From talking to the guys over at Jet and the little I've seen on the web, looks to be a nice light. Looking for a new light for the lid and am torn between the Lupine Piko and the A-51. I know they are two different animals in price, size, etc. but I'd love to get someone's take on the A-51 if you already have one.
I only have the helmet mount, and it works well, the bar mount has a similar set up for the light, I've read good things about it but haven't used it. My old light was a bar mount, and now that I have it, I really prefer the helmet mount. The light unit is fairly light, you can tell it's on there, but it's not uncomfortable.
From the pictures the light pattern looks similar to the magicshine, but the light is not as blue - it's hard to tell white balance on those pictures though.
There is one large button on the back of the light that is not illuminated. It's easy to feel and operate with gloves on.
From the magicshine reviews it seems like the quality is probably better on the A-51 - but it does cost more. I bought it because of the reviews for Jet Lites construction quality and service, I'm only a month in, but so far so good. It's a good, simple design.But it does cost more. However, it's cheaper and better than the NR stuff I can get in stores around here.
Thanks. I'm bothered by the MS' O-ring rubber "mount". I will not buy any MS lights again: feels cheaply made and I'd rather support a company with reputation of good products and services.
Likely will buy a Jetlite A-51 this week, as I like the ideal of having a dedicated mount and an extra mount for my other MTB.
Which one should I be using for helmet: MS or A-51?
I have the JetLites A-51 with Bar Mount. First off, the bar mount is a well thought out design that is SOLID. It is easy to make small adjustments up and down and it stays put.
The overall beam pattern is very pleasing. Very bright on the HIGH setting and it has a ROUND light pattern that gradually fades out to the edges.See photo.:
A-51 (High Setting)
Here is a pic of the BLAST HID for comparison...
JetLites BLAST HID
Compared to my JetLites BLAST HID (which has more of a SPOT pattern), the A-51 shows more peripheral details on the trail, which is nice because you don't have to aim your head so much to see how the trail is changing when you are making sharp turns, etc..
You can see that the BLAST is more concentrated SPOT while the A-51 is more spread out. Both have their advantages of course...
The BLAST really penetrates further down the trail, while the A-51 gives you a beam that is more even at the edges.
The A-51 has a whiter light, while the BLAST HID had a more bluish tint.
Another comparison::
A-51
BLAST HID
All in all the A-51 is a great light. Solidly built and both the BAR mount and HELMET mounts work wonderfully. No "O" rings here!!
As usual the guys at JetLites offer great support and have always answered my questions in a timely manner.
My BLAST HID has run without fail for over 2 years now. I am confident the A-51 will prove just as durable. Highly recommended!!
I have the original non 'Blast' HID (720 Lumen). The bulb finally died after 3 years. Replaced the bulb, still using the original battery (NiMH) and charger and the rest. I also have a LED Zepplin that I'm upgrading to the A51 as soon as more are available.
It'll be interesting to see how the A51 compares to the original HID since the Blast is much brighter than the original.
I like Jet. My first lighting system was from them when they were still back in California. I called about the trade in and they take the old lights and either use the parts for people that need something they no longer use any more or they refurb them and give them to (I can't remember who he said - search and rescue?)
I should be getting my A51 any day now. A couple weeks ago I spend 20 minutes on the phone talking to the owner about various light related things. Their customer service is top notch, and the lights are extremely well made. My HID system from them has been working fine for 4 years and is still going strong.
Majicshine has a recall on thier batteries for safety and quality concerns. Seems there may be a problem with fires. Too bad, I bought two a few months ago due to the price. Lesson learned. :madman:
The A-51 looks to be a great light for the money and they offer a 1 year warranty and have been around a while, even if it was in different hands. Looks like they nailed this light.
My A-51 just arrived. Very high quality build. It will be my lifesaver for long, down the mountain commute at night.
What I want to stress is that the the customer service was over the top today. I had questions that weren't answered in the instructions, emailed the company yesterday, and the owner, David Joseph, wrote back and said to call him! I did and we had a very "illuminating" conversation about the light. He also added that they will be updating the instructions, dialing them in with the arrival of new products this spring.
I like the A-51 reflector (and the whole system) quite a bit more than the MS series lights, the beam pattern is a little similar though. The A-51 is built much better in my opinion, however they are at different price points.
Hey KingOfTheHill, subject change...
Do you have any suggestions on SD area group night rides I should hook up with to do a Baja Designs demo ride?
Mike over at North of the Border had been running some mid-week night rides. Also, I think Bonita Bikers might do some night rides starting at Performance Bike on Bonita Rd, a couple of miles East of 805. I'll shoot you an email with info.
I have been riding with the North of the Border crew, good times! I managed to use the quick release ability of my Strykr Pro's helmet mount two times when I hit my head on trees in "The Tunnels". That was quite an adventure. I will be watching for your email, thanks man!
Shannon
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
15.4M posts
515.2K members
Since 1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!