Bontranger Flare R issues, anyone else

[sucramuk]

Hi all

 

Has anyone else had issues with the flare R rear light.

 

My second one has just packed up this morning, (second one in 3 months)

 

I 100% made sure that the waterproof plug was in place (as always), it stopped working after 2 hours and now refuses to turn on.

Just like the other one, they  both packed up in wet conditions (not raining) ride, like this morning.

 

Yes the LBS swapped the first one without any problems but I can't keep taking a light back, coupled with the safety issue of being stuck 2 hours from home without a rear light.

 

These flares are not particularly cheap either, my previous cheapy from Sportsman's never let me down.

 

Rant over I guess, and maybe a suggestion for another rear light.

 

I chose the Flare due to the impressive DRL brightness.

[Andreas_187]

It is indeed an impressive light. I haven't used it in the rain but the waterproof plug doesn't stay closed

[Neill Du Toit]

Mine is still working after a few months of use but haven't seen much water yet. Take it back and tell them next time you want your money back. R800+ is a lot of money for a rear light. Recently bought a specialized stix front light. Compact and powerful. Would try the stix rear light if my Flare dies.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Take it back, request a new one and then when you've got the replacement unit, do a bit of your own waterproofing using a piece of duck tape / gorilla tape. Yes, it'll look funny but if the light is as good as the reports say it is, it's worth doing. If it's over the charging port then it shouldn't be too much of an issue - only need to replace once you're charging it. 

[ChUkKy]

Take it back, request a new one and then when you've got the replacement unit, do a bit of your own waterproofing using a piece of duck tape / gorilla tape. Yes, it'll look funny but if the light is as good as the reports say it is, it's worth doing. If it's over the charging port then it shouldn't be too much of an issue - only need to replace once you're charging it.

No.

If you buy it brand new it doesn't need any duct tape or "boer maak n plan" rubbish.

 

If you bought it 2nd hand for R50 then I'd say you have a point.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

No.

If you buy it brand new it doesn't need any duct tape or "boer maak n plan" rubbish.

 

If you bought it 2nd hand for R50 then I'd say you have a point.

yeah, I agree. But if it has an intrinsic flaw in the waterproof cap coming loose, and there's an easy way to fix it, I'd do that. Personally... I wouldn't be happy with it, and it'd be a hack for sure, but if it's otherwise an excellent light I'd be happy to swallow it. Well, maybe not happy... more... prepared to. 

 

IOW - if I like something... as in REALLY like it, and it carries on failing in the same way but it's something I can rectify, I'll rectify it. The design of the cap probably won't change any time soon. This way, it may work. 

[sucramuk]

Thanks for all the input.

 

Went to LBS today just as I got there the light started working again! Must have dried out when in the toasty bakkie.

Anyway they swapped again without any questions or hesitation and fingers crossed this one lasts, otherwise I will have to change the light. 

A few they said had been returned with the same issues.

 

I'm not really sure if I would  want to duct tape up a brand new light TBH.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks for all the input.

 

Went to LBS today just as I got there the light started working again! Must have dried out when in the toasty bakkie.

Anyway they swapped again without any questions or hesitation and fingers crossed this one lasts, otherwise I will have to change the light.

A few they said had been returned with the same issues.

 

I'm not really sure if I would want to duct tape up a brand new light TBH.

Well.... If you want to prevent it from happening again....

 

Look, I get it. But it sounds like the port is the weak point in the system. Duct tape or gorilla tape will sort that out.

[Eddy Gordo]

Yeah, I have one of those that look like the cat eye light. It has a plastic button, which I am gonna put some gorilla tape over for sure.

[fusion01]

Beast of a rear light, so bright it illuminates the air around it with a glow, never skipped a beat in a year and R750 through CRC.

 

http://www.exposurelights.com/cycle-lights/rear-lights/exposure-tracer

[RossW]

No.

If you buy it brand new it doesn't need any duct tape or "boer maak n plan" rubbish.

 

If you bought it 2nd hand for R50 then I'd say you have a point.

 

 

yeah, I agree. But if it has an intrinsic flaw in the waterproof cap coming loose, and there's an easy way to fix it, I'd do that. Personally... I wouldn't be happy with it, and it'd be a hack for sure, but if it's otherwise an excellent light I'd be happy to swallow it. Well, maybe not happy... more... prepared to. 

 

IOW - if I like something... as in REALLY like it, and it carries on failing in the same way but it's something I can rectify, I'll rectify it. The design of the cap probably won't change any time soon. This way, it may work. 

Makes me think of the Stages ver1 and the battery compartment letting water in. The ver2 was supposed to be much improved but guys still shrink wrap their cranks and I know a certain someone who must be the all-time highest returner of Stages cranks, despite the boer maak plan (BMP) range of improvements.

[Eugene]

Thanks for all the input.

 

Went to LBS today just as I got there the light started working again! Must have dried out when in the toasty bakkie.

Anyway they swapped again without any questions or hesitation and fingers crossed this one lasts, otherwise I will have to change the light.

A few they said had been returned with the same issues.

 

I'm not really sure if I would want to duct tape up a brand new light TBH.

Ask for a refund if it breaks again. Then go and buy another brand. One that does not fail whenever there is moisture in the air.

[bradwentzel]

I have two.

 

Never any issues.

Unbelievable light and backed by the Bontrager warranty.

 

Worth every cent to keep taking it back, there is no better light on the market.

 

*sales pitch over*

[Eddy Gordo]

Hi bought myself a cheap 80lumen Led light. The battery cover and the switch are plastic without any rubber to seal it, So thanks for the tip.

 

What I can say though, is that this light is bright. Far brighter than the more expensive ones I have had previously.

 

 

[Furbz]

I have two.

 

Never any issues.

Unbelievable light and backed by the Bontrager warranty.

 

Worth every cent to keep taking it back, there is no better light on the market.

 

*sales pitch over*

 

Fully agree.

has anyone found a different light that can been seen over 2km away?

 

nothing beats the Flare for making you visible from behind - that's all i care about.

and the warranty is brilliant

[Spoke101]

Fully agree.

has anyone found a different light that can been seen over 2km away?

 

nothing beats the Flare for making you visible from behind - that's all i care about.

and the warranty is brilliant

 

My next light will be one of these Moon SHIELD-X AUTO, R495.00 from CRC.

Moon lights seam to be same as Surfas lights which I have had very good results from for the last few years.

Really like the features and the Day Time flash, also way prefer the mounting bracket as it will work with an aero seatpost.