Velovision review of the new Exelite Lumi ACTIV safety strip

When I set eyes on the Lumistrip it was love at first sight – not my normal reaction, it has to be said, to safety products. My stylish wax jacket serves me well for my sedate daily commute, but does not have any reflective strips. I was missing this feature and had intended to make my own band from retro-reflective tape. The Lumistrip solved my problem, plus some.

A specific worry about cycling is visibility to motorised road users. During the day you can wear fluorescent material which reacts to the UV rays in daylight (with yellow being the most visible). Current night time solutions (in addition to cycle lights) include reflective Sam Browne belts (£10-£15) or reflective gilets (£20 - £30). If these are a style turn-off, ordinary-looking jackets with some retro-reflective piping detail may be preferable.

In contrast, the Lumistrip is a self-lit high visibility device. It emits a pleasant blue/green light, which matches with the peak sensitivity of human vision, producing the greatest apparent light output for lowest power consumption, with claimed visibility up to 800m. It is based on the principle of electroluminescence – the conversion of electricity directly into light (think LCD back lights and Timex Indiglo watches). Unlike incandescence, the other main way of producing light, almost no heat is generated in the process and is therefore much more efficient.

Electroluminesce requires a relatively high voltage alternating current. Lumistrip makers Exlite claim that it is powered by ‘radio frequency rather than conventional lighting methods’. In reality I think this means the battery-powered driver unit attached to the belt contains a converter circuit switching at a rate somewhere in the radio frequency. It energises what appears to be some kind of phosphor coating trapped within a clear conductor and a flexible plastic tube on the belt. It’s also flanked by retro-reflective strips. The driver unit makes an audible whine sound whilst the light is activated. It’s all very clever really.

The strip is powered by rechargeable Ni/MH batteries, and comes with a charger. It is available in two sizes: S-M and L-XL. You wear it across your body, with an adjustable buckle to ensure a good fit. The light can be set to either continuous or flashing. The ‘ACTiV’ version of the Lumistrip is apparently thinner and more lightweight than the standard model, has a breathable backing and is intended for cycling, running and active use.

I trialled the Lumistrip ACTiV at night time both on my daily commute and some longer rides. It was comfortable to wear: I didn’t really notice it there. It lasted a week before I needed to charge it up again, but my commute is quite short. Charging it up seems no different to charging up your mobile phone, with a LED light on the charger letting you know the charge status. Around five hours are recommended for a full charge.

I liked the fact that it came with a drawstring pouch so that I could pop it in my bag when not in use, without it getting tangled or in the way. I had a few rainy days to which the Lumistrip seemed not to object, and with no apparent deterioration in visibility. The manufacturers claim clear visibility in rain, fog and even smoke.

Rightly or wrongly, I felt psychologically more confident with the strip on. Although my lights are good and my cycling in traffic confident, I felt people had no excuse not to see me. I was amazed at how far ahead you could see the strip – it really stood out. Everyone I showed the strip to was most impressed. At the train station a couple of guards came up to me to investigate it, as they rather fancied one themselves. As far as I’m aware the flashing blue light of the strip is legal (in the UK), as it is worn by the rider and not attached directly to the bike.

In summary, I couldn’t really fault the Lumistrip ACTiV and found it a neat, elegant and impressive safety solution and at £39.95 not much more than a high end retro reflective gilet.

In stock.