SPI Performance Series Belt Review

* Disclaimer: I received the SPI Belt Performance Series to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (Ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

SPI was established in 2007 and makes products that are great for walking, running, hiking, cycling, and more.  SPI is short for Small Personal Item.  The CEO, Kim Overton, was jogging one day with her keys tucked into her bra.  She thought to herself, “There's got to be a better way.”  Their products line now includes SPI Belts for both adults and kids, the SPI Band that can go on your wrist or ankle, Messenger bags, water bottle holders, dog leashes and more.  SPI products are made in the USA, which is a rarity and I always like buying American products when possible.

In the past, I’ve tested the Original SPI Belt, SPI Band, and SPI H20 Venture Series Hydration Belt.  Here are links to my past reviews:

Original SPI Belt and Band Review

SPI H20 Venture Series Hydration Belt Review

Like the Original SPI Belt, the Performance Series Belt easily fit my Galaxy S6 with the case (and will fit an iPhone 6 Plus as well).  All SPI belts offer a bounce-free experience, which is important while running. 

There are four gel loops, a weather resistant pocket, soft elastic that fits waists from 29”-52”, and a sturdy buckle.  I have had issues with other brands gel loops because they are too small and I can’t even get my gels in them.  The loops in the SPI Performance Series Belt are the perfect size.

The SPI products that I have tested are so comfortable that I don’t even realize that I have them on at times.  The Original SPI belt was awesome, but my biggest complaint with it was that the pouch was not waterproof or sweat proof.  The SPI Performance Series Belt on the other hand has a WeatherGuard design that will keep your contents somewhat safe from the elements, and I really put it to the test.  The website has a warning that it is not waterproof, but I used the H20 Venture Series Hydration Belt, which has the same WeatherGuard design, in a torrential downpour for over 2 hours and my phone was fine, although use it at your own risk.  I put my phone in a Ziploc bag inside the pouch just to be safe, but the inside of the pouch was bone dry.

Pros:

WeatherGuard coated pocket protects your phone from moisture

Decent Price ($25.99)

Comfortable, bounce free belt

Fits a Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note or iPhone 6S Plus

4 gel loops

WeatherGuard Pouch

One size fits most

SPI’s Social Media Links:

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SPI Belt’s Blog

Check out what some of my fellow BibRave Pro’s thought about the SPI Performance Series Belt. 

Beard On The Run

The Caffeinated Runner

Another Half Please

Run Fierce Live Fit

The Swag Mama

Fun Size Athlete Blog

I am a huge fan of SPI.  The Original SPI Belt was amazing and the H20 Venture Series Hydration Belt took it to the next level with a waterproof(ish) large pocket, gel loops, race toggles, and water bottles.  The SPI Performance Series Belt is similar to the Venture without the race toggles and water bottles.  You can pick up your SPI Performance Series Belt at the SPI website for $25.99 or at a store near you (click here for locations).  I wish I could say more about it, but it’s simply an awesome running belt that holds your gear and is comfortable.    Be sure to order your SPI Performance Series Belt by November 18^th and save 20% by using the code ‘bibchat2016’ at checkout.

Chrome Dome Cap Review

Do you worry about keeping your head safe from sun damage and skin cancer?  It is a common ailment for runners and other outdoor enthusiasts.  I have shorter hair and unless I cover my head, my scalp isn’t protected.  I hate putting sunscreen in my hair as well because it runs into my eyes when I sweat.  You can use hats, but many hats out there retain heat.  There is a newer solution that I just came across, the Chrome Dome Cap. 

Chrome Dome Cap is made from Italian UV protective fabric, but is hand sewn in San Diego, California.  The caps are made with 65% recycled products and are certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 requirements.  That means that the fabric is independently tested and certified to make sure that they don’t include chemicals or other substance that could be harmful to your health.  Let me say it again, NO harmful chemicals are used in this product.  How many products that you use can make that statement?

The Chrome Dome Cap also meets strict guidelines that certifies that the cap is rated as 50+ for both UV-A and UV-B rays, which can cause sun damage and skin cancer.  The Chrome Dome Cap provides a cool, wickable, and breathable solution to running or cycling in the sun. 

The caps keep your head dry and cool by moving the sweat away from your skin.  By keeping your body temperature down, it can help improve your performance.  I have tested the Chrome Dome Cap in both warm and cold weather.  I found that it is extremely comfortable to wear and it not only covers your head, but your ears too.  Unlike many hats or caps out there, I didn’t feel like it trapped in the heat, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. 

The Chrome Dome Cap is easy to clean.  You simply wash it by hand, using mild soap.  Then just hang it up to dry and you are good to go.  By washing it on a regular basis using these instructions, your Chrome Dome Cap should last for a long time. 

During the hot runs, I found that the cap did an excellent job of wicking my sweat away.  In the cold, it kept my head warm enough, although it might not be enough in extremely cold temperatures.  When I first put on the cap, it fit kind of snug, but it adjusted to the size of my big head after a few minutes and felt awesome.

It comes in several colors and styles.  You can get the UV Protection Skull Cap for $29.95 (black, white, and orange), the Sun Protection Cap with Reflective Loop (in white only) for $33.95.  They also have a Pink UV Protective Hat without the reflective loop for $29.95 and a Bigger Sun Protection Cap with Reflective Loop for $33.95 (available in black).

Pros:

Super lightweight

Made in the USA with strict safety standards

Great price ($29.95-$33.95)

Certified to have no harmful chemicals

Wicks moisture

Protects your head and ears from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays

Easy to wash

Chrome Dome Caps’ Social Media Links:

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Blog

Chrome Dome Caps are great for runners, cyclists, and any other outdoor enthusiast.  It will protect your head and ears from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping you comfortable and dry.  I am always a fan of buying products that are made in the USA as well as smaller businesses.  I love my Chrome Dome Cap in orange and think you will too.  Drop me a note and let me know what you think. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.