Found the "forever bright" LED Christmas lights today at RiteAid in Bothell, WA. Unfortunately, all they had were the red/yellow/green and all white sets. I was hoping to get the newest set that has blue thrown in as well. The good thing was they were only $5.99 for a 50 light string! Anyone else found these w/ the blue LEDs yet?
LED Christmas lights found!
- Thread starter Jake
- Start date
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Darell
Flashaholic
Great find Jake. I've got a Rite-Aid within walking distance, so I'll be right back...
Chris M.
Flashlight Enthusiast
Anyone found an online source for these yet? I`ve had no luck with any of the places listed on their site, and they don`t write back to my messages either.
I`ve just about given up looking to be honest. I found some over here that are nice enough.
But $5.99 for a 50 LED set?!!! Good grief, we get stung with $45-ish cost for all-white or all-blue sets of 56. And you guys get indoor/outdoor 100 regular sets as low as $1.88 I`ve heard- it`s absurd! That won`t even get you 20 indoor ones over here.
It`s no wonder that about 95% of the 3500+ lights I`m using this year have come from your side of the pond. Even with two whopping 3KVA transformers and the shipping for all those lights thrown in, it works out significantly cheaper!
I`ve just about given up looking to be honest. I found some over here that are nice enough.
But $5.99 for a 50 LED set?!!! Good grief, we get stung with $45-ish cost for all-white or all-blue sets of 56. And you guys get indoor/outdoor 100 regular sets as low as $1.88 I`ve heard- it`s absurd! That won`t even get you 20 indoor ones over here.
It`s no wonder that about 95% of the 3500+ lights I`m using this year have come from your side of the pond. Even with two whopping 3KVA transformers and the shipping for all those lights thrown in, it works out significantly cheaper!
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
Great find Jake. I've got a Rite-Aid within walking distance, so I'll be right back...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have a rite-aid only three or four blocks away, but I'll have to wait till December 3rd when I get paid... hope they aren't all gone by then.
The white string sounded particularly interesting, and I really want to try a mixed color string with blue bulbs included.
Great find Jake. I've got a Rite-Aid within walking distance, so I'll be right back...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have a rite-aid only three or four blocks away, but I'll have to wait till December 3rd when I get paid... hope they aren't all gone by then.
The white string sounded particularly interesting, and I really want to try a mixed color string with blue bulbs included.
Darell
Flashaholic
OK folks -
Here's my take on the situation. I just got back from Rite Aid with four boxes of these lights. They are indeed just $6, and they're exactly what Jake found. BUT! - I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. First off, the all "white" strand is the exact color of the yellow in the mixed string. There isn't anything white about them. The LEDs are clear when not lit, but are nothing but yellow when lit. The yellow in the mixed strand look yellow when not lit, and are the same color as the white when they are lit - which is to say, again, yellow. But the colors are fine as long as you don't really want white.
The two things that get to me are:
1. The flicker is terrible. It's like running your monitor at too slow a refresh rate. Just drives me nuts since I guess it is 30hz (Every other bulb lights with each AC wave).
2. They have the same inherent "cheapness" as regular cheap Xmas lights. The LEDs are great, but they mount the same stupid way, which makes them VERY susceptible to being knocked loose. I removed one bulb (as per replacement instructions) and it took me five tries to get it back in so that the entire string AND the replaced bulb all lit again. What a pain in the ***. If they would just hardwire these things, intead of making them replaceable (the box says 200,000 hours! - so what's that 24 years of constant burn time?) then we'd have something. But heck - after 24 years, when one burns out, they give you spares!
Ok, a third problem is that they call these "super bright" LEDs. Yeah. If you spell "super bright" D-I-M.
So there you go. That's my take on the situation. I REALLY wanted to like these things too. Can't beat the price.
Here's my take on the situation. I just got back from Rite Aid with four boxes of these lights. They are indeed just $6, and they're exactly what Jake found. BUT! - I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. First off, the all "white" strand is the exact color of the yellow in the mixed string. There isn't anything white about them. The LEDs are clear when not lit, but are nothing but yellow when lit. The yellow in the mixed strand look yellow when not lit, and are the same color as the white when they are lit - which is to say, again, yellow. But the colors are fine as long as you don't really want white.
