Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Serfas TL-ONE same as Planet Bike Superflash?

Is the Serfas TL-ONE the same as the Planet Bike Superflash? They definately look very similar but is the performance of it as good? My LBS has the serfas and I know the PBSF gets great reviews so I am just wondering. Thanks

Serfas TL-ONE

http://www.twowheelstrading.co.za/images/blog/3ED47136-188B-4E84-1536D62296A754FB.jpg

Planet Bike Superflash

http://media.rei.com/media/j/1143394.jpg

This looks like a knockoff to me. I've seen several lights that look like the PB SuperFlash, but have never seen one that works like a SuperFlash.

Don't have any direct experience with the light you're asking about, though.

Nashbar also has one that looks like a Superflash..

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_262055_-1_201521_10000_201527

I say pay a little extra for the real deal..

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_178588_-1_201529_10000_201537

Is the Serfas TL-ONE the same as the Planet Bike Superflash? They definately look very similar but is the performance of it as good? My LBS has the serfas and I know the PBSF gets great reviews so I am just wondering. Thanks

Serfas TL-ONE

http://www.twowheelstrading.co.za/images/blog/3ED47136-188B-4E84-1536D62296A754FB.jpg

Planet Bike Superflash

http://media.rei.com/media/j/1143394.jpg

It is Brighter then the PBSF and has Three Modes. All for $9.98
here: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/19340-225_SETSF9-2-Accessories-35-Lights/Sette-ST-316-Glo-Safety-Light.htm

I say pay a little extra for the real deal..

+1. If/when you need a spare mount or need to replace the bracket, etc, you will not believe how well PlanetBike supports their customers.

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/smallparts.html

Planet Bike has company in Taiwan called Smart-Bike http://www.smart-bike.com/ (http://www.smart-bike.com/where2buy.htm) make the lights to their specifications. The light design is actually Smart-Bike's, but PB has them make it with their choice of LEDs (PB specifies one of the best LED manufacturers in their lights), mode settings, and applied branding. Depending on what Serfas has specified, the lights might be of comparable quality, but given the dramatic cost difference, I think some components must be cheaper than what PB has ordered.

Many companies already do this with other Taiwanese companies such as Velo and Sobedall. It's easier to find a factory already producing something similar to what is wanted and have them modify it it to your specifications for sale.

Is the Serfas TL-ONE the same as the Planet Bike Superflash? They definately look very similar but is the performance of it as good? My LBS has the serfas and I know the PBSF gets great reviews so I am just wondering. Thanks

Serfas TL-ONE

http://www.twowheelstrading.co.za/images/blog/3ED47136-188B-4E84-1536D62296A754FB.jpg

Planet Bike Superflash

http://media.rei.com/media/j/1143394.jpg

The superflash stealth has already surpassed the regular PBSF linked there.

The superflash stealth has already surpassed the regular PBSF linked there.

How has the Stealth surpassed the regular? I'm in the market for a new blinkie and I certainly like the looks of the Stealth better, but is it actually different than the original? I thought I read somewhere that the gasket was better or something...

How has the Stealth surpassed the regular? I'm in the market for a new blinkie and I certainly like the looks of the Stealth better, but is it actually different than the original? I thought I read somewhere that the gasket was better or something...

Same Light, Different Appearance.

Same Light, Different Appearance.

This is what I figured. I did a side-by-side in REI the other day and they looked pretty much the same- albeit it was in a lighted store. It did seem that the original looked a little "redder" when it flashed perhaps due to some of the light coming off the sides of the LED's being picked up by the red lens.

(I just reread that last sentence and realized it doesn't make much sense- try them side-by-side and maybe it will become a little clearer)

This is what I figured. I did a side-by-side in REI the other day and they looked pretty much the same- albeit it was in a lighted store. It did seem that the original looked a little "redder" when it flashed perhaps due to some of the light coming off the sides of the LED's being picked up by the red lens.

(I just reread that last sentence and realized it doesn't make much sense- try them side-by-side and maybe it will become a little clearer)

I ride with two others that have both on their bike.
You can't tell the differnce on the road.

I ride with two others that have both on their bike.
You can't tell the differnce on the road.

This is good to know- nothing beats in the field testing. :thumb:

The $9.98 Serfas is Still Brighter. I have both.

I'm going to order a serfas since I need a few things from Pricepoint anyway..

How does the bag clip compare on the serfas to the Superflash??

Raining today: a PBSF and Sette 316 light test.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Lights/LightTest102209001.jpg

Sette 316 in the center
Video shows that the Sette is Brighter in The Blink Mode over the Strobe Flash Mode.

The Sette has Three Modes compared to The PBSF with Two Modes.
YouTube - Light Test 102209 002

Question: how's the interchangeability between the Serfas and PB clips? I recently got a NiteRider Cherry Bomb and was disappointed to find that the mounting clip is different enough from a SuperFlash that they won't interchange.

PBSF may be sold under various brand names. Around here they sell a Spectra Superflash. I don't have a PBSF myself, but those who have been able to compare them side by side say it's the same light.

--J

Raining today: Doing a PBSF and Sette 316 light test.
Stand by.

I eagerly await this...

Raining today: a PBSF and Sette 316 light test.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Lights/LightTest102209001.jpg

Sette 316 in the center
Video shows that the Sette is Brighter in The Blink Mode over the Strobe Flash Mode.

The Sette has Three Modes compared to The PBSF with Two Modes.
YouTube - Light Test 102209 002 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEGVwUWNewk)

They appear identical to me. But that's still a good result for a $10 light :thumb:

10 Wheels, Thanks a lot for doing this!

They appear the same to me, too. I think I like the PB strobe pattern better, but not $15 better. This looks like a good inexpensive alternative.

Thanks for posting the video.