[Closed] magicshine MJ872......would you recomend it?

yes. and yes, it is 'floody'.

On most of my night rides, the lowest setting is fine for everything except fast single track where I bump it up a setting - 2 if if gets fast and techy. Never actually 'needed' any of higher settings (there are 5).

The beam pattern is such that you don't actually think about beam patterns - everything that I might want to look at is lit up, and the bits I am most concentrating on have plenty enough light without needing to have more focussed on them.

Dave

For [url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/mj-872-in-stock-anywhere-at-89 ]£89 of ebay[/url], for £150 off elsewhere....no

Great light for the money no doubts about it, but I'm know decidedly undecided as to whether it's worth £30 (or cheaper from DX) over [url= http://www.mtbbatteries.co.uk/4.html ]Smudges XM-L unit[/url]. Every time we go out (owner of MJ-872 & I), I change my mind. Lots of floody light vs more centered (or spot) light that brighter and has more reach.

two mates have them. Very impressive. Side by side with my Lumicycle XPG there's very little in it. You can also swap the O-rings for a Hope QR clamp.

Absolutely bonkers light. I also have a Lumicycle xpg and in terms of light output theres not much in it but the Lumicycle is like a rapier whereas the 872 is more like a blunt axe. Even on the second setting it look like a small nuclear explosion on the bars and on 4 you cant look at it from 30m its like a supernova.

Construction is a bit primitive and you only get the light, battery & charger in the box but in terms of £/lumen its unbeatable.

Ace light for the money, using mine now about 8 rides and happy with it... [url= http://coastkid.blogspot.com/2011/10/magicshine-mj-872-1600-lumens-light.html ]blog report here...[/url]

i;ve just got the 1200 lumen XPG, which is ace, wouldt it be 2 much running with the 872?

Too much? naa, im waiting on a 2nd one coming!, but thats so i can film with a Go Pro 🙂

just come back from my 8th or maybe 9th ride with it on in the dark. Believe the hype - it's changed the time I can ride by hours!!! Best 90 quid ever spent. 😀

First light i have owned where i can ride as fast as i want without being held back by lack of vision,

[url= http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6238196294_b2d66752df_b.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6238196294_b2d66752df_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastkid71/6238196294/ ]Magicshine 872[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/coastkid71/ ]coastkid71[/url], on Flickr

@reggie: please let me know what you mean by swap to a Hope QR... how? Point it out to me.

thanks

Darn.. why,why,why did I look at this thread!!

I want one!

Anyone use one of these lid mounted?

Is it suitable or on the heavy side?

Thanks

get one of these:
[img] [/img]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23533

unscrew the 872 mount from the light unit, and bolt the Hope clamp on. You'll need a longer M4 bolt than the standard magicshine one though, and the Hope one is not suitable as it's an M5 bolt.

very very sweet light, used on the bars with bettery under the stem. Very clean simple system. More than plenty light for any technical descent or fast singletrack, just spreads light everwhere (in a good way) Battery life is excellent so far. As has been said, can run low or low+1 for alot of stuff and full when you need it. Have orderded an xml torch as a replacement for my current torch and will again be velcroed to the helmet (couple of velcro straps through the vents and round the torch) Will give even range being a tighter spot and should make a good combination. Pleased with build quality and mates have followed suit now...birds start their morning bird songs when we're all out lol no complaints for the money

nice review of differing loghts and their beamshots
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/best-mountain-bike-lights-28195/

and breakdown of the light
http://www.light-test.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103%3Amagicshine-mj870-mj872-cree-xp-g&catid=34%3Arowerowe&Itemid=55&lang=en

I've got one & can't believe how good it is for the money.

Some various beam shots and info....

[url= http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html ]Torchy the Battery Boy[/url]

My view is in here. I owned a bastid, a mickey mouse and this year an XML before this:
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/another-dx-light-option-a-mini-review-and-beamshots

In summary - the best budget (but not really really budget at £90) light around for the bars.

I'm convinced, just need to sell it to the wife err... 😆

Great light for the money!

