Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light
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Our Price: $16.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Sports See more product details |
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Description of Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light
Named after a bright red planet visible from afar, the Mars 3.0 has seven super-bright red LED's inside a sleek water resistant case. Lens optics increase visible distance and side LED's provide 180 degree safety-boosting visibility.An essential measure for any safety-conscious biker, the Blackburn Mars 3.0 Rear Bicycle Light will help make sure you are seen by traffic in plenty of time. The Mars 3.0 is constructed in a tough, water-resistant case and utilizes seven super-bright red LEDs. This rear bicycle light features lens optics that increase its visible distance, and side LEDs that provide 180-degree safety-boosting visibility. Blackburn's Mars 3.0 runs on two AAA batteries (included) for up to 50 hours in steady mode, or 150 hours in flash mode.
About Blackburn
In 1975, Jim Blackburn set out to design stronger, lighter, more innovative and more reliable cycling products. The first were bags and racks designed for touring. From there, Blackburn grew. Over the next 30 years, Blackburn's spark of innovation would lead to many revolutionary products, like the first high quality aircraft aluminum rack, the first dual stroke minipump, the first oversized mountain minipump and the first dual stage/dual stroke floorpump just to name a few. For 2005, Blackburn's creative spark is burning brighter than ever. And as we head into our 30th year, Blackburn is re-dedicated to designing smart, reliable, no nonsense accessories that are essential to your riding experience.
Sports reviews of Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light
Customer Review: The only way I won't get noticed is if I forget to turn it on.
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I recently bought a bike with intentions of riding home from work in the evenings. Since winter is approaching, I wanted a rear light to ensure I will be seen when the light gets dim. HOLY MOLEY! The only way I won't get noticed is if I forget to turn it on.
Don't turn this light on while looking directly at it. The Mars 3.0 comprises of seven super bright LED lights. The front is lit by five red lights with three at the top, one in the center and one at the bottom. Each side has an orange light each for side visibility.
If the brightly lit Mars 3.0 in steady mode doesn't get enough attention, you can choose between flash and chase modes. The batteries will last about 50 hours in steady mode or 150 hours in the other modes.
The Mars 3.0 requires 2 AAA batteries. Installing the batteries requires a small screw driver and some patience. Once the three tiny screws are removed, pulling the back off can be challenging. It may be a bit difficult to complete the task, but the light is water resistant as a result.
The light includes a seat post mount, but it is not required. The back of the light has a clip that could be used for attaching it to a belt, or backpack. Even though I have other options, I prefer to keep it mounted on my bike.
PROS:
Water resistant design
Super bright
Attention getting
Long battery life
CONS:
Changing batteries is difficult
Customer Review: Wear suglasses when you test this tail light
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Like other reviewers have noted, the most striking feature of this tail light is that it is BRIGHT!. There are plenty of LED's to either flash (two different modes) or to have permanently illuminated. This is by far the brightest bicycle tail light I have ever seen - it is literally blinding and your eyes will hurt if you look directly into the light.
The design is pretty straight-forward and functional. Changing the batteries is actually not too hard although a clip-on cover would have made the process much easier. As it stands, though, you will need a small screwdriver to loosen three screws and you will be able to change the two AAA batteries that power this light. I suppose this method is employed to increase weather resistance. My only gripe with this light is actually with the attachment used to instal the light on a bike: The screws are made of plastic and unless you are very careful, it is easy to damage them.
As I mentioned, the light comes with an attachment that allows you to install it on just about any part of a bike's frame or on the seat post. In addition, the light itself has a clip that permits attachment to backpacks, belts, shirts, etc. although I am not quite sure this clip would hold up if you intend to go running with the Mars 3.
Basically, this light is the best (in my opinion) you can get and I have yet to find anything that I would prefer over this one.
Customer Review: New Version of Mars 3.0, Greatly Improved
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Given the changes that have been made the new version of the Mars 3.0 (a great tail-light with a few design issues), Blackburn must pay attention to customer feedback. Here are the new highlights:
1. No Screws - When battery changes are needed, you can use a coin to open the case.
2. Improved Mounting - The mounting brackets are easier to install, adjust, and are made of a better material. Mount includes locking clip.
3. Improved Internal Reflectors - Side by side, the new Mars 3.0 is brighter than its predicessor.
4. Better Batteries Included - Now Duracells are included.
5. Overall Improved Materials - Not a major difference, but the light and acessories seem to have a better feel.
6. Packaging - Much easier to open than previous versions packaging.
I have also had experience with the customer service department from Blackburn (that's how I got the new version of this light). They are not the quickest company I have dealt with, but their eventual response and concern with customer satisfaction was outstanding.
A good tail-light greatly improved. Make sure you get the new one!
Customer Review: Continues to amaze
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
This is the brightest tail light I've ever seen for a bike. I live in the city and was previously fending off cabs and anxious drivers. There is no way that they can miss me when this thing is turned on. It has orange lights on the side as well which are key for those intersections. It has a clip on it for when you don't want to mount it below the seat and instead want it on a bag or on your helmet. It releases easily from the mount when you want it to, but won't fall off. It's also very light. I bike in the rain and it doesn't seem to mind.
I was trying to put it on while riding a few weeks ago and fumbled it (my fault) and it skidded half a block down the street and into the gutter. Nary a scratch, it kept blinking perfectly as the passersby watched, as they couldn't avoid staring at a shooting star in the middle of the street.
Great light. Buy it without hesitation. Don't stare into it when it's on...seriously. You'll go blind for a minute. Also great as an emergency beacon when hiking or when you're stranded at sea.
Customer Review: Excellent light for the price.....and bright too!!
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
As an avid bike rider I highly recommend this rear light. It's bright and easy to install. You can easily be seen from 1000 feet. If you are riding with someone and you get too far ahead of them they will be able to see the light of your bike and catch up. Just make sure you slow down of stop first. Plus cars, trucks and other traffic will be able to see you alot easier with this light.
I've had other lights in the past but this is the best of them all. Installation of the batteries is a bit stubborn but once you get them in the unit will not fall apart. It's durable and will take all of the bumps and bruises of the road without jarring and falling into traffic. It can easily be placed all the way up the seatpost. I highly recommend doing this so no one will steal it. Don't worry, the light will come out of the braket. It just takes a little patience. I only take the light out when I need the batteries to be replaced.
So with all that being said I have only a few last words...BUY THIS LIGHT! IT'S WORTH THE MONEY!!