Details
Brand
UltrAspire
Model
Lumen 600
Use
Visibility
Key Features
• Removable 600 lumen tactical light• Two adjustable straps• Side pockets• Microfiber polyester belt• 180-degree directional rotation
Comfort
Many of the same design features mentioned above contribute to the high comfort factor of the UltrAspire as much as they do to its breathability. These two aspects are closely correlated, after all, a breathable product is sure to be more comfortable than one that is stifling. In this respect, the lighter weight of the UltrAspire belt and microfiber polyester construction are responsible for the excellent comfort experienced when wearing this light belt.;The two straps used to secure the UltrAspire Lumen 600 to an individual’s body are nonintrusive and won’t lead to chafing or pinching the skin. In general, skin irritation shouldn’t be an issue thanks to the very fine fabric used for the belt portion’s construction, except anyone allergic to polyester. Even in these rare cases, the UltrAspire light belt is designed to be worn over other layers of clothing, so the chances of it coming into contact with bare skin are slim. One other potential source of discomfort is an uneven distribution of weight since the majority of this product’s density will be located on the light’s battery on the front of the belt. However, the stock light and battery aren’t nearly heavy enough to cause problems in this way, making this only a major concern for people who swap out the stock Lumen 600 light for a more powerful one. Barring these two very specific circumstances, this product offers a satisfactory level of comfort.
Size
The size of the UltrAspire Lumen 600 is, in a word, reasonable. Judging by the light portion alone this product is impressively portable, with the battery and housing taking up more space than the bulb itself. One aspect in which the size may confuse or annoy some individuals is that the battery housing rests perpendicular to the light, making this portion of the Lumen 600 abnormally wise and difficult to hold in one’s hand. However, this is only a problem if the light is separated from the belt.;Regarding the belt portion, the size of this UltrAspire product is similarly reasonable. With a few inches across and a few millimeters thick, the closest comparison to this belt’s is a silk sash or thin cummerbund. By no means is this belt as thick or heavy as a standard pants belt, which carries its own benefits and drawbacks. While this does reduce weight and improves breathability, it does mean that this belt isn’t comparable to a standard belt in terms of durability. Additionally, the smaller size leaves less room in the side pockets, meaning that some runners won’t be able to fit some brands of large smart devices.
Accessories
Regarding accessories, the UltrAspire Lumen 600 offers very little. The light portion of the trailing belt can be separated and used as a tactical light, technically qualifying it as an accessory, but its effectiveness is limited because it is shaped differently from a standard flashlight. One aspect of the light that can come in handy as an accessory is the ability to display an SOS signal as one of the standard buttons prompts. This makes this light a handy tool in survival situations where help may be needed.;The belt portion of this product offers little in the way of accessories except for some pockets that allow runners to hold other items inside. In this sense, the UltrAspire Lumen 600 may not have many accessories on their own, however, the presence of these pockets, along with the ability for this belt to attach easily to a standard hiking pack, make this product highly compatible with other accessories. For example, the larger of the two pockets placed on the UltrAspire’s belt allow for many smartphone models to fit inside comfortably. Some larger models might have some difficulty, but anything in size range of an iPhone 6 should fit without any issues.
Use
As previously mentioned, the UltrAspire Lumen 600 functions primarily as a light source. A bright bulb is housed in a housing that appears similar to a flashlight, which is then secured to a fabric belt. This belt is secured to an individual’s body with two adjustable straps on the back. Although the flashlight is the primary feature of this product and the major selling point, additional uses can be derived from its design.;One alternative use for this product is as a form of lightweight storage, multiple pockets along the side and rear can fit small objects such as a smartphone or light snacks. Additionally, reflective materials placed around the UltrAspire’s belt portion increase the visibility of the individual wearing it, making this product an effective safety accessory similar to a safety vest. Based on these varied and convenient uses, it seems as though the Lumen 600 is a highly functional product.
