Bike Forums - Superflash Reviews

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If the Cateye 1000 or 1100 is aimed properly, it is a better light than the SF, in my opinion. For one thing, it adds more side visibility and a wide array of blinking patterns.

On the other hand, the clip on the SF makes it very versatile and the batteries do last forever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michel Gagnon (Post 6464284)

Because around here the Superflash may be bought for less than 15 $ while the TL-1100 needs to be special-ordered... for 50 or 60 $.

I have a couple of TL-1000 at home, and I put them gradually out of service to replace them with Superflashes. Why?

- Seen from far away, on axis, one Superflash seems as bright as one TL-1000.
- I have my homemade bracket behind my rear rack; two Superflashes take a little less space than a single TL-1000, so I have a little room for a red reflector.
- Two Superflashes are cheaper than a single TL-1000, so I could afford a permanent installation on my single bike, my tandem and my daughter's bike.
- Two independent taillights offer some redundancy.
- When in steady mode for 2 hours per day, rechargeable AA batteries last 3-4 days in the TL-1000, while rechargeable AAA batteries last 2-3 weeks in the Superflash. In other words, the Superflash seems to use its power much more efficiently.
- The Superflash blinking mode is much more eye-catching when I ride in fog.
- And finally two Superflashes are brighter than a single TL-1000.

Why are you comparing the TL-1000 to the SF when I was specifically referring to the much brighter TL-1100? It's not an honest comparison at all.

As for the battery life of the TL-1100 I think you are using bad batteries. I get over three weeks of use flashing for over an hour a day with my TL-1100 using Sanyo Eneloop batteries.

As for price, the TL-1100 can be had for $30; it's not $50 or 60. I don't know about you, but I'll pay the extra $15 for a better and more visible light.

I'm also going to disagree with you on the fog. The TL-1100 produces a huge beam of light which lights up the surrounding fog that just can't be missed.

One of my local shops stopped carrying TL-LD1100s. I asked about them and the response was that they had several complaints about them having junk clamps and falling off/being lost.

Interestingly, I discovered today that unless something odd is going on with my lights (they should be even, as they're both using fresh batteries), my girlfriends PB Blinky 3 is actually brighter than my Superflash from shallow to moderate angles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abneycat (Post 6465021)

One of my local shops stopped carrying TL-LD1100s. I asked about them and the response was that they had several complaints about them having junk clamps and falling off/being lost.

The belt clip isn't tight enough. Mine bounced off the seatbag. It click firmly into the seatpost mount though. On the otherhand I have a blackburn mars 2 and the belt clip is too tight, very hard to get off. Can't win.
When riding around I look for bright bike lights. The very bright ones seem to be either the pickle or the superflash. I don't notice much difference between the two.
What I do like about the pickle is its very easy to tell if its on or not, just put your hand down into the side LEDs beam.