The two things that get to me are:
1. The flicker is terrible. It's like running your monitor at too slow a refresh rate. Just drives me nuts since I guess it is 30hz (Every other bulb lights with each AC wave).
2. They have the same inherent "cheapness" as regular cheap Xmas lights. The LEDs are great, but they mount the same stupid way, which makes them VERY susceptible to being knocked loose. I removed one bulb (as per replacement instructions) and it took me five tries to get it back in so that the entire string AND the replaced bulb all lit again. What a pain in the ***. If they would just hardwire these things, intead of making them replaceable (the box says 200,000 hours! - so what's that 24 years of constant burn time?) then we'd have something. But heck - after 24 years, when one burns out, they give you spares!
Ok, a third problem is that they call these "super bright" LEDs. Yeah. If you spell "super bright" D-I-M.
So there you go. That's my take on the situation. I REALLY wanted to like these things too. Can't beat the price.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jake:
Found the "forever bright" LED Christmas lights today at RiteAid in Bothell, WA<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I just went to the downtown Rite-Aid for a TP run, and looked for Forever Bright while I was there.
Not a one to be found. Didn't see any tags on the shelves for them either.
In fact, the only *brand* of Christmas lights they had were "Yule Rite", which is probably the store brand.
Damn.
Found the "forever bright" LED Christmas lights today at RiteAid in Bothell, WA<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I just went to the downtown Rite-Aid for a TP run, and looked for Forever Bright while I was there.
Not a one to be found. Didn't see any tags on the shelves for them either.
In fact, the only *brand* of Christmas lights they had were "Yule Rite", which is probably the store brand.
Damn.
Thanks for the update Darell. Is the "flickering" thing supposed to be intentional? I noticed that on the "white" box, it called the color "antique candlelight". Wonder if it's supposed to be flickering like a candle? I had a feeling they wouldn't be too bright, kinda sucks. But for $6, I might pick up a box anyways. So no sign of the blue lights on your end?
Darell
Flashaholic
No on the blues. They must of had 50 boxes at my store, and I looked through them all. I too, think blue would be slick.
I don't think the flickering is really intentional. But I think the "antique" white being yellow is. Gotta be cheaper to use yellow LEDs instead of white. To me there isn't much X-massy about a string of all yellow lights. The multi-color strand makes a bit more sense though. I would definitely go for a solid blue strand.
The flickering might not bother some folks (you know - the ones who have slow refresh rates themselves
) but it just bugs the HECK out of me. Especially in my peripheral vision. I might keep one string to use outside where they won't bug me though. LOVE the energy savings!
I don't think the flickering is really intentional. But I think the "antique" white being yellow is. Gotta be cheaper to use yellow LEDs instead of white. To me there isn't much X-massy about a string of all yellow lights. The multi-color strand makes a bit more sense though. I would definitely go for a solid blue strand.
The flickering might not bother some folks (you know - the ones who have slow refresh rates themselves
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
No on the blues. They must of had 50 boxes at my store, and I looked through them all. I too, think blue would be slick.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The only blue ones I've seen are the ones I got last summer to hang up & test. They've been running 24/7 since June or so... and there's not a single burnt out bulb.
Not surprising, since they aren't real bulbs.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
I don't think the flickering is really intentional. But I think the "antique" white being yellow is. Gotta be cheaper to use yellow LEDs instead of white. To me there isn't much X-massy about a string of all yellow lights
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't think I would care much for an all-yellow set. Antique white would be a slightly tan-tinged white, not a color so yellow that it makes the curtains look like someone threw urine all over them.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
The flickering might not bother some folks (you know - the ones who have slow refresh rates themselves<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't notice the flickering at all until I scan across them such as when turning to look at something past the strings, or when tracking a bug that needs spraying, such as a clothes moth or a fungus gnat flying at ceiling level where the lights are hung.
