totalbike.gif Bicycle Productsfrontclass.gifStolen BikesBicyce RepairBicycle GallerySearch BicycleAbout Total Bike

Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set
By: Blackburn       Average Rating: 4.5     Total Reviews: 103
More Information

Great Product     On: 2008-07-06

These lights are very bright. They are great products!!! They have 3 different settings so that vehicles can spot you from a mile away.
good and bright flashing lights     On: 2008-07-05

With the rising cost of gas, I decided to bike to work. My biggest fear is that a vehicle is not see me. I have seen many reports on Orlando TV news of bikers getting hit. So I was quite happy when I turned these lights on with their brightness and their ability to flash different patterns. They mounting hardware was easy to put on. I have no complaints with them.
Everything I expected.     On: 2008-07-05

I find the light from the Blackburn Quadrant is sufficient for my limited night riding. I like the stages of light from full flash, light with flash and full light. Unlike another review I read, I find that it is very secure on my bike.

The Mars tail light is very bright and has a nice side light for added safety. I would recommend this set for any casual riding.Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set
Weak front attachment     On: 2008-06-24

Overall this seems to be a great light - really bright. One minor flaw is the difficulty of using screwdrivers to replace the batteries, but the real pain is that the grip holding the front light to the handlebars just isnt tight enough. On any rough road the light flops around in all directions, leaving me to check it and readjust it all the time. Ill be looking to fix this or get a new light asap.
Way better than expected     On: 2008-06-19

This product exceeded my expectations in quality and features. Each light has four modes: on, off, and 2 blinking. The LEDs are super-bright and even in daylight are hard to miss. I live in the most populated state in the country with the most agressive drivers anywhere. This light set is a cheap insurance policy that could save your life. Yes, you actually need a small screw driver to put in the rear batteries. If thats too much effort for you then look elsewhere. How could you own a bicycle and not own a screw driver?

I havent been out in the rain yet but I think it will survive. There are no gaskets on the battery covers but the buttons seem to be waterproof. This light set is worth every penny.
excellent     On: 2008-06-19

brighter than I thought they would be. great buy for the price. Brake like MUCH brighter than expected. easy to attach.
Nice lights.     On: 2008-06-18

I bought the front and rear lights, I really like the easy manner of mounting, the front requires no wrench to mount and the knob that tightens the strap around the bar is easy to tighten by fingers only, the inside of the mounting strap has soft ridges inside so if you wish to leave it a little loose you can turn it around on the front bar facing you to read a map, look in a wallet without fear of it falling off while staying in the position you wish.

The way it is made is very nice, you can tighten the screw close to the correct size by hand as it has a comfortable size knob you turn, then it sort of hooks into the other end of the strap to make the circle like a plastic watchband, turning the knob to get it as tight as you wish is easy.

The ends of the strap slide into each other at the adjusting screw so it is easily mounted, if left a little loose you can rotate the strap 360% around the handlebar or tighten it more to keep it in one place, I like it a bit loose so I can turn it 360% but it stays where you want it.

The way the front light fits into the clip or rail is very nice and seems secure without any obvious problems; the light will reflect off of a RR crossing sign from 100 yards in dark areas and light the road ahead for about 40 feet in total darkness, for the casual slow rider it will light your way; it would make a decent $10.00 flashlight if used for that purpose.

The design is right out of the 50`s but I want to be seen and the 3 light modes work great, a rubber push button switch on the top turns it on and off, it changes between steady light, 2 bulbs lit the others flashing and all flashing like a strobe light by pushing the button repeatedly, the strobe can be annoying to the rider as light comes from the top into your face, I use a towel over it but will cut a rubber tube or similar in the correct shape to stop this minor annoyance but rest assured you will be seen in busy areas.

The rear light is just as nice as it is compact but bright, the rubber on & off button is small but has a feel of quality; it has 3 modes, from the side it has a yellow light with red, the rubber mount fits right on a seat post the light clips into a slot on the strap securely, to use the clip to mount on a bag or clothing could cause the loss of the light as the hard plastic clip is not big and brittle feeling but fits the intended mount perfectly, the plastic mounting band and can be adjusted with a wide blade screwdriver or a coin.

Battery installation is a weak point if you do not have the small screwdriver set intended for adjusting eyeglasses or jewelry, like most people I had 2 sets, the batteries go in easily once you have the correct small Phillips driver; to prevent accidental injury cover the driver tip with a small ball, eraser tip when packing it into your tool kit.

The rear light adjustment and battery installation can be done with a small flat or Phillips driver, the band adjustment requires a wider blade driver or a coin will work.

I did not time the hours on my first set of batteries but the 2 rear batteries lasted about 100 hours, the 4 in the front are still burning, I ride mostly at night for 3-5 hours, for future battery needs on the road I have 6 batteries and drivers in my tool kit.

For a small town where I know the roads, ride slow this is perfect for my use, I can definitely be seen; I bought 20 AAA Duracell batteries $10.88 that should last me all summer, this is a good deal for peace of mind.

Hooty



Best in Class     On: 2008-06-15

Highly visible bright and long lasting I definitely recommend as I believe this is the best in class. Just make sure to take off the front light when you lock up your bike.
Great light set for the price.     On: 2008-06-05

Purchased this light set based on the positive reviews here on Amazon. I was not disappointed. Very easy to install. Very easy to activate the lights once installed.

Great product for the money. The wife and I often get out riding through our town streets late and it is nice to have the added safety of the lights on her bike. I plan on buying other sets for my daughters bike and mine as well.
Great light set     On: 2008-06-05

This light set performs very well so far. I have used it for approximately 1 month, and am happy with the results. The lights are good and bright, and when coupled with reflectors, I am very visible on night rides.
Nice lights, great price     On: 2008-05-30

I have had these for a couple months. I dont often ride at night, but when I have, these lights have worked very well. I especially like the flashing + steady option with the headlight. I have had no problems with the lights falling off the bike. The headlight is not as strange-looking as it seems to be in the picture.
Bright and easy to install     On: 2008-05-27

Bright easy to see lights. Easy to install and easy to remove. You can just slide them on and off by puling a lever. The different solid/flashing modes are a really nice touch to increase visibility. The front one makes a great headlight to see where youre going, not just for warning vehicles.
good deal     On: 2008-05-26

Both lights are insanely bright. Im almost afraid to use them. The headlight does an okay job lighting the path ahead, could be better but is adequate. The taillight does an almost better job of lighting the path behind you. Bright!
Would (and have) suggest to a friend.
great for "be seen" riding     On: 2008-05-24

This package works really well to let others know youre out there when its dark. For me, its adequate for lighting up my path for my ride in to work. I generally start out at 5:45 AM in the dark, but most of the roads and side streets I ride have a bit of lighting. If youre truly riding in the dark, youll want a more powerful headlight. This will not suffice in zero light situations. Mounting was easy, batteries seem to last forever (I use non-rechargeables so I dont have to keep popping them out all the time). Weight is minimum. They seem like theyll last a while.
Best bike light deal out there.     On: 2008-05-16

Fantastic set - all you need for night time commuting. The MANY other reviews reiterate much of my experience with these lights. I ordered two sets, for the commuter bikes that my wife and I ride. I consider myself a skilled bike mechanic, and Ive had lots of other lights...

