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Exposure’s Zenith is the brand’s most powerful helmet-mounted light, and this new MK4 version incorporates many features fans have been demanding for years.
The Zenith MK4 now features USB-C charging, which came to Exposure’s whole range last month when it was released.
Exposure says this has reduced charging time by 66 per cent, meaning you can charge the light to full in a claimed 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The mountain bike light is also brighter than ever before, with the brand bumping the maximum lumen output to 2,360.
In a world of ever-more-expensive kit, Exposure has managed to add all of these features while reducing the retail price of the light from the previous generation to £280 / $305 from £295 / $345.
While that's not cheap, Exposure products have a good reputation for quality and often score well in our group tests.
I’ve had the opportunity to use the light a little since receiving it, so I’ll include some impressions throughout this first look.
Finally USB-C
The British brand has finally updated the charge port for its lights, with the DC port being substituted for a USB-C.
Not only does this improve charging speed, but it also means scrambling around for a charging cable should be easier when an impromptu after-work ride is mentioned in the group chat.
The port is covered by a small plastic tab, which, while it works to keep dust out, doesn’t feel like the most robust solution.
Despite this, Exposure says the Zenith MK4 is IP67-rated, meaning those nighttime showers shouldn’t have you riding home in the dark.
Exposure has given the Zenith MK4 a 6,000mAh Li-Ion battery, which it says will last up to 36 hours.
The Zenith MK4 also gets Exposure's Tap technology, which enables you to switch between power levels by tapping the entire device rather than searching for a button on the rear.
While this makes it easier to switch the light between modes and makes you more conservative with your power, I’m not sure it’s much more intuitive than clicking the button on the back of the light. If you thud your head on an overhanging tree, you can quickly be riding in less light than you expected.
There are three sensitivity modes to limit this, but I’m yet to be convinced of this feature.
The light has three White XPL2 LEDs in the front, which shine up to 2,360 lumens down the trail.
I’ve mostly been using the Zenith MK4 in this setting, and it provides a good spread of light, with decent contrast for obstacles.
Having used lights with a more focused beam in the past, this feels better for spotlighting features such as the lips of jumps and drops.
The Zenith's white light feels less taxing on the eyes than others and helps with depth perception.
In the box, Exposure supplies a helmet mount and bar mount for the light, meaning it could have a dual purpose in your life. I'd consider using it for road riding in a lower-brightness mode.
Having smashed my face up too many times on a mountain bike, I’ve opted for the GoPro-style adhesive sticker mount on my helmet, which has performed really well for my nighttime enduro rides.
Exposure also provides a lanyard for the light, which keeps it attached to your helmet should you knock it out of the mount.
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