Petzl IKO CORE
Petzl IKO CORE is a compact, helmet-friendly rechargeable headlamp that balances low weight, good close-range illumination, and solid runtime—making it a top choice for helmet-mounted bicycle use. Its CORE battery system and refined beam control give it a practical technical advantage over bulkier lights like the Fenix HM65R-T while providing more usable helmet-aimed light than ultralight options such as the Nitecore NU25 UL.
Featherweight comfort
CORE-battery boost
Featherweight comfort
CORE-battery boost
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Petzl IKO CORE for its compact, lightweight design, rechargeable battery and reliable beam for helmet use, though some note it’s not the brightest option for high-speed night riding. Build quality and ease of mounting are frequent positives but a few long-term users mention runtime limitations on higher modes."
Precise tilt control
Compatible with Petzl CORE rechargeable battery for extended runtimes.
Precise tilt control
Compatible with Petzl CORE rechargeable battery for extended runtimes.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Petzl IKO CORE is a compact, helmet-friendly rechargeable headlamp that balances low weight, good close-range illumination, and solid runtime—making it a top choice for helmet-mounted bicycle use. Its CORE battery system and refined beam control give it a practical technical advantage over bulkier lights like the Fenix HM65R-T while providing more usable helmet-aimed light than ultralight options such as the Nitecore NU25 UL.
Featherweight comfort
CORE-battery boost
Precise tilt control
Compatible with Petzl CORE rechargeable battery for extended runtimes.
Low-profile, lightweight design that mounts cleanly to helmets.
Featherweight comfort
CORE-battery boost
Precise tilt control
Compatible with Petzl CORE rechargeable battery for extended runtimes.
Low-profile, lightweight design that mounts cleanly to helmets.
Black Diamond Spot 400
Black Diamond Spot 400 is the value-focused workhorse in this lineup, offering a bright, reliable beam, intuitive mode memory, and an attractive price for riders who want capable helmet lighting without premium cost. Compared with the pricier Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro and Fenix models, the Spot 400 delivers a compelling lumen-per-dollar advantage while trading off some bike-specific mounting refinements and omnidirectional visibility.
400-lumen punch
Red-night stealth
400-lumen punch
Red-night stealth
Review Summary
"Buyers like the Black Diamond Spot 400 for its strong, usable beam, solid runtime and value for money when helmet-mounted, with many citing its weather resistance and versatility. Criticisms are minor and include button placement and a preference by some for a wider spill or higher max output."
Splashproof warrior
Up to 400-lumen class output with intuitive power-tap switching.
Splashproof warrior
Up to 400-lumen class output with intuitive power-tap switching.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Black Diamond Spot 400 is the value-focused workhorse in this lineup, offering a bright, reliable beam, intuitive mode memory, and an attractive price for riders who want capable helmet lighting without premium cost. Compared with the pricier Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro and Fenix models, the Spot 400 delivers a compelling lumen-per-dollar advantage while trading off some bike-specific mounting refinements and omnidirectional visibility.
400-lumen punch
Red-night stealth
Splashproof warrior
Up to 400-lumen class output with intuitive power-tap switching.
Red night-vision mode and multiple brightness settings for versatility.
400-lumen punch
Red-night stealth
Splashproof warrior
Up to 400-lumen class output with intuitive power-tap switching.
Red night-vision mode and multiple brightness settings for versatility.
$60-100 CAD
Fenix HM65R-T
Fenix HM65R-T targets the technical rider who needs rugged construction, precise beam shaping, and higher sustained output for fast trail riding; its robust thermal management and secure helmet mounting make it a market-leading choice for aggressive mountain-bike helmet use. It typically carries a higher price than ultralight or budget alternatives, but that extra cost buys superior durability and consistent trail illumination in demanding conditions.
Dual-beam brilliance
Magnetic quick-charge
Dual-beam brilliance
Magnetic quick-charge
Review Summary
"Owners rate the Fenix HM65R-T highly for its build quality, powerful and adjustable beam, and dependable battery performance for demanding helmet use, making it a preferred choice for serious night riding. Drawbacks mentioned are its higher price and slightly heavier feel compared with ultralight models."
Rugged trail-ready
High-output multi-LED design delivering strong spot and flood illumination.