For me, these were replacing an aging NiMH water-bottle-battery and dual beam headlight setup. For a city commuter, I needed something smaller, lighter, and with LEDs up front so that I could remove it easily when I lovk the bike up.

The front light is a good size - big enough to be bright and not too big, so its not bulky and it doesnt eat up all the free space on your bar. I find it plenty bright enough, although I havent hammered through any off-road trails in the black of night - for that type of activity at high speed, you might be better suited to a bigger light setup, but this Blackburn really is great.

The button to turn it on is easy to use and waterproof (rubberized buttons are always better than switched in this regard) and the construction is really innovative and simple. A built in thumb-bolt is integrated into the design, and secured the whole thing together quite nicely. Hard to describe, but when you get one youll see what I mean.

My only gripe for the front light is that the mounting clamp for the handlebar is perhaps too fancy and overengineered. While I like being able to mount things without tools, I would much prefer a simple allen-key setup, for no other reason than to thwart theft. The mount that comes with the light is very nice, but is has a knurled plastic bolt so that anyone walking by could remove the mount in a few seconds from the handlebar. I know - only a jerk would do such a things - but thats what bike thieves are. In time I will probably hunt down a small allen key bolt that I can use in the place of the thumb screw.

The rear light is great as everyone says. VERY bright and multi-directional. The mounting bracket for the rear is over-engineered as well - loads of adjustability, but it cannot be mounted horizontally. This may seem strange, but given my rear rack - my preference would be to be able to it on the horizontal tube of the rack, but if I do so, my light will be sideways. A very small complaint, but worth mentioning.

Overall a great deal! I mean heck - it is the light set that I bought! (Plus, my LBS sells the front light alone for $25...)
Urban Tested     On: 2008-05-14

I used the lightset a full riding season before commenting. The price is right. The visibility is excellent. The mounting is simple. Probably the best bang for the buck in bicycle lights. Please note the rear light is functional in both urban and country riding. The headlight is a little suspect out of the urban setting. I would not use the 1/2 strobe or full strobe mode for the headlight out of the urban setting. I highly recommend this product.
Durable spotlight that could use better mounting brackets     On: 2008-05-12

Ive used these lights for almost two years and have ridden with them in rain and cold (to 40F or so) temperatures. I ride a ten mile commute (5+5) where I come home close to midnight, so I use the lights on a regular basis for perhaps a 1/2 hour to an hour at a time. I ride mostly on city streets with the occasional driveway bump, curb hop or park trail. I rarely ride over rocks or logs or any other rough terrain, though I do fold the bike to bring it indoors or put it into a car trunk.

The front light has four LEDs mounted like a diamond, two in the center with one on each side if it. The rubber covered power button it on top near the front of the light and is fairly easy to press. I almost always use it in all-on mode, since the side LEDs seem to add a wider pool of light as I ride. I seem to get about a 5 foot wide spot with a bit of ambient light around it the way I have it adjusted.

The rear shell of the light comes off after you unscrew a small wheel at the rear and allows you to access the 4 AA batteries inside it, also arranged like a diamond. If the bike or light gets a good shock, one battery can come loose from its contact, but wrapping a small rubber band around the batteries before putting them back in shell keep them in place. I get about 2-3 months of bright light then a month of dimming before I realize I have to swap out the batteries.

The light slides into a small rail on the front clamp, and allows you to ratchet-swivel the light to compensate for angled handlebars. The bar on my bike was a bit too thick to allow me to mount it at first near the center stem. However, after removing one of the two small rubber pieces inside the clamp ring, I found it widened enough mount it closer to the left grip where the bar isnt so thick.

(side note, my Dahons handle bars seem specially designed NOT to work with some Blackburn products. A bar-end mirror was too thick to fit inside the tube, and needed some Dremel work to get it to fit.)

I noticed after about 6 months that the swivel point had worked loose and the clamp fell apart, allowing the relatively top-heavy light to fall off skittering along the road. The lamp itself faired well, but I was never able to get the two clamp pieces to stay together tightly, so first I used duct tape, then a zip-tie to firmly mount the light to the handlebar. Since the mountain bike style bar has a slight angle to it, the spot of light is now angled slightly to the side. I can use my thumb to slightly adjust the beam in a pinch if I really need to see directly in front of me, but the pool of light is almost enough to not really be necessary. If I could mount it closer to the center of the bar I wouldnt have the angle issue, even with the zip-tie.

The rear light had 3 large LEDs and 4 smaller ones. I normally use them in the all-on setting as with the front one. (I think the flashing lights make the rider look a little goofy) The red rear light is bright enough that it can be used as a coming home light if I dont want to bother those sleeping as I come into the house as I look for navigate the house.

The small screws holding the rear shell together is a pain to remove without using a tiny screwdriver. The 2 AAA batteries last me about 3-4 months at a reasonable brightness. A rubber seal on both lights seem to make them weather resistant, as I havent noticed any water or corrosion inside them when changing the batteries front or rear.

The rear light mounts to the seat post with a plastic radiator hose style clamp with a groove for the pen-clip style clip of the rear light to slot into. I found I could remove it fairly easily after a bit of practice, as I has small teeth holding it to the clamp when you slide it in.

After a few months, I found the rear clamp cracked, allowing it to swing loosely on the seat post. I ended up using another zip-tie to tightly attach it to the post, which holds tightly but now prevents me from using it as my late night entry light. I just cut the tie when I need to replace the batteries and then use a new zip-tie to secure it again.

IF the mounting brackets held up over time, Id have given these lights 4 stars, and if the front light fit over the thicker part of my handlebar, Id have given it 5 stars. For the price, they do throw out a good pattern. Just dont trust the mounts
Great Lights, Great Deal!     On: 2008-05-07

Bought two of these for my wife and myself. They are very bright and easy to install. The batterys are no problem to put in, all you need is a jewelers screwdriver for the rear light.(Go buy one of those kits they sell for glasses, less then 2 bucks). The rear light is very bright as well as the front one, although the front one is really only good as a warning light not a headlight. This is a good set for someone who rides around the neighborhood that has some street lights. Good for the casual rider.
Great Combo Pack     On: 2008-04-09

This light combo pack is great. Very bright headlamp and the taillight has a clip to put on my bike bag and a clamp to install in the seat post.
Best lights bang for the buck     On: 2008-03-29

These lights are bright! I ride most days to work and often come home in the dark. Ive had one other set of lights that were pretty decent but the Mars set is way brighter. The front lamp is esp nice since you can see it really well from the side too. That way all those right turning cars at red lights dont plow me over.

The clip for the rear light is very well made but I do have some problems with the front light clip. It just doesnt slide & click so well. Also the front light is rather heavy so if the bracket for holding it to your handlebar isnt tight it can slip.

