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Product Review: Cateye Rapid X3 Rechargeable Rear Light

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The Rapid X3 is the ultimate in rear light visibility and safety. The light comes with a ridiculously impressive 150 lumens of light output and up to 30 hours of battery life. Comes with its own mounting system that allows you to easily mount the Rapid X3 to almost any application, including round and aero seatposts, seatstays, handlebars, forks and headtubes.

Features:

  • 150 lumen output
  • Twin COB LED strips
  • 6 different light modes
  • Up to 30 hours runtime
  • Li-ion RC battery
  • 3 hours recharge time

Cateye Rapid X3 Light Review:

Upon first unboxing, I was extremely impressed with the design as well as the care that was taken with the packaging of the product. I have to admit that the shipping boxes were very crush-resistant, effectively safe-guarding it from damage.

When I pulled the it out of the shipping box, this statement became even more true. They were in what I would call “product isn’t damaged” packaging. Thanks to slick packaging and its relatively light-weight.

The Cateye Rapid X3 comes supplied with basically everything that you will need need to get the light up and running, including 2 seatpost mounts, 3 rubber straps and 8 zip ties. The light comes with a couple of directions that are incredibly helpful to read through and greatly simplify setting up the light. Set up of the light takes around 5 minutes.

In the supplied bag, there is also a basic battery recharger. The light comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery which can be charged up anywhere between 3 to 4 hours. The Rapid X3 also takes a while to charge but can provide 150 lumen output for well over 15 hours.

The light also comes with a ‘traffic signal’ function. This light mode lets the Rapid X3 flash red, yellow or green when the light is turned on.

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The light is also a fairly heavy piece of equipment which is great for mounting the light anywhere you wish to.

The Cateye Rapid X3 takes 3-4 hours to charge from empty. The charging process requires you to plug the light into the recharger, which then plugs into a mains socket where the light then ‘registers’ the charger through a small LED on top of the light.

The Cateye Rapid X3 is a very well built, sturdy light which I have complete confidence in when using on the road. The light is incredibly visible and makes you easy to see for oncoming traffic.

The Rapid X3 is a great rear light that I would highly recommend for those of a road background.

Pros:

  • Very bright – 150 lumen light output!
  • Bright and vibrant LED light (red) – appears bigger than other LED lights
  • Pronatherm mounting system
  • Has a built-in battery
  • Comes with mounting systems
  • Common parts (recharger and battery) with Rapid X3 rear light

Cons:

  • Fiddly setup
  • Solid unit is slightly heavy when mounting to seatpost
  • Very bright – Uses quite a bit of battery

Conclusion and Rating:

Review Rating: 4 out of 5

The first thing that strikes you about this light is when you first lift the flocked top cover off is just how beautifully made and finished it is. Cateye Rapid X3 is the most effective rear light that I have ever had. It punches above its weight with this very bright light. I rate this light highly and would recommend to those riding on better lit road surfaces or who want a very bright rear light.

Cateye Rapid X3 understand the importance of using the proper tools and maintenance to keep your bicycle performing at a high level.

It’s a good choice for anyone seeking a light that is:

  • Comfortable for all day rides
  • Sustainable
  • Good value

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Written by Mark Adams

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