Lumivest safety vest: Review

[FatHead]

After finding this post http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/122264-Lumivest-for-commuters.-Anyone-using-one on KB I realised this is what I had been following just a couple nights earlier and had wanted to determine where to get one from. I read the site http://www.exelitesafety.com and decided to contact the distributors to see if I could get a deal for this community. I have since secured a pricing list which from what I can gather looking in a couple of retail outlets (which didnt sell the version I wanted) we are getting a decent discount.

The distributor has sent me a vest which I have reviewed below. Anyone wanting to secure themselves one please see the detals below for prices and PM me with your email address (and the type you want) to let me know you want one. Once I have a decent number I will put through an order and request your payment. They arrive within a couple of days and for the price the distributor has quoted I am doing the distribution from my home in Waikanae. If you want to organise a large order for a group (Bronz, Ulysses etc.) also let me know.

Pricing
The prices below include Batteries and Charger for the units but do not include GST or postage.

Jamal has agreed to give us this deal if we do all the order taking and distribution/posting. If you are interested please PM with your real name and email address so I can get back to you with further details in a more efficient fashion. Also if you can disperse this info through any other biker type organisations that would be appreciated. If we can get enough orders we will get additional discount.

I am willing to do some of the work here and not get any financial benefit other than a discounted vest so am passing you the prices as quoted to me.

............................excl GST.............Incl GST
LumiBelt.................$49.99...............$56. 21
LumiStrip ActiV.......$54.99...............$61.87
LumiPack...............$59.99................$67.4 9 - If you wear a Backpack this would be the way to go. Fits over Backpack.
LumiSash...............$64.99...............$73.12
Lumivest................$69.99...............$78.7 4 - Item Reviewed below
LumiLite Harness....$89.99..............$101.24 - Good for those who already have Hi Vis Jacket and want the lights to go over it

Vest dimensions
Around chest measurements in CM
Small 80-110
Medium 95-125
Large 110-140
X-Large 125-155
Waiting on dimensions of other products but expect that they are of similar size.

BTW I am not putting any markup on these from what the distributor has priced so you will be paying shipping from me to you on top of the price in the list if you are unable to make suitable pickup arrangements.


Review:
Got my new Lumivest XL from the NZ distributor EDIT they advise me they are the inventors and sole global manufaturers (sorry Jamal for understating) on Thursday and dutifully read the instructions which, like all devices with rechargeable batteries, required an overnight charge of 5 hours. The charger is pretty basic in operation, plug into Drivers (the things that hold the batteries and make the EL glow) plug figre 8 to mains cord into Charger body and wall plug, switch on. The LED's (one for each of the 2 drivers that can be charged from the unit) glow red while charging and change to Green when the charge is complete.

I was a bit concerned originally that the largest size was described as XL and I wear an 8XL Dririder. This turned out to be no problem, the XL fits nicely over the top of my bike jacket even with the liners installed and another layer of warmth under that.

The jacket has 3 pockets, two are for the EL Drivers and are placed low in the front but not too low that they get in the way of your legs while riding. The other pocket is breast height is split 2/3 and 1/3 about the size of a normal pocket the larger part is covered with a velcro closed flap and is just the right size for my earplug container and the oher would be ideal for a pen or small torch.

Overall the build quality seems sound and the zip up the front seems adequate for the job. [EDIT] Have been wearing for 2 weeks now and the zip has not gone down of its own accord once, it is one that has a little brake that stops it unless you pull the toggle[End Edit]

I got this vest to keep me visible and there is no doubt in my mind that now I am. I did some testing in the dining room and the vest has a light coming from it that lit up a dark room good enough to be able to eat by. It is also a good colour that I know is visible in daylight for a good 500+ metres.

I am using this every day commuting between Welington and Waikanae (50 minutes or so each way) and will edit this post once I have confirmed how long the batteries last. [Edit] Batteries lasted a good 10 hours on their first charge using them most of the time in constant on mode. Have decided to run in fast flash to make the chance of being noticed higher[End Edit]


Pros:
Factual
It is VISIBLE in the daylight from a distance (I know this colour is really noticeable from over 500 metres).
EL Lights are distinctive in the low light and dark (have followed a cyclist with one of the variants on in the dusk)
You can get a 12v charger for it so it can be charged/run from your bike (if you have the 12V socket of course).
It (Lumivest XL) fits over my 8XL Dririder jacket with the linings in and another jacket underneath.
ON/OFF/Flash switch useable with Gloves on.
Batteries used are standard AAA size so if you did forget to charge or were out of range of power source overnight you can use non rechargeable batteries to power it until you get back to civilisation. They are also Exelite branded so you will be able to work out which of the family pinched them for their remote.

