Source

This Wuben B2 was provided by Flashlightbrand.com for review.

Overview

The Wuben B2 is a 21700-powered bike light. Far too many bike lights on the market use non-removable batteries, making them disposable when the battery wears out and making spare batteries impossible. The B2's use of a 21700 is enough by itself to stand out in the field. Its mount accommodates a variety of handlebars, and its efficient driver provides stable output in lower modes for a long time. The mount is reasonably secure, but it's important to press the light in firmly until it clicks, or it may fall, evidence of which is visible in some of the photos.

The B2 also differs from most bike lights in that it has a round beam. There are no hard cutoffs or other beam shaping to illuminate the road or trail while avoiding glare for other road users. That makes the B2 illegal for road use in some countries, such as Germany, and requires aiming the light carefully to be safe and courteous to others. Higher modes provide good visibility where color isn't important, but they throttle quickly regardless of wind or fan cooling.

For people on a budget who can accept a round beam, the Wuben B2 is conditionally recommended.

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Specifications

Highlights

• Good efficiency in all modes
• No PWM flicker
• Output is stable after throttling
• One of a small number of bike lights with removable Li-ion batteries
• Competitively-priced
• Can run from USB

Lowlights

• Round beam; bike lights should be shaped
• Cool white, low CRI
• Excessive throttling; sustainable output should be higher
• Plastic TIR optic without a glass cover can scratch easily
• No lockout
• Confusing user interface

Details and technical analysis

Versions

The B2 comes in black, grey, and blue, and offers a choice of bundled 18650 or 21700 battery.

Accessories

The B2 includes a bike mount, several rubber pads, a battery, an 18650 spacer, a USB-A to C cable, user manual, and spare O-rings. A taillight with a non-removable battery and MicroUSB charging was included in a box marked "Gift" suggesting it may not always be included with this model.

Modes and user interface

Modes

Output is within 10% of claimed, and I'd consider that the margin of error of my test setup. Claimed throw is 280m, and what I'm seeing is a bit short of that.

User interface

Output, runtime, and efficiency

I was surprised that this light steps down so much and so soon given that it has more thermal mass than a typical EDC light and is air cooled during typical use. Perhaps it's meant to extend battery life, but if I want more runtime I'd rather select a lower mode myself.

Light quality

Readings are taken from the center spot diffused with DC Fix diffusion film using an X-rite i1Pro spectrophotometer.

This is a very average spectrum for an LED light and I expect cyclists coming from other lights to have no complaints. Flashlight enthusiasts, however might hope for better color rendering and tint closer to sunlight. This isn't merely an aesthetic preference; bike lanes marked by red bricks, the distinction between mud and dirt, and of course distinguishing a stick on a trail from a snake are all aided by better color rendering.

Beamshots

Max, sustainable, and a cheap bike light with a shaped beam and SST-20 swap

B2 vs the cheap bike light to show beam shaping

Batteries and charging

The B2 is designed for a protected 21700 battery. It works well with a protected 18650 battery in the included adapter, but rattles severely without the adapter. Unprotected 21700s work, but rattle a bit and can cause flickering on very bumpy rides. An unprotected 18650 isn't long enough to make contact using the included adapter, but can be used with third-party spacers.

The 21700 battery charges in about 5 hours from any USB-C power supply, and the light operates without a battery from USB power up to 470 lm.

Modification potential

The retaining ring is easily unscrewed, giving access to the 29mm diameter TIR and LED. If a suitable elliptical optic could be found, that would be an improvement for this light. An LED with better color quality might also help, but it would likely reduce output, and the B2 does not need a reduction in its sustainable output.