As bike lights go, this one is handsomely designed and feels like the 'iPhone' of bike lights - it features a rubberized chassi, intergrated USB stick and a fancy mounting style that feels more like an expensive watchband than a way to secure an LED to a handlebar. Of course, looking good and performing good are two different things, and this isn't the brightest bulb on the bike light spectrum.
Performance Comparison
The Knog Blinder Arc is best used for urban commutes on streets that will most likely be fairly well lit.
Brightness
The Knog Blinder Arc scores rather low when it comes to brightness, and only measured a maximum beam distance of 62-meters, which still outshines the SafeCycler and CatEye HL-EL 135 models.
Below, you can see how the Knog Blinder Arc, left, compares to the Safe Cycler, top right, and CateEye HL-EL 135, lower right. As you can see, the Knog Blinder Arc does a much more adequate job of illuminating the bike path than the SafeCycler. The Knog Blinder Arc measures a max beam distance of about 20-meters farther than the SafeCycler.
Beam Distance Photos
Knog Blinder Arc 1.7
SafeCycler
Beam Distance Photos
Knog Blinder Arc 1.7
Cateye HL-EL135
Beam Quality
In terms of beam pattern, the best optics present a beam that is wide, evenly lit, and broadcasts a beam far into the distance. The Knog Blinder Arc scores slightly above average overall, and is on par with the Cygolite Metro 400. As you can see below, the Metro 400, pictured on the right, has a more narrow spot pattern than the Knog Blinder. During our beam distance testing, the Metro 400 measured a maximum beam distance at almost double this light.
Beam Diameter and Pattern
Knog Blinder Arc 1.7
Cygolite Metro 400
Battery Life
In order to measure battery life, we tested the amount of time each light held up while remaining on the highest beam setting. We also wanted to know if beam distance wavered over time. The Knog Blinder Arc yields a battery life of 1.5 hours, which is similar to our Best Buy Award winner. However, the Urban 350 maintains a beam distance just short of double the Knog Blinder Arc's. As you can see in this chart that compares battery life with beam distance, the Knog Blinder earns the lowest score out of all the lights we tested in this category.
There is one unique feature to the Knog Blinder Arc that our testers were particularly fond of, which is that the USB portal used while recharging is attached to the light itself. The port flips out from the back of the light, and stays out of the way when not in use. This eliminates yet another loose cord to keep track of with a possible different connector than your phone, tablet, or any other devices.
The built in USB charger is a convenient and unique feature. If you're like our reviewers, they love not having to keep track of one more extra cord while on the go.
Portability
The Knog Blinder Arc excels in this category, weighing in as the second lightest weight light we've tested (only 3.7-ounces), and is small enough to fit into almost any pocket. This light is easy to install and remove from the handlebar, with a rubber strap system with clasp closure.
Best Applications
This is a great little light for short, around town commutes to the grocery store, or for anyone wanting to add a light for a little extra visibly.
Value
The Knog Blinder Arc falls relatively short in our Price vs. Value Comparison Chart. While we definitely consider it a "budget" light due to its low scores, it retails around $70, which is not exactly budget. You can spend $10 less and pick up our Best Buy winner, the Urban 350, or the Cygolite Metro 400, and get a much higher performer for the money spent.
Conclusion
Although this light scores low overall, it does excel in the realms of brightness or battery life. If you're looking for a light that won't break the bank, but adds a little extra illumination to your daily commuting tasks, then this is a great option for you to consider.