Subjective
Noticed less tailgating while commuting.
Filtering is easier as people see me when I am moving through traffic.



Cons:
[Edit]The material is not waterproof so gets soaked in the rain (it does dry out quickly though) Would be nice to have at least some sort of coating that repelled a bit of the rain.[End Edit]

I have added a couple of pics of the vest over my bike jacket so that you can get the look of this variant.

Cheers
Brian
PS if anyone in the Wellington - Waikanae area sees me in this on bike rego BIK3R please post here on what the visibility is like and describe the conditions so others can ascertain perspective.

[Hitcher]

Shouldn't this thread be in "Jokes & Humour"?

[phill-k]

Shouldn't this thread be in "Jokes & Humour"?

bling to this man

[sunhuntin]

good write up! been thinking of getting one, but not sure how much use it would get. i dont do much commuting, and when im travelling, a standard fluoro seems to work fine. if i still worked nights, i would definately get one.

[oldrider]

Personally, I hate those bloody things and do not ever want to wear one BUT I am always more than a little concerned about being rear ended by some blind bastard who doesn't see me!

Alas, most of the rear end accidents are caused by some inattentive driver who wouldn't see you if you were lit up like the Eiffel tower anyway!

I would at least be interested in any information that can clearly show a "tangible" benefit in wearing them, not just some subjective bullshit raving of a safety Nazi!

With every Tom Dick and Harry wearing them, what makes them stand out? What's the point of difference? They are everywhere today!

If you find any information like that I would like to hear from you, so please don't forget to follow up when you get it. Cheers, John.

[Hitcher]

Most people who wear fluoro garb tend to wear backpacks over it. Why don't they buy fluoro backpacks instead?

And as for Tron suits... Sigh.

[FatHead]

Most people who wear fluoro garb tend to wear backpacks over it. Why don't they buy fluoro backpacks instead?

And as for Tron suits... Sigh.

And this is where the Lumi Guys have it sorted, they have a unit that straps to any size backpack that has fluro material (or black if you prefer) and an illuminated light system for low light riding.

BTW Hitcher, Thanks for busting the balls of the guy who is trying to do something nice for other people :Oops:

Anyone who IS interested in taking up this offer let me know as instructed earlier. Anyone with destructive comments please think before you post this was done in the interests of being Helpful (seems that is frowned upon on this forum) but I am trying it anyway.

[FatHead]

Personally, I hate those bloody things and do not ever want to wear one BUT I am always more than a little concerned about being rear ended by some blind bastard who doesn't see me!

Alas, most of the rear end accidents are caused by some inattentive driver who wouldn't see you if you were lit up like the Eiffel tower anyway!

I would at least be interested in any information that can clearly show a "tangible" benefit in wearing them, not just some subjective bullshit raving of a safety Nazi!

With every Tom Dick and Harry wearing them, what makes them stand out? What's the point of difference? They are everywhere today!

If you find any information like that I would like to hear from you, so please don't forget to follow up when you get it. Cheers, John.

Sorry man I dont do Statistics and stuff like that. I just know that when I see a motorcyclist wearing something that makes them stand out it makes me notice them more.

I spent 4 weeks on the road with 6 other riders in the USA a couple of years ago and those wearing Hi Vis stood out so much and were a lot easier to spot in traffic in the major cities (Vegas, LA, San Fran etc) while we were trying to keep together that I decided I would never (if I could help it) ride without one. Personal preference on my part and I know there are others especially those who commute daily who feel the same. Cheers Brian

[BMCruiser]

I was on a ride of about 15 bikes in the weekend, 5 or 6 were wearing hi-viz vests and it was very obvious how much more visable they were in the group. In my mind there is no argument, the more you stand out on the road, the safer you are.

Well done for taking the initiative to do this. For those who prefer to look cool rather than being safer, just move on to another thread.

[The Stranger]

Personally, I hate those bloody things and do not ever want to wear one BUT I am always more than a little concerned about being rear ended by some blind bastard who doesn't see me!

Alas, most of the rear end accidents are caused by some inattentive driver who wouldn't see you if you were lit up like the Eiffel tower anyway!



There are sufficient idiots out there (or at least were) the don't see a 100 ton train.
You think they are going to see a motorcycle?

[Ocean1]

I would at least be interested in any information that can clearly show a "tangible" benefit in wearing them, not just some subjective bullshit raving of a safety Nazi!

With every Tom Dick and Harry wearing them, what makes them stand out? What's the point of difference? They are everywhere today!

