B+M build quality

[andylaw79]

I'm currently running a couple Hope Vision 1s for my night time road riding and I love the build quality and run times off high capacity rechargeable AAs.

I have recently been considering changing them to a couple of B+M Ixon IQ Premiums, primarily for the better beam pattern and a 5hr run time on high.

I've read various reports that the build quality isn't great but would like any thoughts from people on here who have them before making a decision to buy or not.

 

[moo]

I have or rather had 2 iq premiums. One fell on the floor from bike height and no longer works. The other is still in use but the wet weather has me concerned. There is a lot of condensation inside the lens.

The beam pattern is nice but I find one unit a little too dim, which is why I bought 2. I currently run the remaining b+m with a solarstorm x2 mounted below it.

Run time is realistically 4 hours on high. Brightness is good for the first 10 minutes, but drops when the battery voltage levels off.

 

[andylaw79]

Thanks Moo,

It's how they stand up in the wet that concerns me the most, that and that the catch to open the battery compartment is a bit flimsy. I've read other reviews that say both can be a problem.

The Fenix BC30 looks interesting and I know from past experience that build quality is very good but I doubt the optics will be up to B+M standards.

Sticking with my Hopes might be the best option for now.

 

[GrasB]

I'm not a fan of the Ixon IQ, its design requires a 100% glue seal on the lens element structure but due to the construction method this can't be guaranteed. I've been using their dynamo & E-bike lights for a few years now in all weathers. I've not had a single failure yet, these are better quality and use a rubberised seal which is put under compression during the construction of the light.