Named after a bright red planet visible from afar, the Mars 3.0 has seven superbright red LED's inside a sleek water resistant case. Lens optics increase visible distance and side LED's provide 180 degree safety-boosting visibility. 150 hour runtime flash mode. Batteries included. Water resistant.
Submitted by
Lola Ashwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: November 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Side lights
Weaknesses:
Dated LEDs
Similar Products Used:
Planet Bike Super Flash
Bike Setup:
Transportation
Bottom Line:
Sitting, in my car, at a red light at night and saw the side light flashing long before I could make out the bike. Picked one up the next day. Better LEDs would bring this dated light back into play. Drivers look through you not at you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vimish
a Weekend Warrior
from Florid Date Reviewed: September 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Bright
Weaknesses:
Not water resistant. Condensation enters unit. Screws rust, making screw removal difficult. I have had three of these, condensation killed all of them.
Similar Products Used:
Several models from Cateye, Sigma... all have the same long term condensation problem
Bottom Line:
Good for about 3 - 6 months, depending if you get rained on.
Any unit with metal screws or corners will ultimately leak or the screw heads will rust so battery replacement is not possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
magnum man
a Weekend Warrior
from Pinckneyville, IL, USA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
1) Bright.
2) Mounting is very solid.
3) Construction of Light is very solid.
4) Can be viewed from behind, sides, top and bottom.
Weaknesses:
1) Getting case apart to install battery was trying. But this is minor.
2) A little higher than others, but well worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Planet bike 3 LED.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Voyaguer and Schwinn Solution.
Bottom Line:
I placed this light side by side to my old Planet Bike 3 LED light. The Blackburn Mars 3.0 was a little brighter, but the 2nd flash pattern was definately an eye catcher.
Its not that the Blackburn Mars 3.0 is that much greater of a light, it is just better in a few minor ways. Such as the extra blinking pattern, the more solid mounting and casing of the light and the way it can be viewed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bituman
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: August 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Trail 100 @ Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
Cheap, bright, highly visible
Weaknesses:
Need a small phillips screwdriver to change batteries, no big deal for most.
Similar Products Used:
Same type of light from Planet Bike.
Bike Setup:
Eriksen 96er, XTR and XT stuff, Bontrager tubeless ready, all that stuff.
Bottom Line:
Very good deal. One of the cheaper versions of this type of light while at the same time one of the most visible. I am not using the provided mount, I clip the light to the back of the seat bag on my MTB. Thus used, it's quick and easy to mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from USA / Europe Date Reviewed: February 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Dead on Arrival. Never turned on.
Similar Products Used:
VistaLite
Bike Setup:
Scott CR1 Pro
Bottom Line:
Brand new out of the box this did not work. Certainly followed install instructions and I'm pretty capable (10 years of racing, Cat 1 Road, Expert Mountain, Computer Guru) and this thing does nothing.
Purchased mainly due to the favorable reviews here and the fact that I don't want to be killed by the inhumane drivers here.
Looks like I'm screwed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Footay
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Very bright - not seizure-inducing, but close. Compact. Clip allows for quick removal of light unit while mounting bracket remains on bike.
Weaknesses:
Two of seven LEDs are low-output bulbs mounted on the side of the unit. The concept of side-lighting is OK, but the brightness of these LEDs renders them ineffective. Also, there appears to be a quality-control issue, as one of these side LEDs didn't work on two units I bought. Screws for battery replacement may be an issue if one is ham-fisted and applies too much torque and strips out the threads. Removing the mounting bracket takes a minute or two, not the typical 10 seconds. Mfg's website should contain photos that clearly show the mounting bracket.
Similar Products Used:
Vista blinkies
Bike Setup:
Mounted on seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Buy this light, you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S M
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, New York Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Amazon
Strengths:
Bright, variety of settings
Weaknesses:
Mount
Bottom Line:
Excellent cheap LED rear light... removing batteries is a bit of a pain as it's 3 long screws... but it's built to remain weatherproof. Flash setting keeps battery longevity, the unit is light enough to use on a frame, messenger bag, or helmet if need be. The clip it's attached to unfortunately doesn't have a good mount (I have mine on a Bell Stowaway bag, with packaging tape and a twist tie) so it can snap off easily. If you can secure it, it's a great light... but it does seem prone to falling off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Nash
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT, USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
MOAB
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Contender Bicycles
Strengths:
compact, bright
Weaknesses:
clip on light flimsy
Similar Products Used:
cateye, vistalight, planet bike
Bike Setup:
Trek 1500SLR Roadbike
Bottom Line:
I had it for more than a year and used it almost daily for commuting. I didn't have to replace the batteries very often and it was brighter than previous lights. I rode in rain and slush and it still worked. I liked the mounting bracket, unfortunately, that's all I have left. It was my favorite light until I went over a bump and the clip broke.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hamid
a
from tavares, fl, usa Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
can be attached to soft cap strap water resistant
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
cateye
Bottom Line:
purchased this as part of a combo unit with the Quadrant for $20.
