Blackburn DayBlazer 65 Rear

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