Running In The Dark (Knuckle Lights Review)

Knuckle Lights Review

When my MRTT group started planning a Saturday long run with a 5:30 am meeting time, my first reaction was, “Are you kidding me?” As the plans solidified, my next reaction was “I need to get some Knuckle Lights.”

Knuckle Lights

Knuckle Lights at Dick’s Sporting Goods

I had been thinking of getting a headlamp for my o’dark-thirty runs, but was worried about comfort and the risk that having something around my head might trigger a headache. (I do know people who like their headlamps, so don’t let me discourage you from trying one!). When one of the women in my MRTT group said that she really liked her Knuckle Lights, I thought they would be a better fit for me. I also remembered that Steena had said good things about Knuckle Lights.

Since it was the day before the 5:30 am MRTT run, I didn’t have time to wait for Amazon Prime to bring them to my door, so I called around to local running stores to see if I could find them. While I struck out at Pacers, I found them at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Knuckle Lights Review

As you can see, I also found a few other things! I stumbled onto a sale, and who can resist a sale on cold weather running gear the night before an o’dark-thirty run with the forecast calling for temperatures in the low 30’s???

  • The Nike top and running tights are made with “Nike Pro Warm” technology which has a “thermal layer with a brushed inner surface” that is supposed to reflect heat back into the body without trapping moisture–it also makes the clothes feel cozy.
  • The Under Armour gloves are from their ColdGear® line, and caught my attention because the backs have fleece which I hoped would keep my hands warmer than my lighter weight running gloves.

Knuckle Lights Review

Modeling my new Nike Running Half Zip top and
wearing my purple vest in honor of #MegsMiles

I set my alarm for 4:45 am (ugh!), and got to our meeting place right at 5:30. Half of the group was running 3-5 miles, while the rest of us were aiming for 10. I was really glad to have my new gear because there was a headwind for the entire “out” leg of our run. I also was really glad to have the Knuckle Lights, because it was dark for most of our run, and the particular route we had chosen was not very well-lit.

As for my Knuckle Lights review, the Knuckle Lights were great. They came with the four AAA batteries that they need, so I could use them right out of the package. They strap onto the back of your hand with an adjustable strap, and have three settings: high, low, and strobe. I used the high setting at first, and then switched to the low setting as the sky started to lighten. They were comfortable (not really noticeable) and stayed in place. I certainly will use them on my o’dark-thirty runs, and will try to remember to take them on my dark o’clock dog walks.

Do you run with a head lamp or Knuckle Lights?

Do you have friends who get you out ridiculously early–or are you that friend? 

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34 Responses to Running In The Dark (Knuckle Lights Review)

  1. Tara Newman says:

    Hi Coco – I didn’t know about knuckle lights. Both my husband and I are early morning runners. I am going to grab a set for us. We use head lamps but there is never enough reflection in my book!

  2. Coco says:

    These are 45 lumens each. I don’t know how that compares to your headlamp, but it was enough to illuminate a very dark running path. Also, you can shine the light in whatever direction you want by pointing toward it.

  3. I’ve been running with a headlamp and really like it. Especially after the advice to wear a hat, then the lamp stays still. But, I do take it off pretty quick when I’m done as I feel the pressure. Not sure I’d like it for longer than my mid week 45 minute run.

  4. Steena says:

    My Knuckle Lights are probably one of the best purchases I made for running. They’re even a huge part of my Ironman day memories.. I remember running with the brighest lights on this pitch dark path and hearing a guy say, “wish I could keep up with her with those lights!”

  5. I usually wait until it is almost light, running in the dark scares me because I am super clumsy. Then I run with a little clip on blinking light I have just so cars can see me.

  6. Betsy says:

    I’ve been wanting to try knuckle lights! Glad to hear that you liked them!

  7. Ooh, I’ve been really curious to try knuckle lights. Glad to hear they worked so well for you!

  8. Oh cool. I’m always looking for ways to be even more well-lit for my dark morning runs! I usually wear at least 2 blinking lights and sometimes a headlamp. My running partner in crime and I are those weirdos out at 5:30 am 😉 I need to check into those gloves too!

    • Coco says:

      Sometimes I do feel like I am putting on too much “equipment” to just go for a run, but safety and visibility are important.

  9. Haha, I’m THAT friend 🙂 Nothing better than zero dark thirty 😉 I love my knuckle lights too. I tried a headlamp, but found that It DID give me a headache. So these are a much better choice for me! Glad you made it out with us!

  10. Kim says:

    I used knuckle lights (and a head lamp that I attached to my camel back at chest height) for my night time 50 mile last fall. I did like the knuckle lights and they offered a lot of light!!!
    Glad you tried and liked them!!!

  11. I often run with a headlamp when running in the dark but just got some Knuckcle Lights for Christmas from the Elves which I am excited to try so I am happy to read your review! I hope that your training is going well!

  12. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says:

    These are a great idea! I’m definitely going to look into them — as soon as winter buggers off so that I can run outside again… 🙂

    Stopping by from the SITS Tribe!

    • Coco says:

      Winter’s no excuse! Just get some warm layers!

      • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says:

        Well, it is 30 degrees colder where I live than where you live… not accounting for the windchill 🙂

        But mostly it’s just the condition of the roads/sidewalks/paths — everything is currently covered in ice & snow.

        No excuses, just safety! 🙂

        • Coco says:

          Oh, I won’t run if the roads are snowy or icy, and people around here don’t shovel their sidewalks, so that’s really annoying!

  13. Julie says:

    I have not seen the knuckle lights before but what a great idea for those early morning or late night runs.

  14. I use a headlamp but knuckle lights look cool and I’ve hard great things about them.

    • Coco says:

      It’s interesting to see how many people are equipped to run in the dark! I usually am fine with the street lights, but not if we are on a running path instead.

  15. Rebecca says:

    I can’t even fathom getting out of bed that early and running, you’re a superwoman! The Knuckle Lights seem really neat, if I were to get my butt up that early I would definitely pick those over a headlamp!

  16. Kierston says:

    I do have a few friends who run super duper early. The earliest I’ve ran is 6am…but that was on a treadmill so no headlamp required 😉

  17. I do not think that I will ever be up and out of bed for a run at an hour that I would need knuckle lights or a headlamp. I used to but I can’t do super early anymore!

  18. I love my headlamp and I hate having stuff on my hands. It seems we’re opposites. 🙂
    I’m totally that friend who suggests the crack of dawn runs. 🙂

  19. Jen says:

    Wow, those things are cool! I hate running in the dark but sometimes, you just gotta do it. These would be way more helpful then using the flashlight on my cell phone.

  20. Marie says:

    I don’t run in the dark, but I’ve seen those knuckle lights before and I think the look awesome! And I’m super impressed with you waking up so early to run.

  21. aleshea says:

    My Mother and sister run and i’m sure they would like this. I’ll pass it along.

  22. Lori says:

    I was EXCITED to see this review. I’ve been looking for someone to review these to see if they have the same problem I have with mine. Unfortunately you have not used them long enough to compare. Will you let me know how your battery use lasts as you use them on a regular basis? I feel like the drain batteries extremely quickly! I’ve used every type of battery possible.

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