Seen and Be Seen!
Written: Jun 22 '08 (Updated Jun 22 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Car drivers will see you with this light! Compact, and lightweight.
Cons: Wish they would include the optional rack mount.
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for one of the brightest and most easily seen rear tail lights on the market, you need to check out the Super Flash.
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| slbenz's Full Review: Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash 1/2-Watt Blaze LED ... |
Background:
As a volunteer mountain bike patrol officer for my local Regional Park system, when the days become shorter and there is less light available to ride. When I do go to my local mountain bike trail to patrol, it is near my home which means I use the regular streets to get to the trail head. I was looking for a bright rear tail light so that I could be seen by cars approaching behind me. At the time, my Vista rear tail light with 5 LEDs was given to my son to use so I needed another rear tail light to replace the Vista. After reading on the internet the experiences of other users of rear tail lights, the Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash came up consistently as the one that was the brightest of the under $40 rear tail lights including my Vista. Here is my experience using the Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash over two winter seasons.
Actual Use:
The Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash uses one 0.5 watt LED and two additional standard LEDs similar to the Vista. There is a push button with the word PUSH at the bottom of the Super Flash that activates the rear tail lights. There are two modes you can use which is operated by the push button. The first time you push this button, the LEDs will activate. The two smaller LEDs which are located at the bottom will activate first and blink at a rate twice as fast as the upper 0.5 watt LED. When that 0.5 watt LED blinks, the lower two LEDs turn off. When you push the PUSH button a second time, the upper 0.5 watt LED stays on continuously. Press the PUSH button a third time and all the LEDs are off. Also, prepare to be blinded by that big upper 0.5 watt LED. It is the first rear tail light that I have used that throws a light to the rear that you can actually see on the road. The Super Flash is rated to be seen one mile away. I have not tested it to this distance but at a quarter mile away, it clearly can be seen much better than my old Vista tail light with the 5 standard LEDs. By the way, the upper and lower LEDs alternate on/off to even catch your eye more. If it weren't that the Planet Bike LEDs were red in color and were changed to say white or clear, the light output of the 0.5 watt LED could be used as a low-power front headlight. Yes, it is that powerful of a light output! If you look directly at the Super Flash, the upper 0.5 watt LED is fairly blinding but at the same time eye-catching. Never have I felt nervous about someone not seeing me from the rear with this rear tail light on. The Super Flash is designed so that the blinking lights can be seen from the sides and the red case also has a built-in reflective surface similar to those found on standard bike reflectors.
The Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash comes with a quick release seatpost mount that is very easy to install. It only uses one bolt for installation. It is also great that the Super Flash can be quickly released from the seatpost mount. The Super Flash also has a built-in clip that you can use to clip it to your belt or backpack. A very nice feature. As we all know, with winter comes the rains. I have used this in some of the worst rains in Northern California and the weatherproof case didn't have a problem. No moisture ever entered the tail light that I could find. Total weight of the Planet Bike rear tail light including batteries weighs 2.3 ozs or 64 grams. With the seatpost mount off, take off 0.4 ozs or 12 grams. The Super Flash uses two AAA batteries that is rated for 100 hours of use. I am still on my first set of batteries that came with the Super Flash. Size of the Super Flash is a compact 2.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches and is smaller than the Vista. But as I said before, the Super Flash though smaller than the Vista is clearly much brighter than the Vista. I paid $24.00 for the Super Flash.
Features:
Weatherproof case.
Comes with two AAA batteries.
Quick-release seatpost mount.
Integrated belt/backpack clip.
Unique blinking light pattern that is eye-catching.
Built-in red reflector.
Blinking LEDs can be seen from the sides.
Warranty:
Lifetime to the original purchaser.
Optional Accessories:
Rack mount
Replacement clip mount
Replacement seat post mount
Conclusions:
If you are looking for the brightest, most cost-effective rear tail light solution, the Planet Bike Blinky Super Flash just can't be beat. It is compact, versatile, lightweight and has been very durable through two winter seasons for me. Highly recommended!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
slbenz
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Fremont, CA, USA
Reviews written: 101
Trusted by: 41 members
About Me:
Business consultant and volunteer mountain bike patrol officer.
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