Cateye's dedication to compact, high power LED lights is represented through the full range of options available. The Volt 1200 sits in a sweet spot, in both Lumen power and price, the 1200 shocases the best of what Cateye offers in their dual LED versions. The Volt 1200 delivers a perfect beam output and shape that ensures safe riding at speed, out beyond 60 meters. The bright white light of the LED's penetrates the space in front of you, and illuminates out to about 50 degrees from center. With the secure handlebar mount, or the use of and optional helmet mount, you can confidently ride into the night. The max 1200 Lumen output can be run for a solid two hours, but one step mode down you get 450 Lumens for a full five hours. This is a serious compact light that weighs just over 200 grams.

Ease of use is a Cateye mounting system standard, which uses a secure side in mechanism and locking edge to hold the light in place via either the Flex-Tight bar mount, or the helmet mount. With the Flex-Tight, you can purchase extra mounts for multiple bikes, or simply unscrew the ratcheting strap system and remount elsewhere. Light control is a simple, lighted, push button that turns the unit on and off, as well as switching light modes. The button also serves as the low power indicator, illuminating when the battery is at about 20% capacity. A last note about the mode button. When you turn off the light, the light retains the last-used mode, and when you turn it back on, it comes on in the last-used mode. The Li-Ion rechargeable battery (3.6V-6800mAh), can be charged directly via USB while installed in the head unit, and a USB micro charging cable is included with the light. Charging time with USB 3.0 is about 8 hours, and older USB connections range closer to 14 hours.

Lighting modes include three constant modes- 1200, 450, 150 Lumens, and the Hyper Constant, which varies between the 1200 and 150 Lumen levels. The final mode is a Flash, that is a bright 150 Lumens. Most riding will likely be done in the 450 and 150 Lumen modes, with the 1200 utilized in serious trail environments or for extreme conditions. But as long as your ride in the dark is 2 hours or less, you can run the light at full power. Cateye's electronics and materials are top notch, and always have been. Durability and battery life are exceptional, with no degradation of charging capacity through at least 300 full charge cycles. The casing is not unbreakable, but impact resistant, and will block any wet weather. We don't recommend you submerge the unit, but otherwise you will be protected from the elements. If serious illumination and max reliability are your main requirements in a compact light design, the Cateye Volt 1200 is poised to grace your handlebar for years to come.