Overall tho I think its one of the best Ive seen and pretty cheap too. Long battery life too.
Great Lights, Great Price!     On: 2008-03-28

This is an excellent light set for the price. Both lights are bright and offer a few optional blinking patterns. The brackets do seem a little flimsy but I could not make them fail on the road or the trail, and I tried! For $20, I got way more than I expected!!
Bike Lights     On: 2008-03-24

The front light is very bright and fastens on easily to the handlebars, then the light slides onto a mounting bracket. Every time I get on the bike I am able to knock the light off. It almost landed in the storm drain once. I will be buying another light that is smaller and fastens securely to the mounting bracket. I recommend the rear light however.
An excellent choice     On: 2008-03-22

The LEDs are very bright and highly visible. The rear light has red lights in back and amber on the sides, plus a quick-disconnect clip. The on switches cycle through steady on, then two different flashing modes, then off. The mounts are easy to install and adjust, and are lined with rubber to prevent slipping and damage to the finish of your bike. Theyre compact in size and look good on the bike, cant think of anything Id change to improve them.
Great     On: 2008-03-10

This light is great, I ride a lot at night and I have received several praises about this light. It is so bright and with the flashing mode you will be seen at night. Also you cant beat the price on Amazon. I saw the exact product at a local store for $35.00
Awesome     On: 2008-03-10

The taillight is really powerful. I use it for biking and running and it really gets peoples attention. Ive also had some children play cops and robbers with it because of the flashing mode. The front light is a little bulky, but easy to clip-off and use as a flashlight.
Amazing..     On: 2008-02-27

Love these lights! The holding mechanism for both the head and taillights can fit almost any bike - including mine with its huge square frame. The lights are also ridiculously bright. Youll feel MUCH safer riding on the road at night with these. Five stars for sure!!!
Best of the best!     On: 2008-02-25

I previously owned a set of Schwinn Halogen lights & they really sucked. The headlight barely lasted 5 days before I had to replace the batteries & the tail light burned out completely after being rained on.

Now, the Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set on the other hand, has been operating perfectly since I purchased them on 1/25/08. The headlight & tail light are as bright today as they were on the first day I installed them.

I find the different lighting modes on the headlight & tail light to be extremely useful for varying night time conditions. I recommend the Blackburn Quadrant/Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set to anyone seeking a really great light setup for their bike. The price was very reasonable & I almost feel guilty not having to pay more in the first place.

And one last comment... they look great!
Good for what I need     On: 2008-02-14

I ride from the train to the office, about 5 miles each way and I dont ride in the absolute dark. This light set suits me for visibility purposes. I like that the headlight flashes, too. Works for me.
Light     On: 2008-02-13

I second all the plus/minuses from other reviews on the Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set. Its a great little kit to have on your bike. Love the rear Light.
AWESOME     On: 2008-02-10

GREAT ITEM AT A CHEAPER COST. ITEM IS FANTASTIC AND WORKS GREAT, MUST HAVE FOR ALL BIKERS.
Good light set     On: 2008-02-08

This is a good light set, so Ill go with the cons of it first since there are few. The headlight is slightly bulky, but thats because it has the 4 LEDs up front. The headlights mounting strap is a little small. I ride a Specialized and the mounting bracket barely fits onto my handle bar.

The pros. The headlight is bright enough to let you see a pavement trail in the dark, but its an LED light so dont expect to see every bump in the trail like it was lite up by the sun. I also think that the moderate brightness is a plus. Nothing is worse than having a guy ride past you with two car headlights on the front of his bike and be totally blinded for a good minute (dont laugh, its happened to me). Also, the second setting where the two main lights are solid and the two to the side flash is great for riding in traffic and increasing your visibility to cars.

The rear light is nothing short of awesome. Small and bright (5 rear facing LEDs). Its got the standard solid and flashing settings, but if you want to be really visible (like in traffic) its got a third setting which I can only describe as trippy. The lights scroll up and down like KITs red light from Knight Rider.
Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo     On: 2008-02-08

Very bright lights for the size.I like the different strobe patters that you can choose from.Very modern styling almost futuristic.One problem though,the clamp to attach it to the handle bars may not fit tight enough to keep the light from moving if going over rough surfaces.I put a piece of double sided tape on my handlebars and then attached the clamp over it,Problem solved no more movement.
Great Product / Excellent Service     On: 2008-02-02

This is the first time ever I write a review on amazon; my particular satisfaction with this product and with customer service is really what pushed me to do this. Let me explain...

First of all the lights are really bright and sturdy. They come with everything needed to mount them and with own batteries and it takes about 15 minutes from opening the package to having them ready to go on your bike. For the price the product is unbeatable.

Unfortunately my 4th day using these lights, the front one slipped off my bike somehow and, to my dismay, an SUV behind me ran over it with both tires. The light no longer worked but surprisingly the light package (the clear part with LEDs in it) was still intact (even though one of the batteries was bent!), I suspect only some wiring inside got disconnected. I heard Blackburn had great service and I contacted them explaining my situation, and, surprisingly, then sent me a REPLACEMENT a week later, without ANY hassle. I was so amazed that I decided to take my time to write this...

In sum, this product not only comes with the great quality, but also with a great company backing you up. I highly recommend it.
front light not that bright     On: 2008-01-18

This is a good looking light set with bright rear lights with 3 blinking options plus side yellow lights which is a nice touch. However im giving it 4 stars because the front light is not as bright as described by manufacturer and some reviewers. It is ample enough to make out the bike trail at night and u can see cracks and bumps in the sidewalk but only in the "sweet spot" of the headlight. Not good for lighting more than a couple feet in front of you though cars can see you well enough. Easy to install and attractive design but i think i will buy a separate, more powerful front light.
Not a bad deal for $19.99     On: 2008-01-05

I have a second bike that I used to have a high powered halogen light attached to it. After the battery died on my halogen light I did some research and decided I would go with a lower cost led light. I saw this combo for 20 bucks and tried it out in the store. Its pretty bright, and fairly easy to install. I didnt really need the red blinky so I just attach it to my clothes when i ride-its got a little clip that comes in handy.

I also use planet bike ledsPlanet Bike Blinky Super Flash 1/2-Watt Blaze LED Plus 2 eXtreme LED Rear Bicycle Light, and a Down Low Glow by Fossil fool Down Low Glow Lighting Kit - Two Tubes -Ice(blue)lighting kitDown Low Glow Lighting Kit - Two Tubes -Royal Purple, Down Low Glow Lighting Kit - Two Tubes -Fossilized Amber(pink) which makes for the ultimate night riding experience.
Works well     On: 2007-12-23

For 19.99, its plug and play. It works as advertised and takes a beating. 3 modes of operation included always on/flash 1/ flash 2. Hopefully this will cause enough attention for cars in traffic...if it doesnt, then Ill get an accident with an oncoming car.
Works well     On: 2007-12-22

For 19.99, its plug and play. It works as advertised and takes a beating. 3 modes of operation included always on/flash 1/ flash 2. Hopefully this will cause enough attention for cars in traffic...if it doesnt, then Ill get an accident with an oncoming car.
Just what I needed     On: 2007-12-08

Bright and very eye-catching is the best way to describe this pair. After more news about bikers getting hit by cars, I wanted to increase my ability to be seen during the early morning when I love to ride. This combination is really great. Very visible from a long distance away and the pattern that the rear light traces is very eye catching. I know this because I saw another biker with the same setup and it was very easy to pick out.

Installation was pretty straightforward. Battery install was a snap. I saw some review complaining about it but it was really quite easy. Mounting was pretty simple but I wish the rear light had an easier way to tighten against the seat post. It is a little tedious to guess the proper angle for adjustment and then move the light back and check it again. But it was not a huge deal if my rear light droops a little.

