The big broad head uses four top LEDs behind clear lenses, but puts the bottom four behind an opaque diffuser lens. That concentrates the 3,000-lumen power output in a relatively focused side-to-side beam with a fairly sharp edge. The amount of light intensity from the front tyre to way down the trail is outstanding, making it a no-compromise night blaster.
The three power level sequence has no flash element to worry about, and the main switch turns a different colour for each output. The thermal throttle soon kicks in, but unless it’s proper cold or you’re riding fast there’s still plenty of power in the medium setting.
![Hope r8 beam shot: hope r8 beam shot](https://cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/bikes-and-gear/accessories/lights/front/1412590246548-1gcete5ip2iyu-960-540.jpg)
The Hope R8 pushes enough light down the trail to make visibility outstanding
The head unit twists on and off the metal bar bracket easily – but you’ll need a strong neck to use the helmet mount.
The new battery gets a machined alloy case with Hope’s signature green rubber bumper caps and a push button life indicator to help ration power. It weighs a ton though, and it can be hard to mount securely to some frames, so the smaller plastic battery (or the R4 Lightweight) may be more practical for most riders.
[“source-bikeradar”]