2015 Lights Shootout, Betty R 14, Bike Light, Lights, Lights Shootout, Lupine Lighting - November 1, 2014

Review: Lupine Betty R 14 4500

The Lupine Betty R 14 measured much better than last year, since our test apparatus had a powerful fan directed at the light. At 4711 measured Lumens, this shows that this light is true to its claims and that it needs a lot of cooling to get maximum output. But don’t fret if you’re riding in hot nights or are not moving fast enough to give it ample cooling. This light protects itself and saves the battery by throttling down when it’s hot and it gets brighter when there’s enough airflow. We like to think of it as a speed-sensing light since it will get brighter the faster you go.

In every shootout, there has to be a top dog. This year, the Lupine Betty takes the crown by a devastating landslide. They not only spec’d a 4500 Lumen light but they also backed it up. This light is almost scary in brightness level and one really has to look away from the light head or risk seeing ‘stars’ for a moment.

The good news is the light levels are very configurable all the way to 40 Lumens without any flicker at all. This one system can serve many purposes from the longest marathon races to the fastest descent around.

The real novelty is the remote. It is so tiny, so easy to activate and so fast. It has a long range and is dependable and lightning quick. This makes it actually useable and easy to change light levels, as it will be right at your thumbs. This is particularly useful when the light is on the helmet, as one never has to take the hands off the bars.

Beam Pattern Photo

We photographed the lights in the same location setting with the same camera settings. The photos were taken in the back yard that is approximately 25 yards long. These photos feature many objects and a distinct background to analyze detail and beam pattern. Compare all Beam Patterns here »

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 4711 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 4500 Lumens. The Lumen-hour graph below shows how the light performs over the first three minutes of its battery cycle. Compare all Lumen Tests here »

Strengths

Excellent 26 degree, even beam pattern
Amazing temperature management that will step down and step up the light brightness based on the air movement and ventilation available
It includes a remote that is very useable
Insane brightness at 4711 Lumens
7.5 hour run time at 900 Lumens or 1.5 hours at 4711
Excellent charger and smart battery with indicator
Lupine quality and reputation
Can be used with impressive array of Lupine batteries

Weaknesses

It is $1100
Can get hot when stationary and will step down in brightness as the light head is small
At this brightness level, it should be wider than 26 degrees
At this price, bar mount should be included