There back on ebay for £89 🙂

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAGICSHINE-MJ-872-LED-LIGHT-1600-LUMEN-BIKE-LIGHT-TORCH-/280751136243?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item415e125df3 ]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAGICSHINE-MJ-872-LED-LIGHT-1600-LUMEN-BIKE-LIGHT-TORCH-/280751136243?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item415e125df3[/url]

Depends how you define "back" 😯

I posted a link in one of my threads to a UK supplier with current stock at £99 all in.
Great feedback too.
He sold 15+ sets in less than 24hrs 😯

Kbrembo's link above is excellent.
almost making me wish I didnt just plump for the 872, some great beam shots on the link. Looks like the Fluxient's are well worth a look.
Particularly if you are looking for the best beam throw.

And this looks ace:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220870253168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

aracer - Member

Depends how you define "back"

er.. like they have them back in stock... understand now? 😯 🙄

sinlge xml t6 light on ebay too, for 35 quid
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-LED-Bicycle-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/280752346088?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item415e24d3e8#ht_3924wt_1185

er.. like they have them back in stock... understand now?

er.. like they have them back in stock... understand now?

I'd suggest reading the listing again if you think that.

Oooooh!

Ok there is now at least a weeks wait. I'm sure coastkid was trying to be helpful. (?)

But delays happen when the nights draw in. Like what happens to winter tyres after the snow arrives. Plan ahead 😉

OMFG!
[img] [/img]
😯
Niterider pro 3000 LED.

Don Simon has just melted my monitor!

How much does that cost then?

700 GBP!

70000 pennies! My 17p candle is more than capable thanks! 😉

But delays happen when the nights draw in. Like what happens to winter tyres after the snow arrives. Plan ahead

Ok there is now at least a weeks wait.

we've all already got perfectly good lights and tyres no matter what conditions we come across.

aracer- nice edit. I'm sure bruce was trying to help out. Like me, I dont need to buy more stuff (according to the misus). Our opinions help each other out a wee bit.

The Magicshine Ebay add currantly reads: "More than 10 available / 156 sold" 🙂

Is the twin xm-lt6 unit that slimjim posted a link to the same one that's in torchy the battery boy's light review?
The one in torchy's review looks the nuts and I want one.

The only thing that puts me off these lights 'in general' is the thought of my house being burnt down by a suicidal charger and/or battery runaway. It's why I still use primaries in all of my lights, rather than go to 18650's.

I've got older wiring too, with blade fuses 😯 , so no fast acting RCD to pull the power out from under a duff charger for me (tho' I 'spose I could get a plug-in version at the socket).

It's not really the charger itself I guess, it's only a transformer in a plastic case trickling volts in - it's the [i]way[/i] it charges, and how much proper, stateful monitoring it does, and whether the cells are protected in any way and able to respond to the charger.

I'd be much happier having sourced the batteries and an intelligent, monitoring charger from known, established UK sources, and pairing that with a big lighting head (like that 2200 twin XML one up the page a bit ^).

What tips for containing [questionable] chargers?

yes the twin xml-t6 unit on ebay is the one torchy reviews and it clear is outstanding!

there is quite a choice of affordable and outstanding lights about currently it seems. Looking at torchy's comparison is helpful on performance, it would be amazing if he, or someone, said a bit more on build quality of the light, batter and charger.

I've been making a short list...only its not that short

cheap end
the single xml-t6 unit I linked to above on ebay (similar to the magicshine 808E??) VERY Cheap, should be bright, no idea on beam though (reflector looks smooth in one photo, orange peel in the other...so could be spot or flood!) charger could be iffy...although I think it has a CE mark (it looks like a charger dx sell that states it is ce marked)

the mj872 at 89 quid, looks reasonable quality all round. a 4 xpg unit

the twin xml unit for £110 on ebay....performance looks nuts! if the biuld and charger are okay then it looks great. According to another thread neninja is currently pulling one apart to assess it, and considering selling them.

the bikeray iv at £124...another 4 xpg unit. wow on performance, comes with eu charger, but out of stock

I think it is betwen the cheap and possibly iffy 35 quid single t6 unit, and the twin t6 unit that costs 3 times as much but we know (a little) more on

I put the charger in a saucepan that has a pouring lip. The cable goes in that bit and a lid on top. I point the lip away from anything and if it does flame out it shouldn't touch any thing.
My wife wants me to point out it is le cruesette and should contain a nuclear melt down.
I still wouldn't leave the house with one charging though.
Does anyone personally know anyone its happened to?
Seems to be internet Yanks whipping each other up into a frenzy.

