Cycling lights on Dealextreme?

[swc7916]

Dealextreme has a selection of cycling lights that are dirt cheap. They have rear blinkies for $3.81 that look similar to some that I see at the bike shop for $20+. They also have 5-led headlights for under $6. Does anyone have experience with any of these products? Are these lights any good?

[littlewaywelt]

wow. those look like some great deals and a few look like name brand lights without the name brand. How different could they be?

[acroy]

Dealextreme, from what I've read, is a bit chancy, their stuff is dirt cheap, some good, some not. The good thing is even if your $3.81 blinkie is crap, it was only $3.81 ;)

Try it out & report for us!

[swc7916]

wow. those look like some great deals and a few look like name brand lights without the name brand. How different could they be?

That's kind of what I was thinking.

The good thing is even if your $3.81 blinkie is crap, it was only $3.81 ;)

This is also what I was thinking. And their prices include shipping!

Anyway - Has anyone actually bought their cycling lights who can report on them? Thanks.

[n4zou]

If the DX bike light looks like a comparable light hanging on a peg in your LBS it most likely came from the same Chinese factory. Distributors will bulk order stuff like bike lights with custom OEM markings and drastically increase the price as it has there "brand name" printed on it. Our local Trail Watch group bulk ordered cheap bike light kits from DX to hand out to riders found riding the Rail Trail after dark with no lights. These lights are just as good as you would find in your local X-mart at drastically lower prices.

FWIW I just received a Seoul Z-LED U-BIN star from DX which cost me less than $6! It took a while for my order to arrive but they tell you that up front so thats not a problem. I ordered Jan 12, they shipped it Jan-21, and it arrived Jan-28. It replaced a 49 lumen emitter. The new emitter is more than twice as bright at 120 lumen. My upgraded dynamo powered LED headlight is now just as bright as a 5-watt halogen battery powered light!

[sping]

I can confirm DX does decent business. I'm becoming addicted... Some products may not be good, but check the reviews and ratings, they seem genuine. As they state, delivery will take a while, but it's always 'free', which adds to the addiction potential. I just keep ordering some $5 or $10 item.

Hard to resist some things like 10 small bright keychain LEDs for under $5 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1100).

[nogasbiker]

Dealextreme ships from China / HongKong, so it may take several weeks for the item to arrive. Their prices are unbeatable, and have generally good reviews from flashlight fansites.

I'm currently using a noname import rear blinky (not from dealextreme, but looks the same). It works ok, but one red led is a bit balky. The mount won't keep the angle, as it is made of soft plastic- totally inappropriate for the job. And last but not least, the thing pops open if I ride over a bumpy patch. Happened twice on my last ride. Not a lot of fun stopping and gathering up the pieces scattered on the road. It all snaps back together ok, but I think that is the root problem. Bike stuff shouldn't snap together, it won't hold up.

I should point out that it did work okay for one or two seasons before problems started. So I guess I got my 5 bucks worth. Having said that, I think I'll opt for a better brand next time. REI has red blinky stuff for less than ten bucks on sale. As I recall, the one from Planet Bike looked okay.

[znomit]

I got a couple of bike lights from them. In general the stuff is great for the price but I'd rather pay a few extra $ for something of higher quality.
Their cree flashlights are great when they work.
Check out kaidomain.com too.

[ccd rider]

I bought two of the $3.81 rear blinkies several months ago. They work great, and I use them twice a week for about three hours each day. Very bright, long runtimes. They are probably not as well built as a Viewpoint Flashpoint (which is what they are mimicking), but for the price they are well worth it. Shipping is slow, but since it's free it's hard to complain.

[josephjhaney]

I just ordered a bunch of the 3.81 lights, I just spent 18 dollars on a light that has 5, rather than the 9 led' this one has, and is the exact same light. I lost my Blackburn mars 3.0 on a ride home one night (Zip Ties get so brittle in the winter) and had to buy something quick, so that was the answer. It's been a great light, but I figured if it's the same basic light, but with all the LED holes filled (I can see the empty spots on my PCB on my lite) then it's gonna be well worth it. I ordered 10 because I figured I'll find people who need em.

[ovrrdrive]

I've bought from Dealextreme before and I was happy with their service. I'd probably limit what I buy though to DIY stuff because their prices on the bare and regulated LED's is great and they have an awesome selection...

[busted knuckles]

They may have great service, but the stuff looks like(and sounds like, going by some descriptions) junk. I would rather spend more and get a better product. Looks like the inside of a dollar store. I dont care if its only x dollars, I just want to purchase the product, have it do what its supposed to do, and not have to go look for all the peices on the trail behind me.

[mrbubbles]

Dealextreme sku.3639 $3.81
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_3639_1.jpg

Serfas TL 2100 $30
http://www.serfas.com/images/medium/TL-2100.jpg

BLT Ultra Wazoo DX $30 as well
http://www.blt-lights.com/images/product/rear_lights/regular/308570.jpg

[operator]

Dealextreme has a selection of cycling lights that are dirt cheap. They have rear blinkies for $3.81 that look similar to some that I see at the bike shop for $20+. They also have 5-led headlights for under $6. Does anyone have experience with any of these products? Are these lights any good?

