2015 Lights Shootout, Bike Light, Lights, Lights Shootout, Serfas, True 505, USL-505 - November 1, 2014

Review: Serfas USL-505

The USL-505 from Serfas is a new light design with 484 Lumens of output for $80. It is a pretty decent light with a great design, but the $50 Serfas USL-305 is almost as bright and a much better value.

Mounting

Handlebar mounting is done with a quick release mount that works quite well once snug. It can be aimed left to right. The quick release lever is non-intuitive at first, as it seems to be reversed. Mounting on different diameter bars is a bit tricky, as two pins have to be aligned in the right holes to get the proper bracket size.

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 484 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 505 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

$80 is competitive with other brands
Good beam pattern

Weaknesses

There’s no longer any accessories like a charger or helmet mount at this pricepoint
484 Lumen light output is lower than 505 claimed
The $50 Serfas USL-305 is a much better value