same rubbish quality packs. Geoman is sourcing US made battery packs, not MagicShine ones, according to a post over on MTBR.

Probably becasue someone is trying to cash in on the recall and is selling the same rubbish quality packs. Geoman is sourcing US made battery packs, not MagicShine ones, according to a post over on MTBR.

Has there been any info from Geomangear on the expected arrival of the new batteries? I'm still using my old one and haven't had any problems with it but only charge it when I can keep an eye on it and neither the battery or the charger has gotten hot to the touch but that doesn't mean it can't go bad. I really like the light and tailight its a shame if there isn't a solution.

Has there been any info from Geomangear on the expected arrival of the new batteries? I'm still using my old one and haven't had any problems with it but only charge it when I can keep an eye on it and neither the battery or the charger has gotten hot to the touch but that doesn't mean it can't go bad. I really like the light and tailight its a shame if there isn't a solution.

Geomangear has updated over on MTBR after a long silence:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=7691279#post7691279

"Hi all

Just a little update, we have been working very diligently on the remedy for the last few months. We are receiving hundreds of emails each day and are trying to address each one individually, if your correspondence has been overlooked please email directly to geoman@geomangear.com

We are now in the testing phase of the new battery manufacturing. If all
goes well and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approves the
replacement battery, we will be able to start production soon. It's going to be a really nicely designed battery and a dramatic improvement over the current battery pack in terms of quality and performance.

We can't release dates right now until we are fully approved to rollout the
recall and remedy, the flow on information is due to begin very soon.

We will have some new products on the website within a few weeks which we have been
testing for a few months that may be of interest to you.

Thanks again for your support we are working on this and expediting the
recall wherever possible. See our recall page for the most recent info."

Why is it there are new batteries on E-bay and not through Geomangear? Does that seem quite odd to anyone else?

What I thought was more than passing strange was that improved stuff with UL claims popped up the same time Geo halted sales. The light itself is different/improved version that Geo has, so the packs might be better, and might be from a different supplier but the claims ought be taken with a grain of salt.

OTOH it has a 6 month warranty, so the dealer has some confidence in it.


We are now in the testing phase of the new battery manufacturing. If all
goes well and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approves the
replacement battery, we will be able to start production soon.

That sounds like it could take a while. After their own testing, wait for CPSC to go thru their own series of steps to test/approve the replacement and admin protocol to sanction everything. Then production STARTS and after sufficient quantity is delivered begin the actual replacement.

I dunno what the CPSC has to do but as a bureaucracy I doubt it is a rubber stamp type thing or fast.

Yep. In three months, we won't need lights again until the Fall.

Yep. In three months, we won't need lights again until the Fall.

Not all of us. I''m hoping the snow/ice/salt will be gone by then and I can ride outside again.

I used to live in Chicage so I know what you mean.

Yep. In three months, we won't need lights again until the Fall.

Speak fer yerself. I do go in to work at 4AM sometimes. Not often though, so I have to make sure my lights are charged.

Yes, some of us ride at night all year round.

What I thought was more than passing strange was that improved stuff with UL claims popped up the same time Geo halted sales....

I read in another thread, perhaps on MTBR where there seems to be more active discussion of the MS issues, that the UL number on the 'improved' 3rd party MS battery packs post Geoman's recall were actually for LG batteries. One user disassembled his pack and found it didn't contain any LG batteries.

I contacted the guy on eBay for more info. He told me he had been given a UL cert sheet or something that showed UL approval and LG cells used. I checked the UL database for the model number the seller gave and it is not there. About 2 days later I saw Geo's recall FAQ (item #4) (http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=17) had been updated to say essential what you have: they opened a pack and saw no LG cells and the UL sheet was for something from 2003.

Like I said, the eBay packs may be from a new supplier and may be better, but the line they are giving doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

Some new news at Geo's site too: http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=17 End of April is the ETA for new packs - well after Daylight savings kicks in.

Thanks Plutonix for the Geoman update.


Because at GeoManGear, customer satisfaction and safety are our highest priorities. During 2009 and 2010, we sold over Magicshine 15,000 light sets and additional Magicshine 20,000 batteries sold separately.

That's a lot of battery to be recycle!

Thanks Plutonix for the Geoman update.



That's a lot of battery to be recycle!


Because at GeoManGear, customer satisfaction and safety are our highest priorities. During 2009 and 2010, we sold over Magicshine 15,000 light sets and additional Magicshine 20,000 batteries sold separately.

Whoa. This spike my curiosity. They sold 15k light set and another 20k of batteries separately, that's 35k battery pack out there. At about 205 gram per pack if I recall correctly, that's about over 15,000 lbs (or over 7.5 tons) of batteries????

They better get the forklift :lol:

They arent going to want them back. First you arent supposed to Li Ions USPS at all, since they are defective in some way, Fed Ex and UPS wont handle them either, at least not without the HazMat fee. Since it is a recall of a defective item, they would be responsible for return shipping.

With all the other expenses they are incurring they arent likely to ask for them back, UNLESS it is part of the CPSC requirements to get the bad ones off the streets. Most likely there will be instructions for safely disposing of them.

From Geoman at MTBR posted about 4 hrs ago:

"Thanks so much we really appreciate the feedback, no doubt that it's a huge project. They will be exclusive GeoManGear battery packs and will be manufactured in California to US standards. We are expecting a high quality, reliable and durable battery pack from our manufacturer. Going this route has taken longer than we wanted but we need to be certain that we send our customers a safe replacement for the Magicshine batteries."

Cool, when they replace them, I'll have TWO packs. Because my existing MS pack is still running fine after 1.5 years.

I don't mind the delay, because then I can get more life out of the old pack before the clock starts ticking on the new pack's lifetime.