noxgear Tracer2 - Multicolor Illuminated, Reflective Vest for Running or Cycling (Rechargeable, Waterproof)
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Tom C
19-11-2024This product was designed for cycling as the bulk of the emitted light originates from the maim control unit. The instructions detail the proper way to wear the unit with the control unit worn on ones back. This s where you charge the unit as well as select different light colors and flashing patterns. I knew this before purchasing but I have reversed similar safety lights and have effectively worn them that way. This way you can turn in off and on, change the pattern and most importantly have the majority of light on your front which is an important safety issue for runners who run against traffic. This unit can easily be worn reverse of the directions for this unit. Runners need minimal light on there backs. I am very happy with the unit. The ligh is sufficient and the color selection is vast. I also like the fact that there is some light on the rear while wearing the unit reversed and one of the best features for me is the minimal use of fabric materials as runners know that sweat, time after time, will degrade the fabric materials and the eventual buildup of mold/mildew will be an issue. This is by far the best option that I have used and would highly recommend this product.
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Cassie P
> 3 dayEverything about this is great, had zero bounce and definitely kept me visible. Based on the size chart I was on the very top of the small size or mid range on the M/L with a 36” chest measurement. I chose the M/L but wish I would have went with the small. The only thing that will take some getting used to is it is so bright it is hard to tell if a car is behind you or if it’s just the vest.
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Crash0
> 3 dayThis is well designed and I would buy it again. It is pretty adjustable and lighter-weight than it appears. With a few different adjustment options (on the yellow elastic as well as adjustments on the plastic light tubes, its pretty easy to dial in a fit that doesnt bounce. I found it surprisingly unobtrusive. I was pleasantly surprised that it uses the modern USB-C plug type for recharge. Battery life seems solid.
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Math Addict
Greater than one weekIve been riding long night rides for more than 20 years now and Ive lost too many friends to drunk , distracted, and simply careless drivers. High night visibility is very important to me. I have two very bright rear lights and very bright front lights too. But Im not highly visible from the side and even the reflective Sam Brown belt I wear is not great from the side. Thats where this vest is almost unique. I first wore this on a 600k brevet that starts in the dark and finishes in the dark 40 hours later. Theres a lot of night riding on a ride like that. My first impression is that this vest very light. You really dont know its there except that you can see the flashing reflected off your handlebars (not in an annoying way). You are highly visible from 360 degrees and especially from behind because the entire battery pack lights up too. In fact, youre so bright that no one will want to draft off of you. Fortunately its easy to turn on and off while youre riding. As I recall there are 6 different colors and several flash patterns - some of which are very eye-grabbing. One very nice feature is that when you turn it on and off it flashes three times in one of three different colors depending on your battery strength. It takes three AAA batteries that are easy to replace in the dark. One reviewer suggested a rechargeable Li-Ion battery would be a good idea and I agree, but only if the battery lasted at least 24 hours. I dont know what the battery life of the AAA batteries are but theyve lasted over 20 hours so far. If the batteries do die on you, you still have the reflective belt. If you look carefully at the product image you can see two small black dots under the front of the belt. These are adjustable stops that slide along the illuminated plastic tubes and effectively allow you to size the vest to your torso. Its a good idea but I notice that they leave little indents in the tubes. This, and the fact that the tubes are very narrow, makes me think they are fragile and I think it would be very easy to break the vest if they catch on something as you pick it up, put it on, or take it off. Thats why I took a star off. Some people think that $60 is too much. Take a look at a Pearl Izumi reflective cycling vest. They start at ~$50. Its true the vest will keep you warmer too, but that might not be a good thing on a warm night. Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely. I have some dead friends who might still be alive if theyd been wearing this vest. But with drunk drivers its hard to know. RIP Jim and Rod.
