When unexpected events occur on the road, such as a traffic accident or vehicle breakdown, the experience can be overwhelming and disorienting. Having a reliable set of ultra-bright safety flares readily available can significantly improve your situation by warning other motorists of the hazard and signaling emergency services to your location. The importance of smart flares cannot be overstated.
These versatile safety beacons are essential for anyone who spends time on or near roads, including motorist, truckers, cyclists, highway personnel, and search-and-rescue teams. In fact, alarmingly, traffic fatalities in the US reached an estimated 40,000 in 2018, highlighting the critical need for effective road hazard warning systems.
Smart flares boast powerfully bright solid and rotating colored LED lights that provide exceptional visibility to other motorists and emergency personnel regardless of the weather conditions – daytime, nighttime, rain, snow, fog, or any combination. Their incredible versatility also makes them suitable for a wide range of scenarios, including vehicle accidents, stranded vehicles, and even as a backup light source during power outages.
The 9 Best Road Flares
When it comes to road safety, having the right equipment can be a game-changer. In this scenario, LED road flares are an essential tool for any driver or roadside technician. With so many options available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of top-notch products from renowned brands like Garage Monkey Engineering, SlimK, StonePoint, Twinkle Star, HOKENA, MATELOTI, and CARTMAN.
Each one has its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, but they all share one common goal: to keep drivers safe on the road. Whether you’re a professional emergency responder or just someone who likes to be prepared for any situation, these LED flares are sure to provide the necessary light and visibility in times of need.
For instance, Garage Monkey Engineering’s StarFlare offers a compact and portable design perfect for small spaces, while HOKENA’s LED Roadside Flares boast an impressive 360-degree visibility and adjustable brightness. On the other hand, CARTMAN’s Reflective Safety Cones provide a sturdy base for roadside work, accompanied by their LED flares. Tobfit’s LED Road Flares are another notable mention with their rugged construction and high-visibility output.
With these top picks in your arsenal, you can rest assured that you’re always ready to handle any situation on the road.
Our Top Pick for the Best Road Flares
When it comes to choosing the best road flares, our top recommendation is the HOKENA LED Roadside Flares. This 3-pack of industrial-grade flares stands out for its exceptional brightness and versatility. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on an off-roading adventure in the wilderness, these amber and white flares are designed to grab attention quickly and ensure your safety on the road.
With their impressive performance, we highly recommend them to motorcyclists, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For more information and to check the current price, visit Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Road Flares
Flare Design
Roadway illumination options come in two distinct designs. The first is a circular disc shape, exemplified by products like HOKENA Flares, while the second features an elevated base, as seen in kits such as the Twinkle Star Emergency Roadside Flares Kit. These free-standing flares provide added versatility, allowing for placement at various points along the roadside, including ahead of and behind a vehicle, in addition to attachment to the vehicle itself.
In contrast, round disc flares are well-suited for everyday use and can be securely attached to a vehicle for enhanced visibility.
Flare Pack size
When it comes to stocking up on flares, you’ll typically find them packaged in quantities of 2, 3, 4, or 6. This versatility makes them an excellent addition to various emergency kits, including those designed for use in vehicles, as well as survival packs and toolboxes at home. Having a few extra flares on hand can provide an added layer of safety and preparedness in case of unexpected situations.
Battery Power
While AAA batteries offer long-lasting power, ease of availability, and affordability, it’s essential to maintain a supply of extras to ensure optimal illumination. A common criticism of battery-powered flares is the need for a screwdriver to access the compartment, which may be inconvenient for some users. However, this design feature serves a crucial purpose – preventing batteries from dislodging if the flare is accidentally dropped.
Light Color
When it comes to safety flares, a key characteristic is the intensity of their LED lights. While red and amber hues are common, what truly matters is the remarkable brightness they offer – capable of being seen from distances of up to 1-2 miles.
Lighting Flashing Modes
While some road flares may offer just a few basic settings, others take it to the next level with multiple modes. For instance, the StonePoint Emergency LED Road Flare Kit provides users with three fundamental options: flash, steady, and flashlight. However, more advanced flares like the Tobfit LED Road Flares take things further still, boasting an impressive 9 different modes – including a dedicated SOS function designed specifically for safety purposes.
