Review: Cateye Volt 400 headlight

Features:

• Compact and lightweight rechargeable headlight (400 lm)
• Lithium-ion cartridge battery - super easy and safe to change battery on your own
• Round beam pattern with OptiCube™ lens technology
• Can be mounted above or under handlebar
• USB rechargeable (Micro USB cable included)
• Low battery indicator
• Fast charging cradle (optional)
• 5 light modes *Charging time: 3-6h (3h via the fast charging cradle)
• Mode memory function
• FlexTight™ H-34N bracket

Here are the official info for this product. My experience of using this for 1 years plus is superb, let me tell you why.

Cateye is known for its affordability and practicality for its product range. This includes Volt 400 headlight which was the brightest among its headlight range by the time I shopped for this product. In case you are curious, Cateye has Volt 6000 to offer for those who really wants a flood light to keep them illuminated while pedaling at night.

Volt 400 is a sturdy light unit which after several accidental fall from my hands, it is still working fine until today. In fact you can feel it by the moment you have a grab on this unit.

The good/handy feature of this light unit is that its battery can be replaced during your ride if you carry extra 3.6v 2200mAH battery cartridge (can be purchased separately) along. As an endurance long distance cyclist, I need prolonged hours of illumination when darkness falls. With Hyper Contrast mode (400 lumen of bright light and 50 lumen of flashing light) on for 8 hours, its red LED indicator would bright up to tell you that it has reached its 20% juice left (during my first BRM400 brevet). For Audax alike ride, I came across roads where they are completely pitch black when night time falls and there is where I need to switch to High mode (400 lumen) to keep myself aware of the road condition of Malaysia (potholes, cracks...or even wild animals!). I personally think that Hyper Contrast mode is the best mode you can rely on where the constant on light would keep you informed about the road ahead while the blinking light will keep motorized vehicles informed about your presence. The brightness of this mode is roughly like this,

The official product page has a Beam Chart you could refer to indicate how bright each mode is for all Cateye light products. Do check them out! ;-)