CatEye HL-EL320

The mounting bracket for this light is the sort that uses a strap which threads through an tightening screw. This allows the bracket to fit any size of handle bar or tube. However after a very muddy ride the bracket would not tighten or loosen, the only way to remove the fitting was to remove the handlebar grips, gear and brake leavers and slide the bracket of the handlebars. Turned out that a bit of mud had jammed the tightening screw, some wd40 ...
...bracket does loosen after a few rides, not a major issue but annoying just the same.

The light can be easily removed from the fixing bracket, which is handy for leaving the bike in the town centre. Similarly, the bracket is also designed to be easily removed to fit between bikes, but as explained above it could be better.

The EL320 does have a good battery run time, so far I have not had to replace the battery's in this ... more

The mounting bracket for this light is the sort that uses a strap which threads through an tightening screw. This allows the bracket to fit any size of handle bar or tube. However after a very muddy ride the bracket would not tighten or loosen, the only way to remove the fitting was to remove the handlebar grips, gear and brake leavers and slide the bracket of the handlebars. Turned out that a bit of mud had jammed the tightening screw, some wd40 soon solved the issue. I have also noticed that the bracket does loosen after a few rides, not a major issue but annoying just the same.

The light can be easily removed from the fixing bracket, which is handy for leaving the bike in the town centre. Similarly, the bracket is also designed to be easily removed to fit between bikes, but as explained above it could be better.

The EL320 does have a good battery run time, so far I have not had to replace the battery's in this light, despite using it for 20mins a day for the last 5weeks. By using the light on flashing mode you will also increase the battery run time.

The EL320 has two modes, one with constant full beam and the other mode is a steady flashing mode, ideal for attracting attention of drivers.

How bright?

The light is claimed to be a 1200 candle watt power, I have no idea what that translates into, but it is bright. When cycling into work, the pool of light from the EL320 often outshines the lights on other commuter bikes. Cycling along unlit roads at night with this light is also doable, but not at any great speed. The EL320 throws a good pool of light out to about 10m in front with a bright defined spot of approx 1m wide, out with the 1m centre focal point, the remainder of the light is only about half as bright, which last for about 6m. I have used this light while cycling fire roads at night in the local woods which it is acceptable for, but not at any great speed. Possibly two of these lights would make a reasonable light for night time mountain biking.

Weather resistance,
Having used the light in both rain and sleet it does seem to be water resistent, however there is no rubber seals around the battery compartment. I would not like to drop the light is any watter, but so far it has survived the Scottish winter.

Overall the light is good, an ideal commuting light that gives excellent battery performance. However the expesive price tag and the poor fixing braket does take the shine of it somewhat.

expensive but it is possible to buy for about £30, Purchsed mine from Halfords when they had 50% off weekend
 

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