i ride just about 100% in sub/urban environments where i need a front-light to be seen.

it seems like a faster flash (to a point) makes it easier to be seen/noticed. i suspect this is especially true during the day and when drivers are just glancing at their mirrors.

the planet-bike 2W blaze seems cool, but the beam seems much tighter than necessary.

i've got a $10-15 cree flashlight with a nice fast blink mode and adjustable beam; but it's heavy, has zero light on the sides, and the mount is a PITA to get the light on and off.

i'd like something that's self-contained, uses ni-mh AA/AAA, reasonably priced, and good value.

any other suggestions? thanks!

You don't need anything special for a flasher, Cateye has decent one called the EL120 Opticube, it;s a headlight/flasher; can run up to 320 hours on flash mode on just 2 AA bats. Nashbar has it on sale for $13 plus 20% off with coupon; see: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_200399

OR Price Point has a Sette ST-307 Glo front light flasher for just $6; see: https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/193...ront-Light.htm

what i'm looking for:
* FAST blinking
* bright
* wide beam
* some side visibility
* AA/AAA rechargable
* quick & secure mounting, quick release

@rekmeyata - do those lights blink fast? i can't tell without videos on youtube. except for battery types, i can't find much info on the lights that you're pointing out. i'm past entry level and i don't mind paying for quality. if there's a $5-10 light that does what i need that'd be great, but i'll spend the money if i have to.

edit: i think my only complaint/concern with the 2W blaze is the tight beam.

I don't know their flash rates. I use a 25 year old Vista xenon amber flasher on the front and don't have a need for a new one yet. I combine that with a Cygolite ExpiliOn 250, a great light. I mentioned the cheaper lights because you mention spending 10 to 15 bucks for a headlight so I figured you wanted a cheaper tail light. Those web sites I gave you have other choices of lights if those are not good for your needs. Only thing I can think of is the same thing you thought of and go to You Tube and look up each light that interest you. I did that with my tail light, the Blackburn Mars 4 which beat out the Planet Bike Super Flash so I bought the Mars 4.