Exposure's Switch MK4 front and TraceR Daybright rear lights are small, perfectly formed and tough, but they're slightly expensive for what they offer.
The lights come as a set for a small saving over buying them separately. Both lights operate similarly, each having six possible burn times (three power levels, each with Steady and Flashing modes), which are marked on the lights.
Exposure’s Daybright mode runs the Switch at a constant lower power but with a repeating double and single flash at a claimed 475 lumens. I found this mode very effective for riding in urban, street-lit environments. This mode also has the advantage of doubling the running time.
On the maximum 475-lumen power setting, the Switch MK4 was still running after 3 hours 20 minutes – more than its claimed 3 hours running time – but the illumination did reduce gradually from about two and a half hours onwards.
Considering the price, the Switch MK4's 450-lumen max output is surprisingly low. It is enough for unlit urban riding, but I had to use it on full power for my unlit cycle path commute. The beam is pretty much a round floodlight. Incidentally, the lenses on both lights offer 220 degrees of illumination, so there's decent side visibility.
The rear TraceR’s Daybright setting does exactly what it says on the CNC-machined case – I got just over three hours on full power, pulsing brightly enough to be seen in daylight. Its 75 lumens claimed output is at the upper end of things compared to similar lights available.
Unfortunately, the units lack run-time warning lights when they’re being used. When the power's off the indicator flashes green, amber, red or flashing red, for when you’re below five per cent power, but you will have to keep an eye on the time when you’re riding.
Both lights recharge via a USB plug, secured behind a rubber strap, and the design keeps out dust and water. However, it’s hard to grasp the rubber despite the little gripper, and with the switch being pretty small and positioned beneath the tight rubber band, switching between modes can be a little awkward.
The bar mount is a bracket that the front light clips into, where it's retained by a rubber band. It's secure, but not as tight as ratcheted fitting systems. Though the light won’t bounce out of its bracket, the bracket can slip over rough ground.
The rear is a similar seatpost-mounted affair and there’s also a helmet mount included with the set.
Exposure's Switch MK4 + TraceR Daybright lights overall
There’s a lot to really appreciate about this pairing, notably Exposure’s legendary build quality and spares availability, but there’s not quite enough for the price compared with other lights they’re up against.
Exposure's Switch MK4 + TraceR Daybright lights are ideal for urban riders and commuting duties.
- Switch MK4: £80 / $110 / AU$210 / €96
- TraceR Daybright: £45 / $62 / AU$81 / €54
Product
| Brand | exposure |
| Price | 210.00 AUD,138.00 EUR,115.00 GBP,158.00 USD |
Features
| br_lightType | front_and_rear |
| br_integratedBattery | yes |
| Features | Front Weight: 90g Front Output: 475 lumens Front Light/Modes: igh, medium and low in both steady and flashing Rear Weight: 44g Rear Output: 75 lumens Rear Light/Modes: High, medium and low in both steady and flashing |
