
$25.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 756360
Specification | Description |
| System | LED |
| Number of bulbs | 3 |
| Battery life flashing | 100 hours |
| Battery life steady | 50 hours |
| Batteries | 2 AAA |
| Mounting | Seatpost / seatstay |
| Weight with batteries | 50 grams |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 39 customers
Sort by
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
I commute to work, shop, and excercise on my bike. Driver's are crazy in this city, one of the worst for traffic accidents. I've purchased 3 tail lights in the last 6 months. Except for the Planet Bike, all have been MAJOR disappointments. First thing I did when I opened the package was turn it on and look at it, dang near burned my retina out.
One weak point though. The bag clip is weak. Falls off if you like taking the rough route. Curbs, speed bumps, steps, it'll fall off. Easely remedied with a zip tie.
Bottom line. There is no better tail light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
Kudos to Planet Bike for improving night-biking safety, at a price every cyclist can afford.I have been with other riders who have experienced shutoffs in the rain. I haven't, but perhaps this was due to mine being mounted immediately under my saddle.The real limitation of this light is that it is marginal to inadequate for daylight riding in heavy traffic in places that don't have dedicated bike lanes and where drivers don't have bike awareness. The Blinky doesn't have the punch to alert, for example, cell-talking drivers rushing home from work that they have a biker to deal with, until they are pretty close behind, which shortens their time to take action to deal with the cyclist's presence in the driver's lane.Also the Blinky's light cone is narrow, so if a driver fails to see you at a distance, the light intensity can actually diminish when he/she gets closer (unless you aim it leftward, which may be advisable, or mount two at different angles; I did the former).Fundamentally, we're dealing with vehicles that operate at greatly different speeds trying to occupy the same space. Daytime lights can be invaluable signalling devices to alert the fast vehicles that a slower vehicle is ahead.The DiNottes (140L and especially 400L) have the power to "wake drivers up" when they are quite some distance behind you, e.g. 100-200 yards, even in bright sunshine.In other words there's a difference between I'm going to evaluate the Blinky by watching my friend, and I can see it 400 yards ahead when the light is pointed directly at me, so, gee that's an effective light, vs. I'm driving my car talking on my cell and, Wait,what's that up ahead, oh it's a bike rider, I gotta move over to pass him, let's see I've gotta let these two cars coming up pass me on my left then I can take the lane...We riders have the right to use the road with or without visibility-enhancement devices. But the issue for me isn't, if I'm hit and if it's the driver's fault then I'm satisfied. The issue is, what can I reasonably do to give drivers the best likelihood of seeing me in time to avoid hitting me? A second issue is using high visibility enhancement to give drivers ample time to consciously plan their drive-around, rather than having to resort to sudden reflexive collision-avoidance maneuvers.These are important considerations not just in nighttime riding, but in daylight as well. Car turn signal and brake lights are visible in daytime. Highway maintenance teams use flashing lights in workzones during the day. Many cars now have always-on headlights. DiNottes, in my experience, have a similar signaling effect in daylight for bike riders. No other taillights I have seen do this. (I also use a flashmode helmet light and bar light in broad daylight.)As a 31 year member of REI, I want to thank our managers for bringing both the Blinky and DiNottes to our online store, which in my opinion are both best-in-class products. (Can I vote for the new 400L and 800L models being added to the lineup for Christmas?)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
The mounting bracket is poorly designed and it is very easy to lose the light when you go over a few bumps. Mine jumped out of the bracket three times, I only found it twice. [Technical description: the light will slowly bend toward the seat post and eventually the locking tab will touch the seat post. One good bump and the tab will become 'unlocked.' From there it can jump out of the mount at any time. If you don't notice - goodbye light.]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
This tiny little thing is amazing. There is NO WAY that a person can ignore this light. The pattern is very eye-catching, and the intensity is unrivaled. While the main LED is relatively directional, the unit itself is still hard to miss from any angle. It is very light weight too. My only concerns are the AAA batteries - AA is always better - and the clip-in part of the mount system does not seem secure. If my seat bag weren't mounted directly above the light I would be worried about it flying off when I hit a bump. No matter though, I would just buy another one. You can't be sure you're safe unless you have one of these!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
I concur with the 2 previous reviews of this light. It is very bright and I feel safe when riding with it. The mounting system is really well thought out. You get a seat post mount and a seat stay mount - both which stay on the bike (clamp tightened by screw) but the light itself clips in and out of the mounts. The clip used to attach to the mounts doubles as a mounting clip so you can also attach it to a backpack or seat bag.
One reviewer liked the fact of it using AAA batteries. I actually think the light would be slightly better if it used rechargeable AA's (such as NiMH). NiMH AA's are widely used by digital cameras and would be nicer (and greener) to be able to use those.
I was so impressed with this light that I also bought Planet Bike's Alias HID headlight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
I was very impressed with the first few months of this light's life.
It is blindingly bright and very simple.
However, the button is hard to manipulate while riding and the bracket doesn't hold on to the light very well.
A huge disappointment for this light is that after a full summer it now shorts out. I have dropped it a few times but nothing significant. I have heard other people with this issue as well.
It is extremely dangerous because once it starts shorting it has a life of it's own. It will turn on and off depending on how bumpy the road is. You'll get home and realize the thing has been off the whole time.
I'd try the new Cherrybomb by Niterider.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
I had heard good reviews of this light. But the deal was sealed for purchase after I followed a herd of them down the road in the San Diego Midnight Madness ride last August - I could see them clearly at least half a mile ahead, flashing fiercely. I use the clip fastener, works on both my Camelbak and my Bell Citi helmet (can't use it on my wedge pack as it would drag on my rear wheel - wouldn't have this problem if I were taller and rode a longer seatpost!). Excellent value for the price. The third tail light we've tried and so far the best and most functional. We never leave home without 'em, even in daylight. I can't recommend the Super Flash too highly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
it makes me feel safe what more is there to say
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
Most eye catching pattern and sometimes too bright. did a test and was able to see the light from a mile away, if someone says they didnt see you on the road there either blind on sleeping. As far as price/effective ratio, this light is a steal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Planet Bike Super Flash Rear Bike Light:
Bought one for my commute through semi-heavy traffic during twilight times. I doubt I could be more visible. The distinctive flashing pattern is perfect. I'm tempted to buy a second one for the front of the bike, just to continue being seen.
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
Shopping Cart
Find REI on:
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
MySpace
Flickr