KNOG Big Cobber Rear Light - Video Review & Light Mode Test
Video: KNOG Big Cobber Rear Light, Bianchi Infinito.
My brand-new, shiny rear light! My decision to buy the Knog Big Cobber Rear Light was heavily influenced by the informative Japanese video below. After hours of searching for a video demonstrating all the light modes in both day and night conditions, I finally found this gem. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I’ve embedded this excellent video here.
- Video Title (JP): このテールライトがスゴイ！自転車の安全を高めよう！
- Video Title: This tail light is amazing! Let's improve bicycle safety!
- Channel (JP): マルチ・ポテンシャライト
- Channel: Multi Potentialite
- KNOG Big Cobber - Rear (Amazon)
- KNOG Big Cobber - Front (Amazon)
Video Credit: マルチ・ポテンシャライト.
Modes Reviewed in the Video: at day, night, close up, and at distance.
- Max 160LM – 2.0 hr
- Mid 60LM – 3.5 hr
- Steady Pulse 270LM – 2.5 hr
- Flash 270LM – 6.5 hr
- Rolling Flash 110LM – 5.5 hr <<< This mode is why I purchased this light.
- Side Flash 170LM – 2.0 hr
- Disco Flash 140LM – 5.0 hr
- Eco Flash 15LM – 100.0 hr
Features that prompted my purchase:
- 330º of light coverage
- Really awesome looking Rolling Flash Mode that runs for 5.5 hours
- 110LM brightness in rolling flash mode
Review Cons:
- Unique USB Connection: KNOG uses a proprietary USB connector instead of a standard USB 2 or 3, complicating charging with my standard multi-port USB setup.
- Exposed Connectors: The USB connector protrudes, exposing gold connectors to rain, sweat, and dirt, risking corrosion. The connection is flexible, so bumping it while charging might damage the casing.
- Unreliable Mounting Mechanism: The light’s mount can be tricky to secure, requiring multiple attempts and lacking a clear "click," which makes it hard to know if it’s fully locked.
Review Pros:
- Outstanding Wide Angle Visibility: Provides excellent all-around visibility, essential for pre-dawn and post-sunset cycling in Tokyo, increasing safety in low light.
- Effective Rolling Flash Mode: Great visibility and peace of mind. Drivers seem to notice me sooner and pass at safer distances compared to previous lights.
- Convenient Recharge Indicator: Shows red while charging and green when done. Missing a battery level indicator is a minor downside.
On the road:
- I rode from Machida to Ginza at 5am and back at 5pm, impressed with its brightness and duration. It withstood a sudden rain shower despite the exposed USB contacts.
Conclusion:
- Highly recommended for nighttime city cycling with exceptional viewing angles, though the USB connector and mount design could be improved.
- Safety: 10/10
- Build: 8/10