No on the blues. They must of had 50 boxes at my store, and I looked through them all. I too, think blue would be slick.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The only blue ones I've seen are the ones I got last summer to hang up & test. They've been running 24/7 since June or so... and there's not a single burnt out bulb.
Not surprising, since they aren't real bulbs.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
I don't think the flickering is really intentional. But I think the "antique" white being yellow is. Gotta be cheaper to use yellow LEDs instead of white. To me there isn't much X-massy about a string of all yellow lights
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't think I would care much for an all-yellow set. Antique white would be a slightly tan-tinged white, not a color so yellow that it makes the curtains look like someone threw urine all over them.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
The flickering might not bother some folks (you know - the ones who have slow refresh rates themselves<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't notice the flickering at all until I scan across them such as when turning to look at something past the strings, or when tracking a bug that needs spraying, such as a clothes moth or a fungus gnat flying at ceiling level where the lights are hung.
Darell
Flashaholic
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stingmon:
I don't notice the flickering at all until I scan across them such as when turning to look at something past the strings, or when tracking a bug that needs spraying, such as a clothes moth or a fungus gnat flying at ceiling level where the lights are hung.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And when you do that, doesn't it feel like your eyeballs are gonna shake loose?
You're right about the "antique white." It is nothing other than yellow. And ****-yellow is a good description.
I don't notice the flickering at all until I scan across them such as when turning to look at something past the strings, or when tracking a bug that needs spraying, such as a clothes moth or a fungus gnat flying at ceiling level where the lights are hung.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And when you do that, doesn't it feel like your eyeballs are gonna shake loose?
You're right about the "antique white." It is nothing other than yellow. And ****-yellow is a good description.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
OK folks -
Here's my take on the situation. I just got back from Rite Aid with four boxes of these lights. They are indeed just $6, and they're exactly what Jake found. BUT! - I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. First off, the all "white" strand is the exact color of the yellow in the mixed string. There isn't anything white about them. The LEDs are clear when not lit, but are nothing but yellow when lit<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I also just found them at the Rite Aid in downtown Seattle. Picked up a box of multicolor (yellow, green, red); and a box of what was labelled as "antique candlelight" (no mention at all of the word
"white").
The picture on the box of "antique candlelight" indeed showed YELLOW bulbs, so I knew what I was getting before paying the clerk.
These were the only two variations they had at this Rite-Aid. No blue, no white, and no mixed strand that includes blue.
Here are some general observations.
1: The multicolor strand appears to be roughly the same brightness as the test set I was provided with last summer.
2: The yellow set has a yellow/amber color, and one bulb in the string is a distinct amber color.
3: The box states the set has a 5 year guarantee.
4: On the back of the box it says they're BRIGHTER than ordinary super bright lights - what a load of horse puckey.
5: Lights can be used indoors & outdoors; and are UL listed.
6: Lights come with end-to-end plug so sets can be connected the same way you'd do regular Christmas lights.
7: Set comes with two spare LED bulbs and two spare fuses - same as regular light sets.
8: Some of the instructional & safety material appears to be directed towards regular incandescent strings, rather than LED based sets.
9: Website is http://www.foreverbright.com
10: Toll free fone number is 1-800-683-9162
OK folks -
Here's my take on the situation. I just got back from Rite Aid with four boxes of these lights. They are indeed just $6, and they're exactly what Jake found. BUT! - I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. First off, the all "white" strand is the exact color of the yellow in the mixed string. There isn't anything white about them. The LEDs are clear when not lit, but are nothing but yellow when lit<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I also just found them at the Rite Aid in downtown Seattle. Picked up a box of multicolor (yellow, green, red); and a box of what was labelled as "antique candlelight" (no mention at all of the word
"white").
The picture on the box of "antique candlelight" indeed showed YELLOW bulbs, so I knew what I was getting before paying the clerk.
These were the only two variations they had at this Rite-Aid. No blue, no white, and no mixed strand that includes blue.
Here are some general observations.
