Does anyone have any experience with Eflare (AT-280/290) led beacons? Have four of those (Chinese) amber led beacons, but since those lay flat on the ground they aren't as visible as the Eflare beacons.
I have an Eflare in my car, I'm not sure which version it is, it has been in my car for about 15 years.
orange, 2D cells, and comes with a rubber base to keep it stood up.
if i remember i will have a look tomorrow (i should probably change the batteries again too)
- Ease of use. Can you use it with gloves on? Is setting it up going to take a lot of your attention? That can get you killed while standing at the side of the road.
the Eflares are a piece of cake to use - grab, twist clear bit on top about 20 degrees, stuff it into the base and put it on the road.
- Durability. Will it work if it gets soaked? Will it work if it gets run over? (Yes, drivers will try to hit small flashing lights whether on purpose or drunk)
Soaked - no worries, they are weatherproof, I wouldn't be surprised if they were actually waterproof.
I don't know about being run over, but they have no issues with being dropped or or skidded across the road.
i suppose it depends on what hit them.
- Lights or flares are useless if you keep them in the trunk (boot). They'll get buried, you won't be able to get at them if you're rear ended, it can take too long to get at them in a serious emergency, etc. Keep some form of light within reach in the passenger compartment but not where it can roll around.
thats why mine live in a box under the passengers seat, along with the towrope, reflective triangles, reflective vest and jumper leads.
I can access it while still wearing my seatbelt in the drivers seat.
The local police force and many service stations use Eflares.
the cops use them on witches hats at their "booze bus" breathalyzer/drug test setups - if they keep on ticking in that environment (left on for hours, clipped by drivers, thrown around and dumped in a bag at the end of shift) then they are a pretty solid unit.