Monday, December 9, 2013

ION Reflective Iron-on Transfers Review and Giveaway!

About a month ago, I wrote a post about visibility when it comes to running in the dark.  I had a few options in mind to purchase, but asked for suggestions.  One came from reader Janice, who suggested some iron-on reflective transfers.  What a great idea!  I loved the fact that I could make some of the clothing I already own more reflective.  I contacted the company, ION, and received several transfers to try, along with a giveaway for one of you to win!

I was a little worried about ironing my technical gear - I had an unfortunate incident with a new dress and a hot iron shortly after I was married that resulted in a melted dress, along with a bit of apprehension whenever I iron anything that isn't 100% cotton, so I did a little test run just to be sure my clothes would survive the iron, and they did.  After that?  The fun began!  Simple directions come with the transfers, plus there are a couple of short videos on the ION website - this was very easy to do.  I started out with the Runner Girl - I placed her front and center on my (boring) white technical shirt, and began to iron on the transfer:
Use a medium-heat setting, no steam, and iron for 20-25 seconds...
 
Allow to cool for 20-30 seconds, then carefully peel off the plastic film.  If it's not adhered completely, just iron again.  After the plastic film is off, iron the design again for another 20 seconds, and boom - you're done!  So easy.
 
Left - regular light; Right - with the flash.  Yes, I'd say this shows up nicely!
My shirt is not boring anymore, and I have a lot more confidence that I'll be seen when I'm running before dawn!

I was given a sheet of flower iron-ons, and cut it apart to use on my purple jacket and a pair of capris.  I LOVE how the silver looks on the darker fabrics, plus, I'll be more apt to wear this jacket now that you can see me:
There's one more flower on the back center of the jacket...you can be as creative as you'd like with the placement.

Pictures, without and with flash (simulating a car's headlights when I'm running toward it):
I feel much better about running in the dark with this amount of reflection on my clothing.  I'd pretty much stopped wearing this purple jacket because it was so dark, so adding these reflective transfers has expanded my wardrobe, which I love.

I wore this outfit for a test run and then washed everything (turn garments inside-out, hang to dry) and the IONs stayed on - however, if they do start to peel, you can simply iron them again and that should do the trick.  Obviously I don't have long-term wear experience with these, but I'm really impressed that for a few bucks (prices range from $4 - $12), I can make my clothes reflective and give myself a much safer running experience.  Plus, the designs are really cute - and not everything is girl-centric...there are some that Jeff picked out, too.  

Would you like to win an ION design of your choice?  Just leave me a comment telling me which one - go here to check out your options.  This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents (for a change, the company is in Canada, woohoo!) - I'll announce the winner on Friday.  If you want to go ahead and order some IONs, they're offering a 15% discount with the code "Holidays2013" (excludes custom designs).  Free shipping is also available on orders over $30.

Comments are closed as this giveaway has ended.

FTC:  I received three ION transfers for free...which did not influence my opinion - but I love this product!

20 comments:

  1. I can't see it very well in the pics. Personally I think your shoes are more safe and reflective, I can definitely see them. I'll stick with my ugly yellow safety vest and my christmas lights (euh safety lights that is) I think :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I stopped scrolling as soon as I saw the bicycle. Love that one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. me?
    IM STILL CHEEEERING FOR YOUR YESTERDAY.
    so so so proud of you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like the flowers the best. I thought the Halloween stuff would be cute for my girls during Trick or Treating.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, your demo pics are really impressive! I would think that would sell anyone on how well they work! Since I am scared of the dark, I guess I won't be needing them LOL, so don't enter me (wracking brain--I must have SOME crazy friend who runs in the dark…….oh yeah. she lives in Texas and already has some ; ) )

    ReplyDelete
  6. Holy cow - that's amazing! So happy you'll be safe Shelley! I would order the run/bike/run application - if I ever do a multi-sport event, that would be it - turns out I don't swim very well! :D

    Happy Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great idea! I'll save my entry in the hopes that a Canadian wins, they almost never get to play along with giveaways, and I notice they have a Canadian flag design.

    Thanks for letting me know about these, I may end up ordering some!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a fabulous idea! The prices are so good that you can buy some inexpensive tech shirts and iron-on's to give as gifts. Love! I would order the "Runner Girl". Love her ponytail!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love RunnerGirl and Tattoo is pretty cool as well. I have a bunch of cheapo tech shirts got on Target clearance that would be perfect for these! Fingers crossed......

    ReplyDelete
  10. As I am out there on the road at oh-dark-thirty most weekdays, I am always looking for ways to make myself more visible. I would love to be able to take something I already have and add it to my Hi-Vis collection by adding these iron-ons! I think the RunnerGirl would be my first choice, but those flowers are pretty rockin', too...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the flowers and the runner girl! Tough choice!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice! I'm still cheering for your run this weekend!!!! Yay you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I really like the flowers! Yay Canada!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I was thinking 13.1, then saw the martini glass. Every girl needs a martini glass to add to her running jacket.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So glad you used my suggestion! It just so happened that Canadian Running magazine had an article about night running at the same time as your blog post. I checked out the link to ION and thought they looked really cool, so I passed it on to you. AND proud that they are Canadian! Woohoo! I love the flower power! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. And since they do custom orders, I really should order a turtle...and maybe a rabbit for my hubby! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  17. I LOVE IT!!!! 13.1 or runner girl. Im starting to train for my first marathon, wonder if Id jinx myself if I said the 26.2??

    ReplyDelete
  18. OH my word...the cat all the way!!! Seriously...I am the retard that just crocheted my cat a hat!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oooh, love these! I'd choose the runner girl, like you put on your white shirt. I have a few boring tech tees that could use a make-over ;)

    ReplyDelete