The Sonic Reflex jacket from Saucony is designed to provide maximum 360 degree visibility while you pound the pavements at night.
In use the jacket is minimal and lightweight to wear being made from a single layer of thin DWR treated polyester. The material has a modicum of wind and water resistance but is by no means a foul weather jacket. In use the material is reasonably breathable but we still found ourselves desperately trying to dump the excess heat from the Sonic Reflex even on a cold evening, in its defence this tester does prefer to run with minimal layers on even in bracing weather.
The dropped hem sits comfortably around your buttocks and cordlock gives an added layer of protection from the elements. Underarm mesh panels help with breathability as well as giving that little bit of stretch to keep everything moving without restriction.
The cut is athletic but Saucony have judged this just right with enough material to provide good mobility without everything flapping around as you run.
The reflective stripes around the entire torso area are nice and subtle during the day but step out at night and prepare to dazzle other road users as you light up like a Christmas tree every time a light hits you. This is the ace up the sleeve for the Sonic Reflex as maximum visibility and of course good awareness are the keys to staying safe while running at night.
The two zipped front hand pockets and single pocket at the rear are great for storing small items in but there's no dedicated pocket for a media device as there might be in other, more feature laden jackets.
Overall, if you're looking for a lightweight running jacket to take the edge of a winter chill and to provide great visibility then it's worth checking out the Sonic Reflex.
