Tuesday, May 24, 2016

REVIEW: Nathan LightBender RX

Remember when the AWESOME folks at Nathan sent me some new (to me) products to test out?!


A couple weeks ago I posted my first review of the Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated Handheld and now it's time for my Nathan LightBender RX review! If you read my "Getting It Done" post on Friday then you might have noticed I wore the new lighted armband out on my early morning run (if you didn't read the post or didn't notice it, don't worry, I won't hold it against you, but feel free to check it out HERE if you've got a few spare minutes).

I swear, I look like a Christmas tree when I go out on my
runs, but I'd rather be seen and laughed at then unnoticeable
and in potential danger!

The band was on the solid red option in my 'after' shot. It was about 7:30am
so the sky was bright (even with the May Gray that's been sticking around lately)

Some of the gear I took with me for my 15-miler (which started around 5am).
As you can see, my Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated Handheld, as well as my
Nathan StrobeLight that I use as a back light came along for the run!

Anywho, since I'm sure you are well aware, taking pictures in the dark is HARD, especially when the product you are trying to shoot is a light... Either the flash would blow out the light or if the flash was off then the pictures would be super blurry. With that said, I thought the best way to do a review might be a vlog {video + blog}. Now, please don't judge, I'm still trying to get comfortable with video, but I'd love it if you took a few minutes (or 14 because apparently I am a chatty Kathy) and check out my thoughts on this new product.


I wasn't sure how well the light translated in the video because I was filming in a bright room so I went into the closet and took a couple pictures. I also cycled through the different light patterns while in the dark so hopefully they are a little easier to see. 


In the videos below I cycled through the three lighting modes (the steady blink, the "heartbeat" and the solid light), each of which I kept on for a few counts. Here is the red light:


And the green option:



And last but not least, the blue light:


As I mentioned in the video, I am digging this lighted armband! With the warmer months quickly approaching and athletes trying to beat the heat with their workouts, having good visibility and reflective gear is an absolute MUST


If you are interested in checking out the Nathan LightBender RX or any of the other awesome LED lights, you can visit your local running store. [Nathan is currently working on an eCommerce site of their own, but in the meantime, I would always urge you to #ShopLocal.]

What safety gear do you use on your early morning and late evening runs to help you to be seen?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Great review. I have the Nathan's vest you are wearing in your picture. This would be a great addition for my morning light!

SD Mom said...

I think you are perfect on video!

Bree at Clarity Defined said...

Great review! I need to get some light gear... that said, as a driver I *hate* the flashing lights. The steady is awesome, the flashing is so distracting that I feel like I'm more likely to get in an accident.

Laura Lohr @mommycanrun said...

You're adorable on video!

I haven't tried the Nathan brand, but I've been eyeing the water bottle. The hand-held water bottle I've had for 10 years decided to finally give it up and I need a new one.

I LOVE the lights! I run in the dark and I need to be visible, especially since I also run with a dog.