Rear Lights:
Niterider Sentinel 40
MSRP: $49.99
Blister’s Measured Weight
- Light: 72 grams
- Mount System: 41 grams
- Total: 113 grams
This is a fancy rear light. In addition to two flashing modes and two steady modes, this light includes “laser lanes”. The light projects a laser bike lane on both sides of the rider to encourage drivers to allow space for the rider. The light turns off by scrolling through each of the four settings and then turning off.
Pros: The mount works very well and is very adjustable in both planes. The Sentinel’s battery life was longest of the rear lights. The laser lanes are innovative.
Cons: The buttons for the light and the laser lanes are extremely close together. This allows the user to touch both buttons simultaneously with one finger to turn both light and lanes on or off together. If, however, you inadvertently hit one button and not the other it can be maddening trying to get both the light and the lasers to turn off. This problem was especially noticeable while wearing gloves. I did notice that if, while using the laser lanes, the light gets moved, it is very challenging to get the light realigned without stopping. The width of the “laser lanes” are also dependent on how high up on the seatpost you can mount the light. If mounted too low, the lanes are not much wider than the handlebars which might paradoxically lead to drivers leaving less space around you.
Overall: Innovative “laser lanes” with many settings. Buttons are not as user friendly. Long battery life but heavy.
NiteRider Sabre 35
MSRP: $29
Blister’s Measured Weight:
- Light: 30 grams
- Mount System: 24 grams
- Total: 54 grams
The Sabre is a light and compact rear light. It has three red settings including high, low and strobe. The light has one button that cycles through settings and it can be turned off from any of the three modes. It has a strap type mount that allows the light to be canted up or downward for optimal visibility. Interestingly, the mount for the Sabre is noticeably more secure than that of the Sentinel. It also has a belt clip so the light could be mounted to a backpack or other apparel.
Pros: Simple with a single button that has good tactile feedback. Longer battery life than other lights of similar weight.
Cons: Only red settings. It is a bit challenging to get the light to switch between flash and steady illumination settings.
Blackburn 2’FER
MSRP: $24
Blister’s Measured Weight:
- Light: 19 grams
- Mount System: 10 grams
- Total: 29 grams
This was the simplest light tested and while the 60 lumens of white light is probably too dim to be a front light for everyday commuting, this light was so nice to use as a rear light. It also works as an emergency backup if your front light goes out. The central button has great tactile feedback and can be held down for 3 seconds from any setting to turn the light off. It also can detach from the rubber strap. This reveals a clip that can be used to affix the 2’FER to a backpack or helmet.
Pros: This light stands out for ease of use, versatility front and back as well as light weight.
Cons: Short battery life. The placement or angle of the light cannot be adjusted on the mount.
Overall: Awesome light, simple and lightweight.
Bottom Line
In summary, when used for the right application, these are all solid offerings from both Blackburn and Niterider. I found that I personally valued simplicity in the front lights, and low weight in the rear lights. I would choose the Blackburn Central for my daily commuting due to the smart setting. I can turn on the light as I start my ride at sunset, and not have to change settings as it transitions to complete darkness on my ride home. I also found that the battery life gained from the smart setting was remarkable.
I am also planning to slap a 2’FER on each of my other bikes, because it is so small and lightweight, but also allows for an emergency front light if caught out unexpectedly after dark.