West Biking LED Reflective Running Vest, USB Rechargeable
West Biking LED Reflective Running Vest, USB Rechargeable Running Lights for Runners, Elastic Adjustable Reflective Running Gear, High Vis Running Vest with Armbands for Walking Running Cycling
| Dimensions: | 24.1 x 16.6 x 3.3 cm; 220 Grams |
| Brand: | West Biking |
| Colour: | Yellow |
| Batteries Included: | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacture: | West Biking |
| Department: | Unisex |
| Dimensions: | 24.1 x 16.6 x 3.3 cm; 220 Grams |
The rechargeable West Biking LED Reflective Running Vest is easy to charge and to adjust to your size. I wear it over my coat and is very comfortable. Am not able to use the flashing setting as it causes the dogs to bark, but is very visible in the constant light setting. The arm bands are quite handy for adding additional visibility – I’ve used on my arms and legs. I live in a rural area and the this lighted vest has become a staple in our winter walks. This safety vest is great value for money – I highly recommend.
I like to go night cycling, which is much easier this time of year due to the short days. The obvious danger when doing any activity in the dark is not being seen. That was the reason I ordered this West Biking reflective running vest. This best is very bright and reflective in car headlights, on the front and the back. It also has a rechargeable battery which allows the vest to light up with a white light at the front and a red one at the rear. I feel so much safer knowing that I am very visible and can be seen from a decent distance. The vest itself is comfortable to wear and easy to put on and take off. The battery life is more than acceptable and has lasted me for several long evening rides. This vest would be suitable for any outdoor activity where being visible is a high priority, running, camping, hiking are the first that spring to mind.
I would say these are great value for money, they do the job great – flashing lights front and rear (white and red) or can be set to non flashing.
PROS
-easy to put on/wear over shirt or coat; adjustable size to fit all, but can be made to fit snuggly so it does not move
-highly reflective material easily seen in any light
-added LED lights (white at front and red at back), which can flash or stay on, mean visibility even when there is no ambient or traffic light around
-easily recharged via USB
-comes with reflective armbands for extra visibility
-great for walking, running, or cycling on dark nights
CONS
-you have to cycle through all light modes each time to get to slow blink mode (my preferred)
MY STAR RATINGS:
1* substandard, mostly cons
2** barely acceptable, cons outweigh the pros
3*** meets the basic requirements, cons balance the pros
4**** good product, pros outweigh the cons
5***** exceptional, all (or almost all) pros
Unlike some illuminated vests, this one has a very low profile, lightweight batteries installed. This means that it doesn’t have the annoying tendency to bounce up and down whilst running. The vest fits snugly on the torso and has plenty of adjustment to fit most sizes. It’s hardly noticeable when running as it stays in place with no rubbing or jiggling around. There are separate batteries for the front and rear lights, and this helps keep the weight down.
The LEDs are plenty bright enough and are very noticeable, especially when they are flashing. I have given this to my brother-in-law, who enjoys running along dark country lanes, it’s comforting to know that he’s a lot safer now.
The stitching and construction of the vest is very good, and it looks like it will last a long time.
Works as expected, charge both sides indervidually but one cable splits to two ports, fast flash, slow flash and perminantly on for both sides setting done indervidually, fully adjustable at both sides and over both arms. Would buy again, know others who have bought off the back of seeing mine.
First thing I did when receiving this was to fully charge it, put on both lights on constant and see how long they lasted.
Even if you’re doing some sort of extreme cycling/running challenge, there’s no way you could go on as long as these lights without a break! They far exceed the hours of darkness, even in the winter, unless you live in Norway, perhaps!
The red lights continued for a total of 12 hours, and the white 14 hours. Both are really bright and provide plenty of confidence that you won’t be missed by passing traffic. This exceeds the estimated battery life in the listing – by 100% in the case of the white lights (they claim 7hrs for constant and 10hrs for flashing), so I’d expect the flashing lights to actually last up to 20hrs
So if you’re using this on constant for a half hour commute from work, one charge could last you a month! a lot longer on one of the flashing modes (which I think is safer for being noticed by other road users).