All in all it is well constructed and definitely Portland OR rainproof!
Just what I needed     On: 2007-12-07

Bright and very eye-catching is the best way to describe this pair. After more news about bikers getting hit by cars, I wanted to increase my ability to be seen during the early morning when I love to ride. This combination is really great. Very visible from a long distance away and the pattern that the rear light traces is very eye catching. I know this because I saw another biker with the same setup and it was very easy to pick out.

Installation was pretty straightforward. Battery install was a snap. I saw some review complaining about it but it was really quite easy. Mounting was pretty simple but I wish the rear light had an easier way to tighten against the seat post. It is a little tedious to guess the proper angle for adjustment and then move the light back and check it again. But it was not a huge deal if my rear light droops a little.

All in all it is well constructed and definitely Portland OR rainproof!
Good Basic Light Set     On: 2007-12-02

A good basic light kit. Holds up well under rain (and yesterday, snow and freezing rain). I like the detachability, as the front "phaser" light doubles as a flashlight. This allows one to find their bike in the dark. The rear light could also be used when jogging, clipped to a belt. The front light best suits city commuting, where street lights provide ambient light. When used on the Burke-Gilman trail, the front light reflected light back into my eyes, though this is easily fixed with electricians tape across the top. Commuters who spend long periods on dark routes should investigate brighter front lights.
Should Lights Be This Hard to Set Up ???     On: 2007-11-23

Now that Ive gotten through the set-up, sure these lights work perfectly, but should they be so hard to set up? The front light was fine, but the back one... ?! You have to put the batteries in yourself, and in order to get the casing open to get the batteries in you have to remove 3 teeny, tiny screws. Sounds easy, well I have perhaps 10 screwdrivers at home, but none of them were small enough. Even after I borrowed a tinier one from a friend, it was still very awkward to maneuver, with the clip being poorly positioned, etc. I hope these batteries never run out, because it took me days to get them inside in the first place! Very poor design.
Great product!!!     On: 2007-11-17

I looked at several reviews for similar products and found the one for this product most useful.

I ride my bike at night to play basketball a mile and an half away on a dark road. A couple of weeks prior to purchasing this set I nearly got hit by someone I was playing basketball with.

Now I know I can be see well by cars and have not had any close calls since!
Great when it works, but only for one day!     On: 2007-11-13

After installation, it was great! both rear and front lights. but after only one ride, the front stops working!!
I tried to contact the company but no reply. So, I opened the unit and did some simple wiring to disable the IC and make it only switch on or off, no blinking. The rear is still working....
Blackburn Quadrant +     On: 2007-10-29

This is a great bicycle light (Ive had it for 3 months or so). I did a ridiculous amount of research before buying this light. Should I spend the $$ on an expensive Cateye? I have a cruiser, and it seems that all the lights out there are either small and ineffective, or big and ugly. I finally settled on this light because of the reviews. It fits all of my criteria. 1) It works. I live in a really rural area with no street lights. It works great on a dark night with no moon and no other lights around. Of course, I am no road biker. If you are planning on going really fast at night around lots of cars, there are plenty of $100+ systems out there for you. For the casual rider who just needs to get from A to B, this light is great. I also like that it has two lights that focus a beam in front of you, and two that kind of light up to the sides of you. The way its designed with those kind of side-shining bulbs also make you more visible to others who arent looking at you head-on. I dont really mess with the modes. "All on" is what I need. Also, because its LED, the batteries last forever. I really dont know how many hours Ive used it. Probably 50-100 hrs, and I havent had to replace the batteries yet. 2) Its not too big. Its maybe 4 x 3 x 2 off the top of my head. 3) I like the way it looks, and it works especially well on my cruiser. The styles blend well. So Im shallow. 4) Price. I really didnt want to spend more than $25. Im just a casual rider.

As for the reviewers who have had a problem with the light staying clicked in place, mine has been fine. It stays in place perfectly (and I unfortunately have to ride over poorly maintained dirt roads to get to the bike path by my house) even over big bumps. And it releases easily when I want it to. I also didnt have any problems replacing the battery. No offense to the other reviewers, but that was one of the first things I looked at after I received it. I didnt even look at the instructions and had NO problems figuring it out.

If you are looking for an inexpensive light that does the job, buy this light.
Outstanding performance!!!!     On: 2007-10-19

Great product!!! I do a nigth mountaing riding and I use this Combo Ligth Set. It is just Great. Great ilumitation on dark roads. A+++
Better than most cheap options; just don't mistake it for a pro kit     On: 2007-10-16

There are other light kits on the market that are brighter and sturdier than the Blackburn Quadrant/Mars combo, but for short-distance commuting use the pair has held up very well over the past few months and its hard to beat the price. I own two sets, one for myself that gets regular use, and one for my son in case we end up having to ride in the dark to get home.

The Mars taillight has a lot of great features: ultra-bright LEDs, flash and chase LED sequences, and the bright orange side panels that increase your side visibility. My only complaint about it is that the hard-molded back clip is too loose. It stays on the wire frame of my bicycle seat just fine, but when attaching it to the flasher loop on my Timbuk2 messenger bag, I have to be very careful it doesnt get knocked off.

The Quadrant headlamp is bright, especially for an LED headlamp. When its set to flash two of the four lights, its highly visible from the front but only passable in terms of lighting the road or trail surface in front of you. Because I tend to ride on either lit streets or unlit trails with no traffic, I dont get caught out by this problem too often: I ride with just flash on the lit streets, and with just spot headlight on the trails.

The mounting hardware for the Quadrant didnt impress me. I suppose you could say that its "easy to adjust," but what that really means is that it doesnt hold its position once you set it. While I dont think the light is in danger of being knocked off the handlebars, a drop off a curb or a slight bump of your arm will redirect the beam, leaving you to fiddle with it while youre moving if you need it in order to see your path.

In summary: great price and good lights, but questionable mounting options for both head and taillights. Good for short commutes or just having a light set in case you get caught in the dark; if youre a distance commuter, you may want to keep looking.
Good starter or occasional use set     On: 2007-10-10

This light set is a good deal for an occasional rider as a starter light set, or for a backup or extra set.

The headlight: First thing to realize: It is not designed to illuminate the road while traveling at any significant speed. It is designed for city riding with the purpose of making you visible to other vehicles. The brightness is excellent, but the mount is insecure, the body seems unnecessarily large, and the top of the light shines back in your face (but this can be fixed with a bit of black tape).

The taillight: Very well designed overall. Very bright and good side illumination. However, the light should not require a tool to open. The screws on the light are smaller than standard bicycle parts and require a jewelers screwdriver to remove.
Good starter or occasional use set     On: 2007-10-09

This light set is a good deal for an occasional rider as a starter light set, or for a backup or extra set.

The headlight: First thing to realize: It is not designed to illuminate the road while traveling at any significant speed. It is designed for city riding with the purpose of making you visible to other vehicles. The brightness is excellent, but the mount is insecure, the body seems unnecessarily large, and the top of the light shines back in your face (but this can be fixed with a bit of black tape).

