Review – NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light

NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light

I am a strong advocate of daytime running lights on bicycles all year round; but with the darkness drawing in, it is even more important to invest in good bike lights. The NiteRider Sentinel 250 is an innovative and powerful rear bike light that combines lasers with LED technology to create your own 'bike lane' on the road, as well as give brilliant rear visibility.

I have been using NiteRider bike lights for a number of years, and the NiteRider Solas 150 Rear Light that I reviewed back in 2017 is still a popular choice in my arsenal. The brand produces well-made, long-lasting, and reliable lights; which is why when I saw the innovative new Sentinel 250 released, I could see it could well become a new go-to option.

The NiteRider Sentinel 250 adopts a unique dual lighting approach: first, a set of high power LEDs pump out a fierce 250 lumens (maximum) to give you great rear visibility; then, on the base of the light two lasers create an illuminated 'bike lane' on the road behind you – to try and encourage drivers to leave you sufficient room when overtaking.

You can choose between using either both or just one of the lighting modes — allowing adaptability to different riding circumstances. The two lighting modes also have different settings to allow for different environments — each mode has differing power demands, with the lower output flashing modes clearly more economical; if you combine lasers and fixed LEDs then the battery life is clearly reduced.
  • Mode #1 (LED Only – Flashing): 6.5 hours
  • Mode #2 (LED Only – Flashing): 5 hours
  • Mode #3 (LED Only – Fixed): 8 hours
  • Mode #4 (LED Only – Fixed): 45 hours
  • Mode #L1 (Lasers Only): 11.5 hours
  • Mode #L2 (Lasers Only): 11.5 hours
  • Mode #L3 (Lasers Only): 5.5 hours
I have mostly been using the LED lights on 'Medium Flash' which delivers five hours of run time (without the lasers switched on). Add the lasers and this drops to around 3.5 hours.

So, does the innovative dual lighting solution work? In my experience, yes. The powerful LED lights are not themselves exceptional, but the addition of the lasers seem to be sufficiently 'out of the ordinary' to draw the attention of approaching drivers, and because of this they give you a more considerate pass. I do not believe it is that the 'bike lane' encourages a wider pass, but it is the fact that the lights are unusual that makes drivers more aware and cautious as they approach and pass. Consequently, they do achieve their objective.

Like predecessors that I have tested, the NiteRider Sentinel 250 light is impressively well made. The unit is solid and waterproof, with easy to press rubber buttons. It fits to the bike using a bracket with an adjustable rubber strap, which the light's belt clip then slots into; this combination mount is super secure, and has withstood even the roughest off-road rides.

To summarise, the NiteRider Sentinel 250 is indeed another exceptional rear light from the brand. The addition of the 'bike lane' lasers draws the attention of approaching drivers, and that encourages them to give you a wider berth as they overtake. The LEDs are impressively powerful too, and that does wonders for your road presence in both broad daylight and at night. The lights sit in a robust and compact housing that mounts to a bike or bag in a secure fashion.

The NiteRider Sentinel 250 has lived up to expectations then — this is my new go-to rear light for everyday use.

>> Shop the NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light at chainreactioncycles.com here <<

NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light

NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light

NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light

NiteRider Sentinel 250 Rear Bike Light


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