I charge my cheap chinese 18650 cells outside in an old tool box with an extension cable from an outdoor socket.

Better safe than sorry I reckon.

I do all my recharging overnight in the babies room. I reckon all that heat output keeps her nice and cosy. Warm air rises, so the rechargers are all placed under the cot.

or budget an extra 26 quid for a reliable charger from smudge.

http://www.mtbbatteries.co.uk/3.html

Would 2 cheap xml t6 units provide the same light output as the twin xml t6 unit, but for only around £60, and with spare battery and charger?

I'm considering getting an xml t6 torch, decent batteries like senybor or panasonic and an ultrafire wf-139 charger, as at least the charger and batteries are going to be a better quality. Should only be around £25.

It won't set the world alight, but then hopefully won't set my house alight either!! 😉

Does anyone personally know anyone its happened to?

Would 2 cheap xml t6 units provide [s]the same light output as the twin xml t6 unit[/s][b] way more light than I'll ever be able to ride fast enough to need?[/b]

Yes, Dear! 🙄

Rich yes 'supposedly' the same amount of light is potentially available, as they are the same LED, but this is all down to the individual drivers & electronic gubbins in the lights. Overall, I doubt you'd be complaining about the difference, when in your senario your getting them £50 cheaper
Though a major consideration with the twin XM-L setup is the potential issue is heat build up, in my mind 2 seperate XM-L lights shouldn't suffer as much. That and I'd use one on the bars and one and helmet to get the best light setup for riding.

If your Magicshine 872 is heating up too much and dropping to a lower setting, just ride faster. 🙄

Mine's never done this but it still is pretty new - and I'm a power light virgin.

I don't know how to compare all those lights out there but I will say that I love Magicshine now! 😀

I'm intrigued by the twin xml t6 unit. looks to have an orange peel reflector. I tried my new DX single xml bastid out back to back with my older P7 bastid a couple of weeks ago (both mounted on the bars switching between them for comparison).

The xml is clearly more powerful but having a smooth finish reflector seems to create a very poor beam pattern. I actually much prefer the P7 on the bars the xml suits helmet mounting far more.

anyone know if the twin xml unit impoves on the singles beam spread?

Cookeaa you could try either just swapping over the reflectors between the two unit or buying some [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wide-Angle-Lens-4-MagicShine-Gemini-Lupine-Bike-Light-/280752532003?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415e27aa23 ]Replacement lenses[/url]. Ppl report both have improved the DX XML output.

The twin T6 one on Ebay is the same as the one I've got some samples of except mine has the newer U2 emitter which is a bit brighter and more efficient than the T6.

[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/who-would-be-interested-in-2000-lumen-light-for-110 ]See this thread[/url] which will be updated with proper beamshots and build update.

I love the 18650 charging paranoia! With the millions of cheap 18650s charging away in laptops everywhere the country should look like the blitz.

Purchased 2 sets of these lights a couple of weeks ago, they have Totally blown away my love of night riding.
Last week I rode my local haunt lee quarry which led me up to the technical crag quarry, the lowest setting was ample for the long climb with plenty of side vision. Once We got to crag We put the lights to 50% -70% this was masses of light for what was required, We were hitting the berms, drop offs and singletrack at high speed No different to day riding. Light was incredible that was even without going to full power. I am addicted to the output of these lights and we r looking forward to a return to gisburn on thursday to blow our senses with the hully gully. Anyone who is considering buying lights for the new season look no further, I am blown away and so will you, 89 quid delivered is a No brainer. Be a man and get out their you will love it, we do.........l

anyone know what warranty magicshine direct offer?

I've got one of the single XMLs mentioned up the page... Gigantic range, but not the best beam pattern, there's a reasonable amount of wide cast and it's actually slightly brighter than my P7 in the flood, but the very bright centre spot makes the flood part less useful on the trail. I'd definately say helmet only.

But it's cheap and still highly effective, just not as good as it would have been with a less focused hotspot. Just waiting for the ebay wide-angle lens to arrive though I suspect it's not the fix I'm really after. Might start to experiment with the reflector and standard lens.

Ok. So which battery indicator do I believe. Depending on the level the light is running at, the LED indicator on the back of the light can go green/blue/yellow/eye of sauron in no time at all, at which point the battery indicator on the pack shows 7.2v and three bars remaining.

