Gloworm X2 (G2.0) front light review

The second-generation Gloworm X2 front light boasts Gloworm Link smartphone app connectivity, giving light-level customisation from 1 to 100 per cent.

This updated model – which retails for £269.99 – keeps the brand’s well-established customisable lenses, so its beam pattern can be tuned to your particular requirements.

Spot and honeycomb optics are pre-installed in front of the two Cree HXP LED bulbs, but additional lenses including a spot, a wide and another honeycomb, are included.

The X2’s separate head unit (72g) and battery (364g) form factor improve its versatility, making it suited to both helmet and handlebar mounting. Also included in the neat, Apple-esque packaging is a wireless TX remote control and multiple mounting options, along with two different cable lengths.

Including handlebar mount, remote and cables, a full system weighs 533g.

The bar clamp is compatible with both 31.8mm and 35mm-diameter bars, while Velcro and ‘universal’ (GoPro-style) helmet mounts are included.

The 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery is claimed to last for up to four hours at maximum power, and can be fully charged in four hours. An OLED display is fitted to the battery, indicating run time and charge.

It has an IP67 waterproof and dust-proof rating, and the polycarbonate battery shell is claimed to be the brand’s “most robust yet”.

All the light’s cables and connectors are USB-C, but a standard USB adaptor is included to turn the battery pack into a power bank for other accessories.

Gloworm X2 (G2.0) performance

Mounting both the head unit and separate battery pack is easy.

The tool-free bar mount makes installation and removal quick, and tensioning up the clamp for stability is simple and effective.

However, the captive barrel nut in the quick-release clamp isn’t fixed. If you’re attaching or removing your light in the dark, take care not to lose it.

The narrow clamp band (9mm) and centralised out-front lamp positioning give the light a sleek look, leaving space on your handlebar for other accessories or ebike displays.

Attaching with a single-sided bolt, the light unit and clamp need to be tightened together securely to prevent unwanted movement. The stiffness of the cable connecting the battery and light can interfere with the light’s angle if pulled too tight.

A long Velcro strap is supplied to fix the battery pack to your preferred location, and the battery itself has soft, curved pads to help it stay in place.

However, the Velcro strap is too effective, making installation tricky because it sticks to itself and everything else. The upside is that once fixed to the frame, the battery isn’t moving anywhere.

Pairing the remote is quick and easy, and so is installation thanks to the high-tension rubberised strap that keeps it steadfast while riding.

On the trail

Despite the X2’s diminutive size, the beam’s light is balanced well between spot and flood patterns, giving it a long throw of light down the trail while still illuminating the terrain directly in front of you proficiently.

This helps on fast or technical trails. Lines are easy to spot and you’re never left wishing it projected light further ahead.

Punching above its 2,000-lumen claimed output, the X2 helps you feel comfortable riding technical terrain, defying expectations for a mid-powered mountain bike light.

Because its power isn’t overly strong or focused, it doesn’t bleach out the trail’s colours or create hotspots that can cause eye strain.

It has a gentle green hue that makes vegetation pop. This helps the terrain come alive without creating high-contrast light and dark spots.

With the stock lens setup (one spot, one honeycomb), there’s a good balance between light diffusion and focused beam.

Although the peripheral beam cut-off is gradual, the beam’s spread could be wider.

In previous tests of the XS and XSV models, I’ve capitalised on Gloworm’s impressive DIY optic customisation by installing the wide, flood and honeycomb lenses. However, the twin-LED setup of the X2 means the wider the spread the more its power is diluted.

With the wider optics installed, the X2’s beam was overly dimmed, so I decided to stick with the stock setup.

Dive into switchback turns and the limited side illumination restricts rider speed and confidence because spotting lines on the exits of turns is tricky.

The beam’s power and shape make it better suited as a helmet light rather than mounted on the bars, helped by the lightweight head unit.

Light operation is simple and intuitive, and the remote’s chunky buttons and solid bar mount mean operation on the move is easy.

How long does the Gloworm X2 (G2.0)’s battery last?

In its maximum constant 2,000-lumen output, the Gloworm X2 (G2.0)’s battery lasts for 2.97 hours, just over a full hour less than its four-hour claimed run time.

Despite this, a nearly three-hour burn time on maximum power is impressive.

Gloworm X2 (G2.0) bottom line

Given its mid-level power figure, the X2’s performance is impressive on straighter, faster tracks. Dive into a labyrinth of switchbacks and its beam spread limits speed and confidence, even if you’ve customised the lenses.

That makes it better suited to mounting on mountain bike helmets rather than handlebars, furthered by its light weight.

Sleek looks and customisable lenses, along with a smartphone app, will appeal to many; the X2 as a package is well sorted.