Do they have a superflash knockoff? If not, I don't see any reason to buy any other rear light besides the Dinottes.

[josephjhaney]

I'll post back when I get mine. I agree I like to buy something once and not worry, but there are times it just makes sense to buy two or three (Especially when 2 or 3 is still WAY less) I bought 10 of these for what 1 of the others that LOOK identical cost. I can't imagine it's 1/10th the quality. But, I've been wrong on that before, the curse of being cheep! :)

Joe

[acroy]

A bit off topic but while we're talking taillights, I can HIGHLY recommend the Cateye TL-LD-500 http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/268

Not uber-bright but also has built-in reflectors, so the closer the car is the brighter it gets! :) long runtime, well-made.

And MUCH cheaper than the Serfas or BLT. I got mine on sale for around $7 as I recall. Running one on each seatstay in addition to a Superflash on the post.

[swc7916]

Do they have a superflash knockoff?

Apparently not. I don't see one on their website.

If not, I don't see any reason to buy any other rear light besides the Dinottes.

There IS a reason, namely $3.81 vs. $169. Actually, I already have a Dinotte headlight and taillight. I was considering these cheapo lights as backups or as additional blinkies to supplement my Dinottes.

[Ziemas]

Do they have a superflash knockoff? If not, I don't see any reason to buy any other rear light besides the Dinottes.

How about much longer run time and ease of use? I for one hate dealing with O-rings and velcro straps several times a day in the cold with gloves on; it's a total PITA. QR is so much better under these conditions.

[mrbubbles]

How about much longer run time and ease of use? I for one hate dealing with O-rings and velcro straps several times a day in the cold with gloves on; it's a total PITA. QR is so much better under these conditions.

Agreed. There isn't anything on the market in between a Superflash and Dinotte. Thus I made my own.

[mbakron]

Ditto on the dealextreme and kaidomain sites. It's all ridiculously cheap. Some is crap, some is awesome quality. Sometimes it comes in a week, sometimes it takes over a month. Sometimes it comes in multiple shipments. But it DOES get here. Stick with simple stuff; lights, toys, etc. Don't get electronics. Don't expect documentation or support. Expect bang-for-the-buck.

[K6-III]

I bought one of those 9 led tail lights for $3.81.

Build quality is not that great, as I had to fiddle with bending the battery terminals to get it to work.

As for brightness, it is definitely brighter than my Cateye TLD1000. Similar brightness to Superflash, but bigger spot, and has integrated reflector.

[Ziemas]

Agreed. There isn't anything on the market in between a Superflash and Dinotte. Thus I made my own.

There is, the Cateye TL-1100. Brighter than a SuperFlash, more visible to cars, and better side visibility.

I base the above on actually owning both lights and asking drivers which they find to be more visible.

[sumguy]

have rcvd 2/3s of my order placed 1/7//08 in 2 shipments. the reviews are helpful though. still waiting for
this light sku8278 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8278)
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_8278_1.jpg
want to compare large light to small and super bright for visibility.

[joshandlauri]

free shipping also, that 9 led taillight is the exact same one i have from performace that cost $20, I'll order a few more for other bikes. Wow

[joshandlauri]

well I ordered 3 taillights sku.3639 $3.81 and one of these http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9060 suppose to be better and brighter than fenix l2d, see the comparison. I'll let everyone know how long it takes to get.

[ccd rider]

that 9 led taillight is the exact same one i have from performace that cost $20

Is it exactly the same? I know the design is identical and the LED's are very bright (I was pleasantly surprised), but they seemed to skimp on some of the other pieces (like the metal contacts which broke and the o-ring seal which is quite thin and prone to slipping). Does Performance's version have those problems?

[joshandlauri]

Is it exactly the same? I know the design is identical and the LED's are very bright (I was pleasantly surprised), but they seemed to skimp on some of the other pieces (like the metal contacts which broke and the o-ring seal which is quite thin and prone to slipping). Does Performance's version have those problems?

i'll compare the 2 when it comes in, from the pics it looks the exact same. I've only changed batteries once in the performance one once so far, but the o-ring on the performace one I know is super thin and did not stay in place very good.

how long did it take to get your taillights??

[ccd rider]

It took a few weeks the first order. I ordered a second one and it was about 10 days. Slow, but for the price and free shipping I wasn't complaining. I think you'll be happy with the performance (no pun intended).

[Nachoman]

well I ordered 3 taillights sku.3639 $3.81 and one of these http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9060 suppose to be better and brighter than fenix l2d, see the comparison. I'll let everyone know how long it takes to get.

I'm looking forward to hearing how ou like these products.