What's everyone else's experience - I curious to find out how long I can run them for, but don't fancy being plunged into darkness out in the woods or potentially damaging the battery with a full discharge (will this happen?).

I've got one of these and often getting stopped in the local woods by other riders asking what it is as better than there £100+ lights -

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/t6-waterproof-xml-t6-3-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-bike-light-with-battery-pack-set-82510

Awesome light, although an additional helmet light torch would also be good when looking around such as -

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-501b-xm-lt6-5-mode-510-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-55241

Fine for a mixed bag 2-2.5 hour ride.

Run it on 2 for the easy stuff and crank it up to 3/4 when necessary. The indicator stays on green for about an hour then exponentially cycles through blue/yellow/red. Think it flashes red when nearly dead but I've not seen it.

Northwind, I was so impressed with your head light last week that I have ordered one but what sort of helmet mount was that?

I'm using this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/velcro-binding-band-for-sku-29489-30864-35cm-32754
though it'd be pretty easy to bodge something together.

Have to say it's not the best engineered bit of kit, nasty cheap velcro that barely sticks to itself. But so far it's working well. Light can creep round the bracket slightly so I've added a loop of cloth tape to give it a bit more friction.

It should work for pretty much any light that mounts to the bars with o-rings, incidentally. Though I wouldn't mind finding something that worked better out of the box, for £2 I won't complain 😉

Oh- the wide angle lens arrived today, and it does exactly what it says on the tin... Still to use it on the bike but it seems like progress.

Thanks

Well, I can now add myself to the list of unfortunates to suffer charger meltdown. Power tripped in the house last night. Checked all the sockets to see if the kids had poured water in them but no, riding home tonight and my "fully charged" one of these conked out:

[url= http://www.dealextreme.com/p/t6-waterproof-xml-t6-3-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-bike-light-with-battery-pack-set-82510 ]bastid T6[/url]

Sure enough its charger was plugged into the wall with the insides melted. Third time its been charged.

Anyone recommend a safer charger?

Don't say that - mine only arrived yesterday!! 😐

Got one and for 89 green queens from ebay its amazing, had it about 2 months now and used it loads, would not consider another light. Imagine having two on the bars, that would be mental but you just dont need anymore light. 😯

i woul say running time is 2.5 - 3hrs on the mj872 for climbing and slow techy singletrack i use the 1st 30% setting sometimes going upto the 50% setting, very rarely have i been above 70% it literally is not required as you have ample light. i do agree that a combination helmet light works well with the mj872, it gives u better awareness around you and a little more confidence. i recently purchased a trustfire cree XM-LT6 1000LM ZOOMABLE torch off e- bay what a fantastic piece of kit it pisses all over my mates exposure helmet lights to be honest it is embarassing. their are seven settings high,middle,low,strobe,sos,zoom in, zoom out. it is only 12cm long and weighs 105g, fully water resistant and runs off 1 18650 3.7v battery, i trailed e - bay and found some 3800mah lithiums which are belting loads more burn time than the 2600mah and i carry a spare so i dont get caught out. the zoom is un- real a lazer of light that goes a long long distance, i picked mine up for 12 quid on auction with buy it nows at about 16 quid. batteries are not included i picked them up from another seller 2 batteries and charger for 5 quid delivered. i also picked up a CREE XP- G R5, 800 lumens, 3 modes bright, normal and flashing without zoom though but still a very powerfull light when helmet mounted that cost me roughly a tenner. the zoomable torch does win massively i picked up a helmet light mount of e-bay and it works a treat 20 quid all in u can stick ur exposures where the sun dont shine. what a rip off buy one of these their unreal.........

mc11as- that's a nice write up. Could you edit it and put in some paragraphs and capitals? Apologies for the critisism - I've got night blur vision just reading that 😉

Edit - Here - I've done it for you:

I would say running time is 2.5 - 3hrs on the mj872 for climbing and slow techy singletrack. I use the 1st 30% setting sometimes going upto the 50% setting, very rarely have i been above 70% it literally is not required as you have ample light.

I do agree that a combination helmet light works well with the mj872, it gives u better awareness around you and a little more confidence. I recently purchased a trustfire cree XM-LT6 1000LM ZOOMABLE torch off e- bay what a fantastic piece of kit it pisses all over my mates exposure helmet lights to be honest it is embarassing.

