The Best LED Vest

Whether you're jogging, cycling, riding a motorcycle or working at a construction site, wearing an LED vest increases your ability to be seen. More than just a way to attract attention, these critical accessories can be crucial to your safety when you're around moving vehicles during the evening hours. This quick buying guide should make it easy to pick a vest that suits the activities you participate in as well as your comfort and style preferences.

How Do LED Safety Vests Work?

LED safety vests are simply pieces of lightweight apparel that incorporate LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. These electrical components shine vividly when powered by a small amount of electricity. Most vests have a simple pushbutton switch that lets you activate them and cycle through their flashing operating modes.

LEDs are ideal for portable safety applications. They commonly feature in devices where high visibility is crucial, like bicycle headlights, signage and vehicle signal lights.

Essential Features to Consider

Most LED safety vests incorporate lightweight, minimal materials that you can wear over your other clothing without feeling too hot or constricted. But are they all the same? These differences might influence your purchase decision.

LED Type and Layout

LEDs come in many varieties. The most common is a miniature bulb style, which emits a single point of brilliant light. There are also fiber optic cables that cover more surface area and take the form of a line of glowing illumination.

Fiber Optics

Fiber optics rely on LED bulbs for light. While they have about the same total intensity as a comparable LED, they spread the light out over a larger space to make you a bigger visual target.
Do you typically run, cycle or walk in places where there's lots of vegetation, traffic, people or other optical distractions? Wearing a fiber optic-equipped vest might help you stay in sight amidst the chaos. Many manufacturers also design these options for increased visibility from any angle.

One possible issue with fiber optics is that you might pay more for their flashy modern style. Products like the noxgear Tracer360 come at a premium because of their cool-looking features and functionality.
Of course, you can pay less for alternatives like the Atlecko high-visibility model, but you might have to compromise on certain functions and features. For instance, some reviewers complain that the fiber optic tubes on cheaper vests have a tendency to shift around when you're in motion.

LED Bulbs

Traditional LED vests that use bulb-style lights often feature patterned arrangements designed to cover your whole torso. People's ability to spot you, however, will vary with their viewing angle. These vests' lack of long fiber optic cables also makes them more appropriate for construction sites and other work zones where it's best to avoid getting snagged on nearby machinery.

Most LED bulb vests are notably heftier than fiber optic alternatives. Thanks to this bulk, they're typically the standard on job sites.
For example, KwikSafety manufactures a vest that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 2/Level 2 standards, so companies may be able to use these products without falling afoul of regulators. Of course, you can purchase belt-style sporting options like the SPRNO for about the same price if you're not worried about compliance.

The other noteworthy advantage of vest styles that aren't as slimmed down is that they give you room to make modifications. Even though they're not always sleek enough for hardcore nighttime marathon training or similar activities, the fact that some incorporate pockets, spaces for extra clip-on LED lighting, carabiner loops and other features may make them worth your money.

Light Patterns and Colors

The majority of LED vests include lights that flash in various preset patterns. This feature serves to increase visibility and conserve battery life.

Not all flasher circuits are the same, however. Models like Yoa's lightweight elastic design only have three different modes. Some higher-end alternatives include a few more settings. There's no definitive answer on which patterns keep you in sight the best, but having additional options gives you more freedom to experiment.

Sizing and Fit

Vests designed for running are smaller and more compact than worksite safety options, which typically extend down to your waist. Does the difference matter? Many people claim that the shorter versions are more comfortable to wear while you're in the middle of an intense exercise session. Minimal, belt-like styles may also prevent you from sweating as much.

Durability

If there's a downside to going with an airier design, it's that they're not always as hardy. Sure, there seem to be notable exceptions, like Wildsaver's compact X-Sport. Be aware, however, that you'll pay more for vests that are actually as waterproof and long-lasting as they claim.

Color and Reflectivity

Is color just a matter of stylistic choice? Depending on where you're running or cycling, it might be a critical safety feature.
Fortunately, companies like IP Brothers sell their vests in multiple color options. Some advanced models include LEDs that let you switch colors on the go. If all else fails, you can combine your vest with lighted armbands of other hues to ensure you catch people's eyes.

Many LED vests also include reflective fabric, and this is a must-have. If your battery runs out or malfunctions mid-jog, wearing a model that reflects vehicle headlights might just save your life. At worksites, reflectivity is usually a legal requirement.

Power Options: Battery Duration and Recharging

Power is an important cost consideration. Although many vests operate using regular alkaline cells, some require the button style found in watches. Depending on how frequently you use your illuminated safety gear, you might spend a lot on replacement batteries.

Fortunately, more manufacturers seem to be making the shift towards rechargeable power sources. Regardless whether you're an eco-warrior or just don't want to spend as much money, these options may be better investments in the long run.

When judging different power options, always think about characteristics like:

• The amount of continuous operating time you'll get from a new or fully charged battery,
• Whether you can recharge using a USB port or require a special adapter, and
• Whether you can replace the rechargeable battery easily at the end of its lifetime.

Picking Your LED Safety Vest

LED safety vests come in many styles. You can even pair them with designs made for your pet or matching bike lights.

Are you planning on purchasing an LED safety vest of your own? Did this guide influence your decision? Let us know what you think in the comments, or share your ideas on any products and features we should have included.

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This page about LED Vest was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2023-01-28 08:00:39 and has been viewed 4722 times.