The latest “intelligence” is that the most "visible" colour is, in fact, black.

This, based on the theory that the lack of colour obscuring the background and moving at "not background" speed triggers alarms in some part of the brain that bright colours don’t.

Presumably on the basis that it's been a while since there were any fluorescent green sabre toothed tigers trying to share our landscape.

I’m not unhappy about this because I don’t enjoy the idea of looking like a clown anywhere near as much as the thought that the “aorta” brigade has, yet again, got it wrong.

That, and the fact that I’ve just bought an excellent Buffalo composite cordura/leather jacket, in black.

[Hitcher]

BTW Hitcher, Thanks for busting the balls of the guy who is trying to do something nice for other people.

This isn't about "busting balls", it's about bikers deluding themselves that by wearing fluorescent Tron suits with pulsing neon lights and tinsel epaulets that they will be somehow safer whilst riding. It is that assumption that I challenge. I ride on the basis that the drivers of enclosed vehicles haven't or are incapable of seeing me and, that if they have, that they want to kill me. I have a headlight to the front and a taillight to the rear. That should be sufficient without having to resort to festooning myself with some sort of technicolor Mardi Gras parade costume.

Riders in fluoro also, based on my observation, appear to have no worries about obscuring their gay apparel with screens, tankbags, topboxes, backpacks (go figure), pillions or other acoutrements. Wearing such garb is scientifically no more likely to improve rider survivability than securely wedging a stainless steel teaspoon up one's bottom.

If people want to wear such garb, good on them. I will still titter. But my biggest fear is that such futility will be mandated by lawmakers.

[FatHead]

This isn't about "busting balls", it's about bikers deluding themselves that by wearing fluorescent Tron suits with pulsing neon lights and tinsel epaulets that they will be somehow safer whilst riding.

My appologies it just felt like an attack


If people want to wear such garb, good on them. I will still titter. But my biggest fear is that such futility will be mandated by lawmakers.

Because I wear one I would not argue with making it compusory but I can see your point. There are some things that we should be allowed to decide for ourselves. And personally I decide to wear a "Tron Suit" to make myself seen. If I ever get bowled by some numb nuts who says "but I didn't see you" I like knowing that it will not be because of something I didn't do.

Just looking out for #1 as all riders should to keep themelves safe. :cool:

[Ixion]

This isn't about "busting balls", it's about bikers deluding themselves that by wearing fluorescent Tron suits with pulsing neon lights and tinsel epaulets that they will be somehow safer whilst riding. It is that assumption that I challenge. I ride on the basis that the drivers of enclosed vehicles haven't or are incapable of seeing me and, that if they have, that they want to kill me. I have a headlight to the front and a taillight to the rear. That should be sufficient without having to resort to festooning myself with some sort of technicolor Mardi Gras parade costume.



Why, then do you have the headlamp on? It also is , by your logic, redundant.

[Hitcher]

Why, then do you have the headlamp on? It also is , by your logic, redundant.

Because I can't turn it off.

[tinytoolmans274]

im a postie an wear fluoro for a job an trust me people still dont see me , my other theory is drivers fixating on my bright colours making them more likely to hit me . black is my saftey colour

[Ocean1]

im a postie <> black is my saftey colour

Y'see, y'see? a profesional rider, and his advice is... BLACK.

[crystalball]

I wear a orange saftey vest at work all day. i wouldint want to wear one on my bike as it would make me feel like im meant to be at work. anyhow my bike is bright. but hey if i see bikers wearing them it dont bother me just makes me think that they are makeing sure they get seen better.

[rustic101]

Hardly professional and he is an Aussie:rofl:

And I bet he rides a scooter on the footpath as a postie no wonder people almost hit him :shit:

[tinytoolmans274]

Hardly professional and he is an Aussie:rofl:

And I bet he rides a scooter on the footpath as a postie no wonder people almost hit him :shit:

not relevant to thread but born an bred in tauranga :laugh:

[rustic101]

Lol will reserve any 'Kiwi Fruit' jokes ;)

Mind you after riding around in this Welly weather this week I wish I was living some where dry lol like Aus ;)

There have been days I would have been dryer in a submarine

[John_H]

Because I can't turn it off.

So you'd rather reduce your visibility than admit this guy may have a point. I don't wear a fluro due to stupid vanity and the fact I'm a weekend warrior but I don't deny the fact that the more visible I am the more likely I am to be spotted. I acknowledge that cagers seem to have a blind spot for us but that doesn't mean that there is nothing that can be done to increase our visual presence.

