Ravemen LR1600 front light review

The Ravemen LR1600 is a compact, lightweight light with a decent output and run time.

Although the number of modes is fewer than some lights, there are enough for most uses without unnecessary options.

The wireless remote control enables you to increase or decrease output level more easily than using the single button on the device.

Ravemen LR1600 specifications and details

The Ravemen LR1600 is quite a sleek, compact unit with a rectangular body, smoothly rounded sides and a small, finned heat sink.

Despite its size, it manages reasonable run times, with a claimed 1.5 hours possible even with the highest 1,600-lumen output. That extends to four hours at 400 lumens, which still gives a reasonable level of illumination.

Switch to Eco mode and you get a claimed run time of 13 hours. Given run times can vary depending on conditions and how you use a light, my impression is the run-time figures seem reasonably accurate. The light kept running for rides of up to an hour without getting low on battery.

Ravemen includes an ‘Emergency’ mode, which is accessed by pressing the lower button on the remote and switches to the maximum 1,600-lumen output. There’s only one flashing mode, which mixes a fairly fast flash with a low-level, always-on light.

One button on the top of the light controls the mode, so you need to cycle through all the modes if you want to change illumination level.

Ravemen includes a small coin-cell powered remote, which attaches to your bars with a rubber band (there are two lengths enclosed). It has up and down buttons, enabling you to move through modes in both directions and access other functions.

You can also use one button to operate as a high beam/dipped light, without going through the other light settings.

The included plastic mount uses an Allen bolt to fix it to the bars and has a rubber insert, so it should stay firmly in place as you ride.

The light slides into this from the front and is held in place by a sprung clip. There’s an optional GoPro-style mount available (but not included) to fix the light under an out-front computer mount and save bar space.

Ravemen includes a USB-C charging cable, but not a power adaptor.

Ravemen LR1600 performance

Considering its size and modest weight, the performance of the Ravemen LR1600 is impressive, both in illumination and run time.

It feels sturdy and the sleek case didn’t get too dirty on wet or off-road rides, although the shallow fins of the heat sink may need an occasional scrub.

The whole body of the light gets quite hot when used in its highest-output mode though.

The need to cycle through all the available modes is a slight irritant, but this is obviated by the use of the remote.

This would be particularly useful on a straight-bar bike, but even on a drop-bar bike, it gives easy access to change modes with your thumb, if the remote is mounted on the tops or behind the brake lever.

As well as good forward illumination, there are small side windows to the light’s lens, which provide a little side illumination for city riding at night.

There’s not a pronounced central focus, so lighting straight ahead feels a little diffuse. However, there’s still plenty of light on offer to spot the usual potholes and off-road obstacles.

The light’s spread isn’t as great as lights such as the Lezyne Macro Drive 1400+ and the Niterider Lumina Max 1500, so there’s less peripheral illumination as you ride.

Select the intelligent flashing mode and the Ravemen LR1600 will switch automatically to a constant low output if the integrated light sensor detects low ambient light.

The Ravemen will also switch itself off if it detects no motion for two minutes, turning on again once there is movement.

There’s a faint battery-level indicator below the on/off switch’s translucent surface. In the daylight, it’s not very easy to see the green light, although this means it’s not too intrusive at night.

The buttons on the remote also have a faint glow, which is handy, helping you see them at night.

Once the battery starts to run low, the indicator light switches to red, then flashing red, which are both a little easier to spot as you ride.

You don’t get much run time once the red light starts flashing before it expires though. Unlike many of the best bike lights, the Ravemen doesn’t lower its output to conserve power.

The USB-C charge port is at the rear of the unit, behind a bung that feels a little flimsy, but nevertheless has stayed in place adequately.

You can also use this to plug in an external power pack and extend the light’s run time, according to Ravemen.

Ravemen LR1600 bottom line

The Ravemen LR1600 is designed intelligently, with features including its remote control that make it easier to use while riding.

Although the modes on offer are fewer than some competitors, with quite a narrow diffuse beam pattern, they provide all the options most riders are likely to need.