PlanetBike Blaze/Superflash IMITATIONS???
02-27-09 | 11:13 AM
#1
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PlanetBike Blaze/Superflash IMITATIONS???
OK, been looking into the PBSF and the Blaze 1w or 1/2w. In the UK, they are not as abundant as certain other lights.
The PBSF bears a striking resemblance to the Smart Superflash, the Basta Superflash
And the Blaze bears a strong resmblance (though no mention of superflash) to the Smart B-Spoke Front.
The Beamer 3 and 5 seem to resemble the Smart Polaris II 3 and 5
The beamer 5 also resembles the BikeHut Super Bright Front Bike Light
The PBSF bears a striking resemblance to the Smart Superflash, the Basta Superflash
And the Blaze bears a strong resmblance (though no mention of superflash) to the Smart B-Spoke Front.
The Beamer 3 and 5 seem to resemble the Smart Polaris II 3 and 5
The beamer 5 also resembles the BikeHut Super Bright Front Bike Light
02-27-09 | 11:29 AM
#2
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All these and many more seem to be made by Smart Taiwan, of which Planet Bike is the USA disributor.
02-27-09 | 11:39 AM
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Then that makes a lot of sense.
And thanks - I couldn't find Smart's website. Couldn't find the wood for the trees I think.
And thanks - I couldn't find Smart's website. Couldn't find the wood for the trees I think.
02-27-09 | 06:26 PM
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OK, been looking into the PBSF and the Blaze 1w or 1/2w. In the UK, they are not as abundant as certain other lights.
The PBSF bears a striking resemblance to the Smart Superflash, the Basta Superflash
And the Blaze bears a strong resmblance (though no mention of superflash) to the Smart B-Spoke Front.
The Beamer 3 and 5 seem to resemble the Smart Polaris II 3 and 5
The beamer 5 also resembles the BikeHut Super Bright Front Bike Light
The PBSF bears a striking resemblance to the Smart Superflash, the Basta Superflash
And the Blaze bears a strong resmblance (though no mention of superflash) to the Smart B-Spoke Front.
The Beamer 3 and 5 seem to resemble the Smart Polaris II 3 and 5
The beamer 5 also resembles the BikeHut Super Bright Front Bike Light
02-28-09 | 11:28 AM
#5
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Well I have just had a look at the Smart offerings in a LBS.
The 1/2 Watt B-Spoke Front does not have superflash. The 1 Watt does, but may not be as good as the PB 1W Blaze.
As for the rear light, their version of the SF doesn't SF. The closest to the PBSF flashing mode is the B-spoke Rear
I think I'll order from the states and get the PBSF Stealth and 1Watt Blaze. I can get them off of ebay for US $47.95 + $11.00 P&P. To put that into context - the total is just shy of $60, which is roughly GB £42. My LBS wants £44 for the Smart B-Spoke 1 Watt on its own.
The 1/2 Watt B-Spoke Front does not have superflash. The 1 Watt does, but may not be as good as the PB 1W Blaze.
As for the rear light, their version of the SF doesn't SF. The closest to the PBSF flashing mode is the B-spoke Rear
I think I'll order from the states and get the PBSF Stealth and 1Watt Blaze. I can get them off of ebay for US $47.95 + $11.00 P&P. To put that into context - the total is just shy of $60, which is roughly GB £42. My LBS wants £44 for the Smart B-Spoke 1 Watt on its own.
02-28-09 | 11:37 AM
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I think I'll order from the states and get the PBSF Stealth and 1Watt Blaze. I can get them off of ebay for US $47.95 + $11.00 P&P. To put that into context - the total is just shy of $60, which is roughly GB £42. My LBS wants £44 for the Smart B-Spoke 1 Watt on its own.
02-28-09 | 11:58 AM
#7
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From: Dorset, SW England, United Kingdom
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Will be about £10. (Amazon wanted to take £9.21 ($12.78) off me to go towards import duty but total cost of the same set from there was $51 + $34.18 P&P (£37.02 + £24.81))
Somehow I think $47.95 + $11.00 beats that, even if there is an extra £10 to pay this end.
Somehow I think $47.95 + $11.00 beats that, even if there is an extra £10 to pay this end.
02-28-09 | 04:35 PM
#9
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Someone on ebay has very kindly photobucket-ed a video of the B-Spoke rear light.