the quadrant has a design flaw that is the mounting mechanism has a point of weakness. it will break under shock.
as far as the mars 3 goes, it's absolutely fabulous.
switched from cateye because numerous problems with faulty switches.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Bel Air, MD Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fairhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Small, well designed, easy to remove if needed, runs forever, lots of blinky lights on all sides
Weaknesses:
kind of a pain to change batteries, one of the side LED's and one on the front didn't work (still plenty left on there to keep blinking away)
Bottom Line:
not sure if it really lasted the advertised hours or not, but i ran them all winter and only had to change the batteries once, so that was good enough for me. cheap, bright, weatherproof... rain, snow, slush, salt, it got it all, and still runs like a champ. what else do you need in a taillight?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Higgins
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Huachuca AZ Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
size and brightness.... the blinking patterns WILL get you seen thats for sure
Weaknesses:
DONT leave it outside on your bike (especially if you live in AZ) It will LOOK ok, but UV/heat will destroy it internally....
Bottom Line:
overall a good product, but not elementally sturdy enough for me... I dont want to have to put it on and take it off or carry it around with me... I want to be able to attach and forget it till I need it. If you buy one, dont park your bike in the sun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Spanish Fork, UT Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Timpanogos Cyclery
Strengths:
Bright, compact size, waterproof
Weaknesses:
With it could be horizontal, battery replacement isn't super easy, but it wouldn't resist water if it were.
This light is a very good light for the money. I was going to put emergency vehicle grade LEDs on my bike, but decided not too after getting discouraged coming up with a suitable power supply.
The MARS 3.0 was the next best thing in my opinion. For 17.00, it puts out a good amount of light. The optics are such that they take the now dated 5.0MM leds, and spread their light very well. The battery life appears good, though they have not run out on me yet. I wish it had a couple of extra flash patterns but that's alright. Being able to mount horizontally would be good too.
The side lights are nice, and though some may say they are gimicky, it's a good feature to have for those of us who immediately scrapped our wheel reflectors.
For the money, it's a great value. I would recommend it to anyone needing a good rear blinkitty blinky blink.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fungus Amungus
a
from Nether, Regionsof, Earth Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the Dirty ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Small, bright,side blinkie,rubberized sides,integrated 'belt clip', the 3 display modes(nothing unnecessary), screws to hold the halves together, great positive battery containment inside , the seal between the halves & an excellent seat post mount design.
Weaknesses:
None that i have found so far
Similar Products Used:
various Cateyes, Planet bike & other blinkies
Bike Setup:
Yes, it is setup.
Bottom Line:
It's quite a nice little light, i am about to get another one to replace the Cateye 600 blinkie that i attach to myself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mo-unit
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
very bright LEDs. unique design, a change from the normal looking taillights. 2 types of flash pattern. long battery life. good quality.
Weaknesses:
small screws, might be excessively bright for some.
Bottom Line:
blackburn did a good job on this taillight. the unit feels solid and sturdy. the LEDs are extremely bright and can be seen very easily. the small screws on the back are a bit weak and can be easily stripped if not careful. but it really isnt an issue since battery life is great, requiring seldom battery changes. flashing pattern can be a bit blinding and annoying.
great deal, great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dwight Kellams
a Weekend Warrior
from Fishers, IN USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Indy Cycle Specialist
Strengths:
Compact, bright, and multiple flashing modes. Side lights for more visibility. Seat post mount and clip are both included. I mount it to the loop on my Fizik I.C.S seat bag. Secure screws mean it will stay water proof and not come apart.
