Written by Toby Orton
The Moon Mask 5 is a great value front light with fuss-free mounting and a beam whose strength belies its compact size.
What they say: This 5 LED front light comes with 5 Nichia LED’s that provide fantastic light output from a compact unit. Fully rechargeable via USB connection to PC or Mac.
What it is: With so many lights on the market it can be difficult to select the one that has everything you want. But with a past littered with lighting let downs, the Moon Mask 5 has put an end to my mid-ride blackouts.
Bearing in mind the two basic necessities of bike lights, function and longevity, the Moon Mask 5 excels in both categories. Constructed from five Nichia LEDs, the light provides a notable level of peripheral coverage as the maximum output of an impressive 70 lumens does its job. The small unit is enough to both keep other road users well aware of you in built-up areas and to double as a makeshift headlight on more rural night rides. Having lasted the duration at last year’s Dunwich Dynamo, its longevity certainly backs up the 8 hour run time that the manufacturer claims. On max beam it tends to eat up power but a handy low battery indicator will let you know when the light is about to die. A quick 2-hour charge time via USB gives it a fairly efficient turnaround.
Suitable for commuting, mountain biking and road riding, anybody will find the simple rubber mounting fastener a pleasure to pop on and off. The strap extends to fit comfortably around even the chunkiest bars, a feature that some lights inexplicably struggle with – yes; I’m looking at you Knog Boomer. Along with the ease with which it’s attached, the compact size and weight mean the Moon Mask 5 will go unnoticed in even the slimmest set of slacks if you’re out and about riding casually.
Who it’s good for: There is enough quality packed into this light to put it in a class above the under-£30 price point at which it generally sells. It is a great value, super bright light that attaches like a dream.