Comparisons to the PBSF anyone who has one?
https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=MVI_6487.flv
Comparisons to the PBSF anyone who has one?
https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=MVI_6487.flv
02-28-09 | 05:21 PM
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Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
All postal items that enter the United Kingdom may be examined by Customs, but normally letters, postcards and packets containing only documents or similar forms of correspondence are excluded.
If you are receiving a package from overseas (apart from another EU Country), please be aware that it may incur customs charges. Any package assessed by HM Revenue and Customs as being liable for Customs charges will also incur a Royal Mail handling fee of £8.
The Royal Mail customs handling fee is charged for customs clearance of items in respect of which import duty and/or tax is due. Items in respect of which no import duty and/or tax is due will continue to be cleared through customs free of charge.
Any goods imported into the UK over the value of £18 are liable to import VAT; gifts between private individuals over the value of £36 are also liable for VAT. Goods and gifts over these values may also be liable for Customs duty. As of the 1st of December 2008 you will no longer be required to pay customs duty for goods up to the value of £105, however you will still be required to pay import VAT and excise duty where applicable.
Please note that these limits do not apply to alcohol and tobacco goods where both excise duty and import VAT may be charged. It is not permitted to send alcohol and tobacco products into the UK from another EU country unless prior arrangements have been made to account for the excise duty.
For more details please read the Royal Mail guide to receiving goods from overseas.pdf (53kb). And also the HM Revenue & Customs guide to Shopping on the Internet.
What you need to know about Customs
Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
All postal items that enter the United Kingdom may be examined by Customs, but normally letters, postcards and packets containing only documents or similar forms of correspondence are excluded.
If you are receiving a package from overseas (apart from another EU Country), please be aware that it may incur customs charges. Any package assessed by HM Revenue and Customs as being liable for Customs charges will also incur a Royal Mail handling fee of £8.
The Royal Mail customs handling fee is charged for customs clearance of items in respect of which import duty and/or tax is due. Items in respect of which no import duty and/or tax is due will continue to be cleared through customs free of charge.
Any goods imported into the UK over the value of £18 are liable to import VAT; gifts between private individuals over the value of £36 are also liable for VAT. Goods and gifts over these values may also be liable for Customs duty. As of the 1st of December 2008 you will no longer be required to pay customs duty for goods up to the value of £105, however you will still be required to pay import VAT and excise duty where applicable.
Please note that these limits do not apply to alcohol and tobacco goods where both excise duty and import VAT may be charged. It is not permitted to send alcohol and tobacco products into the UK from another EU country unless prior arrangements have been made to account for the excise duty.
For more details please read the Royal Mail guide to receiving goods from overseas.pdf (53kb). And also the HM Revenue & Customs guide to Shopping on the Internet.
[edit] Found the B-Spokes (F & R) on eBay for £24.99 + £9.99, bought together shipping will be between £2 and £3.50. [/edit]
Just found out the Smart B-Spokes 1w F and 1/2w R are endorsed or approved or something by "Transport For London" - Just can't find anything official. CE marked too.
So PB or Smart for £20 less?
Last edited by CaptCarrot; 02-28-09 at 05:30 PM.
02-28-09 | 05:40 PM
#12
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I think they can base the value on the RRP here, not the sale price where you purchased it - this happened to someone I know.
02-28-09 | 05:53 PM
#13
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From: Dorset, SW England, United Kingdom
Bikes: Heavily modded Cannondale Hooligan 1 (2009) and an upgraded Raleigh Max Zero-G
Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
All postal items that enter the United Kingdom may be examined by Customs, but normally letters, postcards and packets containing only documents or similar forms of correspondence are excluded.
If you are receiving a package from overseas (apart from another EU Country), please be aware that it may incur customs charges. Any package assessed by HM Revenue and Customs as being liable for Customs charges will also incur a Royal Mail handling fee of £8.
The Royal Mail customs handling fee is charged for customs clearance of items in respect of which import duty and/or tax is due. Items in respect of which no import duty and/or tax is due will continue to be cleared through customs free of charge.
Any goods imported into the UK over the value of £18 are liable to import VAT; gifts between private individuals over the value of £36 are also liable for VAT. Goods and gifts over these values may also be liable for Customs duty. As of the 1st of December 2008 you will no longer be required to pay customs duty for goods up to the value of £105, however you will still be required to pay import VAT and excise duty where applicable.