The taillight: Very well designed overall. Very bright and good side illumination. However, the light should not require a tool to open. The screws on the light are smaller than standard bicycle parts and require a jewelers screwdriver to remove.
Convenient Light Shows!     On: 2007-10-08

These lights are pretty cool. They clip on and off the bike making them handy for whatever I need them for. If you want to ride fast at night the front light may not suffice. But the lights double as flashlights, party toys, or even props for making a spooky Halloween display. Just put them on strobe and place them in some shrubberies for spooky FX!! FTW
No tickets. Long lasting.     On: 2007-10-03

Bright for an LED light but not recommended for riding into the unknown in complete darkness. Blinking setting for both lights. Long lasting. The batteries last at least a year. I bought this as a backup set so I have one at home and work. The UF campus police actually give tickets for not having lights.
Very bright lights.     On: 2007-10-02

The Quadrant is easy to mount, bright and easy to direct. The quick dismount tab is hard to use and sticks even when the latch is depressed. Its feels easier just to unscrew the mount (it takes about 20 seconds). I think the plastic they use binds when used in the sliding area; they might think of using a different plastic or metal there. I tried different lubricants there and it still binds badly. The Mars rear light mounts on the seat post only. While it is quite easy to dismount, I would prefer a method to mount it on my rear rack since the light gets covered up if I put things on top of the rack. All in all though a good deal.
Very bright lights.     On: 2007-10-01

The Quadrant is easy to mount, bright and easy to direct. The quick dismount tab is hard to use and sticks even when the latch is depressed. Its feels easier just to unscrew the mount (it takes about 20 seconds). I think the plastic they use binds when used in the sliding area; they might think of using a different plastic or metal there. I tried different lubricants there and it still binds badly. The Mars rear light mounts on the seat post only. While it is quite easy to dismount, I would prefer a method to mount it on my rear rack since the light gets covered up if I put things on top of the rack. All in all though a good deal.
Great Lights     On: 2007-09-30

This is a great set. The front light is bright but focused. I wished it had a wider light spread. The strobing feature is very good. The rear light is awesome...any body can spot you.
super bright LEDs
by: theskeptic    On: 2007-09-11

Ive had these lights for about a year and a half. (Have not needed to replace the batteries yet; I do not ride every day.) Very happy with these lights. These are the brightest LEDs I have ever seen, both front and back. Joggers and walkers coming the other way have on several occasions commented on how bright the headlight is. It will illuminate reflective street signs a block a way. That being said, this headlight is for *visibility*, not vision. You cannot use the headlight to illuminate a dark road or path. Not anywhere near enough light; you would need to get one of the much more expensive rechargeable headlights for actual dark riding. But this headlight and taillight are more than ample for the purposes of being *seen*, which for most of us city riders is the crucial thing.
Buy This One     On: 2007-08-24

As a user of generator kits for 25 years I am really pleased with this product.I do the majority of my riding after dark and find light output front and rear is way more than adequate and installation is a breeze. I have around 15 hours on this kit so far and the batteries dont seem to have drained at all. Best thing for me? No generator whine or drag. Might get me another set as a backup.
the best, but still not without flaws     On: 2007-08-21

i bought the headlight about a year ago from my local bike shop without the rear light. they charged $38, so this is a really great deal for a really well designed, durable headlight and rear light. very high quality. my only complaint is with the mounting bracket. it is too flimsy and my light kept falling off. to its credit, it hit pavement doing 20+ mph several times before it finally broke. im getting another one because of the price and it is still the toughest light out there. maybe my bracket was flawed, as someone else said theirs held too tightly. thats what im looking for!!!!
The best. Period.     On: 2007-08-15

Simply the best there are. So bright that youll be seen from half a mile away at night. Even NYC cabs take notice. After installing these I prefer biking *after dark*, just because I feel safer.

Little tip for those with aspirations in the field of law enforcement: buy TWO sets, install a red filter to the second headlight, set both to rapid blink and youll be amazed at how many people move aside.
Just what I was looking for     On: 2007-08-14

I love these. The instructions are clear, and they go on easily. Both are nice and bright (particularly the headlight). Recommended.
Love It, Great Deal for the Price     On: 2007-08-06

Easy to Install on my Marin Wildcat and 2007 GT I-Drive 5.0.
Quadrant is Bright and Sturdy. Mars 3.0 is awesome, but it has flaw of hard to change battery, other than that is perfect product from Blackburn.
Love it     On: 2007-07-22

Super bright and easy to attach to my bike. I dont know what that other person was taking about...my set came with instructions for both lights. A+
Bright, attention grabbing, but heavy     On: 2007-07-20

These lights both do the job. I especially like the rear flasher (Mars 3.0). This things so bright and attention grabbing that I often use it in the daylight (immortal battery life makes this a no-brainer). Only complaint is with the front light (quadrant) because after putting in the four AA batteries its heft becomes apparent. Considering that I have this on a road bike it is slightly unwieldy. But it is bright. And both are a breeze to attach/detach so when you dont need it, you dont need to wield it.
Bright and useful     On: 2007-07-15

I enjoyed purchasing these lights for my bike. The headlight are extremely bright so you can be seen at night. Each light features 3 lighting modes. I found this product to be quite good. I had no problems with it at all.
Bright Lights     On: 2007-07-06

Excellent product and customer service. I have compared other lights side by side and this one is superior. Also, I had my bike stolen with the mounting brackets on it. Customer service was very helpful and sent me the brackets- with no questions asked. It is worth what I paid for. I have ordered three additional sets.
poor quality     On: 2007-05-30

A head light and tail light come together with one set of instructions. The instructions included in the box arent for the same model of the headlight that comes in the package. There are no external screws so it took quite a bit of fiddling (and nearly breaking it) to figure out how to open it to put the batteries in. The tail light has a steady setting and a flashing setting. I put it on the steady setting but on its first use it somehow switched to the "flashing" setting and refused to turn off or change settings. I could only turn it off by getting a tiny Phillips screwdriver and removing the batteries. Removing and replacing the batteries didnt help. I ended up returning it. On the plus side: both lights are very bright and noticeable at night.
great light     On: 2007-05-18

This is a easy product to use and the lights are very bright and clear, it uses less battery power than one would think. WOuld buy another if I needed one.
Great, bright lights     On: 2007-05-17

These lights are great, once you put the batteries in them then you go, they are insanely bright and have gotten rid of traffic so far. Nothing wrong with them, great lights.
Awesome but broke quickly     On: 2007-05-09

I bought the rear light at a local bicycle shop and was extremely impressed. I feel very safe riding with the rear light. I have only encountered one issue. It mysteriously stopped working. I changed the batteries and fiddled with the hardware but nothing seems to work. I am very gentle with my hardware and am utterly perplexed by its sudden breaking.

Im going to buy another and hope it doesnt break as easily.
Outstanding Quality     On: 2007-05-08

I bought this at a local sporting goods store. It exceeds all expectations that I had. Best ever!
Woweezowee!     On: 2007-05-07

This light set is extraordinarily bright. The LEDs ensure that the batteries will last a long while. If you ever bike at night, these are a great buy.
Now that's what i call bright but..     On: 2007-04-17

It was super easy to install the front head light and the mounting unit comes off quite easy too with the turn of a small screw dial that holds the unit tight to your handlebars. With rubber grips so it wont scratch your paint.But to take the headlight off there is a little and i mean little plastic flap that is on the mounting unit that you pull down with a finger to take the headlight off. I rode this moring and we had fog, drizzle and rain. So my hands were a little cold when i got to work and i couldnt pop the light off, with my cold finger tips. So instead i took the mounting kit off with the light still attached. Im glad that it is held in so tightly so that it wont come off. But couldnt there been a better way to get the light off.

