Pearl Izumi's New Apparel Line Will Get You Seen

Published November 16, 2015 03:36PM

When it comes to safe running at night you need to see (take a headlamp) and be seen. Pearl Izumi’s latest BioViz apparel line capitalizes on fluorescent colors, 300 candle power reflectivity and contrast and patterns to keep runners visible in dark conditions. The idea is that a variety of bold, high visibility methods means you’ll be seen sooner, giving drivers more reaction time.

BioViz apparel incorporates reflectivity in high motion areas like arms and legs, on the body and also at the waist and thighs to provide the visual cues to drivers, that you are in fact a runner on the side of the road.

True fluorescent colors and bold patterns improve visibility during the day and at dusk because they are easier for eyes to see.

The fluorescent Screaming Yellow color used by Pearl Izumi for the past 20 years, converts UV rays into visible light, to the point where it almost glows. According to Pearl Izumi, the result is that runners can be seen up to five times farther away than with other colors. The expanded line includes two new fluorescent colors, Screaming Green and Screaming Pink.

Pearl Izumi is also introducing a minimum visibility standard of 70 meters and 360 degrees of reflectivity with their BioViz line. No industry standards currently exist for labeling the visibility of fitness apparel.

“Our hope in investing in this research and development of quantifiable standard for wearable safety technology is not only to keep our customers safe out there on the road, but to encourage other brands to join us in developing an industry standard to keep athletes safe,” said Kelly Davidson, Product Line Manager for Run Apparel.

The BioViz Fly Jacket ($85, pearlizumi.com) has the wind and water resistance, plus full back vent you need in a cold weather running a jacket. It even has a soft collar, full zipper flap, back zip pocket, generously sized mitts with thumb holes (they are actually long enough for those of us with a big wing span) and a cinchable waist. On top of that it has 360 degrees of visibility combined with color blocked Screaming Pink and Screaming Yellow. People will comment on your brightness—trust us!

Basic black tights get a boost in the BioViz Fly Tight ($70, pearlizumi.com). Sure, they have a sassy, bum boosting fit, a flattering waistband and a handy zip pocket. But they also have 360 degrees of reflecting and Screaming Yellow color blocking. The interior of the fabric is brushed for a cozy-against the skin feel.