Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Reflectives
Gilets
Craft Active Safety Vest Craft Active Run Safety Vest

Craft Active Safety Vest

7
by John Whittington
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 21, 2012

3
£25.00

VERDICT:

7
10
More of a high visibility gilet than a simple vest, with preformance features that'll appeal to a wide range of riders
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.craft.se
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Safety vests probably aren't going to win any awards at the next fashion show (although who knows, perhaps fluorescent is this years florals) but there is no denying their ability to make you seen on the road. Craft's offering is well cut and designed, with features like a meshed backing and plenty of reflective material showing their prestige as a quality clothing manufacturer.

The vest fits well with elastic along its edges ensuring you won't balloon up as you get moving. Rather than go down the Velcro route of some safety vests, this vest is zipped down the chest, again, saving any chance of flapping in the wind. The elastic means it will also fit comfortably over how ever many layers you have on. A high collar provides an added element of side-on visibility.

The main market for vests like these is commuters, riding in heavy, aggressive traffic. Its lightweight design though makes it a useful addition to those riding for pleasure or training too. You can pack it away in case of being caught out by the sun going down or even for when your ride reaches busy streets. A meshed backing section a is feature added to many riding specific gilets and enforces its compatibility with more than just commuting. The material is thin; it does provide an element of wind protection, but I'd have liked it to be a touch heavier.

On the visibility front, beyond the fluorescent material, two reflective strips encircle the torso. Craft's logo is also found down the sides and chest in reflective paint. It's hard to quantify how much more visible it makes the wearer but car drivers would certainly have a hard time pushing the 'sorry mate, I didn't see you' line.

Verdict

Craft's safety vest is a good offering. Whilst it is not as cheap as a budget work vest, it does offer some performance features, verging more in the domain of the gilet. Visibility is high on the agenda and it does this well but elasticated edges, zipped chest, mesh backing and packability make it more than just a safety vest and good value at its £25 list price.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Active Run Safety Vest

Size tested: Neon - M

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

'An essential safety item ideal for cycle commuting, running and any sporting activity in low light when visibility is key'

Pretty much on the mark there - not just for commuting, can be packed away for when light starts to dip.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Elastic edges, high collar, zipped chest, two reflective bands, meshed back.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Can't find any faults with it, seams are well finished.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Hard to quantify visibility but the meshed rear does a great job at allowing the wearer to cool down.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Again, build is good with well finished seams; doesn't look like it is going to fall apart any time soon.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

Very lightweight and pack-able.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Not much wind protection but elastic cuffs ensure there is not chaffing and meshed rear keep wearer cool.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well, I didn't get pulled out on once!

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Pack-ability

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Material a bit too lightweight on the wind protection front.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 23  Height: 184cm  Weight: 66kg

I usually ride: Orbea Onix (Carbon) - Summer, Orbea Asphalt (Alu) - Winter  My best bike is: Orbea Alma G10

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Semi pro

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, club rides, mtb,

 

Craft

Add new comment

3 comments

Avatar
dino | 12 years ago
0 likes

I have a high-vision jacket from Craft... sometimes i take a bit of razzing from the guys, but the quality and fit is great. The jacket really stands out in low visibility and inclement weather conditions!

Avatar
workhard | 12 years ago
0 likes

Quite stylish - I could be tempted by hi-viz for once.

Avatar
andystorey | 12 years ago
0 likes

Great gilet - good stock availability @prendas and price is under £20 4

http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=3078

Latest Comments