The tail light is really bright as well and was quite easy to install, but unlike the front headlight it comes off much easier then the front.

This is still a great investment for a super bright headlight and bright tail light as well. But the headlight design does need some tweaking.
Very Nice Combo     On: 2007-04-10

The headlight is probably just enough to "be seen". The taillight, though, is what I *really* like. That little sucker is very small, very bright, and has different strobe choices to ensure you dont just blend into the background.
A must buy     On: 2007-03-25

The tail light is awesome. It is the brightest light Ive seen plus the 180 degree lighting is a nice feature. No way can you get hit unless its intentional. The headlight is a great value and the battery life is very good. I use this set to commute to work. At 20+ mph you start out running the light but who really rides that fast in the dark. Slow down going down hill in the pitch black is my advice. The headlight has 4 lights which all can be on, 2 on and 2 flashing or all 4 flashing. I ride with the 2 and 2 option to see and be seen. After dawn I switch to 4 flashing. Other cyclist ride by me and turn their heads because they cant believe how visable I am. Fantastic bargain at $32! Well made.
Great set, fantastic price!     On: 2007-03-24

I purchased this set about 6 months ago at a bargain price (less than $17). After six months use, I am still very pleased with the durability of the light, the long-lasting battery, and the ease of installation. (I am not mechanically inclined, and even I could do this myself).

Highly visible, three settings (steady light and two blinking light options). These make me feel much safer when Im biking at night.

Highly recommended. Exceptional value for the price.
A must buy     On: 2007-03-24

The tail light is awesome. It is the brightest light Ive seen plus the 180 degree lighting is a nice feature. No way can you get hit unless its intentional. The headlight is a great value and the battery life is very good. I use this set to commute to work. At 20+ mph you start out running the light but who really rides that fast in the dark. Slow down going down hill in the pitch black is my advice. The headlight has 4 lights which all can be on, 2 on and 2 flashing or all 4 flashing. I ride with the 2 and 2 option to see and be seen. After dawn I switch to 4 flashing. Other cyclist ride by me and turn their heads because they cant believe how visable I am. Fantastic bargain at $32! Well made.
Another great Blackburn design, poorly executed     On: 2007-03-23

As others have mentioned, as lights, these are bright, visible and wonderful safety aids for bicyclists. I use mine not only in darkness, but especially in the early morning and evening twilight hours. They are quite visible and send a clear message to cars. The front light is well executed and has gotten through many rainstorms without a hitch, though it is a bit loose on my 22 mm handlebars, so I will need to add a shim. The problem lies with the rear light. As a light, its great, but the clip is very cheap. I have now lost two of these to the clip breaking. it is that kind of plastic where, if you try to bend it, it will snap quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is also a very tight clip, so, when putting it on the leather or cloth strap for a light on the back of my panier rack/bag or tool bag, its very hard to get it through and eventually snaps, especially if you tend to remove it for any reason. Sadly, this is the trend with Blackburn. I am now looking for a new cyclometer, as theirs turned out to have a bad button, would lock up after every ride requiring a reset and reprogramming, and eventually died completely from a mild rainstorm. Great designs, poor execution.
Another great Blackburn design, poorly executed     On: 2007-03-22

As others have mentioned, as lights, these are bright, visible and wonderful safety aids for bicyclists. I use mine not only in darkness, but especially in the early morning and evening twilight hours. They are quite visible and send a clear message to cars. The front light is well executed and has gotten through many rainstorms without a hitch, though it is a bit loose on my 22 mm handlebars, so I will need to add a shim. The problem lies with the rear light. As a light, its great, but the clip is very cheap. I have now lost two of these to the clip breaking. it is that kind of plastic where, if you try to bend it, it will snap quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is also a very tight clip, so, when putting it on the leather or cloth strap for a light on the back of my panier rack/bag or tool bag, its very hard to get it through and eventually snaps, especially if you tend to remove it for any reason. Sadly, this is the trend with Blackburn. I am now looking for a new cyclometer, as theirs turned out to have a bad button, would lock up after every ride requiring a reset and reprogramming, and eventually died completely from a mild rainstorm. Great designs, poor execution.
good for the price.     On: 2007-03-21

The rear light is very bright and does exactly what it should do, makes you visible from the rear. The headlight makes you visible from the front, but does not illuminate well enough to actually let you see much of anything. This makes the headlight less than ideal for riding down unlit streets. Other than that, the combo light set is a good deal.
good for the price.     On: 2007-03-20

The rear light is very bright and does exactly what it should do, makes you visible from the rear. The headlight makes you visible from the front, but does not illuminate well enough to actually let you see much of anything. This makes the headlight less than ideal for riding down unlit streets. Other than that, the combo light set is a good deal.
Sturdy construction, great design, easy installation     On: 2007-02-27

Im a skeptic about many things, especially lousy designs, cheap materials, and insane installations...however this product actually put a smile on my face! It is solidly constructed, nicely designed, and installation couldnt have been easier. Oh, and my son loves them on his bike! We both feel good about how well these lights work, and each has 3 functions, from fixed to flasing, to disco (as my wife calls it). These lights may cost a little more than the others, but safety isnt something to pinch pennies on, and this is a quality product.
worth every penny.     On: 2007-02-21

a very nice easy to use light solid construction ample lighting for safe riding.
Very Bright Lights     On: 2007-02-14

These lights are great. The back light is super bright. Both detach easily and are small enough that taking them in with you wherever youre headed is not a problem. Overall, Im very happy with this bike light set.
BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT
by: Anonymous    On: 2007-02-13

THIS IS THE GREATEST SET OF LIGHTS. VERY BRIGHT AND THE REAR LIGHT DISCONNNECTS AND CAN ATTACH TO ANYTHING. THE LIGHT CAN BE SEEN FOR A VERY LONG DISTANCE. THE STROBE ADDS A NICE SAFETY FEATURE SINCE ME AND MY FAMILY WALK / RIDE AT NIGHT.
great bike light     On: 2007-02-11

This set is a great choice for bike light. they are very bright and have different choices for lighting. they can be easily detached from the bike, and are nice and with good materials.
Very effective bicycle light!     On: 2007-02-07

The product is built well, and emits a very powerful light.

I also agree with another reviewers comment that the engineers should replace those tiny little screws in the rear tail light battery compartment. Im afraid this might be the area that will break down the fastest, since the threads may wear out. Its a quirky flaw since the rest of the product is built quite solidly.

Considering the modest price on Amazon, you cant go wrong. The alternate flashing modes are a nice feature. We live next to a dark school yard, and I was easily able to see my boyfriends bicycle lights from the opposite side of the school. Very effective!
Better than I expected     On: 2007-01-30

The headlight is well designed for both seeing and being seen. It also seems to be rugged. When I first tried riding with it, I forgot to tighten the attaching clamp adequately. When I hit a bump, the light fell off and bounced along the asphalt for a few yards. I picked it up, attached it properly, and it still worked.

One minor criticism. The clamp permits attachment only to the handlebars, and I would have preferred to attach the light on top of the center piece that supports the handlebars. The clamp permits some manual positioning while riding, but there is only maybe 15-20 degrees of horizontal motion available, either to the left or right.

