Monday, March 21, 2016

In the Lite of Dawn {Product Review + Giveaway}

The plan was in place. We would meet at 6:30 a.m. and run a 6-mile loop. At 7:30, we'd return (hopefully) to our cars and meet the rest of the clan for 9 more miles. A total of 15 miles for Joe and me, the longest run of this training cycle and a cutback week for him (he's training for a 50-miler).

It would going to be cold and dark, though, he warned. We would definitely need tights and headlamps.

Well, he would need a headlamp. I had something potentially better – RunLites.

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RunLites are gloves with "built-in" lights for runners, cyclists and general outdoor enthusiasts. Why the quotes around "built-in"? Well, the lights are in pockets on the top of the glove and can be flipped out and removed for washing or charging purposes.

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Now, back to the gloves. RunLites have two brightness settings (the max 40 lumens per glove), have a battery life of 48 hours, are made of a breathable fabric and feature a palm pocket with safety strap. They are available in full and half length, the latter of which I chose.

So, basically, they look like a cycling glove with small bungee cords on the bottom for storing a license/ID, gels or car keys.

Now, my Saturday-morning run wasn't the first go-round with the RunLites. I've actually worn them for about a month. I've taken them on early long runs and when I met my BRF in the morning. It's still too cold for me to take my bike out so that was a no go. And, I also made the mistake of wearing them at home to look for something under the couch (because ... yeah), and it caused some serious issues with an inquisitive child.

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The Saturday run also won't be the last time I run with them, either. But, they won't necessarily replace other illumination products I have.

Here's the rundown:


Pros
• The gloves' lights are charged via a USB cord. There's no need to hunt down batteries or steal them from your kids' toys.

• The battery life is legit. I have only had to charge the gloves once since using them.

• The gloves are comfortable, and I have not had any experience with them chafing nor with them become ridiculously wet.

• The lights are fairly bright, and I love being able to wave them toward an oncoming car to let them know I am approaching.

• The thumb of the glove is terry cloth – perfect for wiping your nose.

• At $34.99 a pair for the half-glove, RunLites are comparable in price to other illumination products.

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Cons
• The gloves are charged via a USB cord, and the gloves only come with one. One cord, two gloves. It requires some planning and, if you forget to charge them, you are a SOL when you are headed out the door.

• I have yet to figure out how to tell whether the gloves are fully charged.

• KnuckleLights are brighter by 5 lumens, and they just seem to offer more illumination. The KnuckleLights also have a strobe setting, and the RunLites do not have. While the strobe setting isn't always great for seeing twigs on the path, it is great for safety.

• The gloves are to see not to be seen and do not replace other night running gear, such as reflective vests/clothing. It would be nice to have a product that served multiple functions rather than adding one more item to the list of gear to grab – especially when you're coffee hasn't kicked in and the sun hasn't risen.

• The half gloves work perfectly for the fall and spring when it's chilly but not cold. However, I can't imagine wearing them when it's hot outside. Then again, I don't like wearing KunckleLights when it's 70 degrees and 90 percent humidity at 5 a.m.

Want to light up the night? RunLites is offering one Healthy Strides reader a pair of her own. Enter using the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 comments:

  1. my headlamp is MIA, so currently I run in the dark. I blame the kids.

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  2. I usually do the treadmill/bike trainer if it's dark out. It's soul sucking sometimes!

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  3. I dislike my headlamp because it makes a funny glare and makes my vision suck instead of better. These would be good for that!

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  4. I use flashing Nathan lights, they're more for being seen not seeing in the dark.

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  5. I use a headlamp, and it leaves a funny mark on my forehead :)

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  6. I use a headlamp but currently can't find it. I suspect the husband and his attic escapades.

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  7. I don't currently have anything to keep any light so this would be awesome! I have tried a head lamp but I hated it- it hurt so bad!
    starla.bates ATyahooDOTcom

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  8. Just a small handheld flashlight that's a total pain!

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  9. I have yet to run outside at night so I usually head to the gym for the treadmill.

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  10. I have a couple different colored wristbands that either glow or flash.

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