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Daniel Molina
> 3 dayI typically do not take the time to write reviews, so this is obviously something that I feel very strongly about. This is an incredible piece of equipment. My expectations were pretty high given some of the market videos and the Kickstarter background, and I was ready to be disappointed...I wasnt. The attention to detail in the engineering of the this product is top notch. First, the reflective belt portion of the Tracer 360 Vest felt extremely supportive when adjusted for my torso. I purchased a large (Im 511, 185) and the fit was great on my fast runs 5K at 6:25 pace, as well as my longer training runs of 10+ miles. My point of comparison is a similar vest product without the LED from Amphipod, which would ride up on my chest, loosen around the shoulder, totally ruining the flow of my runs. The Trace 360 was simply part of me, once I adjusted it appropriately the first time I used it. The overall weight of the unit was hardly noticeable, but keep in mind that this is the winter season and I have several layers. The cool factor comes with the neon LED lights. Again here the engineering is awesome. You can adjust the different color settings and light flashing/pulse scenes while the unit is still on. No need to be a yoga master to reach back and hit the single control button. The same button turns the unit off. Easy of use is a 10 here. As far as different colors and light scenes, there is probably 10 or more, lost count. Another great piece of design are small round clamps that slide along the LED lighting strip that keeps everything snug, and again prevents sliding around during the hardest portions of your run. I have used this mostly during my evening training runs, where I really get noticed by cars, pedestrians, pretty much everyone. I have received a lot of complements on this product, and comments on how much this increases the safe-visibility factor while on the road. I have also used this during my early morning bike rides. I enjoy the comfort and light weight factor here too. Overall a great product, well designed, well built and super happy to have come across it. Highly recommend evening or early morning runs and biking.
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Michael R
22-11-2024There is no comparison between using this illuminated vest versus simply reflective clothing. Have worn on several occasions and the behavior of passing cars is notably different. They clearly see me earlier and make a better effort to make space on the road. There are cheaper versions of this, but I noticed that some of them only illuminate some central LEDs in the middle of the vest. This item has 4 illuminated flexible tubes that wrap over the shoulders and around the waist. Make sure you order a big enough size. Im about 6ft 250 and find that the XL is a touch snug when layered over a winter vest. Well worth the money!
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Allie
> 3 dayI love this tracer vest! I run in the early morning most days, so lights are a must! My husband and I both use these. The vest is not noticeable to wear, but I could be noticeable from space! I feel safer out running with this light vest on. 5
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Spacecataz
> 3 dayThis is my second time purchasing a NoxGear item and I cannot recommend them enough for anyone running near traffic during low-light conditions. Before I started using the original Tracer, I had several close calls with cars blowing stop signs when Im running through intersections; cars getting reeeaally close when theres no sidewalk and Im on the shoulder; etc. Ive used headlights, Ive used reflectors, but nothing seems to work as well as the Tracer. It has drastically reduced my close encounters of the automobile kind experiences. The Tracer 360 is a wonderful step up from the original. The internal rechargeable battery is great and lasts longer than using rechargeables in the original tracer. Its a bit lighter, too. Higher waterproof rating is also a welcome change (though I had no issues with the original in the rain). I cannot recommend these enough for runners.
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JG
Greater than one weekI bought this was my husband for Christmas as he is a long time super early morning runner. We live in a neighborhood without streetlights or sidewalks, and even with a head lamp and bright reflective clothing, we have had too near misses with distracted drivers. Grateful for the piece of mind… I can see him for a LONG way off and it definitely gets other people’s attention!
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Debeck
> 3 dayI am an avid runner/amateur triathlete who qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships this year. I typically run in daylight hours, however due to my 2020-2021 work schedule, my new run time is in the 1600-1800 range. In the PNW, our winters get DARK by 1630. In order to keep up my off season training for HOPEFULLY a 2021 Ironman/Triathlon season, I decided it was time to buy some lights and extend my runs into the darkness. This doodad is AMAZING! NO bounce when walking, running, sprinting, standing still? Nada! Not noticeable whatsoever other than the fact that its bright, beautiful, and colorful! I did my favorite 6.5 mile lake loop this evening and watched every passing car give me plenty of room. I also enjoyed looking across the water at Christmas lights while seeing my own color reflection bounce of the lake below. I run with a sports top that holds my cellphone between my shoulder blades. The battery pack on the back of this touches my cell when placed up high. I thought this was going to be an issue, however after adjusting the battery pack a little lower and tightening the straps, this baby did not move. It stayed put and didnt interfere with my cell. I DEFINITELY recommend this for anyone who is running into the twilight/night hours. The lake loop I ran this evening has hardly any street lights (more country residential), but I felt just as safe as when I do in the day time. Thanks, NOXGEAR! I can now extend my outdoor running into the later hours of the evening!