The Mars 3.0 taillight has five LEDs arranged in a Y configuration. As other reviewers here have noted, it is very, very bright. I would hate to be driving the car stuck behind this light at night. To reduce the brightness, I used rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries that provide 1.2 volts instead of the 1.5 volts of alkalines. Still plenty bright, I will save money on batteries, and wont blind any drivers. Another way to avoid blinding drivers is to use one of the two flash modes, off-on or up-down.

The taillight attaches using a plastic clip that slides over -- well, it is supposed to slide over something. Unfortunately my bike had no obvious attachment points, and anyway I wanted the light to be more securely affixed. I removed the clip from the light body, ran a screw through it with a couple of rubber grommets as washers, and then ran the screw through a hole in the back of my rack. It works, but I wish the light had actually been designed for screw attachment.

Three tiny screws must be removed to change the batteries in the taillight. Please, Blackburn engineers, find another solution. I am sure to eventually strip the threads from the plastic holes into which those screws insert. The headlight batteries can be changed without tools, and this should be possible with the taillight too.

These are minor criticisms of what is basically a great deal. The long battery life of these devices makes them inexpensive to maintain, and they work very well. If I did a lot of night riding, I would buy another set, and run two headlights and taillights.
Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set     On: 2007-01-20

Great bike lights, very bright. Easy assembly and use.
Recommend     On: 2007-01-19

I purchased this light set after buying a new mountain bike. I can say that it works well. Its quite bright and it features 3 modes of usage. When I first received the set of lights, the headlight did not work. But the warranty took care of the problem quickly and I received a brand new headlight. I mainly purchased this because it was on sale. Im glad I made that purchase.
Great for Safety     On: 2007-01-19

Both lights are very bright and make the rider very visable. I like the flashing component of both. We had a defective tail light in the first shipment so check the product closely upon receipt. The return for replacement went smoothly.
Great Bike Lite[s]     On: 2007-01-19

Easy to mount, great visibility, everything I was told it would be!
Recommend     On: 2007-01-18

I purchased this light set after buying a new mountain bike. I can say that it works well. Its quite bright and it features 3 modes of usage. When I first received the set of lights, the headlight did not work. But the warranty took care of the problem quickly and I received a brand new headlight. I mainly purchased this because it was on sale. Im glad I made that purchase.
Great Bike Lite[s]     On: 2007-01-18

Easy to mount, great visibility, everything I was told it would be!
bright and great on batteries     On: 2007-01-16

I love the power and the ability to remove for protection from the elements and theft. very powerful and should last a long time since it uses LEDs
Still Neat but .......     On: 2007-01-12

It is a design miracle. So much in such a small package. But, it is very difficult to get it back together once you open the battery area.
Be Safe, Be Seen
by: aedezutter    On: 2007-01-12

Both lights work as advertised. The pulse mode attracts attention to you while you ride. I feel safer on the narrow shoulders as the trucks approach knowing that the light is on back there.
Still Neat but .......     On: 2007-01-11

It is a design miracle. So much in such a small package. But, it is very difficult to get it back together once you open the battery area.
performs as advertised     On: 2007-01-10

I use it to replace a rechargeable that was considerably more expensive. Its no fuss, provides adequate light, has great battery life and is dependable. Have batteries on hand though, the ones that came with were dead.
Fantastic!     On: 2007-01-10

I gave this to my boyfriend, and he loves it! He goes to grocery shopping on bike at night just to show off his new light. It is bright, secure, and functional. One of the best purchaces I have ever made on Amazon!
Nice Set     On: 2007-01-09

The Quadrant and Mars 3.0 combo is pretty darn good. The quadrant is bright enough to light the road ahead of me and sends out enough peripheral light that I dont feel like Im riding in a tunnel. As far as lighting is concerned, I really like the Quadrant. My only complaint is that is a bit spacey looking. But I got a good deal on Amazon, so I cant complain.

The Mars 3.0 is the best tail light Ive ever owned. Lots of flashing modes, and my little girl likes to look at it while shes riding in her trailer, which of course sits low enough that cars can still see the light flashing on my seatpost.
Great safety equipment, BUT-------------     On: 2007-01-09

I bought two of these sets for newly purchased electric scooters we purchased to carry in our MotorCoach. We ride at night and people are amazed at the attraction they draw. Many cyclist have asked where we got them as they comment on the visability they provide. You will be amazed at the light that the front light provides and the red blinking lights in rear are great for being seen by overtaking vehicles.

UPDATE March 9, 2007: I just found out that several of these were shipped with problems. Unfortunately I got one of those. The Rear light will not stay on and I have asked Amazon if I could return for replacement. Two weeks later no response from Amazon. DISAPPOINTING!!!!
battery lasts long     On: 2007-01-04

Easy to use, compact, and batteries last long.
I think these items are better than average.
If the Quadrant was more bright, it should be better.
The blightness is lacking to ride along the rode without any street lamp.
Highly recommended...     On: 2007-01-03

This is the third set that I bought from different companies and so far it is the best one. Both lights are extremely bright. In fact, it is uncomfortable to look at them, especially the headlight, for more that several seconds. I had a headlight from Bell and all four batteries in it died after less that 10 hours of use. These are promised to work for 300 hours in flashing and 100 hours in steady mode for both headlight and backlight. Although, I am sure this time is a bit overestimated Im pretty confident they are going to work for more than 10 hours.
Be careful about the price since the seller changes it every two weeks or so. When I was looking for my first set it was $27, about three weeks after that I bought it for 19.99. A week later the price was lowered to 16 dollars, so shop around before you buy one of these...
battery lasts long     On: 2007-01-03

Easy to use, compact, and batteries last long.
I think these items are better than average.
If the Quadrant was more bright, it should be better.
The blightness is lacking to ride along the rode without any street lamp.
Love it     On: 2006-12-25

Bought 3 sets of these/Like the different light functions as they go from a stationary beam of light to 2 flashing modes in case of a emergency or breakdown.Extremely bright and very good mounting brackets make this the light kit of choice.Bought this upon reading all positive reveiws.The flashing lights remind me of a emergency vehicle lights and are extremely visible.
Mine got Stolen within 6 hours     On: 2006-12-23

I bought these lights, put them on my bike. Six hours later I came back and both were gone. So if you by these make sure to take them off when you lock up your bike. Other than that great lights for the money. Very bright and the battery is supposed to last a long time.
WOW     On: 2006-12-20

Upon doing my homework I decided on ordering this product. The reviews were good, the description fit my needs so I ordered it. It arrived quickly and well packaged. Battery installation for the front light was a breeze, the rear light after unscrewing takes a little bit of a fingernail prying to open but still easy. Mounting brackets installed easily and the lights slid on. Read directions. From opening box to riding with lights on, 5 minutes. The lights are fantastic! Front and back are very bright and impressive.
Incredible set of lights     On: 2006-12-06

I originally purchased these lights for my bike. Now I find that I use them for just about everything. The brightness is incredbile on both the front and back lights. The multiple settings are great for different occasions. As a pilot I use the red light when I wish to not be blinded by a white light at night. I can easily see the dogs as I track them down in yard at night. These lights are fantastic. Oh and they do work great on my bike as well. I playaed the part of "fudgie" up at Mackinac Island. These lights certainly lit my way.
Incredible set of lights     On: 2006-12-05