Their are seven settings high,middle,low,strobe,sos,zoom in, zoom out. It is only 12cm long and weighs 105g, fully water resistant and runs off 1 18650 3.7v battery, i trailed e - bay and found some 3800mah lithiums which are belting loads more burn time than the 2600mah and i carry a spare so i dont get caught out.

The zoom is un- real a lazer of light that goes a long long distance, i picked mine up for 12 quid on auction with buy it nows at about 16 quid.

Batteries are not included: I picked them up from another seller 2 batteries and charger for 5 quid delivered. I also picked up a CREE XP- G R5, 800 lumens, 3 modes bright, normal and flashing without zoom though but still a very powerfull light when helmet mounted that cost me roughly a tenner.

The zoomable torch does win massively i picked up a helmet light mount of e-bay and it works a treat 20 quid all in u can stick ur exposures where the sun dont shine.

What a rip off buy one of these their unreal.........

Sorry about that, was in a rush to input it all...

off to bed goodnight....

thats very nice of you, thanks

No critisism meant or implied. Thanks for the update and hope you dont mind my mini edit!

Just tested mine last night... It's fairly ridiculous. Not entirely sure I've got any use for full power, maybe for really fast descents but at short range it doesn't really seem to make any difference over 75%. Proper modes, good. Mode memory, good. I think it could be a wider spread, considering the stupendous power of the thing... But that's OK.

Longevity needs to be proved o'course but assuming for the moment that it lasts.... it doesn't feel cheap and nasty, it doesn't have any obvious drawbacks of bulk or bad design or reuse of torch parts... Doesn't run disturbingly hot either. It's just a really good light that happens to be cheap. If it said Hope or Exposure on the side people would pay £400 for it I'm sure.

Also came with a nicer looking charger, though time will tell. (it has a really lovely tiny ickle mains plug, so far everyone that's seen it has gone [i]aw![/i])

Do not be put off with other light options from hong kong. Delivery times can sometimes be a pain, I received mine in just under 2 weeks. Their is a vast array of Cree torches out their that can be picked up for a small price.....

Just had a quick spin with my light and yes it is bright. Throws light everywhere.
I shall just run it on full power ,what run times can I expect?

Zippyona- I've just been out with mine for the first time. I had it on high for about 20 mins and it just turned to blue? Not sure if that helps?

Have any MJ872 owners experienced any overheating issues that I have read about?

Also, has anyone used this light in a prolonged wet ride? The opposition Bikeray IV looked good for a while but seems to have major waterproofing issues.

(it has a really lovely tiny ickle mains plug, so far everyone that's seen it has gone aw!)

it has no fuse which is why it's small, I put a fused plug/cable in it's place

An RCD sounds like a good idea 🙄

Marc Sussex - Member

Have any MJ872 owners experienced any overheating issues that I have read about?

Also, has anyone used this light in a prolonged wet ride? The opposition Bikeray IV looked good for a while but seems to have major waterproofing issues.

Had no overheating issues with mine,it's been on a couple of 4hr mild night rides with no issues.Was also used on the bars at this years D2D which rained non stop for the 7.5 hrs that I lasted doing it,it's waterproof !

I found the MJ-872 overheated even with a decent airflow, and continually stepped down a level (sometimes two) until it cooled down. I took the light off the bike in case it was a loose connection, and hitting a bump was causing it to change mode, but using a fan to cool the lamp head, which has worked with every other light I have tried, didn't prevent the overheating.

Torchy, have you any experience of the new MJ-880 or know if it suffers the same problems? I nearly bought an 872 until i read one of your reviews mentioning the step down of power.

The same thing now happens on my Trustfire 1300lumen torch, it shuts down on the highest setting in less than 60 seconds which is putting me off the 'cheap as chips' far east options.....

I have 2 MS lights - The "Mickey Mouse" P7 one, and the new Cree 1000lm one, and also the BikerayIV. I have had no issues with the light heads, but be very wary of cheap MS batteries. They really struggle to hold a charge. On my BR, I upgraded to the German OpenLightSystems battery - what a difference!!!! On a 2hr ride - 70% on high(1200lm) it never goes from green 🙂 All the batteries from these are interchangeable BTW.

As for waterproofing, no issues from me, and we ride in all weathers!!

If people struggle with the rubber band mounting system and the light head sagging, try a strip of grip tape (glue backed sandpaper, effectively) on your bars.