The Magicshine MJ-906S is one of the brand’s lowest weight, smallest form factor and highest output lights, boasting 4,500 lumens in max power mode.
To boot, this model is ebike compatible, which means it draws power from the bike’s battery (using an optional cable) and is compatible with all mainstream motors.
Magicshine MJ-906S specifications and details
The separate battery back and small head unit design saves space on the bar, and the Velcro straps that secure the 10,000mAh battery pack are long enough to wrap around chunky ebike down tubes if you don’t want to use the light’s optional ebike battery supply cable.
The lightweight aluminium head unit (80g) and small Garmin-style mount (16g) take up minimal handlebar real estate, meaning there’s plenty of room for other accessories. It’s got an IPX6 waterproof rating, too.
There are three output modes, each with four brightness settings. Modes are cycled with a double push of the single large button on the head unit, while a single push cycles the brightness setting.
The button doubles up as a battery life indicator, turning red when it has between 11 and 30 per cent charge, then flashing red when the charge decreases to below 10 per cent.
The two LEDs, plus a third daytime running light strip, boast a 236m beam projection distance, and each LED can be turned on or off individually, depending on which mode is selected.
Like most lights, it has built-in heat management that reduces the power if it gets too hot, plus the light body has cooling fins.
Magicshine MJ-906S performance
The Garmin-style mount is easy to fix to the bar and tightens up so there is no movement or wobble, even over particularly rough terrain, and it doesn’t gobble up bar space compared to all-in-one units.
It’s also compatible with Magicshine’s out-front style mount, sold separately.
Its modes are easy to operate thanks to the button’s light touch, but it’s not illuminated so is tricky to find in the dark. Plus, it’s not possible to use over rough terrain, although when you push the button, the stability of the clamp means the light stays put.
The programmes need to be learned to understand fluently, but once they’re committed to memory, switching between them becomes second nature.
The battery Velcro is strong and long, making multiple frame mounting points possible, and it stays in place during rides with no rattling or movement. The cable is also long enough to permit multiple placements, too.
On-trail illumination is impressive, especially in the maximum 4,500 lumens mode. I kept the light in this mode when riding technical singletrack, but happily reduced output for fireroads and wide, smooth bridleways.
It lights up obstacles well, with a good central focal point just ahead of the bar. The light bleeds outwards from this point, fading in intensity the further out it reaches.
The light has a blue and green hue and, combined with its power, this means there are no harsh shadows or high-contrast, light to dark areas on the trail.
Its hue makes greens – like grass and ferns – pop, improving clarity and definition without the dazzle associated with blue and white lights.
The beam pattern is well spread, with plenty of peripheral illumination that makes it possible to pick lines on the exits of turns and see around corners.
Along with the imperceptible beam cut-off point to the front, the Magicshine makes riding faster, straighter tracks a speedy affair.
The central focal point of the spotlight increases clarity and definition where it’s most needed, but its brightness can overwhelm its side-to-side light spread.
However, when hooking around tight turns there is enough light to ride comfortably, removing the guesswork some lights create.
The sideways spread isn’t as good as the Monteer 8000S and its limits are quickly found when speeds increase or there are multiple successive switchbacks, but it is on par with the Moon Rigel Enduro and Raveman PR2400, both of which have more LEDs to play with.
Finally, there’s plenty of downward illumination so that landings or the back sides of holes don’t get shrouded in darkness when the front wheel is lifted.
In my lab test, on max power the light lasted 3hrs 26mins, more than doubling Magicshine’s claimed run time.
Magicshine MJ-906S bottom line
For its weight and size, the MJ-906S is an impressive performer, packing a big punch.
It’s perfectly usable as a standalone bar-mounted light, but because of its lightweight, I think it would be best as a helmet-mounted light accompanying a dedicated bar unit.
Pairing this with the Monteer 8000S would create a formidable package.
How we tested
For our 2021 MTB lights test, we put eight units to the test, starting at just over £100 and rising all the way to nearly £500.
Whatever your budget, there should be one that will suit your needs.
Of course, there are plenty of lights available online for less money, but they won't necessarily offer the same reliability or aftersales support as the trusted brands tested here.
All the lights chosen have a minimum output of a claimed 1,500 lumens, but some are much brighter. Generally, more lumens equates to a higher price.
As well as testing how each light performs on the same trail on back-to-back runs – assessing beam pattern, LED colour, ease of operation and, most importantly, light projection – we also timed them all on max power to find out just how long the batteries last, and whether they live up to the brand’s claims.
You can find all of our top-rated options in BikeRadar's guide to the best mountain bike lights.
Also tested
Product
| Brand | magicshine |
| Price | 140.00 GBP,200.00 USD |
| Weight | 382.0000, GRAM () - |
Features
| br_lightType | front |
| Features | Run time: 3hrs 26mins (measured) |
| br_outputLumens | 4500 |