Durability
Road flares are designed to withstand the harsh conditions often found when used outdoors. To achieve this level of durability, they typically feature a robust construction that includes a crush-proof, shatter-proof, and water-resistant outer casing. This type of design ensures that the flare remains functional even in the face of rough handling or exposure to elements like rain and snow.
Portability
When it comes to storing and transporting a flare pack, portability is key. Thankfully, most manufacturers include a storage carry bag with their flares, ensuring you can keep them organized and within reach. These bags come in two distinct designs: a sturdy hard case that fits snugly in the boot of your car, or a vibrant orange soft carry bag that easily blends into your camping gear.
Whether you’re on the go or setting up camp, having a reliable storage solution ensures your flares are always at hand.
9 Best Road Flares – Reviews
Garage Monkey Engineering LED Road Safety Flares
Stay prepared for any roadside emergency with Garage Monkey’s innovative LED Road Safety Flares. These versatile tools are designed to provide maximum attention in both daytime and nighttime situations, featuring 9 different light display modes, including a universal distress code S-O-S, rotating lights, and a 3-LED flashlight. The flares’ bright red/orange LED light is never hot, thanks to its durable casing, which is also dustproof and waterproof.
With magnetic backing, fold-out plastic hook, or floating capabilities in water, these flares can be easily secured or deployed as needed.
To ensure long-lasting performance, Garage Monkey recommends using high-quality Energizer Max or Duracell 3 AAA batteries, guaranteed never to corrode inside the casing. The flares come packaged with a handy bright orange portable bag, fitting comfortably in your car boot or camping gear.
Garage Monkey also backs their product with a comprehensive 1-year warranty.
In terms of pros, these flares boast high-quality construction, great value for money, and an unbeatable price point, making them an ideal solution for drivers, cyclists, boating enthusiasts, and hikers alike. Cons include the need for a screwdriver to change batteries (not included) and relatively weak magnets.
StarFlare LED Road Flares
Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating off-road, the StarFlare LED Road Flares provide unparalleled visibility in even the most challenging weather conditions. Boasting super-bright red LEDs that can be seen from up to a mile away, these flares are designed to keep you safe and visible on the road. With their rugged design, the flares are ideal for roughing it outdoors.
They’re shatterproof, crushproof, shockproof, vibration-proof, and rainproof – making them perfect for use in harsh weather conditions. Plus, they even float in water, making them a must-have emergency beacon for fishermen or sailors.
The StarFlare LED Road Flares offer an impressive nine different flashing modes to suit your needs: quad flashes that last 23 hours, single blinks that last 12 hours, alternating blinks that last four hours, SOS rescue mode (Morse code) that lasts eight hours, steady on-high mode that lasts seven hours, steady on-low mode that lasts 33 hours, a 4-LED flashlight mode that lasts 10 hours, and a top LED flashlight mode that also lasts 10 hours.
To make them easy to transport and store, the flares come with a convenient black storage bag. You’ll also get three batteries that run for up to 36 hours and have a shelf life of 10 years. The only thing you might need is a screwdriver to replace the batteries, which some users found inconvenient. In terms of drawbacks, some users reported finding dead batteries in the box, while others noted that the storage bag could be more durable.
However, overall, the StarFlare LED Road Flares are an excellent value for money and offer superior visibility – making them a great investment for anyone who spends time on the road.
SlimK LED Roadside Flares
When emergencies strike, reliable visibility is crucial. That’s where the SlimK LED Roadside Flares shine. Designed for everyday use and professional search-and-rescue operations, these flares boast superior visibility, thanks to their five 360° rotating LEDs that emit a bright amber light, easily spotted up to 1 mile at night and even from the air. The multi-functional design makes them perfect for various activities: driving, riding, fishing, camping, or rock climbing.
Use them as a traffic control device, hazard light, rescue beacon, or in any other emergency situation. The lightweight flares feature a shatterproof, crushproof, rainproof, and anti-corrosive ABS plastic casing that can withstand extreme temperatures (-40°C to 212°F). With nine different flashing modes, including SOS rescue and a 3 LED flashlight, you’ll have excellent lighting versatility at your fingertips.