[sumguy]

Wow that torch#9060 is cheap. paid $60 for a similar item off ebay but it came with 2 batteries, holster, remote switch and a charger. btw I'm STILL WAITING for my 9 led tail light ordered on Jan 7. Maybe Performance bought them all out

[ccd rider]

btw I'm STILL WAITING for my 9 led tail light ordered on Jan 7.

Have you tried their customer service? I had to follow up a couple of times with them for my first order, but it finally paid off. The second order was much faster for the same product.....not sure if it was because of the original contacting.

[MMACH 5]

I just ordered parts from DX for my DIY headlight. I'll let you know how long it takes to get my stuff.

Did you use paypal or a credit card? Not sure if that makes a difference. I used paypal.

[joshandlauri]

I used paypal, as I has some money in there. Either ways I'd always pay through paypal so I have some sort of recourse. I think other than lengthy shipping times everything will be ok

[axelfox]

I've ordered from http://www.ledshoppe.com and they have the OEM Topeak White Light

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=14800&src=froogleUS&currency=USD

http://ledshoppe.com/Product/ledp/LP3019.htm

I've bought a lot of things from LEDSHOPPE, and you get what you pay for. The Topeak Whitelight knockoff, however, has a crappy tab that breaks, so be careful or it might be worthless. I have three of the lights, and besides the tab, they are great.

[Zero_Enigma]

I just ordered parts from DX for my DIY headlight. I'll let you know how long it takes to get my stuff.

Did you use paypal or a credit card? Not sure if that makes a difference. I used paypal.

I used Paypal via CC and I got one of my items in ~2weeks time. Some of the other stuff is hung up on backorder which I knew before ordering but DX is good on thier status updates. I check my account from time to time and the details of thier ETA's and details on what's shipped/pending are clearly detailed so you know what's going on. If it's shipped it would let you know when it was shipped so you can makr down on the calander your ~2 week arrival time. I'm in Canada and it takes ~2weeks to get to me. Best to get items in stock. My mate down the road from me has had experiences of ~1-3 weeks on his items before. The average delivery time is ~2 weeks in all the times I've dealt with DX and my mate as well.

Good prices, good selection of items, and I like how the customers in the DIY area are technical and can quickly point out what's good/bad and they post that on the DX comments area for all to see and I don't see DX taking those comments down so I like that. THe only catch to the low prices and free shipping is that it comes in by sea turtle and take ~2 weeks. You could opt to pay more if you wanted for the next level of shipping up and get your items in ~1 weeks time via airmail but it'll cost you for that.

[sumguy]

I prefer PayPal whenever I can.

[bobn]

Do you think this stuff is all factory seconds that wouldn't pass Q.C. so they can't put brand names on them? Seem awfully cheap to me (pricewise).

[MMACH 5]

Do you think this stuff is all factory seconds that wouldn't pass Q.C. so they can't put brand names on them? Seem awfully cheap to me (pricewise).

I don't think that's the case. This is more than likely just surplus merchandise. In this day and age, they can manufacture stuff far faster than they can sell it.

Just my guess.

[sumguy]

they just sent me a refund, looks like the 9LED taillight will be back ordered for a while.

[late]

I got a couple of those $3.81 tailights from Performance a couple years ago. They didn't last, so baby them.

We are using Cateye LD1100 blinkies now, and I like them a lot. I left my LD600
on and keep both going. 3 rows of LEDs blinking side to side is very effective and the batteries last a very long time. If it's dusk or dawn I use one the brighter flash modes, and again, the combo is surprisingly effective when seen from a distance.

[MMACH 5]

I just ordered parts from DX for my DIY headlight. I'll let you know how long it takes to get my stuff.

Did you use paypal or a credit card? Not sure if that makes a difference. I used paypal.

Two of my three items showed up today. I can't tell from their tracking page if the third item has been shipped or is still out of stock. I would rather have been told they didn't have the item when I ordered it, so I could have ordered it from somewhere else. That way they would have arrived close to the same time.

[joshandlauri]

Well I got my 9060 today, 7w led, all I can saw is Holy #$&* its bright, I put a sample from my 1 watt LED in the pic. FYI it does not come with batteries. I can shine the beam on a house 300+ feet away. I mounted it on my helmet, just as bright as my 20 watt/12v spot, I swear, no joke. This is with 2 cr123a photo lithum batteries (6 volt total), when my rechargables total 7.2 volts get here, i bet it will be brighter. I'll post a road shot later.

[Tyrell]

I'm very interested to see the road shot. I'm considering getting a Fenix P3DQ5 for a temporary headlight solution until I make a DIY headlight. The commercially available ones are way too expensive!! I plan to mostly use it for commuting on 2-lane country roads riding ~20mph for 30 min. each way.

[joshandlauri]

a beam shot, if you look at the corners you can see where the light dies off and how dark it really is, really bright, great concentrated middle and large wide through, best of both worlds.
Its raining oterwise I'd get more shots.

[joshandlauri]

also check this out compare dealextremes 9060 to this http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2328

according to this the dx flashlight is 200 Lumens, same size, shape, eveything comes from china anyway it all shows up here with a different label and a inflated price.