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BY SHANNON MOMINEE

PHOTO BY JUSTIN STEINER

PRICE: $400 MADE IN GERMANY LUPINENORTHAMERICA.COM

LUMENS: 750 STEADY MODES: FIVE PROGRAMMABLE MODES FLASH MODES: SLOW, FAST, SOS

RUNTIME (STEADY): 2 - 40 HOURS WEIGHT (WITH MOUNT): 202G

MOUNTS INCLUDED/AVAILABLE: BAR MOUNT IS $40 EXTRA

CHARGER TYPE: WALL CHARGER WITH COAXIAL CONNECTOR CHARGE TIME: 4 HOURS

The PikoTL Max packs plenty of light output in its solid, CNC-machined aluminum body. It features 56 pre-programmed combinations for the five steady and three flash modes.

A single on/off button controls programming, with flashes indicating which combo you’ve selected. Programming is easy and a cheat sheet on the body is helpful. I set mine to high, medium, and slow flash. The button also indicates charge status and battery level.

The beam has a generous, concentrated center spot with wide spillover. The circular pattern is great for use on city streets or off-road adventures. The slow flash mode isn’t annoying like fast flashes can be.

Lupine’s bar mount (available for $40) screws into the unit and swivels 360˚ for perfect positioning. It’s secured with an O-ring — no tools are needed — and fits a wide range of bar sizes. The mount is a no-brainer to use and held the light secure on all terrain without dipping forward.

This little light has a big price tag, but its high output, solid construction, and preset options warrant the price.

WHO IS THIS LIGHT GOOD FOR?

The PikoTL Max’s programming capabilities would benefit a commuter who also tours and races and wants one light with a tailored button/output scheme. Deep pockets don’t hurt, either.