This post is sponsored by New Balance
That was the New Balance HI-VIZ Beacon Jacket — it combines performance and safety for us runners that OWN THE NIGHT. I took some photos of the “one-of-a-kind glow in the dark luminance,” but it didn’t do it justice compared to that video. Let’s take a look at the description from New Balance before we dive right into the review:
New Balance HI VIZ Beacon Jacket
New Balance’s HI-VIZ running jacket integrates three key elements for achieving improved visibility during all low light conditions:
- The first is using high visibility color that can help draw attention to the athlete during low light conditions, such as the men’s green gecko and the women’s fiery coral.
- The second element is using reflectivity in key areas so light from outside sources such as a car or street light can ensure visibility of the athlete.
- The third element that makes the Beacon jacket an important part of any athlete’s kit is a one-of-a-kind glow in the dark luminance. In only 10 minutes and under any light source, the jacket will fully charge and glow, making sure that the athlete can get through their workout safely.
Since the men’s jacket was not available in my size for this review, wifey got to give the jacket a spin. She tends to stay more to the darker colors, so the fiery coral color was something different for her and shhhh… I think she liked it. The color looked really nice on her and she immediately commented on how it felt “comfortable and easy to move in.”
The first time she wore it out was on a walk during her lunch hour with friends.
Here is how she tells the story:
I was outside walking with my friends for maybe 20 mins., then when we went to the parking garage, my friend commented “did you know you’re glowing?” and I looked down and thought “that’s cool.”
Here are the features and specs on the jacket:
- Material: 86% Polyester Stretch and 14% Spandex
- Glow-in-the dark gradient dot screen print graphic at sleeve, back panel, and logo
- Reflective center front zipper and trims
- The surface of the garment incorporates glow-in-the-dark technology the must be charged prior to each use through clear exposure of all glow-in-the-dark material sections to bright natural or indoor lighting. It is recommended that the garment be charged for at least 10 minutes prior to use to endure its effective performance; then wear and glow!
- Welded secure front zip pockets
- Wind-resistant
Wifey also received a comment from a cyclist along the lines of “You’re jacket looks cool. It’s very reflective… I bike and it doesn’t look heavy.” She couldn’t remember EXACTLY what he said, probably because she was busy thinking about her awesome and amazing husband, but she thought it was pretty cool that a complete stranger (and athlete) would take notice of the jacket.
She also really enjoyed the zippers on the pockets. In her words:
They are perfect for my phone or keys. It is also perfect for holding the First Lady’s toys… they were able to be zipped up and kept safe.
Noting worse than a lost toy. The pockets also have a tiny hole on the inside for you to slip through the wire on your headphones. Ideal for not having to worry about the headphones cable flopping around on the outside of your jacket or getting it caught when you swing your arms.
Additional comments by the wifey included:
- It feels very light weight, almost like you are wearing nothing — in a good way.
- It’s great for working out or walking the dog in the morning.
- If you are using it for recreation, it does need to go with layers because it is so light-weight.
Women’s New Balance High Visibility Beacon Jacket
Men’s version, or view the entire High Visibility running line
What do you think of the New Balance Hi-Viz Beacon Jacket?
That is a very cool jacket! Perfect for my zero dark thirty runs. I’ve gotta keep my eyes peeled for it next time I’m shopping for gear.
omg i love this!!! NEED IT!!!!!
That jacket looks awesome! I want one!
LOVE THE JACKET.
and IVE BEEN WAITING FER THE WIFEY (waves like the misfit she is).
and concur.
even though mine is seven—there is nothing worse than a lost toy.
I was given the same jacket and I LOVE it! I agree- it’s so lightweight, yet adds a lot of warmth as an outer shell for running. Love the orange, too!
I do like glowing! Orange you glad it makes you glow ;) hahaha
Good one! ;)
Thanks for sharing – I am always on the look out for highly visible running gear. I want to make SURE I’m seen ;-)
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!
Sweet! Didn’t think they would have it in my size but I see they have a 2x, I think that might work. I especially love the color and how reflective it is and to be wind resistant here in Chicago would be a total winner. Great review!
(WAVES FRANTICALLY) HI WIFEY!!! So nice to you! The Jacket is adorable on you (but not surprised!) xoxox
What a great jacket. More visibility is awesome. Might need to look into that for my Ragnar night leg :-)
Love the jacket. Your wife is so slim! Looks great on her and I love the color and specs of the jacket. Might have to keep my eyes peeled for that one!
What comes to mind when I see that jacket is the electric slide!!!! I am totally YouTubing that song RIGHT NOW! ;)
I’m always a sucker for Glow In The Dark, and for neon right now. I think I’ll put this on my Christmas list.
A bunch of girls at the RW Festival a few weeks ago had this jacket, and I LOVED it!! What a great idea!
I really want that jacket but it is SO expensive!!! it is GORGEOUS though!
I love this. I think I may actually buy the hubby the mens version because his walk home from the train station can be very dark. Glad your wife loved the jacket :) she swayed me to buy it.
Now with the dark season upon us I really need to look into something like this. I am still not equipped properly and the only thing that reflects light from me are the shoes. Good timing with this review. Thanks.
LOVE it and love the color. I might have to add that to my xmas list!!
I LOVE this jacket! What an awesome idea!
Cool jacket! It would probably also be great for cycling
I love the color and I love that it glows. Xmas list item! Or early Xmas item for myself…… :) It looks great on the wifey!
I just saw someone tweet about this jacket this morning and I love it! I saw the green one for guys and I know my husband would love it! Sadly, $175 is WAY out of the budget for a running jacket. We draw the line at $100 (and even then it better have all the bells and whistles)
Saw that jacket a week or two ago & became obsessed. So bright, I think it would def help me feel safer running at night! Sadly don’t think my wallet will be able to budge for it
Hi guys! What id like to know is… Is that jacket good for winter runs?! Is the material like a shoftshell or is it more like a thin raincoat?! Thanks :)
Hi Sophie… the jacket is pretty light-weight. I guess it depends on how cold it is and if you layer under it. The benefits are mostly for the visibility. It will keep you warm, but also light enough to wear in the morning, late at night. I wouldn’t worry too much about over-heating in it.