Weaknesses:
Button is a little difficult to find when I reach around to turn it on while riding. May take some practice.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Mars 2.0 (like very well also), Cateye
Bike Setup:
Serotta Fierte
Bottom Line:
Great value. I would not consider any other tail light unless I were going to spring for a Dinotte, which I do not need since I ride in groups.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Helen's Cycles
Strengths:
Bright, durable, yellow side-blinkers, sexy design, long life
Weaknesses:
A slight pain to change batteries (requires jeweler's philips screwdriver)
This is all you need in a rear blinker--compact enough to stow away when you lock your bike up, easy enough to remove for the same purpose, VERY durable--I left this on the floor, where my dogs found it, had their way with it, and left it in the yard. I didn't find it until a couple days later, after some harsh weather, and a few tooth marks in the surface notwithstanding, it works like new. At one point, the seatpost mount cracked and broke (too tight?), and the folks over at Blackburn replaced it without a fuss. When batteries run out, light dims considerably, so you know without a doubt when they've got to be changed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pyrophly
a
from florida Date Reviewed: February 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
good price, bright
Weaknesses:
replacing batteries is a pain. A very small screw driver is needed to remove two very small screws. A very dumb idea!
Similar Products Used:
cateye tld-1000
Bottom Line:
best product used for the money (would recommend if you can deal with the batt. replacement issue)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Brea, Ca Date Reviewed: January 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Extremely bright. Three different flashing modes. Uses inexpensive AAA batteries. Inlcudes bike mount and clip, so can put it on your belt or just about anywhere, I use it for running at night too!
Weaknesses:
Battery cover is a pain cause you have to get an eyeglass screw driver to open it.
Similar Products Used:
Cat eye taillight. Don't remember which model. Several years old, doesn't compare. The cateye light fell off my camel pak quite a bit and ended up breaking it that way.
Bike Setup:
I primarily use it on my road bike. I just clip it on my bike bag. I have the included clip on my mtb bike.
Bottom Line:
Best light out there. Very reasonable price. Great for anyone, even if you are trying to save weight. It is very small. Approx. less than 3 in x 1 in. I wish it mounted horizontally to better utilize one of the flash modes. Not a big drawback. I still would have gotten it. Go get one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
BRIGHTNESS
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
VistaLite, Princeton Tec
Bike Setup:
Woodrup touring, Felt racing
Bottom Line:
This unit is SUPER bright. The complaints about the 3 screws are understandable, but misguided. The reason for the screws is the waterproof capability. (Notice the rubber seal all around the outside of the case.) I'd rather deal with the screws before a long ride than have a leak and a failure in the middle of an all night brevet! My (older 4 LED) Princeton Tec is easy to access, but NOT weather proof. My VistaLite Total Eclipse is similar (with only 2 screws and a weather seal) but NOWHERE near as bright. I think the Mars 3.0 is the best mix of brightness and battery hassle that I've found. I'm switching to 100% Mars 3.0 on all 3 of my bikes, thank you very much!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Elness
a Weekend Warrior
from Manteca, CA USA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
World of Wheels
Strengths:
Extremely bright LEDs, multiple lighting modes, long run time on 2 AAAs, reasonably water/mud resistant. Includes a nice adjustable seatpost bracket or just clip it anywhere.
Weaknesses:
The SCREWS!!! Pain in the ass!! Get rid of em, Blackburn!!! (yefekkers!)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush
Bottom Line:
Great light....nice and BRIGHT. Make the battery changes tool-less and it would be perfect. 5 chilis when you lose the screws, Blackburn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swampy
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Evans
Strengths:
Five birght LEDs, plus a handy clip feature that lets you clip it to clothing or in my case the back of my cycle helmet.
Weaknesses:
Stoopid screws to get battery out Why? First light of many I've bought that makes you do this.
The two side orange LEDs seem a bit redundant, and suck up the power.
Similar Products Used:
The long cateye 5 LED one, which I still use as well.
Bike Setup:
Crappy 2nd hand commuter.
Bottom Line:
Very nice, especially for the clip, means I can wear it on my helmet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from davis,ca,usa Date Reviewed: November 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
CCRT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
With fresh batteries, very bright! Has chase flash mode to extend battery life when that is more important than brightness.
Weaknesses:
Switch allows unintended turn-on. Goes into a "stutter" mode often. Amber sides seem gimmicky. Not one, not two, but three screws to replace batteries--can be a big pain.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalight 7 LED
Bike Setup:
USS SWB 'bent
Bottom Line:
My true blue (red?) Vistalight finally started to act up (e.g. some LEDs went dead, case cracked..) and what a pisser to find they are no longer made. The closest I could find in small size and brightness was the Mars 3.0, although it is not as small as my beloved Vistalight. I did not have it very long before it started going into a stutter mode. Don't know what causes this but removing the batteries gets it back to normal until it acts up again. Four weeks after I contacted them the manufacturer replied and said they'll replace it but this has yet to happen so the jury is still out on this. Oh, and can any manufacturer make any light with a switch that absolutely prevents accidental turn-ons?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Nelo's Pro Cycles
Strengths:
Reasonably bright, multiple blink modes, good visibility from side. Intuitive user interface.
