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review
£19.99
VERDICT:
Extra visibility if you're worried about being seen
Weight:
51g
Contact:
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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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
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
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,
Latest Comments
- lesterama 0 sec ago
Just don't turn up at road races expecting to ride it.
- Richbeck 17 min 19 sec ago
Take a look at spa cycles - plenty of choice and options.
- anke2 1 hour 53 min ago
Just for a perspective:...
- brooksby 2 hours 16 min ago
Asking the Bristol Post to do actual journalism? Ha! That's a good one!
- brooksby 2 hours 17 min ago
I'm not sure I'd want to drop my member, regardless of whether or not I was being hunted...
- Destroyer666 4 hours 26 min ago
Yeah, not sure how to react to that. I know that's something that I can never afford and the same functionality can be had for a tenth of the price...
- mdavidford 6 hours 51 min ago
They were handed the victory on a Platea?
- chrisonabike 7 hours 30 min ago
I think the former is a fair summary. What's available guides buyers' choices BUT the common choices are reflected by the market here **....
- DogOfOB 8 hours 18 min ago
To be sure, race organizers and racers review races in detail and most often, where there have been accidents or deaths, there have been prior...
- Dadams7378 8 hours 24 min ago
I'm not sure I agree they are 'promoting' this. It is a review, so unless you're suggesting the reviewer is biased towards Fizik, then it isn't a...
Add new comment
6 comments
Hilarious name.
It can't be hard to waterproof something like this surely ?
Over priced considering the quality and cheaper alternatives.
Poor review from the "experienced" tester.
If it isn't waterproof it isn't fit for purpose, so how can you give 8 out of 10?
Think I'll stick with my £4 for 4 flashing and very reflective armbands from Aldi.
£20 for a fairly pointless flashing armband......MK....no...