SPIBeams LED hat review

"Disclaimer: I received a SPIBeam hat 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!"

I do not like running in the dark. Ever since I fell at Ragnar Trail AZ a few years back and subsequently fractured my fibula, I am extremely paranoid about where I’m stepping and making sure I’m on even ground.  I need to be able to see clearly.

I have a headlamp for running Ragnars, but I don’t like the fit of it, or how it bounces when I run.  Then I saw the SPIBeams LED hat and thought that could really be a better option!

 It was a bit tricky to initially turn this on for the first time (or maybe I hadn’t had enough coffee yet!), but once I did, it was smooth sailing. I was initially impressed with how bright it was, and it even has a red blinky light in the back, perfect for Ragnar!

I took it out for a spin and the hat felt good, but most importantly the light was steady and not bobbing around.  I have trouble with my headlamp slipping once I get sweaty (unless I wear it over a cap).  Either way, I find them rather uncomfortable.  It light my path up just fine in the neighborhood.

Product Features:

• Multiple LEDs on Front and Back
• Replaceable Batteries – CR2032
• Vents for Breathability
• 128 Lumens
  

It has 4 beams across the front, with an easy button in the brim of the hat for on/off.  It is hand washable if you take the batteries out first. I am not sure on the battery life, they recommend turning off the power pack in the rear of the hat when you aren't wearing it to help conserve battery life.

Now for the real test – Ragnar!  It was perfect timing that Ragnar Napa fell in my product testing timeframe.  I always wear knuckle lights for Ragnar in addition to a headlamp. So this time I wore the SPIBeams hat and knuckle lights.  As I was running through the neighborhood, It was more than enough light. However, part of my run was on a pitch black trail.  I removed the knuckle lights just to see what I could see with just the hat.  It honestly was not quite enough for that setting on it’s own.

It sells for $29.99 and also has a visor option if you prefer that instead of a hat.

Discount!
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Final thoughts – I will happily use this product in place of a headlamp when I’m doing any night running.  It solved all the issues I had with headlamps.  It’s perfect for running in more populated areas. If you are running in a more remote or trail setting, I would add something handheld as well.