Please note that these limits do not apply to alcohol and tobacco goods where both excise duty and import VAT may be charged. It is not permitted to send alcohol and tobacco products into the UK from another EU country unless prior arrangements have been made to account for the excise duty.
For more details please read the Royal Mail guide to receiving goods from overseas.pdf (53kb). And also the HM Revenue & Customs guide to Shopping on the Internet.
What you need to know about Customs
Receiving gifts or buying goods from overseas
What you need to know about Customs
All postal items that enter the United Kingdom may be examined by Customs, but normally letters, postcards and packets containing only documents or similar forms of correspondence are excluded.
If you are receiving a package from overseas (apart from another EU Country), please be aware that it may incur customs charges. Any package assessed by HM Revenue and Customs as being liable for Customs charges will also incur a Royal Mail handling fee of £8.
The Royal Mail customs handling fee is charged for customs clearance of items in respect of which import duty and/or tax is due. Items in respect of which no import duty and/or tax is due will continue to be cleared through customs free of charge.
Any goods imported into the UK over the value of £18 are liable to import VAT; gifts between private individuals over the value of £36 are also liable for VAT. Goods and gifts over these values may also be liable for Customs duty. As of the 1st of December 2008 you will no longer be required to pay customs duty for goods up to the value of £105, however you will still be required to pay import VAT and excise duty where applicable.
Please note that these limits do not apply to alcohol and tobacco goods where both excise duty and import VAT may be charged. It is not permitted to send alcohol and tobacco products into the UK from another EU country unless prior arrangements have been made to account for the excise duty.
For more details please read the Royal Mail guide to receiving goods from overseas.pdf (53kb). And also the HM Revenue & Customs guide to Shopping on the Internet.
If they go with the Smart Equivalents for RRP, then the F would be based on £43.99 and the R on £14.99 then the import VAT would rise from £6.20 to £8.85. I think I could stomach an extra £2.65.
02-28-09 | 06:16 PM
#15
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Well I pulled that off their site this evening - but knowing the Royal Mail it wouldn't surprise me if it were wrong.
Also note that
I read that as just the VAT
So maybe that explains the difference in the charges?
Also note that
As of the 1st of December 2008 you will no longer be required to pay customs duty for goods up to the value of £105
So maybe that explains the difference in the charges?
02-28-09 | 06:29 PM
#17
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isn't it handling fee + percentage of declared price?
at least that's how it works in canada.
at least that's how it works in canada.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
02-28-09 | 06:41 PM
#18
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But who knows, our government has such a black whole of a deficit ATM I would be surprised to be slapped with an import duty in the trillions.
03-02-09 | 04:12 PM
#19
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Would just like to point out (so people don't get mis-informed) that I was in a different LBS today, and their Smart SF rear definatly DID SF. So either the ones I looked at in the previous LBS were a bad batch/mis-marked or I just looked at something that looked similar to the SF.
If it was the latter I apologise for any confusion.
If it was the latter I apologise for any confusion.
03-02-09 | 06:06 PM
#22
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The PB brand does not appear to be sold here, but looking throught this it looks like Smart is the same.
The CHEAPEST I can get the Smart SF for is £5.99 + £1.99 p&p (US $8.41 + $2.79).
So, thanks for the offer, but probably best to give it to someone your side of the pond.
As I have been replying to this thread for the past couple of days, I have come to the conclusion that the difference between Smart and PB (if any) is not enough to warrant the price difference.
But thank you for the offer.
The CHEAPEST I can get the Smart SF for is £5.99 + £1.99 p&p (US $8.41 + $2.79).
So, thanks for the offer, but probably best to give it to someone your side of the pond.
As I have been replying to this thread for the past couple of days, I have come to the conclusion that the difference between Smart and PB (if any) is not enough to warrant the price difference.
But thank you for the offer.
03-02-09 | 06:24 PM
#23
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03-05-09 | 05:00 PM
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Where did you find the superflash for £5.99 ??
I can only find the 7 LED smart light (same housing) without the Nichia 1/2W LED for £5.99.
The 7 LED version is sold by halfords and re-badged as Bikehut.
It's not a bad light, I've got one.
I'd rather have the superflash though,
EDIT: just found some on ebay - bought and paid for
Last edited by Unknown Cyclist; 03-05-09 at 05:48 PM.