REVIEW: BLACKSIRIUS Gladiator and Soldier

Summer is already here, but the winter weight is still hanging around, so it's time to start training. However, for those who work all day, they must inevitably complete their running sessions at night or very early in the morning. For those who want to be clearly visible, there is protective gear from ND Design from Germany: BLACKSIRIUS gives you the safety you need when running on the streets.

BLACKSIRIUS is the mothership, with two sons: Soldier (on the left in the picture) and Gladiator (on the right). Both are luminous light belts that the runner can wear differently. We have extensively tested both. They are made of reflective strap material and plastic parts. Both are certified by TÜV as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to European Standard 13356:2001. The reflectors used are currently the best on the market (hence the TÜV certification with 50 washes, passed TÜV durability test with flying colors). They light up extremely well in twilight (even in daylight).

A Gladiator is running through the image. We're referring to the reflective harness, not the person.

Putting on the Gladiator model is easy. Insert your arm through the large loop, ...

... then grab the loose end ...

... and connect it in front of your chest. Simple and fast, just the way we like it. This harness can also be quickly and effectively put on over equipment during night marches.

Here's a photo in the dark with flash. The reflective material serves its purpose very well. This increases the chances of being seen by a tired road user.

A soldier is running from the left. Again, we mean the chest harness.

The BLACKSIRIUS Soldier model is a classic H-strap with a snap buckle.

A close-up of the side buckle of the chest band. The cross strap is 25mm wide, for those who want to know.

On the back, the reflectors pass each other. You can also see the sliders for size adjustment at the lower ends.

Putting it on here is self-explanatory, but sometimes not as quick as the Gladiator, because you have to pass through two loops. The downside: the straps twist easily if you're not careful.

Both models come with a Velcro-closed phone pouch. The inside is lined with soft fleece to prevent scratching.

A smartphone the size of an iPhone 6 with a case fits easily, but newer models might be a tight fit.

The flap of the pouch is made of the same reflective material as the harness itself.