Exposure 2026 - What's been done in the collection and why I like this direction
I've been a big fan of Exposure lights for a long time. That's why this big 2026 update was very interesting. With these lights, the interest is always in the details. Small changes that start to be felt in use surprisingly quickly. When you ride a lot in the dark, the equipment either makes things easier or starts to annoy you. Exposure has clearly gone in the right direction here.
Reflex 2.0 and power management according to the ride
One significant innovation is the new Reflex 2.0 power management. In practice, this means that the light lives with the ride. In fast and technical sections, the beam brightens and opens up, while in more leisurely progress the power decreases. I have noticed this especially on longer rides. The light's operating time is extended, but visibility remains reasonable the whole time. I don't have to adjust the light in the middle of the ride and I don't have to think about what power I should be riding at. When the technical section starts, I always have enough light in use. Completely automatically.
USB-C charging and external power
USB-C PD fast charging is a big improvement for everyday use. The lights charge quickly and with the same cable as other devices. Especially bar lights with larger batteries benefit a lot from this. The lights also work with an external power source for longer runs and it clearly opens up new usage possibilities, for example, for night riding or multi-day trips.
Toro 16 as a practical example
I've been riding the most this year with the Toro 16, and it's a good example of the thinking behind the entire range. In Reflex mode, the Toro offers 3850 lumens, which is enough for me for very fast off-road riding. I have good night vision, so I value the shape and uniformity of the beam more than maximum light output. The Toro hits the spot for me here. The light shows the shapes of the trail broadly and clearly, without burning through the center.
Structure and power of the bar light collection
When you look at the bar light range more broadly, the differences are logical. The Six Pack 15 is intended for situations where you ride hard and long and want maximum light. The MaxX-D 17 and Toro 16 hit the middle ground, where power, size and runtime are balanced. It's easy to choose the right one for your riding style without having to compromise on the basics.
OLED display and predictability of use
The new full-color OLED display on the handlebars is really useful. I've found myself glancing at it surprisingly often. I can immediately see what mode the light is in and how much riding time I actually have left. This makes using the automatic modes more relaxed. When I know where I'm going at all times, I can focus on riding and not on evaluating the battery.
Helmet lights and touch function
In helmet lights, the Zenith 4, Diablo 15 and Joystick 18 have taken a clear leap forward in terms of user interface. The touch function works surprisingly reliably. You can change the light mode by tapping the light or the helmet, even with gloves on and in the cold. This is one of the things that feels particularly easy to use. After that, going back to the old button navigation is no longer appealing.
Construction, finish and integrated battery
In terms of construction, Exposure continues the line that I have liked from the beginning. The CNC-machined aluminum frame feels high-quality in the hand and also acts as an effective heat manager. The integrated battery keeps the whole thing neat. The light can be attached directly to the bar or helmet and go riding. No separate batteries in the frame, no wires. The cockpit remains clear. I often ride the Toro 16 mounted below the bike computer mount, which puts the beam in the middle and keeps the whole thing balanced.
Standby mode and long use
I also like that all 2026 models come with a backup mode. When the battery runs out, the light still provides about half an hour of usable light. This is for getting out of the woods if the battery runs out otherwise. This gives you peace of mind on long, cold rides in remote areas.
Collection on the shelf and in use
I currently have the Six Pack 15 , MaxX-D 17 and Toro 16 bar lights on my store, as well as the Zenith 4, Diablo 15 and Joystick 18 helmet/multi-purpose lights. These cover practically all the needs of riding in the dark, from light evening rides to fast and long rides. The idea behind all these models is the same. The light supports riding and does not require attention.
Summary of experience in use
The Exposure 2026 collection feels mature as a whole. The technology has been thought through to the end, but it does not become an intrinsic value. It remains in the background and makes room for driving. At this point, the equipment does exactly what it needs to do and you can focus only on riding.
If you want to take a closer look at which Exposure 2026 models are currently available, all the lights mentioned in this text can be found in the same collection.
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