Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I'd heard about the Radbot 1000 tail light and decided to order one and use it for my upcoming century ride.
It is a 1-watt LED with a large reflector below the light which gives additional visibility when approaching-from-behind car's headlights hit it. This one-two combo, a super bright flashing 1-watt LED and reflector gives it a significant edge compared to other bike lights. I also want to mention that the reflector acts as some sort of insurance that in the event your batteries die on you mid-ride in low or no daylight situations, you will still have some visibility as soon as approaching headlights hit the reflector. That is significant fail-safe mechanism in my opinion, at least in dusk to night situations.
Powered by 2-AAA batteries, you can expect about 30 hours of operation according to Portland Design Works but if you use non-rechargable alkaline batteries you will likely see the light lasting up to 50 hours or more in zZz Pop mode. That's what I get. Running the light in steady on mode will greatly reduce your battery life to about 12 hours (according to Portland Design Works. I never use that mode so couldn't advise you on that.)
It comes with a variety of mounting hardware that makes it convenient to mount, either on the back of a seat bag, or attach it to the seatpost or seatstay. Whatever works best for you.
Compared to the PlanetBike Blinky Superflash Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Tail Light which uses a 1/2 watt LED, the Radbot 1000 provides twice the light. The Planet Bike Superflash is nice because of the additional 2-LED's that flash opposite the strobing 1/2 watt LED, but in lieu of the 2 additional LED"s the Radbot 1000 offers a large reflector.
They are comparable in price but there is a slight size difference and obvious brightness difference. Both are quite visible but the Radbot is both brighter and a bit larger. I like the actual button on the Radbot as it makes it easier to select modes and turn on & off.
The Superflash is a worthy light but the Radbot 1000 deserves your consideration as well. Both are great.
UPDATE: 1/8/2011: Portland Design Works has created a lot of confusion by first eliminating the zZz Pop mode from the Radbot 1000 and replacing it with the zZz, mode due to complaints from people who felt that the light was "off" for too long of a period of time. Now people are complaining about the mode that replaced it so Portland Design Works is going back to the zZz Pop mode. Unfortunately, as the Rep told me, there are now both versions out in the marketplace and there is no way to know which one you are going to get. So if this concerns you, you may want to order directly from Portland Design Works website to be sure you get what you think you ought to get.
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