Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light

by Blackburn

Product Features

• Seven super-bright red LEDs inside a water-resistant case
• Lens optics increase visible distance
• Side LED's provide 180-degree safety-boosting visibility
• 50-150 hours of runtime in steady or flash mode
• Runs on two AAA batteries, included in package

Product Description

Product Description

An essential measure for any safety-conscious biker, the Blackburn Mars 3.0 Rear Bicycle Light will help make sure you are seen by traffic in plenty of time. The Mars 3.0 is constructed in a tough, water-resistant case and utilizes seven super-bright red LEDs. This rear bicycle light features lens optics that increase its visible distance, and side LEDs that provide 180-degree safety-boosting visibility. Blackburn's Mars 3.0 runs on two AAA batteries (included) for up to 50 hours in steady mode, or 150 hours in flash mode.

About Blackburn
In 1975, Jim Blackburn set out to design stronger, lighter, more innovative and more reliable cycling products. The first were bags and racks designed for touring. From there, Blackburn grew. Over the next 30 years, Blackburn's spark of innovation would lead to many revolutionary products, like the first high quality aircraft aluminum rack, the first dual stroke minipump, the first oversized mountain minipump and the first dual stage/dual stroke floorpump just to name a few. For 2005, Blackburn's creative spark is burning brighter than ever. And as we head into our 30th year, Blackburn is re-dedicated to designing smart, reliable, no nonsense accessories that are essential to your riding experience.

Product Description

Named after a bright red planet visible from afar, the Mars 3.0 has seven super-bright red LED's inside a sleek water resistant case. Lens optics increase visible distance and side LED's provide 180 degree safety-boosting visibility.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BNZ0M4
• Item model number: 112280
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,544 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #53 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Lights & Reflectors > Taillights

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars bad design and poorly-selected materials, August 31, 2007

By 

adjective (place) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light (Sports)

First impressions often lead to purchases which the passage of time reveals as mistaken. Such was the case with this light. True, it is very bright and well constructed to resist the elements. Then, the defects emerge.

Firstly, the batteries must rather laboriously be changed by removing three tiny screws, which although ensuring a tight seal in wet weather, are also prone to becoming lost or simply cross-threaded with repeated use. Use this light on a daily basis and it will deplete the batteries fairly quickly, whereupon one must fetch the small screwdriver and take out the little screws, taking care that they don't roll off the counter and disappear forever.

The second design defect of note is the brittle plastic attachment clip. Mine finally snapped under the stress of routine use, owing to the manufacturer's befuddling choice of an inferior yogurt container-type of plastic.

If you ride a lot and want dependable gear, I suggest Planet Bike's stuff, which exhibits a comparable level of operating performance but much better design.

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only way I won't get noticed is if I forget to turn it on., September 11, 2006

By 

L. T. Beasimer "www.LBphoto.net" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light (Sports)

I recently bought a bike with intentions of riding home from work in the evenings. Since winter is approaching, I wanted a rear light to ensure I will be seen when the light gets dim. HOLY MOLEY! The only way I won't get noticed is if I forget to turn it on.

Don't turn this light on while looking directly at it. The Mars 3.0 comprises of seven super bright LED lights. The front is lit by five red lights with three at the top, one in the center and one at the bottom. Each side has an orange light each for side visibility.

If the brightly lit Mars 3.0 in steady mode doesn't get enough attention, you can choose between flash and chase modes. The batteries will last about 50 hours in steady mode or 150 hours in the other modes.

The Mars 3.0 requires 2 AAA batteries. Installing the batteries requires a small screw driver and some patience. Once the three tiny screws are removed, pulling the back off can be challenging. It may be a bit difficult to complete the task, but the light is water resistant as a result.

The light includes a seat post mount, but it is not required. The back of the light has a clip that could be used for attaching it to a belt, or backpack. Even though I have other options, I prefer to keep it mounted on my bike.

PROS:

Water resistant design

Super bright

Attention getting

Long battery life

CONS:

Changing batteries is difficult

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Flashy & Bright, February 7, 2006

By 

Aloysious "ttfn...Alan" (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackburn Mars 3.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light (Sports)

I started biking to work this past fall, and boy is it dark! I needed a rear-flasher. I had seen another review on the little Mars 3.0, saying that the battery life was very-very long. Good enough for me. Then I saw it in person - WOW! this little guy is bright! That sold me on it.

It comes in 3 modes: Steady, Flashing & Disco (those are my words for it). You can lay a light pattern on the wall across the room with this thing. It's that bright.

It also has a clip with it. So, I clip it to my backpack.

So, why did I give it a 4 out of 5 stars? Putting the batteries in, is a pain. And boy am I glad they'll last a good long while, because I don't want to be replacing these things, but maybe once a year.