1: The multicolor strand appears to be roughly the same brightness as the test set I was provided with last summer.
2: The yellow set has a yellow/amber color, and one bulb in the string is a distinct amber color.
3: The box states the set has a 5 year guarantee.
4: On the back of the box it says they're BRIGHTER than ordinary super bright lights - what a load of horse puckey.
5: Lights can be used indoors & outdoors; and are UL listed.
6: Lights come with end-to-end plug so sets can be connected the same way you'd do regular Christmas lights.
7: Set comes with two spare LED bulbs and two spare fuses - same as regular light sets.
8: Some of the instructional & safety material appears to be directed towards regular incandescent strings, rather than LED based sets.
9: Website is http://www.foreverbright.com
10: Toll free fone number is 1-800-683-9162
OK, found another brand of LED Christmas lights at a K-Mart today. Two styles, one similar to the "forever bright" red/green/yellow combo, but w/ an orange color mixed in as well and one w/ same color scheme, but little plastic stars on each light. Still nothing w/ a blue or white LED.
Darell
Flashaholic
Let me know if anybody finds a QUALITY set of LED lights. I really don't even care what color. My whole purpose of buying an LED strand or two is that I'll never have to worry about them again - but these things are so cheap, I'll be throwing them away as often as the normal lights.
I don't mind spending a bit of extra $$ to get something good. Witness my six Arc AAAs.
hank
Flashlight Enthusiast
So, what would you guess about the quality of these? Is somebody taking the bottom ten percent of their LED production run and selling them for holiday light strings, maybe?
Seems a good way to get rid of the rejected bin stuff, I guess.
Seems a good way to get rid of the rejected bin stuff, I guess.
Darell
Flashaholic
I don't know. I've never seen a "paddle" configuration of the lense on other lights, so I'm guessing these are purpose-built for these strings. They probably just use the raw material dregs to build them. Heck, the LEDs themselves may be spectacular, but under-driven and connected in a crappy manner to a cheap, traditional light string.
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
I think I got the forever bright too, not sure cause I threw out the box, but there's a hundred of 'em ($8 or 9 from Sav-On Drug) and you can see the flicker if you or they move...also, if you shine one on something close there are
four hotspots (!?)
four hotspots (!?)
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ted the Led:
I think I got the forever bright too, not sure cause I threw out the box, but there's a hundred of 'em ($8 or 9 from Sav-On Drug) and you can see the flicker if you or they move...also<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The ones I found were 50-light strings for $6. You found 100-light strings of Forever Brights?
I think I got the forever bright too, not sure cause I threw out the box, but there's a hundred of 'em ($8 or 9 from Sav-On Drug) and you can see the flicker if you or they move...also<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The ones I found were 50-light strings for $6. You found 100-light strings of Forever Brights?
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stingmon:
The ones I found were 50-light strings for $6. You found 100-light strings of Forever Brights?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am on my way to Sav-On to confirm, will report back tomorrow!
The ones I found were 50-light strings for $6. You found 100-light strings of Forever Brights?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am on my way to Sav-On to confirm, will report back tomorrow!
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
Yes! -- "Forever Bright, rated for 200,000 hours!" "100 Super Bright LED LIights!"
$7.99 @ Sav-On ...since they are such a good value I bought two more boxes while I was there checking them out, I'll send you a box, Glad Tidings...
$7.99 @ Sav-On ...since they are such a good value I bought two more boxes while I was there checking them out, I'll send you a box, Glad Tidings...
Darell
Flashaholic
I don't suppose any of the LEDs shine white do they?
I've decided that's my answer. I want real white (or much closer than this "antique candle" business) and/or blue in a relatively high-quality string. I need about 75' of the buggers. Let me know if anybody stumbles on anything that will fit the bill. NO lights go up until I get some good LEDs! And that's final.
I've decided that's my answer. I want real white (or much closer than this "antique candle" business) and/or blue in a relatively high-quality string. I need about 75' of the buggers. Let me know if anybody stumbles on anything that will fit the bill. NO lights go up until I get some good LEDs! And that's final.
