Disclaimer: I received a free set of Brilliant Reflective Strips to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Running and biking are fun, but they can also be dangerous…especially if you are doing either one in the mornings or evenings. I always try to be vigilant, stay aware of my surroundings and wear proper gear when I’m running and/or biking…even more so when I have the kiddos tagging along. So I was really stoked to hear about the Brilliant Reflective Strips!
They are little strips that can either stick-on or iron-on to your gear and clothes. You can also choose between a few different colors! I chose purple cause it’s my fave color. 😉
I wasn’t sure what to expect with these guys. When you pull them out, it just looks like big pieces of colored tape. So I didn’t think they could really do a whole lot.
Well I was wrong!
They lit up my BoB like a Christmas Tree! 🙂 *Full Disclosure: the two shiny spots on the very top of the stroller are part of the stroller itself. But everything else is all the Brilliant Strips!
I also added them to my kiddos’ bikes!
I couldn’t believe at how bright these strips were! Even though we don’t typically ride bikes early in the mornings or in the evenings, we have lost track of time a few times and headed home during dusk. I really liked having the strips on the kids’ bikes and helmets for added safety and peace of mind.
Then I headed for the trails! 🙂
The trails are great for running because you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car. However, while running or hiking alone is peaceful and refreshing…it also means that your safety is at a higher risk. The Brilliant Reflective Strips could literally be a lifesaver in the event that you get lost or injured. Most rescue groups would be searching for you with a flashlight or spotlight so they would find you much more quickly if your clothes/shoes are lighting up within the brush.
So during the time of testing out the Brilliant Reflective Strips, I moved to Japan. (Say what?!) Yes, I know, this seems a bit out of nowhere…but have no fear, there will be a follow-up blog post explaining more on that.
Anywho, over here in Japan cars are driven on the left side of the road. This is something that I am still getting used to as by reflex I want to run on the left side of the road – which would be against traffic in America. So I’m trying to train myself to run on the right side of the road over here. Also, while there are sidewalks in most areas, sometimes I am forced to run on the side of the road. And the roads are pretty narrow here so I’m adjusting to that as well. In addition, it’s hot as Hades over here so I have run in the evening a couple of times to avoid melting in this summer heat. I think after living in San Diego for so long I forgot what actual humidity was like.
So I was thankful to have my Brilliant Reflective Strips with me since I’m out here running on the wrong side of the road and whatnot. Also, manhole covers in Japan are artistically amazing.
And here are a couple of other #seenonmyrun pics just for fun.
I didn’t try out the iron-on strips because I was able to reuse the stick-on strips just fine and I wanted to see how I liked them before I permanently adhered them to anything.
And that was something else that I loved about the strips – you can cut them how you like and reuse them to customize all of your outdoor gear!
Pricing: $14.95 and free shipping
Overall, here is my conclusion about the strips:
Pros: 1. Added safety and increased visibility – The Brilliant Reflective strips allow you to be seen 500 ft. sooner. (according to brilliantreflective.com)
2. Easy to use – I like that you can easily cut the strips and reuse them for different clothes/gear
3. Pricing – I think the product is well-priced since it saves you from having to buy all reflective clothing – which can get pretty pricy. Plus free shipping!
4. Colors – I like that they come in different colors, especially purple!
Cons: 1. Quantity: Really my only con is that you are unable to choose the quantity that comes in the package. Each package comes with 8 strips which I felt wasn’t enough in my case. I would like to add the strips to my shoes, bikes, helmets, strollers, and clothes. I think there should be an option to purchase the strips in various amounts – Maybe an option for 4, 8, 16, or 24 strips and offer them at different price points.
Other than that, I really think these strips are a great concept and I hope to see more people using them! Especially with the combination of distracted driving and people running/biking in the dark. I think the Brilliant Reflective Strips could save lives! I know I’ll be adding more to my jogging strollers for sure!
Want to try some for yourself? Head over to bit.ly/BRforRunners and use code “BRP35” save 35%! They would make a great gift for your active friends and family! And you may even save their life. 😉
Join me on #Bibchat on Twitter July 11th at 6pm PST for your chance to win some of your own! See you there!
Check out #BeBrilliant on social media to see other ways people are using these handy little strips!
Sidenote: I’ve been singing “Shiny” from Moana the entire time I’ve been writing this. Go ahead, look it up and take a listen. 😉
~SM
The Swag Mama 