The waif-like Lupine Wilma 5 is a focused high-performance light, but tuning and TLC are needed to get the best from it.
The long range vision is extremely impressive, but it’s a narrow, sharply defined beam so you’ll be heading into the dark on tight corners. It’s one of the few high-power lamps that's genuinely lightweight enough to use on your lid for long rides and a battery extension lead is included. The long throw means plenty of warning of incoming trouble.
However, the battery dies very fast after the warning light comes on and the two sets we used through last winter have suffered with flooding, rapid output fade, random battery performance and buckle breakage on the battery bag, which is very disappointing considering the price.
The Wilma is programmable for various different modes and outputs though, which is useful as the default low setting is feeble. The O-ring lamp mount is simple but very effective and the tiny strap-anywhere battery packs a serious amount of charge, but overall you can get as good a light for about £300.
Beam shot - Lupine Wilma 5
For more information of how we tested this year's crop of lights, see our latest buyer's guide to mountain bike lights and Tested: 30 high-power mountain bike lights.