I originally purchased these lights for my bike. Now I find that I use them for just about everything. The brightness is incredbile on both the front and back lights. The multiple settings are great for different occasions. As a pilot I use the red light when I wish to not be blinded by a white light at night. I can easily see the dogs as I track them down in yard at night. These lights are fantastic. Oh and they do work great on my bike as well. I playaed the part of "fudgie" up at Mackinac Island. These lights certainly lit my way.
Fantastic!!!     On: 2006-11-23

For the cash this is hands-down THE best combo-kit available. Very well thought out with features as "side" LEDs on the rear & light is visable from the sides on the headlight as well. The tail light gets 6 stars for being the brightest Ive ever seen. The "disco-dance" flash puts it over the top. The Cateye EL500 is equal in headlight brightness but costs twice as much & you dont get a taillight with the cateye. Dont spend your money on anything else but THIS!
3 stars,could have been 5     On: 2006-11-14

I was all excited when I recieved the light set, I needed one badly riding to work day/night and all weather. First the headlight, put the batteries in, wow, bright,hurts the eyes, it will do the job on my unlit streets. Tail light, read problems putting in batteries, with a small screw driver I had them in, in less then 2 minutes. Now the problem, it didnt work, after all the hype about how bright, kaput, I went out and bought new batteries and nothing, never got to see this fireball shine or blink. I gave 3 stars to half the package (headlight) If the tail lite worked like people say then 5. Sent it all back, getting Planet Bike Super Flasher and another headlite.
Great Light Set     On: 2006-11-13

I recently rode my mountain bike in the Houston Moonlight Ramble at the end of Oct, which is a 20-mile ride at night (2-4am) in downtown Houston. About a month before the ride I was looking for a good light set that wouldnt break the bank as I do not do a lot of night riding. I could tell the cheapie ones at Target/Walmart just were not going to make me happy.

Was very pleased to come across this Blackburn combo here at Amazon. It was just a few dollars more than the Walmart versions that surely would not have been as bright. Plus the styling of these lights look SOOOO much better.

The optional modes are nice. For night riding I prefer the front solid w/flashing sides. The pure flashing mode is like a strobe but is good for dusk type situations where there is adequate light for riding but lots of shadows, so you are not really using the headlight to see but to be seen.

The tail light is all about being seen. As others have said, it is SUPER BRIGHT. But thats a good thing. You can have constant on, or the more attention getting flashing or chase modes. I used chase mode (goes up and down so a light is always lit) as flashing gets lost for half a second so you cant tell change of direction immediately like you can with constant on.

I would highly recommend this light combo set for casual night riding and/or commuting with mostly city lights. If you do a lot of night riding in dark places, I would suggest a stronger headlight and get the Mars 3.0 tail light by itself (great tail light).
Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set     On: 2006-11-05

Works great, good battery life. Nice and compact.
I love mine!     On: 2006-10-26

I just got this light set and Im extremely pleased. They are sturdy and feel very durable. They are so easy to install on the bike, it took me about 5 minutes and Im by no means a bike expert. I especially love the rear light, which is so nice and compact and extremely bright.

I commute to work and run most of my errand by bike, so I feel 100% more safe in the evening and night biking with these on. These lights are much brighter than any of my friends that I have compared them to. I wish the front light didnt require 4 batteries, but hey, they last a long time and are easy to install.

Oh, also, I dropped the front light on the floor almost immediately after getting it and theres not a scratch on it!
This light set is great!     On: 2006-10-03

I love this light set, I have it for my moutain bike I do alot of night riding canyons and street this light set is for me. This lights works great the back light is super strong its impossible for a car not to see you @ night. Tell me... How brighter do the state of california want the back light on a bicycle to be? I mean Do they want you to blind people or be seen @ night. This Back light is super bright, Front light works great just adjuste to the right angle so you can see good..... verry inpressed.
I would recomend getting some good rechargable batteris, your light would be a little stronger and youll save money on batteris.
You dont need any tools for this. You only need a butter knife and small kitchen knife.... Hahaha lol j/k
small and big flat head screwdriver

I Rate this light set @ 10+
Just rode 35 miles with the light ...     On: 2006-10-01

... in daytime, mind you...

But the critique against the mounting system I found to be undeserved. I rode on bumpy roads, and neither the head- nor tail-light suffered from the jarring ride.

My guess is that either the mounting hardware has been improved, or the reported problems were caused by using the front mount on the back and vice-versa.

The lights appear to strobe strongly, and would probably have attracted attention if I hadnt been wearing my dayglow chartreuse Pearl jersey that can be observed from Mars. I did notice that passing cars gave me a wider bearth than usual; considering that I almost got hit by a car last week, I believe my investment in the Blackburn Quadrant set to be a good one.

The lights appear to be well constructed. Just remember to purchase a jewelers set of screwdrivers ... required to load the batteries. I got my set from WalMart for $0.88.
Very good light, but mounting system is weak.     On: 2006-09-21

Truly a quality light, constructed well, and bright enough for street riding. However, the mount for the Quadrant tends to shift easily even when hitting a small bump in the road (even with the mount fully tightened). I called Blackburn regarding this issue, but they dont have a fix for this, not even a small spacer. What good is a quality light without a sturdy mount? And what good is a lifetime warranty if they are unable to even provide a minimum level of support?
Very good light, but mounting system is weak.     On: 2006-09-20

Truly a quality light, constructed well, and bright enough for street riding. However, the mount for the Quadrant tends to shift easily even when hitting a small bump in the road (even with the mount fully tightened). I called Blackburn regarding this issue, but they dont have a fix for this, not even a small spacer. What good is a quality light without a sturdy mount? And what good is a lifetime warranty if they are unable to even provide a minimum level of support?
Great product for the price and really visible     On: 2006-07-17

At first I was hesitant to get a battery powered headlight and taillight, but after I installed it (with ease), I LOVED IT!! The LED headlight is very bright and the LED taillight is virtually impossible to miss (I think it is as prominent as some motorcycle taillights). The ability to flash each light and the taillight also having orange lights on the side makes it even more visible. Mounting the lights on my bike only took 15 minutes and only the taillight needed for me to use a screwdriver (to tighten and tweak the angle). The LEDs are really great and so far after using it for over 4 hours, I see no fade in the light power. The headlight has four LEDs with 3 modes (4 steady, 2 blink 2 steady, and 4 blinking (which looks like a strobe light)) and the rear also has 3 modes (steady, steady blinking, and random blinking). Be aware that you will need a jewelers screwdriver to open the rear taillight to install the batteries. Each of the lights detaches from the bike mounts and allow you to use them when camping or to clip on the taillight to your bookbag or clothing for visibility when walking along a highway or where cars are present, and the headlight can be used as a nice flashlight. The only thing I have to say is that you still need to look out for cab drivers in the Big Apple, since they cant stand that your lights are brighter than theirs and seem drawn to bikers while driving. Get this light, you wont regret it, I sure didnt. :-)

Privacy | Submit News | Corrections | Contact Total Bike

Copyright 1998-2008 Totalbike.com All Rights Reserved
Powered by hoZt.com