2014 Lights Shootout, Bike Light, Lights, Lights Shootout, Lumina Micro 220, NiteRider - October 20, 2013

Review: NiteRider Lumina Micro 220

There’s the Lumina 550 and next in line is the smaller sibling, the Micro 220. It shares the same chassis design but in a small stubby package. It’s a cool light for $70 and it measures at 240 Lumens, so it’s a great commuter light.

Mounting was improved with a clamp that is tightened with a hand lever. This ensures a proper hold on the bar for those high-speed, rocky descents. The USB charging port is now moved to the bottom of the light with a better seal. This protects it from moisture and dirt much better.

The real story here is the Lumina family of lights has expanded for more options. And it’s not just a bunch of weaker versions of the light in the same case. They actually put some thought and engineering in the other versions. They are as follows:

NiteRider Lumina Micro 220 – $70 micro light with 240 measured Lumens

NiteRider Lumina 550 – $110 light with 558 Lumens

NiteRider Lumina Flare 650 – $170 light with integrated tail light making it ideal for helmet mounted commuting

NiteRider Lumina 700 – $140 with 692 measured Lumens

Specifications

Price: $70
Claimed Lumens: 220 Lumens
Measured Lumens: 240 Lumens
Measured MTBR Lux: 25 Lux
Lumens per $: 3.43 Lumens
Lumens per gram: 1.90 Lumens
Time on High: 1:30 Hours
Charge Time: 3:30 Hours
Mounted Weight: 126 grams
Category: Flashlight/Commuter

Strengths

Actual output of 240 is more than 220 claimed Lumens
Excellent design and clamp
Good value for the money
Mount is easily removed and can be used as a great flashlight
Great form factor and packaging
Beam pattern has been cleaned up with a nice trapezoidal shape that is flatter on top and shines more light at the bottom

Weaknesses

Run time could be better and should be at least 2 hours

Mounting

Instead of the snap on strap, the Lumina Micro 220 now has a mount that is a c-clamp type and is tightened with a hand adjustable screw. This allows a secure connection to keep it from moving out of place during rocky descents. Standard helmet mount is included.

Mtbr Light Meter Measurements

This light measured 25 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility. The light output measurement is performed by placing a Lux light meter beside the light. Both are pointed at the ceiling (five feet above) of a dark room. This measurement uses the ambient light produced by the bike light.

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 240 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 220 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 »

Tunnel Beam Pattern Photo

The location is useful since it has walls and a ceiling that can display a bike light beam pattern. The walls have a lot of graffiti on them and actually show detail when they are lit up by a light with a wide angle. Cones and targets are set up with the far target set up at 120 feet.