Hi all, I just took my new DS-500 taillight out for its maiden voyage.
I'm a bit of a lighting nerd and typically run an Ay-Up helmet mounted light at all times (flashing during the day to help me be seen, steady when dark so that I can see). My touring rig has a SON dynopowered Supernova E3 Triple that I never turn off. I've never been satisfied with my rear facing lighting, however, and have run a hodgepodge of different lights that "work", but don't really do the job justice. Certainly nothing that can compare with what I have pointed forward (though after seeing the DS-500, I'm tempted to see what a DS-1300 looks like up front!)
It was a bright, sunny, cloudless day - ideal test conditions. I set the light to steady 5 and rolled out. Within minutes of having left the house a car rolled up to me at a red light and wound down the window. I was ready for a verbal barrage as I was taking the lane, but instead the guy said to me: "That is the best bike light I've ever seen! I could see you from WAY back! It's fantastic!" He then went on to ask what it was, what I was running up front, etc. Throughout the duration of my ride (some 90min) I had two other drivers roll up to me at red lights to ask about the light, and had several others stick their arms out the window to give me a thumbs up. I even got one from the cops!
Stephen, thank you for making an incredible light that makes me feel much safer when I'm out on the roads. Having a light that instead of "making one more visible" but rather makes it impossible for anyone NOT to see me is a massive improvement over anything that's currently available at any price. The fact that it does so in a manner that's not offensive to other road users is so much the better. As I said to a friend of mine when discussing being blinded at night by high-powered flashing oncoming (forward facing, white) lights: "An oncoming driver that's blinded by your light is probably more likely to hit you than one that didn't see you at all". Five power levels and a variety of flash patterns makes it easy to tailor the output to the situation.
Thank you, once again - this little light is one fantastic piece of kit that I'll be running for a very long time.
Hi all,
my DS-500 (Build 3 - 2013) was tested in a Ulbricht sphere by LUPINE (german light company):
@ Level 5 the result shows 830 lumens.
Stephen, thank you for this amazing super tail light.
The CEO of LUPINE said the the tail light is a great.
Greetings from Germany
My pleasure Khai! Glad to hear that it's working well for you. I built these things to run forever, but if you ever do need any help, I'll be here.Originally Posted by Khai
Wow! Thanks for this good info Bjoern! I've always been conservative in my lumen estimates, and I'm glad to hear that the DS-500 is really delivering on some big numbers. I just hope Lupine didn't scurry off and copy the design while they had it in their hands
Post a picture of the new power connector if you get a chance. Would like to see how it turned out?
Thanks again.
Here you can see the Ulbricht sphere by Lupine.Wow! Thanks for this good info Bjoern! I've always been conservative in my lumen estimates, and I'm glad to hear that the DS-500 is really delivering on some big numbers.
It's true - 830 lumes!!! But its only one test, but you can say the DS-500 build 3 has min. 700-800 lumens. Thats great to know - for you and for all DESIGNSHINE customers.
Hey Stephen, don't worry! Lupine develops an own tail light. The tail light will appear on the market 2014. But the development is concluded. Wolf (the CEO of Lupine) bespoke that he uses only one 3W power LED. In Germany your light (DS-500) is to bright, because of road traffic act. And the german customers dont like a extra battery pack system. Its to much and to heavy. Wolf searches a smaller and other way. He only want a bright tail light - not a hell gate... Last but not least Lupines develops a special automatic mode with light sensors. Thats all what i know. Hope, you understand, that Lupine likes your tail light, but it makes no sense for the company to copy your tail light.I just hope Lupine didn't scurry off and copy the design while they had it in their hands.
Here you can see the new power connector (Lupine system):Post a picture of the new power connector if you get a chance. Would like to see how it turned out? Thanks again.
The Lupine system is better than the Magicshine system!!!
Enjoy! Greetings from Germany
Last edited by shark_attack; 02-11-2014 at 04:17 AM.
Posted with permission. Thanks Paul.
"Hi Stephen:
I had to work the last two days. I just came back in the house after mounting the light on the bike. It is raining in Greenville so I leaned the bicycle on the garage wall and turned the light on. Standing in the rain about 75 yards away the brightness is amazing. Wow is all I can say!!! That is one bright light. Anyone that can not see my bicycle now should not be driving.
I did not appreciate how small the actual light is on your website. It is half the size of my old light and a million times more powerful. I am impressed. It fits great on the seat post and the battery fit in my existing small saddle bag along with a spare tube and CO2 cartridges. Your documentation is very well written. You have done a lot work to get this light to market. I hope that you will be able to take it to the next level. The Allan wrench was a nice touch saving me a trip to the workroom to hunt down the correct wrench. I am very pleased with your workmanship, and follow thru.
All functions are useable as advertized. This light was well worth the wait. If you want feel free to post this note on your website.
Have a great day,
Paul"
I was one of the lucky first to purchase the DS tail light three years ago. I ride A LOT and this light has held up year in, year out, with absolutely no problems whatsoever. The attention to detail and build quality is amazing. And if you take the time to read some of the supporting documentation, you will see that the internal programing and theory is extremely well thought out.
My rides are primarily training for triathlon. I ride mostly during the day and mostly on pretty major roads with high speed limits. This light is bright enough to be noticed by drivers even on the sunniest day. Having this light is like buying insurance that you will not get hit by a car.
Is it expensive? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Consider the cost of being hit by a car, not to mention the pain and suffering, and the DS is a pittance to pay to avoid that.
The only "incident" I've ever had with my DS was one day on a two lane road with a 50 MPH speed limit. I was doing about 23 MPH and a pickup truck pulled up next to me, rolled down his passenger window, kept paralleling me, while yelling something at me. At first, I thought he hated bicyclists and was cursing me out or something but then I noticed he had a bike in the bed of his pickup. Finally, I figured out what he was saying: "What light is that? I want one!"
Hi, I am probably the farthest user of DS-500. I received my light one month ago and used it a few times. The only thing I will say about this light is "It is an unbelievable high quality light." The cars are passing far from me even on a two lane road. This light is as bright as the sun. Here is the link of my vid (DS-500 vs Sun) for Turkish cycling forum.
Last edited by Utku; 08-05-2014 at 02:01 AM.
Thanks for the great video Utku! You've added a very cool perspective. DS-500 vs. the sun... I like it! Seriously though, this is exactly why a light like this exists, to buy you some protection when riding in those difficult lighting situations, such as riding into the sun.
Stay safe!
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