Also come with reflective arm bands. The harness itself is very lightweight, adjustable to most sizes and constructed out of sturdy elastic straps for a snug fit (which I guess will also help keep clothes close to the body).
At time of ordering, this was 14.99, which I think is an excellent price for the safety benefits.
This light vest is brilliant for running in the dark, especially around more rural areas or around parks. It helps other people see you coming, and I have noticed an increase in people moving out of the way as I run as they’ve seen me earlier than they would have without the vest on. A couple of people have commented that it’s a good piece of kit too.
The ability to vary the flashing is useful as I find the quick flash best in the darkest areas, whereas the steady light good for urban areas where there are already street lights.
I’m knocking the product down a star as there is no way to wash it as it doesn’t detach from the battery pack, so it will become sweaty and maybe smelly quite quickly.
This vest (or “west” as the text on the product states) is ideal for nighttime activities like jogging, cycling, and dog walking.
It is very lightweight, making it almost unnoticeable when wearing it, which is particularly handy when undertaking activities like running or cycling.
The size adjustability is good in my view. The vest easily conforms to various body shapes, and differing outer garments which allows for a pretty secure fit whatever the outfit. It’s just as easy to slip this on over a bulky jacket as for some Lycra gym kit. The package also includes additional reflective armbands, which increase visibility and add an extra layer of safety.
The brightness of the LED lights on this vest is excellent. The front white light and rear red lights are sufficiently bright to ensure good visibility to motorists and others from a fair distance away. There are 3 lighting modes: quick flashing, slower flashing, and constant on. The front light also provides reasonable visibility of the path ahead in very dark scenarios.
The battery life of the vest so far seems good. I have only charged it once so far and if it matches the advertised 7-10 hours, it will be more than enough for a week’s worth of evening walks. The USB-C charging mechanism is straightforward, and the dual connector cable allows for simultaneous charging of both front and rear lights.
The straps could perhaps benefit from being made of thicker, more durable material.
Overall, this LED vest is a good purchase for anyone engaging in nighttime outdoor activities.
This is great if you run down country lanes or anywhere not well lit. It’s reflective, but also thanks to the forward white light and rear red light allow drivers to determine easily which way you’re going. The light does light up a bit around you, but for me I still took a head lamp.
My only complaint is the fit. I did find that the bottom would ride up a little as I was running, I’ve not played around with it too much and there’s every chance this is user error. Either way it’s not something that would irritate me personally but others it might bother.
I got this for running rather than cycling though it is suitable for either. What you get is an LED light vest — not exactly a vest, more like lights with straps — plus two reflective armbands, a charging cable, and an instruction leaflet. The straps are elasticated and have a reflective band down the middle. Putting the vest on is a matter of unclipping two fasteners, sticking your head through the top section and your arm through the side, and then refastening the buckles, remembering that the buckles fasten at the front presuming you want a white light on your chest and red on your back.
Finally, tighten the belt loop to fit snuggly and you are ready to switch on the lights and go. The lights have three modes: on, fast flash and slow flash. Annoyingly you have to press the button repeatedly to get the mode you want. You also need a bit of contortion to switch the back light on, or you can do it before you put the vest on or get a friend to help.
Once fitted it is very effective in terms of being seen. It is not designed as a torch or headlamp so while it gives a bit of light in front it is not great if you want help seeing potholes or finding your way.
Battery life is 7 to 10 hours, charging time 2 hours, and front and rear charge separately. The supplied cable is a splitter so you can charge both lights from one USB-A port.
As a budget lighting vest it is pretty good. I felt a lot safer wearing it, battery life is enough for a long run, and the fit is good so it does not bounce around at all; it is also very lightweight.
I am not so sure about longevity but it seems reasonably well made considering the price.