The most affordable light in the MJ series

Learn more at: thesweetcyclists.com/magicshine-MJ-900S

The Magicshine MJ-900 bike headlight is one of the most affordable light models in the MJ series of wired bike lights. The main reasons the MJ-900 and the entire MJ series have been so popular are the competitive pricing and bright output which make them an easy choice for mountain bikers, road cyclists, and even commuters. With Magicshine’s release of the updated MJ-90XS series, all the headlights have upgraded output and new features. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at the new MJ-900S which is now rated for 1500 lumen and has an integrated DRL for improved visibility. The headlight also utilizes a Garmin style mount which allows it to be used on a variety of mounts. New for the MJ-900S is the compact MJ-6112 battery pack which utilizes two non-replaceable 18650 Li-on cells for a combined 2.6Ah capacity.

With 1500 lumen output the Magicshine MJ-900S offers impressive output with competitive features such as a Garmin style mount and built in DRLs

Rating 8.7/10

Retail Price $69.99

Measured Weight (in g) 66 (Headlight) / 166 (MJ-6112 Battery) / 16 (Handlebar Mount)

Likes + Integrated DRL

+ Garmin compatible mount design

+ Compatible with E-Bikes

Dislikes – Basic handlebar mount

– Only a 3-level battery status indicator

– Remote switch not available for helmet mounting

UNBOXING

The light is shipped in a simple black cardboard box with glossy graphics and bright orange print. A foam cutout in the box keeps the light and battery secure while all the accessories are in a separate box. Inside the box you’ll find:

MJ 900S headlight

MJ-6112C 7.2V 2.6Ah battery pack w/ Velcro straps

Micro USB to USB charging cable

Handlebar mount + multiple length straps

Allen key

Instruction manual

GoPro-to-Garmin adapter

We’d recommend keeping the original packaging, as it is great for storing or traveling with the light.

MOUNTING

One of the biggest improvements of the MJ series lights are the Garmin compatible mounts molded directly onto the base of the headlights which means you can use the lights with a variety of aftermarket mounts instead of having to use proprietary mounts or adapters. With the MJ-900S, Magicshine includes their basic strap style handlebar mount. This mount is shared with the Allty commuter lights and various other products. It’s one of our least favorite designs as it requires an allen wrench and can be tedious to install. We’d highly recommend using an out-front mount such as Magicshine’s TTA mount or third party equivalents for a cleaner setup. Also, while you can run the light upside down, it’s not recommended as the lens’s horizontal deflectors are designed to work upright.

One downside to the wired design of the MJ lights is that a separate battery pack has to be attached to your bike with cables routed to it. With the MJ-900S, the battery pack is surprisingly compact as the MJ-6112 battery pack is only slightly larger than the two 18650 Li-on cells it contains. It’s nearly half the size of the MJ-902S / MJ-906S battery packs and only uses a single velcro strap to install. Rubber pads on the inside of the battery pack prevent any damage to your frame, and the velcro strap holds the battery securely. The strap slides through an integrated slot in the battery pack housing and holds the battery firmly even on rough terrain. The combined size of the headlight and battery pack is slightly larger than Magicshine‘s larger all-in-one style commuter lights, but with the wired design, it is easy to swap out or replace the battery making the MJ lights more future-proof.

FIT & FINISH

With the updated MJ-90XS series of headlights, Magicshine has adopted a more modern and premium design. The lights all have a flat black finish instead of a multi-color design with aluminium lens housing and fin construction that feels well-built. Especially compared to plastic lights in this price range such as the Kryptonite Incite X8, the MJ-900S feels more expensive than the retail price would suggest. With the MJ-900S being the most affordable option, the headlight uses a single LED with a DRL placed above it (the MJ-902S / MJ-906S use a dual LED design). The combination is very similar to the Allty 1000 and even has the same style side cutout on the lens to improve site visibility.