CygoLite Hotshot 2W USB Li-Ion Tail Light

Great light

I've been using this tail light on my commuter bike for about a year. It has worked flawlessly. The construction is much better than other cheaper taillights I've used. It's plenty bright. I used if for several months without having to recharge it so battery life is great.

Pros: One charge lasts a long time. Very bright.

Cons: costs more than other non-rechargeable tail lights.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 17, 2013
Reviewed by: Peter G., Midwest

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Great light.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Reviewed on: May 10, 2013
Reviewed by: Daniel R., Washington

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Big Fan

I love this light. Super, super bright. And the fact its USB is a major plus. No more buying those flat batteries.
I do a lot of night rides. So I know I'm going to save lots of money.

Pros: Super bright, USB

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 23, 2013
Reviewed by: BigJohn, Hong Kong

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Purchased for my wife's commuter bike. She loves it! Easy to mount, simple controls, good performance, weather resistant, re-chargeable.

Pros: Easy to mount, simple controls, good performance, weather resistant, re-chargeable.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 03, 2012
Reviewed by: nodaknat, Oregon

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Very Bright, well sealed. Would be my favorite USB rechargeable light except for a couple small things: The buttons work fine and are durable but the UI just isn't that great. Not a dealbreaker though. Also wish they had the USB charging plug integrated like the Frog lights. Overall very happy with it though.

Pros: Bright Durable

Cons: Button UI.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 02, 2012
Reviewed by: Mark , Washington

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Best Tail light

I have a pretty gnarly commute in the winter months so I need to make sure I am seen. This light is replacing a Super-flash that leaked when it rained really hard and eventually separated during a ride home leaving me with only the black plastic back attached to my bike. This light is brighter, waterproof, and rechargeable. It also lasts a long time between charges. Plus, there is a rack mount out now, but unfortunately you can only get it direct from the manufacturer at the moment.

Pros: Super bright, waterproof, rechargeable

Cons: Buttons could be better

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 19, 2012
Reviewed by: Brian K., Oregon

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if you are reading this BUY IT!!

Not only is the light, light weight. I love the fact that is has an integrated reflector in it. that works very well.
I've got this coming from a planetbike superflash. and while this is a rechargeable light, it lasts for a few rides in-between charges. and when i do charge, its charges fast!

Pros: lightweight and brite! it has a reflector!

Cons: I can't seem to figure out how to slow or speed up the light settings.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 08, 2012
Reviewed by: brad P., Wisconsin

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Excellent light

I've owned a lot of lights over the years and this is the best one I've ever had. It is extremely bright. My commute is 8 miles at night and I charge it every few days. Owned the light for 4 months now and have no issues at all with the mounting bracket, I've put it on the seatpost and left it alone since. Thinking about getting another to attach to the helmet

Pros: + BRIGHT
+ Great battery life
+ Cool light settings with the ability to adjust speed/intensity

Cons: Nothing

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 06, 2012
Reviewed by: Jade

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This is a very nice light for the price. I like that it's rechargable and the battery lasts a long time between charges. It is plenty bright and light weight. Only con is that the buttons are a little small.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 05, 2012
Reviewed by: Patrick , Oz

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Cygolite Hotshot

I run lights at all times when on the road and do not want to deal with batteries. This light is compact. It is definitely bright and is seen for greater distances even in the sunny days. Can be used for different locations and mounting styles. The charge lasts much longer than I can ride in a day.

Pros: light weight
great visibility
many patterns
has clip for jacket, belt, or trunk

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: June 16, 2012
Reviewed by: David T., Cedar Rapids IA

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Super Bright

Bought this light to upgrade from an old knog flasher, along with the Expilion 500 head light. I am well lit and know without a doubt that I will be seen on the road. That confidence is really nice.

This light is very directional, so make sure when you mount it you take that into account. It comes with a clip to go on clothing and packs, but it's best to mount it to the seatpost with the provided hardware. Make sure your clothing, jackets, etc. do not block the beam while riding.

I like the brightness for sure. USB rechargable is a plus and the same charger works for my headlight. So I have one at home, and one at work now. All the blink patterns are cool too. Another great recommendation from Universal's staff!

Pros: Bright, Lightweight, USB rechargable

Cons: MUST be hard-mounted to be most effective.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 28, 2012
Reviewed by: Michael S., Oregon

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incredibly bright and light weight.

I have recently owned a pb superflash and a princeton swerve but this light is just so much brighter that I've either sold the other lights or relegated them to backup. The hotshot seems to be approx 3-times as bright as the swerve and has been reported to be ~80 lumens on candlepower forums.

I've been using mine for 6 months as a daily commuter without a single issue. The mount is secure and it keeps a charge for weeks.


Pros: Incredibly bright.
Very light.
USB rechargeable.

Cons: On/off button is a bit hard to engage with gloves on.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 28, 2012
Reviewed by: spare_wheel, portland

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This light is ridiculously bright. The flash patterns that are available are nice and functional, and I like the fact that I can adjust the speed of the flash. The mounting bracket seems kind of weak, but I have not had any problems with it so far.

Pros: Solar-Flare bright, adjustable patterns and flash speed.

Cons: Cheap mounting system. A little bit expensive

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 20, 2012
Reviewed by: joshua r., oregon

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Bought this after my last light jumped off my backpack into traffic in a fit of hipster angst. The mounting and clip are both very secure compared to my last couple of lights.

Pros: BRIGHT!
USB charging off my office computer.


Cons: Closely spaced small buttons+big hands+cold fingers = hard to turn off

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 23, 2012
Reviewed by: Vince, Oregon

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