Niterider Stinger USB Tail Light

Stinger USB a Versatile Tail Light with Options

The USB Stinger is an interesting and very versatile light. Upgraded for 2014 to be USB rechargeable, it features a 25-lumen half watt LED output, which Niterider claims can be seen from up to half a mile away.

It has a quick two-hour recharge time and offers four modes — two flashing modes, one solid mode and a group ride mode. As with the other 2014 Niterider lights we reviewed (the Lumina 700 and Lumina 220), the Stinger features an LED that flashes either blue or red when switching off the power, with a blue LED indicating 25% or more charge remaining. Red indicates less than 25% in the tank.

Runtime for the first flashing mode is 16 hours, the second flashing mode offers 10 hours and the high output steady mode offers four hours. The low steady output allows for 16 hours. In testing, all of these times seemed to be very achievable.

The Stinger offers a tool-free mount with the use of a stretchable silicone band. It will fit on an aero seat post, not just a round post. I was delighted to discover that I could attach it to the back of my helmet, as well, giving me another rearward-facing option when using a standard LED tail light.

I found myself using the light whenever I rode, including all my daylight rides. The flashing modes proved very effective to alert motorists to my presence and seemed to create extra wide passes from cars. Riding in groups did not distract riders behind me when using the group ride mode.

The brightness of the Stinger is not as substantial as some other “full-time” tail lights we’ve reviewed, such as the Niterider Solas USB Tail Light. The Stinger does, however, offer a great deal of flexibility. In addition to its quick and easy mounting on seatposts, helmets, etc., it can be run as a main light but also makes an extremely capable secondary option.

Conclusion

This was the surprise of the 2014 Niterider lights we tested. The many mounting options that the light offers means it can fit more or less anywhere. At $35, it would be high on my list when looking for a new tail light and is highly recommended.

February 2014

Paul Smith regularly reviews products for RBR. He’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. He commutes often, and his car is worth less than either of his bikes.