Style
For the vast majority of individuals, this UltrAspire product simply won’t offer the kind of style they may prefer. When compared to many popular athleisure products, such as those made by Nike or Adidas, the Lumen 600 looks garish. It primarily features a bright neon yellow/green color scheme reminiscent of a highlighter marker. The closest comparison to this product in terms of style is a reflective safety vest commonly worn by traffic guards.;However, in this particular aspect, the style of the UltrAspire Lumen 600 serves a more important function than simply making a fashion statement. The slightly sickening highlighter hue increases a runner’s visibility, as do the reflective highlights added to the design of the belt. While these two design aspects won’t win any fashion awards, they just may help to save a trail runner’s life by drawing attention to them in an emergency situation. When judged in this respect, the design of this light belt feels less garish and more utilitarian. It’s a serious piece of equipment for a serious trail runner, weekend warriors need not apply.
Durability
According to testimonials left online by verified customers of the UltrAspire Lumen 600, this belt and light combo is very durable. One customer said that they had taken this belt on 15 different runs, one with a distance longer than 100 miles over the course of two days, without any issues. The general impression from individuals who have purchased this product seems to be that the likelihood of flashlight malfunction or belt tearing is incredibly slim, even when running for long distances and on a heavy-duty terrain.;A highly resilient housing protects the light portion of the Lumen 600. This housing is designed to be impervious to damage from common trail running hazards such as flying debris or excessive moisture. A hard metal ring surrounding the bulb prevents it from shattering if dropped and the included battery can last over a day without turning off. Regarding the belt portion of this UltrAspire product, the microfiber material is deceptively durable, despite being nearly transparent in a few places. As it was designed with the intention of being used on treacherous running terrain, it makes sense that the belt, straps, and pockets are highly resistant to tearing, even when in contact with brush or sharp rocks.
Breathability
Considering that this is a lightweight belt that is placed away from breathing packages and on top of other clothing layers, breathability isn’t a major issue when evaluating the UltrAspire Lumen 600. However, proper ventilation can still be a concern, especially among the primary demographic of avid trail runners. Fortunately, this product was designed not only to provide decent airflow but to prevent the pressing need for high airflow in the first place.;Regarding the first point, high ventilation is managed through the materials used for the construction of the UltrAspire Lumen 600’s belt portion. The belt is made from a microfiber polyester mesh, and its design involves several large holes evenly spaced around its entirety. Addressing the second point is the fact that this particular design results in an exceptionally low weight for this belt, the total weight of this product is around 8 ½ ounces, with the majority of that weight attributed to the flashlight portion. With such a low weight, heat and sweat accumulation is diminished due to the decreased strain placed on the body while it is worn. Regardless as to whether or not it is important or necessary for the UltrAspire Lumen 600 to be breathable, the fact remains that it most certainly is.
Price
The price of the UltrAspire Lumen 600 will depend largely on the commitment and resourcefulness of the prospective customer. The original suggested retail price for this product was incredibly high, even higher than the cost of most high-end trail running shoes. A runner buying this product at this price, or really any light belt at that price, would have a very tough time justifying their investment.;Unfortunately, this specific product has become much harder to find online, even on the manufacturer’s official website, the Lumen 600 is out of stock. Fortunately, time and the release of updated UltrAspire light belt products have led this particular model to have its price cut drastically. When searching through online retailers such as Amazon, many sellers have this product listed for roughly half its original price. Even more resourceful customers may be able to find a deeper discount with more digging. With this current price, justifying the purchase of this product becomes much easier.
Bottom Line
While trail running can be an exciting way to reinvigorate a love of running, it can also be incredibly dangerous. What many amateur trail runners don’t realize is that this seemingly innocuous sport can be potentially life-threatening. It is far more physically and mentally demanding than track running, road running, or casual hiking. Because of this added element of danger, many safety products have been made to address the concerns of trail runners.;The UltrAspire Lumen 600 is one of the many different peripheral trails running products that makes sense to own. It can be justified for trail runners even if they don’t commonly run at night since the SOS signal and reflective materials can make it easier for them to be found if they are stranded. Aside from that, this light belt allows beginner and experienced trail runners to enjoy nighttime running both on and off the trail. When evaluating how much this light belt costs in comparison to the opportunity it presents for runners, it seems like a sound purchasing decision.
