Light and MotionVis 180 Pro Tail Light(Return to Product Page)

When I unpacked the light, I was concerned that it might be a bit bulky, but it fits snugly to the seatpost. In fact, it serves as a prop for a tool bag on one bike and attaches easily to the bike bag loop on another. Charging is simple enough and I get three to four rides on a charge - I might be able to get another ride or two out of a charge, but why risk it? Had to look on line to learn that you remove the light by pressing it into the holder recommended when doing lots of riding on the shoulders of busy streets, particularly given the light multiple settings. High value rating because it was on 50% - don't pass on this light if you see such an offer.

The light itself is superb. Battery life is pretty good also. The mounting bracket for non-seat posts, for rack mount has its issues. I spent the extra money to buy the rack mount bracket, but this could haveshould have been designed much better - I had to make some modifications to it to get it to sit flush and allow zip ties. This bracket should have been designed to directly mount the lamp in the rack-mount-bracket without zip ties which interfere with the rack. Putting the cost of the light and bracket together, its a bit pricey.

The light itself is superb. Battery life is pretty good also. The mounting bracket for non-seat posts, for rack mount has its issues. I spent the extra money to buy the rack mount bracket, but this could haveshould have been designed much better - I had to make some modifications to it to get it to sit flush and allow zip ties. This bracket should have been designed to directly mount the lamp in the rack-mount-bracket without zip ties which interfere with the rack. Putting the cost of the light and bracket together, its a bit pricey.

i have owned several light and motion products before. hence, when i bought this product, i didn't give it a second thought. the rating i gave this product is primarily due to the failure of the plastic power button. it came off completely after a couple of months of use. the only reason why i didn't give a one star rating is because the tail light functionality works just fine. present day, i am still able to use the light. however, i have to use my car key (for metal to metal contact) to turn the power on. it still works, but there it is quite a hassle because of the power button.

A bit pricey, but very bright and high quality. Rode with it under heavy rain with no problems. Also enjoyed the fact it charges over USB. Battery life also seems reasonably good, in my use it was running for about 8 hours at the brightest setting.

I also have a Light and Motion Vis 180 Commuter tail light. I like everything about that light, except that it's pretty ugly. When I got an electric bike that I knew I'd be riding in town quite a bit, I decided to pick up this Vis 180 Pro. If visibility is your primaryonly concern, this is a great light. It is OBNOXIOUSLY bright. For day time riding, I quite like the HighBlinking mode. It's quite noticeable, even on a sunny day.

My complaints

There are 4 modes barely visible paceline mode, really bright flashy mode, really REALLY bright flashy mode, and really REALLY bright steady. There is no mode that is visible with any kind of subtlety. It's pretty damn obnoxious.

It's fairly bulky, heavy, and ugly.

I'm finding the run time annoyingly short. Perhaps it's just as advertised, I don't know. I just find myself often thinking, 'Seriously, it's dead again?!'

I do like the side visibility. Many lights do have side visibility, but I like that this one is orange. I think it helps other vehicles more quickly understand the orientation of my bike.

I feel like the Vis 180 Commuter is a better choice for most people. The ONLY advantage this offers is that it is brighter, but it's probably a bit brighter than it needs to be.

First, the instructions are poor, only illustrations. Took me quite some time to figure out how to get the light detached from the packaging. It has a red button that has to be pushed to release the pivoting mount arm. For me, the the mounting arm is either too tight or too loose on my saddle bag's attachment band. I ride almost exclusively in daylight and prefer a rear light that alternates between an occasional bright flash and quicker less bright flashes. While the intensity is adequate, this light changes intensity too slowly for me. Not the attention grabber for which I was looking. The cover over light mode button came off before the first ride. Had to send it back. It was replaced, but still cost me $10 for shipping. Not sure how I managed to do that and I don't think it is a design flaw, but still... Haven't used it enough on rides to comment on the run times. I ride with two rear lights 99% of the time. If one rear light is good, two are better.

It took me a while to figure out the international picto-directions, but discovered the strap is as well engineered as the light. The strap and light lock together and it takes some doing to separate them.

The light also has red button that releases the ratcheting lever. I have clipped to my rear pocket, backpack, seat bag and even brake wire (not housing it might come loose).

It really does have 180 of visability and the amber is as noticable as the red. The slow pulse is a nice change from giving people a seizure. It's bright enough to be seen even when pointed at the ground.

Kind of expensive, but I have no idea where my $40 blinkie ended up, replacing that would have cost nearly the same in the end. It's definitely not the budget minded choice, it's worth it to me to be seen.

Drivers approaching me from behind have no trouble seeing me with this light day or night. I especially like the pulsing, blinking mode. I have noticed drivers being much more considerate as they overtake me.