If you want a small, well-made, easy-fitting rear light for your bike or bag that's bright and good value, look no further than the Blackburn DayBlazer 65.
- Pros: Small yet bright, easy-fitting, good value
- Cons: At £27.99, not much
The DayBlazer 65 is a strip-style rear light with a moulded bracket similar to the ones you get with the Infini Sword Super Bright and Cygolite Hotrod 50 USB lights, yet it doesn't have an array setup of small LEDs but relies upon two bigger LEDs positioned either side of the central button that switches it on, off and cycles through the three settings.
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It's a simple design, certainly, but the thing about simplicity is that it more often than not works – and at a low(ish) price point too. The two LEDs pump out an impressive 65 lumens when in the disruptive 'high flash' mode, and 50 and 30 respectively in 'steady' and 'low strobe' settings.
It won't remember the setting that you left it on when you last switched it off, there's no 'memory mode', but that's hardly a problem when there are only three to choose from.
The unit itself weighs only 36g, which is pretty good considering that it includes a clip for fastening the light to things like backpacks. The rubberised mount fits neatly over the top of this (adding a few grams to the weight), with single straps that allow it to be fitted securely to aero and standard seatposts alike, as well as seatstays.
Blackburn has been clever in the focusing of the beam so that when it's fitted to a slanted seatstay – pointing upwards somewhat – the LEDs still shine directly backwards. This is thanks to some guiding vanes built into the lens that redirect the light downwards to make a beam that shines directly backwards, while the plastic body emits flooded light for side visibility too.
However you choose to fit it – as a single rear light or as a secondary light to supplement a more powerful unit – it fits firmly and without fuss. While this light has a big brother in the 125 lumen version (a review of which is on its way), this 65-lumen version is honestly more than enough to ensure you stay visible on its own.
Burn times are rated at 1:30-6:00hrs depending on the mode, and I found those to be accurate to within around 5-10 minutes depending on how you use it (either small bouts of repetitive use on a 15-minute commute or constantly on for a three-hour ride). The single button doubles as an indicator of battery life when the unit has just been switched off, and the light naturally powers down a little when you get close to the end of its life.
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Admittedly, that life isn't that great on paper, especially if you want to use it on a long weekend winter ride, but it does recharge in just over two hours from flat – the LiPo battery might be small (and therefore light), but with quick recharge times aimed primarily at the commuter market, it can be forgiven.
For a purely plastic-shelled light, build quality looks very good and it's more than capable of standing up to heavy rainfall (also tested in the shower) and a knock or two. Blackburn is so confident that it provides a limited lifetime warranty to guard against manufacturing faults, which is reassuring. The USB cap and power button are both well moulded too.
All-in, the DayBlazer 65 rear light is a nifty little unit that, albeit a little underpowered in its battery life for rides lasting over three hours, is bright, simple and effective. At £27.99, it's well worth a look.
Verdict
As a usable and bright small-form-factor rear light, it's great value and well worth your attention
Make and model: Blackburn DayBlazer 65 Rear
Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Blackburn (US) says: "With 2 LEDs pumping out 65 lumens of power, 270 degrees of visibility and our unique BLITZ daytime running mode the DAYBLAZER 65 is focused on safety, so you can focus on your ride. Also, because of the narrow profile of our unique mounting bracket, the DAYBLAZER 65 tail light can be mounted to just about anything you can think of from round or aero seat posts, to seat stays, to a rear rack, or your back pack."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?
Blackburn lists these features:
- LED battery life indicator
- Meets ANSI FL-1 Standard
- Excellent Side Visibility
- Flexible fitment
- Up to 65 lumens output
- 2-hour recharging
Rate the light for quality of construction:
8/10
It might be made of lightweight plastics, but the quality is still very good – reassuring alongside the limited lifetime warranty.
Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
10/10
Couldn't be simpler, to be honest.
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
9/10
It's very simple, with the rubberised bracket fitting neatly over the top of the backpack clasp. All hold securely and firmly.
Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
9/10
We've had precious little rain recently, but a home shower test didn't trouble it, even with the rubber mount removed and the USB cap exposed.
Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
6/10
Battery life is relatively short, but this is a very lightweight unit and it charges quickly so well suited to commuters, if not long-ride specialists.
Rate the light for performance:
7/10
It does what it says on the tin, and it does it well. It's bright enough for all but the murkiest (e.g. foggy or super-wet) conditions.
Rate the light for durability:
8/10
Despite the plastic shell, it seems sturdy and reliable.
Rate the light for weight:
9/10
36g is practically unnoticeable.
Rate the light for value:
7/10
Its £27.99 rrp represents good value here; it's cheaper than the similar Infini Sword Super Bright and Cygolite Hotrod 50 USB.
Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's brilliantly suited to everything but long rides in all settings.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the light
Small yet bright, easy-fitting, good value.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light
Nothing.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Both the Infini Sword Super Bright and Cygolite Hotrod 50 USB lights are competitors, but neither can match the simplicity, effectiveness or lumen count of the DayBlazer 65. Both are more expensive too at £34.99 and £39.99 respectively.
Did you enjoy using the light? Yes
Would you consider buying the light? Yes
Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes, especially if needed as a shortish commuter or secondary light.
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's small, it's light, it's really usable and plenty bright enough.
Age: 29 Height: 188cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016) My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
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