Like the more expensive Gloworm models, the X1 features alloy construction, stainless steel hardware and comes with two extra lenses that allow you to tune the beam pattern. It’s well finished for a $249 light.
In this single LED format, the Gloworm is best suited to helmet mounting. The 58g light unit is ‘barely there’ and the bracket will fit directly to a GoPro helmet mount (there’s a regular velcro strap mounting option too). You won’t notice the tiny 135g battery in your pocket and the 214g combined weight makes all-in-one helmet mounting viable.
The only glitch when helmet mounted relates to the tiny velcro mounted remote switch; it’d be easier to locate if the button was part of the main light unit. I wound up sticking the button directly to the light. When bike mounted, you may find the remote wire too short for handlebars wider than 660mm, so the button won’t be near the grip anyway.
The light modes can be customised but make sure you're patient and have the manual handy, as the sequences of short clicks, double clicks and presses can become confusing. At least there’s a simple ‘return to default’ option that’ll set things right if you mess it up.
While the beam photo was taken with the stock lens (the narrowest option), I really liked the more diffused pattern offered by the wide beam option—it only takes a minute to swap them. At 950 lumens the X1 isn’t super powerful but the beam quality is smooth with no rings or dark spots, and that goes a long way when you’re dealing with twisty singletrack at night. It’s a quality offering for the price-point.
Claimed Output (Lumens) 950
Total System Weight 214g
Longest Burntime 48 hrs
PRICE 249$