Weaknesses:
Battery requires screwdriver to replace, mounting clip broke after 1000 miles.
Similar Products Used:
Planet Bike Eye Waterer
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Roadie
Bottom Line:
It's a great rear blinkie to help avoid being flattened by a speeding burrito truck. A stretch goal for the company is to try brighter LEDs and a stronger clip in the next version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
BRIGHT, BRIGHT, BRIGHT. I was using a Cateye and liked it, but this one is 10 times brighter with fresh batteries in both. I also like the fact that it has side lights to give you more visability. Being able to attach to my Camelbak is also a bonus, so I bought a second to wear in a higher position so hopefully bad drivers will definitely see me an not hit me. I also like the multiple light settings selections. I have installed on all my families bikes.
Weaknesses:
Battery changes requiring a screw driver. The Blackburn headlight I have requires no tools to change the batteries, hello Blackburn engineers......anyone home?
Similar Products Used:
Cateye
Bike Setup:
Trek 7300 Hybrid Trek 3900 Trek Navigator 300
Bottom Line:
Even with the battery changing issues, would recommend to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Zimmerman
a Cross Country Rider
from Trona, CA,, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
amazon.com
Strengths:
BRIGHT cheap long battery life mounting bracket + clip
Weaknesses:
battery door
Similar Products Used:
verious Specialized and Cateye ones
Bike Setup:
Hardrock Sport Specialized Air Force pump 2 Water cages Blackburn Mars 3.0 tail-light Cateye HL120 headlight
Bottom Line:
This light is awesome. It's WAY brighter then my headlight, and has any flashing compination you might want (including solid, if you're using it as a headlight like I often do). The belt clip makes it easy to use as a handless flashlight if you decide to get off your bike and hike for some weird reason. My only complaint is how your replace the batteries. The very first time I went to put them in, one of the screws stripped out. It fits tightly enough that it's not a problem, but it was kind of annoying
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Very Bright and sturdy. Slides out for easy removal and yet it feels secure when you ride over bumps. Two amber leds, one on each side, so you can be seen on the sides. On/Off button on top of light so you can just reach below you easily. Button feels sturdy and doesn't feel cheap.
Weaknesses:
Like someone said, when I first bought this, I was so hyped up to put the batteries in (comes w/ 2 AAA batts)and as I looked at the back, the dang thing needs a mini philips screwdriver to open it! I had to go to Home Depot to get one.
Similar Products Used:
Cheapo one that looks like it had 5 leds w/ yellow trim. The one's you find for under $5.
Bike Setup:
Ibex Ignition 2
Bottom Line:
I had a friend stand on the sidewalk as I rode away and he said I was visible from 5 blocks away. I had the cheapo one mounted above the Blackburn and he said that it wasn't even worth comparing. I'll probably keep the cheapo one on my helmet. Doesn't hurt to be too visible. The Blackburn 3.0 Mars will keep you visible and will definitely annoy the driver that ends up getting stuck behind you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Heilbrun
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, Oklahoma Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Commuting
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Dunno
Strengths:
Good light pattern Solid button Good mount Bright
Weaknesses:
Battery replacement requires removal of 3 philips head screws
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Recumbent for commuting to work
Bottom Line:
I've used many lights over the years and always seem to come back to 2 brands - Blackburn and Topeak (you can include pumps in that list).
I really like this light because it's bright with 180 degree coverage. The button clicks are solid (I've used many lights, especially the cheaper ones, that had crappy buttons and struggled to turn them on/off). The mount is good and has proven stable (you'd be surprised how many mfrs offer lights that can't even support their own weight over bumpy terrain and end up facing down - lotta good that does).
My only dislike was the battery change. First, I think they should use metric allen wrench screws instead of philips head. Second, well, the screws are a pain (as opposed to the pop open design), but if they provide a more secure fit and keep the water out, then I'm all for them.
Definitely recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Viktor
a Downhiller
from Nor Cal Date Reviewed: February 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mailboxes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Great visability and the intergrated belt clip is great for off bike use. It is really bright. Three light settings: on, flashing, and somewhat of a scrolling up and down. Has yellow side markers too.
Weaknesses:
The bracket has a plastic retaining bolt which might strip out only if you remove the bracket frequently like I did. It still works fine and if it should fail a simple hose clamp would solve the problem
Similar Products Used:
standard flasher
Bike Setup:
Kona scrap with RockShox psylo. nice urban/dirt jump.
Bottom Line:
Great little package would recommend for anybody. It is brighter then you would think it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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