BSB

Here's a fairly new tail light by NiteFlux that looks really interesting. 200 lumens, and the brightness is adjustable not only in solid (15 to 60 lumens) but in flash (10 to 200 lumens).

It also has a very wide beam (two XP-E's with no optics at all).

Multiple flash patterns to choose from.

USB rechargeable.

The light: https://www.niteflux.com/Products_RedZone4.aspx

A thread about it on candlepowerforums: https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...FLUX-RedZone-4

I'm really tempted to order one of these. I like the wide beam width, and the ability to adjust the brightness in flash mode so I can have it really bright in daytime but not blinding at night.

There is also a white version that does up to 500 lumens, looks like it would make an excellent daytime light.

tarwheel 

Has anyone tried one of these? I came across a link to the NiteFlux Red Zone on another forum, and it certainly looks impressive if you're in the market for a very bright taillight for commuting.

BSB

I have one (as well as a White Zone 5).

The Red Zone puts out a lot of light. It's quite bright, and is definitely daylight visible. It will not look anywhere near as bright as a Dinotte or a Cygolite Hotshot because it spreads the light over a much larger area - it has an almost 180 degree beam on both axes. I have a Hotshot as well. The HS is much better for visibility from straight behind at longer distances, while the RZ is brighter when viewed off axis (the RZ appears to be about the same brightness at almost 90 degrees as it is from straight behind). If you're riding on the shoulder of a long, straight highway, the Hotshot would probably be the better choice. Riding around town? The Red Zone will probably be better.

I run just the RZ at night - it's plenty bright by itself for the riding I do, and I don't want to blind drivers with HS. I use both during the day, the idea being that drivers approaching from the rear will first see the bright-but-narrow HS from a ways back, then as they get closer and the angle changes, they'll move out of the HS's beam but still see the RZ - which will still be plenty bright because it's now much closer. I also like the RZ's wide angle for visibility on curves where the HS no longer points down the road, and for visibility to lane changer's, potential right hookers, etc.

Prior to getting the RZ/HS combo, I was using a Cateye TL-LD1100. There is a definite improvement in driver behaviour with the RZ/HS combo, whether I'm using both lights during the day, or just the RZ at night. Likewise, the White Zone on the front during the daytime seems to be visible enough to almost eliminate cars pulling out of driveways and cross-streets in front of me, and allows me to save my Seca 900 battery for night.

The RZ is built like a tank. I have no worries about ever breaking this thing, no matter what I do to it - it should survive anything short of being run over by a car - and it might survive that too, but I'm not going to risk mine to find out! The mounting system seems secure enough that I shouldn't have to find out. Speaking of mounting - the beam angle is so wide that aiming is not critical, so you can mount it to a saddle bag or backpack with no problem.

I don't have any beamshots or video yet (I'm going to try to get some this week or next), but there are some posted here:

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...FLUX-RedZone-4

mechBgon

With the omnidirectional beam pattern, looks like it would be a natural as a helmet-mounted taillight. If I get a decent tax refund... hmmmm...

tarwheel 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm now using a Dinotte 140 as well as a couple PB Superflashes. The Dinotte is incredible but hard to mount and swap between bikes, and the battery pack adds a lot of weight. I tried the new Light & Motion Vis 360 but it doesn't seem as bright as my Superflashes and the battery run times were disappointing, so I returned it. However, I like the helmet mounting feature and chargeability, so the Red Zone 4 looks promising in that regard.

keeganuhl

I just posted a little youtube review of it: https://youtu.be/dZ_Mibw3vCo

Cheers.

ChrisO

Excellent review video Keegan!
Off topic, but how do you like that saddle?

Decent looking light too. Would be the most I've paid for a tail light, but still not as much as some high end models. Digging the side visibility.

I may have to try this one out.

seeker333

Thanks for your review of the Red Zone taillight. A very thorough review.

OT: Regarding your Youtube review of the Snowpeak stove / cookset, what type of stand is that you have affixed to the fuel canister? I've had a Snowpeak Gigapower stove for about a decade, but that neat little folding stand/base is news to me. No joy from Google.

keeganuhl

[QUOTE=ChrisO;13740367]Excellent review video Keegan!
Off topic, but how do you like that saddle?

I like the saddle a lot. What they say about it is true - because it takes the weight off your gennies and puts it right onto your sit bones, it takes a couple rides to get used to. But especially on longer rides, it is very very comfortable!

>>OT: Regarding your Youtube review of the Snowpeak stove / cookset, what type of stand is that you have affixed to the fuel canister? I've had a Snowpeak Gigapower stove for about a decade, but that neat little folding stand/base is news to me. No joy from Google.

It was an older, plastic version of this: https://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves...-stand/product

seeker333

thanks

tarwheel 

Thanks for the review and video.

daven1986

Looks awesome, might invest in the red and white ones, but have to wait until they become available in the UK or I visit the US / Australia!!