With four Cree LEDs and a claimed output of 2,500 lumens, the Serfas TSL-2500 is a pretty serious bit of kit for the $439 asking price. It’s a dedicated off-road light with no flashing modes and both helmet and bar mounting options.
With the helmet mount, the light head weighs 190g which is getting towards the upper end of what we’d be comfortable with. Bar mounting is solid, tool free and adaptable for a wide range of diameters—it’ll even cope with the new 35mm handlebars.
The battery is a chunky 425g brick but it’s well designed with thick moulded in rubber pads to protect your frame. You’ll find a power indicator on the battery and the mode button on the light head doubles as fuel gauge too. The battery also has a USB outlet that allows you to charge other devices; phones, MP3 players and other devices.
A remote mode switch is also included but it’s a plug-in style, so you can choose whether you want to use it or not. Remotes work for some people and bikes but not others, so the optional remote is a good idea. You may notice a chunky oversized connector on the lead that comes from the light head; this is for an optional Serfas taillight but I can’t see many mountain bikers employing this option.
So does the TSL-2500 stack up to their power output claims? It’s definitely up at the brighter end of the lights that we’ve reviewed in this issue. Like a number of others, the beam has a distinct circular edge where the light simply stops, but this core of light is wide enough to perform well on the trail. With its weight and battery bulk, it’s probably better suited to bike mounting. In this setting the beam is better suited to flat-out fire trail blasting. If sinuous riding is more your thing, go with the helmet mounted option.
Claimed Output (Lumens) 2,500
Total System Weight 651g
Longest Burntime 7.5 hrs
PRICE 439$
