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review

Nathan Light Bender

8
£19.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Extra visibility if you're worried about being seen
Weight: 
51g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Nathan LightBender is a lightweight band that provides an extra level of visibility, but the lack of waterproofing could limit its use.

Powered by LED lights, the LightBender is claimed to be visible up to 2,400ft. A pretty bold claim. It was tested in a dark park and I found the visibility from a distance very evident. How far exactly, I can't say for sure, but it was certainly visible from a long way.

The silicone band itself is very flexible and can be attached to your arm or leg, and probably other places too, should you wish. The velcro fastener is secure and is very elasticated, making the fit feel comfortable.

The light is activated by pressing the button once, which puts it in steady mode. One more press sends it into blinking mode, the next press turns it back off. These lighting options feel bright enough to give you an extra feeling of safety.

It could be used in the flashing mode for extra visibility during daylight hours or poor weather conditions, so it isn't limited to night only. You can't use it instead of proper front and rear lights, but certainly alongside them.

The unit is powered by a simple lithium cell battery, the style that you find in watches, giving up to 100 hours of life. The battery compartment is opened with the small twist of a coin. It also came with a spare battery in it as well, which was a bonus.

The downside to the band is that it isn't waterproof, only water resistant. If the weather turns and you are caught in a sudden downpour I could see rain easily getting into the battery casing.

All in all it's a good little bit of extra visibility. The price isn't to steep at £19.99 and it only weighs 51g.

Verdict

Extra visibility if you're worried about being seen

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Nathan Light Bender

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The band is aimed at runners, walkers and cyclists. Nathan say "An incredibly lightweight and comfortable LED band, the LightBender wraps around your arm with a chafe-free stretch band to provide 360-degree visibility. Better yet? It's completely sweatproof, water-resistant, and powered with easily replaceable watch batteries." The band can be seen from a decent distance and can definitely add more visibility to those out after dark.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

Comfortable armband and super lightweight technology ensure no chafing or discomfort

Multi-settings for blinking or steady stream lights

IPX4 water-resistant so you can run longer in any weather

Powered with easily replaceable watch battery

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The construction is good and solid.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
9/10

The band is really easy to operate.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
8/10
Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
7/10

As it is water resistant, it will stand a little bit of rain. But you might want to check the weather before using it in case it pours.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10
Rate the light for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

It would have been better if it were completely waterproof.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? No.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes.

Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

I liked the user friendliness. It was simple to put the light on and off.

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The light performed well for its intended purpose.

Rate the light for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 34  Height: 158cms  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Giant defy  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

 

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6 comments

Avatar
DanTe | 9 years ago
0 likes

Hilarious name.

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fenix | 9 years ago
0 likes

It can't be hard to waterproof something like this surely ?

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festival | 9 years ago
0 likes

Over priced considering the quality and cheaper alternatives.
Poor review from the "experienced" tester.

Avatar
nortonpdj | 9 years ago
0 likes

If it isn't waterproof it isn't fit for purpose, so how can you give 8 out of 10?

Avatar
MadagascAL | 9 years ago
0 likes

Think I'll stick with my £4 for 4 flashing and very reflective armbands from Aldi.

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The _Kaner | 9 years ago
0 likes

£20 for a fairly pointless flashing armband......MK....no...

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