Planet Bike Beamer 400, Beamer 700, and Blinky Squared Tail Light Review
If you are from the Midwest, you probably heard of a small company based in Madison, Wisconsin – Planet Bike. They’ve been making quality, affordable bike products for 20 years and, as part of 1% for the Planet, have given back by donating over $2 million to the grassroots bicycle movement.
As part of the company’s sustainability pledge, in 2008, they installed a 10-kilowatt solar power system atop their headquarters. Since then, they’ve generated 12,000 kWh per year, which in turn reduced their annual carbon footprint by 135 tons of carbon dioxide. Planet Bike’s all-cardboard packaging is not only eco-friendly but also recyclable.
Beamer 400 and 700 Lumen Bike Lights
https://www.planetbike.com/products/beamer-700-bike-headlight
Price: $35 (400 lumen); $50 (700 lumen)
Fits Handlebar Diameters: 22.0 to 31.8mm
Weight: 107 g
Lumen: 400 and 700 lumen models
Light modes: 5 (high, medium, and low steady, Courtesy, and Superflash Day mode)
Run-Time for 400 lumen model: 3.5 hours (high – 400 lumens), 6 hours (medium – 225 lumens), 10 hours (low – 150 lumens), 10 hours (Courtesy 150-360 lumens), and up to 15 hours (Superflash Day – 400 lumens
Run-Time for 700 lumen model: 2.5 hrs (high – 700 lm), 4.5 hrs (medium – 350 lm), 8.5 hrs (low – 200 lm), 4 hrs (Courtesy™ 150-500 lm), and up to 15 hrs (Superflash Day – 700 lm
Rechargeable: Yes, via USB-C cable
Charge time: 3.5 hours
Water Resistance Rating: IPX6 standard
Mounting Options: Included in the box A3 cam bracket and Garmin, K-Edge, or GoPro compatible handlebar and helmet mounts
Availability: Online or retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Award Winning Headlight
Planet Bike offers 200, 400, and 700 lumen headlights; however, for this review, I’ll only be covering the 400 and 700 lumen models. The Beamer is a bright headlight that offers five modes and a good amount of run time. Plus, the price is right, and the New York Times Wirecutter picked the Beamer 700 headlight as their top pick.
The Beamer attaches to the handlebars without the need for tools and uses an A3 cam bracket mount. For commuters, when it’s time to lock up your bike, the headlight is easily removed and stored safely with you. The bracket securely connects it to handlebars with diameters ranging from 22.0 to 31.8 mm. Included in the box are Garmin and GoPro mounts, allowing for attachment options.
The light utilizes Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lensing technology, which projects light without the use of mirrors. As a result, it provides a precise, wide-angle beam without intensity loss. With five modes to choose from, you can select the best light output for your riding environment. For nighttime riding, choose from high, medium, or low steady-state mode, depending on the level of illumination you need for the road or trail. When there’s plenty of ambient light at night, in Courtesy mode, the light fades up and down, but never goes off. Finally, the daytime Superflash strobe ensures drivers notice you from more than half a mile away in peak daylight.
For added visibility, the Beamer features side cutouts for 240-degree visibility, enabling drivers to see you from the sides.
Run-Time Stats
The Beamer will fully charge in 3.5 hours using the supplied USB-C cord. The actual run-time varies by mode, but you’ll find a setting that works for commuting, group rides, or trail rides.
According to the company, run-time for the 400 lumen Beamer is 3.5 hours (high – 400 lumens), 6 hours (medium – 225 lumens), 10 hours (low – 150 lumens), 10 hours (Courtesy 150-360 lumens), and up to 15 hours (Superflash Day – 400 lumens. For the 700 lumen model, run-times are 2.5 hrs (high – 700 lm), 4.5 hrs (medium – 350 lm), 8.5 hrs (low – 200 lm), 4 hrs (Courtesy 150-500 lm), and up to 15 hrs (Superflash Day – 700 lm
What’s in the Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find the light, A3 cam bracket mount, and a USB-C charging cable. In addition, there are Garmin and GoPro mounts compatible with a handlebar or a helmet mount.
Bottom Line
The Planet Bike Beamer 400 and 700 are high-quality headlights that offer value and a range of features. At only $35 for the 400 lumen and $50 for the 700 lumen, it can be seen on the road or trail, day or night.
Blinky Squared Tail Light
https://www.planetbike.com/products/blinky-squared-bike-tail-light
Price: $20
Weight: 19 g
Size: 1.25 x 1.25”
Lumen: 30
Light modes: 4 (high and low steady, Courtesy, and Superflash Day mode)
Run-Time: 2 hours (High – 30 lumens), 4 hours (Low – 15 lumens), 4 hours (Courtesy 9-27 lumens), and 15 hours (Superflash Day – 30 lumens)
Visibility: 180 degrees
Mounting: Mounts to any round tube via the provided stretch strap
Rechargeable: Yes, via USB-C cable
Charge time: 3.5 hours
Water Resistance Rating: IPX6 standard
Sleek, Compact, and Affordable Tail Light
Forty percent of all fatal accidents happen when a vehicle hits a cyclist from behind. Being visible to drivers during the day or night helps reduce that risk. For $20, the Blinky Squared cutting-edge chip-on-board technology, this bicycle tail light utilizes a 15-LED circular array that emits 30 lumens of light in all directions, providing 180 degrees of visibility.
The compact 1.25” square light is small yet powerful, keeping you visible in all lighting conditions. It features four lighting modes, including a high or low steady setting, and two flashing settings ― Courtesy and Superflash Day. The Blinky’s memory function allows you to start a ride in the same mode as set on the previous ride.
Using a USB-C, the light recharges in 3.5 hours and, depending on the mode, lasts up to 15 hours. In high mode (30 lumens), it lasts for two hours. In low mode (15 lumens) and Courtesy mode (9-27 lumens), it lasts for four hours. In Superflash Day mode (30 lumens), it lasts for 15 hours.
Mounting Options
The unique design of the Blinky Squared allows for easy mounting on a variety of bikes without the need for tools. Using a rubberized stretch strap, the rear light attaches to any round tube, such as a seat post, seat stays, or rack stanchions. The angled backing and side lighting allow you to position the light for maximum visibility.
Unfortunately, you must remove the stretch strap along with the light to charge it. Over time, the strap is likely to break and require replacement. Additionally, I found the strap to be challenging to stretch around the seat post. The power button is located in the center of the light and can be easily activated when holding the light in place while mounting it to the seat post.
With an IP66 rating, the Blinky Squared is water-resistant and will withstand messy commutes or rides.
What’s in the Box?
The box includes the Blinky Squared rear light, rubber stretch strap, and a USB-C charging cable.
Bottom Line
With distracted drivers nowadays the norm, finding ways to stay safe on the road is a necessity. The Blinky Square tail light makes it easy to be ready to ride. It charges in 3.5 hours using a USB-C cord and has a battery life of up to 15 hours. At only $20, use it alone or as a second tail light, like I do, with a rear radar.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.