Rugged trail-ready
High-output multi-LED design delivering strong spot and flood illumination.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Fenix HM65R-T targets the technical rider who needs rugged construction, precise beam shaping, and higher sustained output for fast trail riding; its robust thermal management and secure helmet mounting make it a market-leading choice for aggressive mountain-bike helmet use. It typically carries a higher price than ultralight or budget alternatives, but that extra cost buys superior durability and consistent trail illumination in demanding conditions.
Dual-beam brilliance
Magnetic quick-charge
Rugged trail-ready
High-output multi-LED design delivering strong spot and flood illumination.
Rechargeable battery with fast charging and long runtime for extended rides.
Dual-beam brilliance
Magnetic quick-charge
Rugged trail-ready
High-output multi-LED design delivering strong spot and flood illumination.
Rechargeable battery with fast charging and long runtime for extended rides.
$140-220 CAD
Nitecore NU25 UL
Nitecore NU25 UL is the ultralight specialist, delivering essential forward illumination and long runtimes in a featherweight package ideal for bikepackers and minimalist helmet setups. While it cannot match the raw output or 360° conspicuity of the Light & Motion or the sustained high power of the Fenix, its low weight and efficient battery use make it the most economical choice for riders prioritizing mass savings.
Barely-there weight
USB top-up speed
Barely-there weight
USB top-up speed
Review Summary
"The Nitecore NU25 UL is praised for being extremely lightweight, comfortable on helmets and offering good battery life for its size, making it a favorite for long rides and bikepacking. Some users wish for more raw output and find the plastic construction and small button less ideal with gloves."
Smart low-draw
Extremely lightweight, low-bulk form ideal for helmet mounting.
Smart low-draw
Extremely lightweight, low-bulk form ideal for helmet mounting.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
Nitecore NU25 UL is the ultralight specialist, delivering essential forward illumination and long runtimes in a featherweight package ideal for bikepackers and minimalist helmet setups. While it cannot match the raw output or 360° conspicuity of the Light & Motion or the sustained high power of the Fenix, its low weight and efficient battery use make it the most economical choice for riders prioritizing mass savings.
Barely-there weight
USB top-up speed
Smart low-draw
Extremely lightweight, low-bulk form ideal for helmet mounting.
USB-rechargeable with efficient low-power modes for long runtimes.
Barely-there weight
USB top-up speed
Smart low-draw
Extremely lightweight, low-bulk form ideal for helmet mounting.
USB-rechargeable with efficient low-power modes for long runtimes.
$40-80 CAD
Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro
Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro stands out as the market leader for conspicuity and on-road safety, offering genuine 360-degree visibility, rugged waterproofing, and bike-oriented mounting options that make it indispensable for commuter and urban helmet use. Although it is pricier than the Black Diamond or Nitecore options, its specialized visibility-focused design delivers a unique safety and legal-road advantage that pairs effectively with forward-facing helmet lights like the Petzl and Fenix.
360° daylit visibility
Helmet-hug fit
360° daylit visibility
Helmet-hug fit
Review Summary
"Riders appreciate the Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro for outstanding 360° visibility, bright daytime presence and durable, easy-to-mount design on helmets, with many saying it boosts safety in traffic. A few reviews call out the premium price and occasional preference for different mounting styles, but overall satisfaction is high."
Traffic-stealing bright
True 360-degree visibility optimized for daytime conspicuity on helmets.
Traffic-stealing bright
True 360-degree visibility optimized for daytime conspicuity on helmets.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro stands out as the market leader for conspicuity and on-road safety, offering genuine 360-degree visibility, rugged waterproofing, and bike-oriented mounting options that make it indispensable for commuter and urban helmet use. Although it is pricier than the Black Diamond or Nitecore options, its specialized visibility-focused design delivers a unique safety and legal-road advantage that pairs effectively with forward-facing helmet lights like the Petzl and Fenix.
360° daylit visibility
Helmet-hug fit
Traffic-stealing bright
True 360-degree visibility optimized for daytime conspicuity on helmets.
High-output LED array with long battery life and USB rechargeability.
360° daylit visibility
Helmet-hug fit
Traffic-stealing bright
True 360-degree visibility optimized for daytime conspicuity on helmets.
High-output LED array with long battery life and USB rechargeability.
$200-300 CAD