walrus1

Hey all,

My clip on light died last week after 11 months of service not bad for a $5 light. https://www.amazon.com/VAS-SAFETY-FLA...safety+flasher

I used it as a secondary light attached to my messenger bag when it was dark outside, during rush hour or in inclement weather.

However the last couple months it just kept falling off and eventually died. So I'm wondering can you recommend one for about $10 USD that will stay on? I also want the light to have a variable flasher mode.

walrus1

Come on somebody must have at least one recommendation!

1nterceptor

You can buy cheap lights that has to be replaced every year;
or for $3 more a Planetbike Blinky 3 that will last you for years:
https://ecom1.planetbike.com/3009.html

walrus1

Thanks for the recommendation @1nterceptor!

1nterceptor

You're welcome!

https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Bl...words=blinky+3

ItsJustMe

I didn't pipe up because all my recommendations are > $30. I ride on 2 lane zero shoulder roads with 60 MPH traffic so I typically am running THREE blinkies all of which are > $35.

SlimAgainSoon

$10 is a tough barrier.

I use the PlanetBike SuperFlash (as do many others).

The light is reliable, batteries last a long time, and the light, in flash mode, has a real "pop" that gets attention.

I've been using SuperFlash lights for years. I've never had one go bad.

rankar

This one works great around the seatpost and handlebars. Not really a clip-on, but this sure attaches quickly with its rubber band type mount. You can even wear it as a ring on your finger!

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...lick-light-set

It's $15.40 for the pair (one white, one red). So that's less than $10 each per light. In flash mode it'll last 140 hours according to the manual.

Fynn

https://www.jensonusa.com/!!4VKYlukIe...Hotshot-2W-USB

If your life isn't worth $30 than don't spend it, but personally I run one of these and a strobe light on the back. Even then I don't think it is safe enough. If you are riding in traffic and really want to be seen, then don't skimp unless you aren't worth it.

ItsJustMe

I agree, after a few years on the road I realized that I could not justify NOT spending some money on taillights. Up front I can to some extent see danger coming, but you can't always watch behind you even with mirrors.

I run a Cygolite Hotshot, a Knog Blinder 4V and a MagicShine taillight (attached to my front light battery). My favorite light is the Serfas Sheield but I lost mine a few weeks ago and it's $50 so I haven't replaced it yet.

The Cygolite is a little too spotty for me. I think it's a fine light but I wouldn't run it as my only light. The Knog I like better because it has a very uniform pattern, but it loses points for me because it has a very limited mounting system (rubber bands type mount). Knog seems to be completely in love with that mounting system, and people either dislike it or they think that it's brilliant. Personally I'd like them to offer a few different mount systems.

no1mad 

Just over the $10 budget is the PDW The Red Planet w/solid, blink, and "kitt" modes and various mounting options (including clip).

That being said, I'm not sure I'd trust it on a bag. Reason is that it is hard to keep a light properly aimed when it is mounted to a) fabric bags, and b) on a moving surface (such as your torso). One light that is effective for mounting to a bag is way beyond your price is the RZ.

ItsJustMe

I absolutely do not trust lights on bags. They point in any old random direction.

walrus1

I just want to reiterate that this is a secondary light. I have a primary light on my cargo rack.

@no1mad I was looking at that PDW Red Planet light. What is the RZ light? How far beyond the price range are we talking?

no1mad 

The RZ stands for Red Zone from Nite Flux. The RZ4 (which looks like it's been redesigned) and a more powerful RZ8 model. Here are the search results for "Red Zone"in this forum.
Every thread that contains a post- https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=8071733.
Every thread with it as a topic- https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=8071759.

JohnJ80

Tail lights are not a place on which I would scrimp. I almost think that they are more important for safety than a head light.

J.

SpasticSprocket

I had a pair of these and they're pretty darn bright if you're diligent about keeping good batteries in them. I wouldn't let them get too wet though as mine seem to have fried after a recent rainstorm.

maximushq2

Whatever light you choose, you shouldn't rely on just the clip to hold the light onto your pack. You need a secondary way to secure it and the easiest way I have found is simply using a rubber band. Never had a light come off my pack by accident since I starting using a rubber band to secure it. Right now I use the Serfas Shield tail light on my camelbak and it's beam pattern is wide enough to make it a good choice there. I love the Cygolite Hotshot too, but it is only useful mounted under the seat or on the rear of a rack where it can be aimed level and straight back as it is very directional. Good luck.

walrus1

Hey all,

I just decided to go a head and buy a CatEye Omni 5. I have the Omni 3 and it's a pretty darn bright light. So I'm going to swap out the 3 and put that on my bag and the 5 on my bike.

OT: Has anyone ever had a package shipped via DHL Global Mail? I'm guessing it's DHL's version of FEDEX Smartpost. So I'm expecting it to take a very very long time especially since my local post office sucks royally.

01 CAt Man Do

After looking at the video's of these Cateye lights I see nothing extraordinary about them. They are simply your basic run-of-the-mill rear blinkie. That said I don't know why you didn't just bounce down to your LBS, REI, Performance or even Walmart store to see want they have to offer. Why place an order and wait weeks for such a basic light? Not to mention pay a shipping charge that could cost near as much as the light itself.

walrus1

@01 CAt Man Do

Umm, I guess you didn't read my OP? Or carefully read my post that you quoted. I have a CatEye e that is a much better then "run-of-the-mill" tail light. Where are you getting this weeks and paying as much for the light in shipping from?

rumrunn6

I use this with a rubber band for safety. it's not $5 tho but I think you can find a cheap Chinese imitation

fietsbob

You wearing the clip on light? as above most bike lights have brackets,
some QR whemn you wish they wouldnt. or get nicked while you park.

I have favored ones that bolt on ..
Have used small rear ones directly fitted to my mudguards

B&M 4D toplight on my rack .. its a big red thing on the back of the rear rack .
Features, 2 diodes on the edges, 2 in the center behind a lens to spread out the light..

they have a range of features . battery 'permanent' the base. [on/off]
'senso' a clever feature , combines light and motion sensors .
so you can leave it on. it lights when you move in the dark,
goes off after a few minutes parked ..

On a touring rig in that mode, daylight it's off ,
go through a tunnel it goes into a flashing mode,
come out the other side it shuts off again.