Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 battery-powered headlights in review
Supernova have launched a new flagship model to outshine its battery-powered competition. The M99 MINI PRO B54 is said to be the brightest StVZO-approved, battery-powered headlight with a low- and high-beam function. Read on to find out how well it lights up the night and what else it has to offer.
With the M99 MINI PRO B54, Supernova are bringing their high beam technology from E-bikes to drop-bar bikes, expanding their range of battery-powered headlights. The German brand are out to set the standard in terms of quality and tech. Indeed, the quality and finish of the aluminium housing of both the battery and light is excellent. You can attach the light on either side of the stem thanks to Supernova’s Universal HBM handlebar mount. Depending on the diameter of your bar, you’ll have to order this bracket separately with a 31.8 mm or 35 mm clamp for € 29.90. Mounting the light is uncomplicated thanks to the hinged clamp, sparing you from having to remove any of the other components on the handlebar. The battery gets securely attached to the frame with the help of a non-slip rubber strap. The battery and light are connected via a cable with a lockable plug, helping them stay connected no matter how rough the terrain. Moreover, the cable is long enough to allow you to attach the battery to the down tube. The accompanying instructions take the guesswork out of aligning the light, keeping your path well-lit even in low-beam but without dazzling oncoming traffic.
The technical specs of the M99 MINI PRO B54
| Low beam | 450 lm, 150 lx (standard mode) |
|---|---|
| 75 lm, 30 lx (ECO mode) | |
| High beam | 1,600 lm, 275 lx (MAX mode) |
| 1,150 lm, 260 lx (standard mode) | |
| 425 lm, 70 lx (ECO mode) | |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh |
| Runtime | 2 to 50 h in 5 light modes |
| Light source | 11 automotive LEDs | Dimensions (L/W/H) | headlight 31.8 x 78 x 50 mm |
| battery 97.6 x 46 x 50 mm | |
| Total weight | 498 g |
| Colour | anodised aluminium, matte black, matte silver |
| Guarantee | up to 5 years (see longlife mode) |
With a brightness of 1,600 lm and 275 lx in MAX high-beam mode, Supernova claim the M99 MINI PRO B54 to be the world’s brightest StVZO-approved (German road traffic regulations) battery-operated headlight with a high- and low-beam function. In this mode, the spotlight promises to light the night up for up to 2 hours. In the dimmest light mode – 75 lm and 30 lx in low-beam ECO mode – the runtime should extend to 50 hours. According to the manufacturer, the battery has a reserve capacity for all modes, offering an additional 2 hours in low-beam ECO mode to get you home safely when the battery runs out. On our scales, the total weight, including battery straps and high beam remote, is a hefty 498 g. To extend the battery’s warranty to 5 years, you have to use longlife mode at least 50% of the time. In doing so, the battery can only be charged to a maximum of 85% capacity, reducing the total runtime accordingly. Should you choose to disable this mode, the guarantee drops to 3 years.
The Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 in action
The low-beam mode of the Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 performed convincingly during the test, offering excellent lighting with a clear, defined beam. It is bright enough to charge through the forest, yet it doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. The high beam remote can be placed almost anywhere on the handlebar despite the cable connecting it to the light. Push the button and the light switches to high-beam, turning night into day. We were blown away by the power of this light! In the brightest setting, you can see miles ahead, and it illuminates corners very clearly.
We were also pleased with the quick charging time of the M99 MINI PRO B54, though the specified runtime is reduced due to the 85% charge limit of longlife mode, which is preset and can only be deactivated in the Supernova app. Generally, the app lets you control the light and adjust the settings (available for Android or Apple iOS smartphones and smartwatches). Proving easy to instal and connect, you can use it to switch between light modes and check the remaining runtime for each mode to the minute, which we found to be a handy feature. However, we didn’t use the app to control the light, preferring to switch on the light manually instead. Promising added comfort and safety, longlife mode, coming home mode, and the light sensor can be switched on and off in the app. Coming home mode uses a vibration sensor to detect whether the bike is being moved and if not, the light switches off after a few minutes. It stays on long enough for you to navigate your way through the dark basement or garage, which worked brilliantly in practice. However, it’s a bit too sensitive, and even slamming a door can make the light switch itself back on. A second sensor in the battery reacts to ambient light, reliably switching on the lamp when it gets dark.
Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 vs. Lupine SL A7
The Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 is up against the Lupine SL A7 (click for review), which we’ve tested previously. Without making a direct comparison, here are the key specs of the two lights.
| M99 MINI PRO B54 | SL A7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max. brightness | 1,600 lm | 1,300 lm |
| Total weight | 498 g | 382 g |
| Dimensions lamp | 31.8 x 78 x 50 mm | 49 x 50 x 48 mm |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 50 Wh |
| Runtime at the brightest level | 2 hrs. | 3 hrs. |
| Price | € 568.90 | € 385.00 |
It’s worth mentioning that you can also get a 99 Wh battery for the Lupine SL A7. The Supernova headlight is at an advantage with the app showing the remaining runtime to the minute. The Lupine can only roughly indicate the battery’s remaining runtime with five red LEDs, which in turn can serve as a taillight in an emergency. In contrast to the Supernova, the Lupine features a daytime light mode. Both lights switch to the low beam automatically, controlled by sensors. The Lupine doesn’t have the coming home function and long-life mode of the battery. However, the high-beam remote connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, where the Supernova headlight relies on a cable. Nevertheless, we think the Supernova is the better all-rounder, allowing you to get away without a second lamp on your helmet, even if you decide to veer off-road. It’s an excellent choice for those who can turn a blind eye to the weight and don’t mind the wired remote.
Concluding thoughts on the Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54
The Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 headlight performed convincingly, making it a great all-round bike light for those who like occasionally veering off-road and onto a trail. Its low-beam mode will get you safely through inner-city traffic, and the ultra-bright high-beam mode won’t allow you to miss a single pebble on a night-time gravel ride! Furthermore, the finish and quality of the aluminium housing are top-notch, and the accompanying app works well. The only downside is its weight and the fact that the high beam remote doesn’t connect wirelessly.
Tops
- good lighting in all modes
- good light beam with clear edges
- excellent finish
- coming home mode keeps the light on so you can find your way out of the garage
Flops
- high-beam remote isn't wireless
- coming home mode a bit too sensitive
- specified runtime conflicts with long-life mode
You can find more information about the Supernova M99 MINI PRO B54 at supernova-lights.com
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Words: Tobias Hörsch, Philipp Schwab Photos: Philipp Schwab
