Visijax LED Sports Belt

The Visijax LED Sports Belt is a two-mode elasticated belt that can be worn unobtrusively around most adult waists, and comes in a choice of four captivating colours. I found it generally effective and surprisingly unobtrusive to wear; wearable tech is nothing new, but build quality has moved on quite considerably.

Traditionally, I've found Sam Browne and other belts something of a faff and slightly restrictive, though the broad 5cm elasticated Sports Belt is adjustable to accommodate adult waists between 86 and 115cm (33.8 and 45.2 inches), and the sturdy nylon fastener mates with a reassuringly solid click. It can also be worn as a sash, and around luggage such as messenger bags and rucksacks; I've even had some success with smaller 14 litre panniers.

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Unlike Visijax's gilet and jackets, the switch and lithium-ion battery are integral fit-and-forget affairs – although I will confess I was tempted to see what lay behind the tiny Phillips screws... This precludes machine washing, but mud and other organic stuff is easily dismissed with a damp cloth and a quick shot of bike wash.

The switch is a small but easily located, ribbed design that's reasonably intuitive, even in gloved hands – slide upwards, once engages flashing, twice constant, two stops down for off.

The USB charge port is tucked away at the side, out of mucky moisture's way, so I haven't felt inclined to add a trace of silicone grease to the cover. It follows the Visijax pattern rather than more universal ones, but that's only likely to be problematic for workplace recharging. Talking of which, full zero to hero charges take around 2 hours 45 minutes and return almost 12 hours (within 4 minutes) constant and a jaw-droppingly frugal 60 hours (quoted) for flashing. I haven't come near that latter threshold just yet, but like many similar systems, it gives a fast, intermittent flash when reserves are dwindling.

Worn around the lower back, the warm orange base and retro-reflective graphics align perfectly with driver eye-levels – at least those of super minis and saloons. Being a wraparound design, peripheral bleed was better than I had expected, especially in flashing, which improved presence when turning right or negotiating roundabouts. Wrapping it, sash-style, around a messenger bag certainly seemed to help snare the attentions of bus and truck drivers and SUV pilots sooner.

Obviously, this is a tertiary system, enhancing visibility, so I was also running at least one post-mounted blinkie and wearing gloves with retro-reflective detailing at the palms and fingers, bolstering hand signals.

Visibility in town and suburbs is to around 100 metres at dusk, give or take. On clear nights along unlit lanes, 150 metres is tops, 70-odd when run in constant mode.

> Buyer's Guide: Clothes and accessories to keep you visible

Those really looking to get their money's worth will be pleased to note that it works well in other outdoor contexts, running and dog walking being the most obvious, although a horse-rider said she liked the concept and reckoned it worked well.

Bottom line, the Visijax LED Sports Belt does exactly what it says, and so long as you get along with wearable tech, it represents decent value for money.

Verdict

Useful form of safety light, but a replaceable battery for a little extra cost would improve it