Flip Belt (Product Review)

I first heard about Flipbelt at the Platte River half back in April. One of the girls we were running with had one. She wasn't quite sure where she had gotten it, but I was impressed with the lack of "bulk" that is common in most belts. Most impressive was that it could still hold an iPhone, and she swore it didn't move around. Hmmm.

As the months went by, I still didn't see one for sale anywhere, then I had another friend try one out during the Colorado marathon. I wanted one so bad but couldn't find one.

Thankfully... I was able to get a hold of the company that manufactures them and I finally ordered one. They are based out of a suburb of Denver, so I received it super quick. I was able to try it out this weekend. First... I wore it to the bar while having drinks. Don't judge me! It was awesome! Couldn't see it under my shirt, AND, I didn't have to dig in my purse for my keys. Then, I was tested it out during a hot 5 mile run on Saturday morning. Sure enough, as promised, there was NO bouncing, nothing fell out, and I forgot I was even wearing it. I ran with my iPhone in the back and keys in the front. No "bunching" and the belt DID NOT MOVE.

Front (or back)

side view - flat

iPhone in there, flipped over

I LOVE THIS BELT. I love that there is nothing on this belt to ruin my clothes (velcro, snaps, etc) and that it is available in so many colors. I picked mine in red, but comes in about a dozen colors. At $24.99 it is worth every penny. Pick one up, I promise you won't regret it!

From their website:

Product Description

No need to fumble with fasteners while you’re active, you don’t have to wear a fanny pack... just slip your phone & items in/out of the pocket openings & slide them anywhere you want. Flip belt inward to securely lock in your items... It’s so easy & looks great.  Patent Pending

o Multi-access pocket openings throughout belt

o Turn items & pocket access up/down/inside as convenient

o Flip to lock in items

o Reflective logo - stretch non-crack 3M Quality Reflective

o Non-Bounce, Even Design

o No buckles to cause uncomfortable chafing

o Machine washable

o EPA Certified, Odor Resistant, Pilling Resistant, Anti-Bacterial High Tech Poly Spandex Fabric

o Available in colors, accent your workout wardrobe

Care:

Machine wash cold water, tumble dry low, Non-Chlorine Bleach as Needed

Unisex Size Guide*				Belt Circumference Unstretched
	Waist	Womens	Mens
XS	22"-25"	0	23-26	25"
S	26"-29"	2-4	26-30	26"
M	29"-32"	6-8	30-32	28"
L	32"-35"	10-12	32-36	31"
XL	35"-38"	14-16	36-41	34"

*Size Tips: To ensure the most comfortable fit, choose the size appropriate to how you prefer to wear the belt.  If you prefer it around your waist go smaller, your hips - go bigger.  If your body type experiences ride from belts, try a bigger size that allows the belt to sit comfortably on your hips.

Amphipod Vs. Ultimate Directions Race Belts (Product Reviews)

*I paid for these products, they were not given to me for promotional purposes*

So I'm super annoying when I race. I am obsessed with running with my iPhone. I like to take pictures before, during, and after races. I'll pretend THAT is why I'm slow... In order for me to race with my phone, I need to have a belt that is big enough to hold it AND doesn't bounce around. One would think that wouldn't be too hard to find. During the summer, and when I train longer distances, I run with this belt, and I love it:

The above is called the "PR10" and it is made by Ultimate Directions, retailing for about $25. However, there are some times when I really don't want to run with a bottle. The way the PR10 is designed, is that the bottle holder is "stiff," so even if I don't have the bottle in, it is... bulky. I know, I'm being picky.

Pros:

• I can rotate the belt around my waist without my number moving around or anything bunching up
• The zipper pocket holds my iPhone
• Pouch holds a 10 oz bottle
• Adjustable waist
• Snaps to hold race bib in place

Cons:

• A bit bulky to travel with, even if the bottle is removed

So, I was on a mission to find a smaller race belt (yes, even a belt with one bottle is bulky when travelling) for shorter distances, or when it is colder and I don't need the extra fluid. I came across one from Amphipod and I decided to shell out the money for it:

This one is called the "Race-Lite Go" and retails for about $20, but I got it on sale at my local running sale for about $15. I LOVE IT. It fits comfortably, does NOT bounce around, holds my iPhone, and still holds my bib in place. The only complaint that I have is that the zipper pull is a bit hard to use, but I think with a little bit bigger of a tab on there, I can open and close more easily. Really happy with this purchase, and it is a LOT smaller than my other belt.

Pros:

• Small and compact. Great for shorter distances and travelling
• Zipper pocket will hold iPhone (and probably other stuff with it, but I typically don't store anything other than  my phone)

Cons:

• If I rotate the belt, the pouch is not attached so my bib can get messed up. Try not to do that.
• Zipper a bit difficult to open and close if I leave pouch at my back

I've tried other belts in the past. I tried one that I could add/remove bottles, but I didn't like that the belt itself closed by Velcro. I ruined a few tech tops because of that. I've tried two other smaller race belts where my phone bounced around like CRAZY. Nothing more annoying that spending a whole race messing with a belt.

The above two have been tried out in half marathon distances (or longer) and have not annoyed me. I recommend them both!