The 3 triple AAA batteries provide up to 36 hours of runtime, with a battery life of 10 years. Plus, the flares come with pre-installed batteries, so you’re ready for any road-related incident in an instant. The SlimK LED Roadside Flares also include a high-visibility bright orange storage carry bag, making it easy to spot your safety equipment in your vehicle’s trunk or backpack. With their impressive features and affordable price point, these flares offer great value for money.
StonePoint Emergency LED Road Flare Kit
The StonePoint Emergency LED Road Flare Kit offers a comprehensive roadside solution for both personal and professional use. This compact, lightweight kit comprises three ultra-bright red LEDs with an impressive 50,000-hour lifespan, providing 360° visibility up to two miles away. The flares’ durable design ensures they can withstand harsh environments, being crush-resistant and water-resistant, making them a valuable addition to any vehicle, boat, or survival kit.
A powerful magnetic base allows for easy attachment to vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds, serving as a beacon to alert others in need of assistance. Choose from two operational modes: flashing, which lasts up to 20 hours, and steady, which runs for up to 60 hours. Crucially, the flares do not emit sparks, ensuring safe use. A sturdy black carry bag is included for convenient storage.
Although users must supply their own AAA batteries, the battery compartment requires no screwdriver for replacement. StonePoint’s commitment to quality is reflected in its two-year limited warranty. While there are some drawbacks, including the need to purchase additional batteries and a relatively short battery life, the kit’s numerous benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Twinkle Star Emergency Roadside Flares Kit
The Twinkle Star Emergency Roadside Flares Kit is an innovative solution for motorists who want to ensure their safety and visibility on the road. With its high-visibility design, this kit features super-bright red LEDs that can be seen up to a mile away during the day or at night. The flares come with three different flash modes: strobe (SOS), flashlight, or solid, allowing you to customize your warning signal according to the situation.
The kit is versatile and can be used for traffic control, as a warning light, or even as a rescue beacon in emergency situations. Each freestanding flare comes with a sturdy plastic magnetic upright stand that allows you to place them around your vehicle or attach them to your car. The flares are available in 2, 3, 4, or 6-packs, giving you the flexibility to choose the right size for your needs.
One of the standout features of this kit is its ease of use – it comes with 12 AAA batteries already installed, so you can start using them straight away. The flares are also packaged in a solid, durable case that provides added protection and convenience. Moreover, Twinkle Star offers a 100% return or refund guarantee on their products, giving you peace of mind when making your purchase.
While some users have reported needing to replace the batteries out of the box, the kit’s value for money is undeniable. Overall, the Twinkle Star Emergency Roadside Flares Kit is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and effective way to stay safe on the road.
HOKENA LED Roadside Flares
Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or navigating daily commutes, being prepared for any situation is crucial. That’s where the HOKENA LED Roadside Flares come in – a reliable and versatile tool designed to help you stay safe on the road. Built with durability in mind, these plastic disc flares are waterproof, crushproof, and reusable, making them perfect for boating enthusiasts or anyone who needs a reliable emergency kit.
The industrial-grade design features 15 super-bright LEDs (12 amber and 3 white) that provide exceptional visibility up to a mile away, ensuring your vehicle can be easily spotted in case of an emergency. With nine different light modes and a lighting mode memory feature, you’ll have the flexibility to signal for assistance or adjust the intensity according to your needs.
The flares also come with super-strong rare earth magnets that securely attach to any metal surface without damaging paintwork. For easy battery changes, HOKENA includes a keychain screwdriver tool and detailed instructions, as well as nine pre-installed AAA batteries. This comprehensive kit also comes with a premium bright orange storage bag, a bonus 2-in-1 glass window breaker, and a seat belt cutter escape tool – all backed by HOKENA’s 100% money-back guarantee.
With its impressive list of features and competitive pricing, the HOKENA LED Roadside Flares are an excellent investment for anyone looking to stay safe on the road.
MATELOTI LED Road Flares
The MATELOTI LED Road Flares are a compact and reliable emergency beacon solution for cars, jeeps, or campsites. These flares boast ultrabright LEDs and red and white reflective strips that provide 360-degree visibility up to one mile away. With three lighting modes – solid, flashing, and flashlight – users can adapt their brightness to suit the situation. The sturdy magnetic base ensures stability, while the ABS plastic construction withstands harsh outdoor elements.