[rustic101]

So you'd rather reduce your visibility than admit this guy may have a point. I don't wear a fluro due to stupid vanity and the fact I'm a weekend warrior but I don't deny the fact that the more visible I am the more likely I am to be spotted. I acknowledge that cagers seem to have a blind spot for us but that doesn't mean that there is nothing that can be done to increase our visual presence.

Great post IMHO as anything we do to increase our chances is a great thing.

[Hitcher]

So you'd rather reduce your visibility than admit this guy may have a point. I don't wear a fluro due to stupid vanity and the fact I'm a weekend warrior but I don't deny the fact that the more visible I am the more likely I am to be spotted. I acknowledge that cagers seem to have a blind spot for us but that doesn't mean that there is nothing that can be done to increase our visual presence.

Exactly. If I seriously thought that a fluoro vest made one jot of difference in improving bikers' visibility in the eyes of other road users, I'd probably consider wearing one. I remain to be convinced that People With Good Taste(TM) can be prevented from swerving to deliberately collide with effervescently fluoro calypso crusaders.

[rustic101]

An extract from the Police Riders Hand Book

Looking but not seeing

What we see depends to a large degree on what we expect to see. You may have experienced, at one time or another, pulling out and narrowly missing a bicycle coming from the other direction in which you have just looked. Errors of this type are common because road users, including riders, are generally looking for cars or trucks but not for smaller objects like bicycles or motorcycles, which they fail to see. When we concentrate, we don’t just look at a particular part of a scene, we look for particular types of objects in that scene. We find it easier to detect objects that we expect to see, and react more quickly to them. Conversely we fail to see objects that we do not expect to see. This has important implications for your safety as a rider. (see riding defensively page 21).

[oldrider]

I was in the centre of Christchurch yesterday (walking) and there were so many different coloured flouro vests everywhere, anyone "not" wearing one really stood out!

God help us if they make a bloody law insisting that we all have to wear them, no body will ever see us!

Instead I am going to beef up my side reflectors and tail lights on my bike to be the most effective they can be!

Having been involved with signs in the past, I am aware that too much is as bad as too little, they have to do the job effectively! Trial and error till I get it right!

By the way, driving to Christchurch and back in the adverse weather conditions on Wednesday and Thursday just proved to me what a thankless job the cops have got!

There are some absolute bloody plonkers out there and most of them drive SUV's!

The other stand out was the state of the bloody highways, holes you could lose a railway engine in!

I am in favour of the increase in tonnage of the trucks but to excuse "all" truck drivers as great drivers is a total fallacy, there are some shockers among them too!

Fix the roads Transit, afterall we pay you enough you pack of pricks! :brick: OK, rant over! :mellow:

[jamalNZ]

Hi All
Sorry to say but most of you guys are missing the point here! We are not debating the use of Hi-Vis vests during day time!
We are talking about a Kiwi company that used this GARMENT as a media to install a SELF-ILLUMINATED system on it; Besides the retro-reflective that comes standard on these type of garment, there are two highly visible EL (Electro-Luminescent) lamps running along the retro-reflective tape, this kind of light does penetrate fog, smoke and rainy conditions to make you stand out like a sore thumb without the need of other vehicles beam on you in the first place and from quite respectable distance too, giving other motorists (or pedestrians for that matter) plenty of time to notice your presence, the Green/Blue colour generated beam is different from any other standard source of light, hence the eye/brain will spot you instantly, furthermore, there is no glare effect from it, so your position is accurately acquired in ANY weather condition. (Somewhat similar principal to a Laser beam)
Read more here: http://www.exelitesafety.com/technology.html
This technology is now used by emergency services from Spain to Korea, let alone private organisations from road works, mining, trucking, airports and petroleum to name but few.
Don't fool yourself, be visible when you are on the road, especially in low light conditions, your life depends on it after all.
Happy and safe riding everyone.

[Dodgy]

I would have thought that the safest colour on a motorcycle would be black - with a gang patch? I mean, how often would you run down a hells angel or mothers patched rider as opposed to a Honda rider in a nice bright jacket? I think that a lot of it comes down to perceived personal safety. One may not feel threatened in running across a fluro vested, scaredy cat CBR rider, but who would mess with a bad ass gang rider?

Those 'baby on board' labels swinging in the back of surburban SUVs are similar. Would feel more mindful of those or a matt black mean as HQ with 'black power' tattooed across the rear window?

[FatHead]

All, I am putting in an order tomorrow so we can get in prior to GST going up. If you want one of these send me a PM on here prior to 18:30 and I will add it to the list. After that the price will change to include the new GST. Cheers Brian