knog. Plus: light at the click of a button
31.1.2019
Translation: machine translated
One click and that's it. With knog. Plus", there's no need to get out your toolbox. A small magnet and a clip let you attach it to all kinds of objects in the blink of an eye.
Thanks to their pen-like clips, the 'knog Plus' battery-powered USB lights won't just come in handy when you're cycling: clip them to your clothes or a bag when you're out and about, or to be seen when you're jogging. I spent some time with the two mini lights, here's what I can tell you:
Brightness
The knog. Plus are surprisingly bright for their size, they have nothing to be ashamed of in comparison with my dynamo lamp. I was able to count 22 small LEDs on the red rear light (20 lumens) and 12 larger ones on the white front light (40 lumens).
Lighting modes
knog.Plus remembers the last mode activated and uses it automatically when you switch it back on. You can choose from five modes from continuous lighting to different faster or slower flashes.
Battery life
My battery life varies enormously depending on the modes used, it can range from two hours with continuous lighting to 40 hours in Eco-flash mode. Front and rear lighting are compulsory when it's dark, at night and in tunnels. If you intend to use knog. Plus as the main light on your bike, you'll need to charge it regularly. I had to plug in the front light every two or three days and the charge takes quite a long time. I don't mind though, I used to plug it in when I got to the office and could leave with peace of mind in the evening.
Charge indicator
The lamp will warn you before the battery runs out. If you switch it off and a small red light still shines, it's a sign that it's time to recharge the lamp.
Charging
No need to lug around your cable, you don't have one. The USB connector is built directly into the lamp. Just plug it in and that's it. That's a very good point, because I already have a plethora of micro USB cables lying around the house. According to knog, all you need is an extension lead if you have a MacBook Air. If you plug the lamp directly in, your screen will turn off, as its little magnet acts as if you've folded it back.
Waterproofing
According to the product description, the lamps are 100% waterproof, but s7ber, a member of our community did not make the same observation (product review in German).
Was it just bad luck or are the lamps not waterproof? I wanted to find out for sure.
Recap
If you're tidy and don't spend your time looking for your keys, phone or other small items, the two small lamps weighing 12g each will suit you perfectly. With knog.Plus, you'll have a well thought-out and comprehensive lighting system that adapts to almost any situation. The two small lights are bright enough to be used as your main light, as long as you're not trudging along forest paths in the middle of the night. As battery life is limited in continuous lighting mode, the knog. Plus are more suitable for short trips or as secondary lighting.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer, dad of two. Likes to be on the move, shimmies through everyday family life, juggles with several balls and occasionally drops something. A ball. Or a remark. Or both.