When not in use, the flares fold neatly into a durable storage case for easy transport. A standout feature is the ability to change the light color from red to bright white with just a button press. Additionally, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery ensures long-lasting performance. MATELOTI also offers a warning beacon disc 3-pack for added peace of mind. The pros of this product include its excellent quality, value, and affordability.
The flares are well-suited for various applications, including car, jeep, or campsite use, and the ultra-bright LEDs and reflective strips provide ample visibility. Easy to use and featuring a sturdy magnetic base, these flares are an essential roadside emergency tool. However, some users have reported that the light is not as visible in daylight conditions, and the battery may require a full recharge for optimal performance. Additionally, high winds can cause the flares to blow over.
Nevertheless, the MATELOTI LED Road Flares remain a reliable choice for anyone seeking a compact and effective emergency beacon solution.
CARTMAN Reflective Safety Cones
When it comes to ensuring your safety on the go, whether you’re driving to work or embarking on a camping adventure, the CARTMAN Reflective Safety Cones are an absolute must-have. These 4-pack beacons boast a brilliant fluorescent orange color that’s visible up to 800-feet away during the day or night, rain or shine. The high-density silver reflective bands cleverly deflect headlights, making them highly effective in low-light conditions.
What’s more, the cones’ sturdy Oxford fabric construction ensures they’re both impact-resistant and water-resistant. Setting up the cones is a breeze – simply insert 8 AAA batteries and push down on the top to collapse the cone, then pull up the top to use it again. The large, thick elevated base provides a secure grip on the road even in windy conditions.
For added visibility, CARTMAN has included four bright LED lights that can be inserted into the top of each cone, offering both steady and flashing modes. Storing the cones is also effortless, as they fold down to a compact size that easily fits into your vehicle’s boot. The only drawbacks are that the cones can blow around in strong winds and battery life may deplete quickly if used extensively.
However, for a great value and price, these reflective safety beacons are an excellent addition to any motorist or camper’s kit.
Tobfit LED Road Flares
Tobfit LED Road Flares have revolutionized the way we think about roadside safety. These versatile lighting devices can be used for traffic control, emergency warning lights, or as a rescue beacon, making them an essential companion for anyone who spends time on the road. Whether you’re commuting to work, taking your kids to school, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, Tobfit flares are a must-have item.
Built to withstand the harsh outdoors, these discs are crafted from super-strong industrial ABS plastic and feature a rubber guard, rendering them shatterproof, crushproof up to 30 tons, and waterproof. The super bright red/orange LED light provides 360° illumination, visible up to 1 mile at night, while the strong magnet ensures secure attachment to your vehicle or road sign. This means that in the event of a traffic accident or breakdown, you’ll remain safe until help arrives.
One of Tobfit’s standout features is its versatility, with nine powerful flashing modes to choose from. These include rotating (8 hours), quad flash (23 hours), single blink (12 hours), alternating blinks (4 hours), SOS rescue (8 hours), steady on-high (7 hours), steady on-low (33 hours), 4 LED flashlights (10 hours), and top LED flashlight (10 hours).
The sturdy fold-out plastic hook is perfect for hanging the flares from your tent or tree branches if you need to be spotted by emergency personnel in the wilderness. Tobfit also includes a bright orange storage bag, making it easy to keep your road flares organized. You can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-pack, with all purchases backed by a 180-day refund and a 6-month limited warranty.
While some may bemoan the lack of included batteries (requiring a screwdriver to replace them) or the magnet’s slight flimsiness, these minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the many benefits Tobfit LED Road Flares offer.
Our Top Pick for the Best Road Flares
When it comes to choosing the best road flares for your needs, our top recommendation is the HOKENA LED Roadside Flares. These exceptional roadside flares have earned a spot in our hearts and we highly suggest them to anyone who spends time on the roads – whether you’re a motorist, cyclist, motorbike rider, or camping enthusiast. With their industrial-grade brightness and versatility, these flares are perfect for daily commutes, off-roading adventures, or even camping trips.
Whether you’re driving to work or exploring the great outdoors, HOKENA’s 3-pack of amber and white flares will ensure your safety is prioritized and get the attention they deserve.
