CYGOLITE Hotshot– High Power 2 Watt Bike Taillight– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads

2.0 out of 5 stars

By Casey S - Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2019

2 of 3 have died...

I have kept buying these because, as advertised, they are very bright. It is probably one of the brightest lights on the market and catches drivers' attention even on a sunny day. Unfortunately, these Cygolites have a fatal flaw: if you completely drain the battery, they will never work again. The first one I accidentally left on overnight and it never turned on again. I bought a second one and used it repeatedly without charging until the battery died. I tried charging it and it never turned on again. Bought a third. It is still working but I am constantly worried about the charge. This is not a problem with my Cygolite 900lm headlight. Unlike the headlight, these Hotshot taillights do not have a low-voltage cutoff and they continue to drain the lithium battery to 0 volts which destroys them.

3.0 out of 5 stars

By Brandon - Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018

Bright, but otherwise lacking.

Good product though it has some flaws that really make it 3 star rather than 5. First is the choice to use a mini usb charger as opposed to micro usb. This would be annoying by itself considering that micro usb is far more prevalent, but the kicker is cygolite uses micro usb on the 3 other lights I own. I find I have to be very aware of making sure this particular light is charged. With the other lights if it’s low I can usually give it a boost while I’m out and about, but it’s tough to find someone with a charger for this one. The other thing I would like to see is a simpler way to turn it on and off, like a switch instead of a button that also serves as a function button. I keep this on my backpack and I have to take the bag on and off to turn this thing on. I can reach around and do it while its on, but unless it’s dark I don’t know if it worked or not.

1.0 out of 5 stars

By Igor D. - Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020

I just do not want to support outdated technology!

I very seldom write reviews, but here could not keep. It can be the most remarkable lamp, but I did not even begin to check as it works! I only pulled out it from a box and wanted to load! I saw the outdated socket Mini USB!!!!!! The fact that it is not made for a long time and will be rather difficult to find to it a wire if you lose factory I will not even speak! I just do not want to support outdated technology! Producers bought mini USB because of low cost! I think that they also bought other components - cheaper!!! And sell the product twice higher than similar lamps!!! Good luck to these greedy people but fortunately without us Friends! Truth?

5.0 out of 5 stars

By JP - Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2019

Super bright, simple to use, lightweight

I have no idea why they make a more powerful version of this light, as this 2W light is already blinding enough for anyone behind you. I love that the button is easy to access to turn the light on/off while riding. The mount is simple and basic. It's lightweight and small enough that I leave it on my bike at all times. I don't recall how long the battery lasts, but it's plenty long enough that I leave it on day or night whenever on the road. An added bonus would be if someone told me these repel mountain lions attacks. This is my 3rd purchase of one of these, all for different bikes. I've had 100% success with this and all my Cygolites. Man I love LED bike lights!

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Michael Northway - Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2015

Cygolite Hotshot vs. Blitzu Cyclops

Comparing this to the Blitzu as it is the highest selling tail light. Battery life: For me this is the most important point. I am very concerned with safety while riding my bike 26 miles a day for commuting to work. I want to make sure all the cars can see me. So, making sure this is working consistently is important. I can go about 1 - 2 months between charging. For the Blitzu, I had to charge it every 2 days. Brightness: The Blitzu is brighter. However, the cygolite is plenty bright. Installation: Both are easy to install. The Blitzu seems to be a bit more flexible for where it can be installed. Both claim to be waterproof. The Cygolite is. The Blitzu broke for me within the first week, after getting wet. For my money, the Cygolite is much better. I will never get a different tail light in the future.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Smith's Rock - Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2012

Hotshot: Dang right it is!

I have a boneyard of bicycle tail lights strewn around my garage. I commute year round in Central Oregon, 45 minutes each way. In the winter months, when the sun comes up around 8:30 AM, and goes down by 4:15 PM, that means I'm riding in the dark, coming and going. Though I choose my route carefully, there are a couple of "tight spots" along the way where I really want to be seen. During the last year or so, a variety of truly bright tail lights have come out, visible during daylight hours from quite a distance. The Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB, in my mind, is the best. Is there a noticeable difference between a 2 watt LED and a single watt? My wife, who overtakes me in her car on the way to work, says "YES!". She notes that the Cygolite is easily the brightest tail light I've ever used. What's to like? Easily detachable/attachable. Multiple modes. Very long life on a single charge, well over 24 hours even at the brightest setting. Gotta love the USB rechargeable battery: at the end of my work week, I pop the light off my bike, charge it (2-3 hours), pop it back on, good to go for at least another week. No prying covers off, no batteries to dispose of. What's less to like? If you belong to a group of night riders, you'll have to tone down: this light is obnoxiously bright even to some cars, much less to a fellow rider right behind you. The light intensity, in fairness, is very adjustable. Mode selection is easy, adjusting the intensity of the light took me a bit of practice, and cost me a bit of frustration. I've been using this light for five months. I'm loving its ease of use. I'm loving that it's so bright that cars often give me far more room than I need to feel safe. It's high daytime visibility is a real plus on my recumbent. This item is a winner that has made my half dozen other tail lights obsolete. Job well done, Cygolite.