Details
Brand
Nathan
Model
Zephyr Trail 200
Use
Visibility
Key Features
• LED lightbulb• 200 lumens of Light• High, low and strobe setting• Fold out safety whistle• IPX4 water resistant material• Up to 40 hours of battery life• 4.1 ounces
Comfort
The key to the comfort of a hand torch is in the materials used and the design of the product. This product is designed to not only ensure that this product fits comfortable in the hand, but that the material that is used is soft and absorbent enough to reduce any irritation or friction that might take place during the run. In fact, many runners reported that they forgot that they had the Nathan Fire 200 with them because it felt very natural during their run. The straps are adjustable and this provides the runner with a customizable fit. It can adjust to fit large or small hands which is key because this product does not come in multiple sizes. In addition to these features, this product is water resistant, both the flashlight and the actual hand strap, which keeps runners running comfortably and safely even in the rain. Another feature that should be considered is the positioning of the actual torch. This product uses an ergonomic design. The light shines directly in front of the runner and this allows the runner to forget about the torch and focus on the run. There is no need to adjust or hold on to the torch because the design of the strap holds the torch in place for the athlete.
Size
Unfortunately, this product only comes in a one size fits all option. This was an issue for some runners, especially those with either very small or huge hands. The product features an adjustable strap that can adjust to fit most hand sizes comfortably, but some still had a problem with the sizing. Some runners commented that they wished the material along the side was had more of an elastic feeling. The pros of the sizing of this product are that the flashlight spotlight is contoured to shine directly down at the ground at a 40-degree angle. This was a perfect angle because runners reported that they always had light where they needed without the need to adjust.
Accessories
This product doesn’t include too many additional accessories. The flashlight takes 2 AA batteries that must be purchased separately. An interesting accessory that is included in this product is the nose guard along the upper part of the construction. Runners appreciated this soft cotton that was highly absorbent and came in handy during longer, colder weather running in place of a tissue. Since one of the key reasons runners purchased this product was to stay safe during evening runs, they appreciated that the Zephyr Trail 200 came with an attached, fold out safety whistle on the back of the flashlight. This is easy to access and can quickly be reached if needed. The sound of this is loud enough to attract the attention of other people up to a mile away. The torch itself is a bright neon yellow color that does a great job of standing out in the dark and keeping the runner safe.
Use
The purpose of the Nathan Zephyr Trail 200 Hand Torch is to provide runners with an adventurously designed flashlight to keep them safe and secure on evening runs or runs in low visibility areas without the need of relying on a headlamp. Some runners commented that headlamps can be uncomfortable and ill-fitting, especially if they need to be layered over or under hats on cold runs or hikes. The Zephyr 200 hand torch provides the runner with ability to stay safe and still gives them full use of their hands. This product can be used by any runners looking for a light to keep them safe during their evening runs, but because of its durability and longer battery life, this is a great option for runners who are attempting longer runs that either begin before the sunrise or are long enough that they extend into the evening hours. Running at night can b, a wonderful way to stay fit, but without the use of proper lighting it can be very dangerous, especially for a woman. With the use of this hand torch, runners can run confidently any time of day.
Style
Regarding style, the main reason to purchase this product over a headlamp is that some runners are adverse to the headlamp style. For runners who are racing in extreme conditions like the heat or the intense cold, a headlamp can either create too much discomfort due to sweat or runners can have a hard time finding a headlamp that fits over winter headgear. The handheld torch is great for runners who want a styling option that doesn’t include a headlamp. Regarding the aesthetics of this product, runners found it to be relatively unexciting. This product is more focused on function than looks. It comes in a basic black that covered sections of the hand, and the torch itself only comes in one color option: neon yellow. This product is not designed to be a fashionable accessory.
Durability
There are a few things to consider when discussing the durability of this product, and for the most part, each different element of the Zephyr Trail 200 received high marks for durability. For starters, the light itself has an outstanding battery life. The light runs on 2 AA batteries. The flashlight has a high and low setting. On the brightest setting, the batteries can provide 9 continuous hours of light. On the least bright setting, runners can receive 24 hours of continuous light. The flashlight can also provide 40 hours if the setting is set to flashing. The actual flashlight uses LED bulbs which are also known for their long lasting attributes. Likewise, the actual handle of this product that wraps around the wrist and hand is made from a durable cotton and polyester that runners reported stayed soft and supportive without breaking down.
Breathability
There are two different materials to consider when you are purchasing this product. The first is the material that actually makes up the hand strap. This strap that wraps around the hand is made from a breathable cotton that does a great job of absorbing sweat and wicking it away from the skin without adding weight or discomfort to the strap. Nathan created this product to cover as little of the hand as possible to reduce the risk of irritation. Nathan designed the strap to ensure that a little material as possible to keep the flashlight in place is used to ensure that majority of the hand is still exposed. This allows runners to stay cool and comfortable and the limited amount of material reduces the risk of irritation. The other material that the runner needs to consider is the flashlight itself. This flashlight that comes with the hand torch is made of plastic which keeps the weight down and reduces the stress placed on the hand strap. In the end, runners were happy that this product provides maximum breathability because it covers such a limited around of the surface of the hand.
Price
This product is priced very reasonably. The price is aligned with other similar products, and in fact, runners found the longevity of the light and the durability of the product to move this into a more competitive range than similar products. Something to consider is that this product is not rechargeable and 2 AA batteries must be purchased (they don’t come with the torch) and repurchased to light this product. The torchlight can last up to 40 hours if the torch is set to strobe features, so the batteries don’t need to be replaced too quickly. In addition to this, the actual lightbulb in the torch is an LED light. This provides an added value to the product because LED lights tend to last much longer than their less durable counterparts.
Bottom Line
Nathan’s Zephyr Trail 200 hand torch is a great alternative for the adventure runners and racer who doesn’t like the fit or feel or a head torch. This product is specifically designed to fit on top of the hand and provides the runner with a fit that is so comfortable and ergonomically angled that the runner can practically forget that they are wearing it. The torch itself is made from a neon yellow plastic that provides added illumination on dark trails and in low light areas. The light bulb on this product is a powerful LED light that offers the runner 200 lumens of bright, clear light. Some runners commented that they wished the product had a rechargeable battery, while others didn’t mind that the torch takes 2 AA batteries. The price is more than reasonable and falls within the average pricing for similar products. Runners appreciated the soft, absorbent material of the hand strap, but some reported that they were unhappy with the one size fits all option, even though the straps along the side are adjustable. Overall, Nathan is a powerhouse when it comes to adventurous running equipment, and this product is certainly aligned with their other high-quality running and racing products. The smart design of this product features such design elements like a water-resistant outer material and an easy to access safety whistle. This product keeps runners safe and comfortable even during long, uncomfortable runs and races.
