Gear review: Instinct Reflex Belt
Context
If you follow my races reports, you probably remember that I've been using a belt during my trail races starting last year: this allows me having my poles at the back of the belt, and my phone at the front.
This saves me from having to use a quiver and I find it a lot easier.
So far I had been using a Salomon belt: it was doing the job, but it was rather basic: very few pockets, and bringing a flask was not really convenient.
Instinct - the brand
I have been using an Instinct backpack for a few months now (see this article where I reviewed it) and I thought: why not check out what Instinct has in terms of belts?
Instinct Reflex Belt
And surely enough, Instinct has a great belt, called the "Reflex Belt".
You can watch a detailed demo on
Youtube.
Here is mine where I received it:
I did a few runs with it, including poles, and I really like it.
Compared with the Salomon belt I have, here is what I like:
- comfort: the belt is a lot wider and is much more comfortable to wear
- pockets: there are 5 pockets: 2 at the front, 1 at the rear and 1 on each side. I especially like the side pockets, for keys and badges.
- pocket for poles: it is super easy to put the poles in, and remove them when you need to use them. A lot easier than the 2 loops I had on the Salomon belt. Plus, the poles do not move at all.
- easy access: each pocket has a loop that allows to identify it, and open it - very useful when running a long race, you don't have to focus too much to find what you want
- bib holder: it is directly integrated on the belt - I have been very happy with my Oxsitis magnetic bib holder, but I will surely use the one on the Instinct belt moving forward
I will do a proper test in a few weeks during a long run, but so far it's only positive and I have no issue to report and can only recommend them!
Tags: Running