Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX Review: A Running Light For Headlamp Haters

I’ve spent some time running with the Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX, and have pieced together some thoughts on this on-a-budget running light that hits a running gear segment that’s so desperately needed for runners who get nausea from running with a headlamp.

At only $55 you get a lot of value for that money when you compare the alternatives out there on the market but there are still some things you need to know about this light, so let’s get straight into it!

First impressions

When I first strapped the Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX around my waist (this is a chest, waist or clip-on light, not a headlamp…), I’ll admit, I was quite impressed at the concept of this not being a traditional headlamp.

It’s small, lightweight, and that 400 lumen beam is more than sufficient for most runs (there are even brighter headlamps available, if you think you need more light). Whether strapped it around my chest or around my waist, it held well and lit up the path ahead enough for me to run safely with.

I tried clipping it to the collar of my t-shirt but it flapped round everywhere when I ran, so I don’t recommend wearing it like that.

If running on pitch dark trails or really sketchy city streets with no other lighting, you may find it’s not powerful enough, or that its beam isn’t wide enough to give you max visibility. That said, at only $55, it’s a running light for those on a budget that offers a lot of features and therefore value, for the price.

Versatility: Not Just for Running

What I love most is the flexibility. You can clip it to your running hydration pack or running band, or use the strap if you’re not wearing either of those – but I’ve also found it super handy for more than just running.

One night, I just detached the light unit, and used it for extra visibility while taking out the trash, and it worked like a charm.

Adjustability: Shine Where You Need It

The adjustable beam angle is an important feature on and running light, whether it’s a headlamp or waist light, like this one. Being able to shift the light exactly where you need it means you’re not stuck fiddling with a fixed beam while trying to stay on track.

What’s the point in having a running light, if its pointed to far into the distance that it doesn’t illuminated the ground ahead…

It’s also good for not blinding other runners or walkers, something I appreciated when l’m lining up for an early morning trail race and everyone has headlamps on, like at Kodiak 50K in Big Bear, California, pictured below – headlamps everywhere in the background.

You can easily switch between brightness levels, depending on the situation, whether it’s low-light city streets or pitch-black forest paths.

Comfort Factor: You’ll Forget It’s There

Let’s talk about the strap. It’s soft, adjustable, and doesn’t dig in, thankfully. I barely notice I’m wearing it during runs. You can easily fit it around your chest or waist, depending on your preference, and the elastic band fits a wide range of sizes (22” to 55”). So no awkward adjusting mid-run.

Battery Life: Does It Last?

Battery life is solid. On the eco setting (10 lumens), you should be able to get up to 30 hours of light, in reality however, you’ll be using the 300 lumens setting which will get you around 2 hours of usage.

The highest setting of 400 lumens, is a boost mode, so not one that remains at that rightness in definitely.

It’s USB-C rechargeable, so no messing around with batteries or hunting for an annoying cable that only works with this light, and the charging port is easy to access on the back. Just plug it in after your run, and it’s good to go again.

A couple of drawbacks

I wish the strap had some reflective details for visibility, and maybe some silicon pads on it which would give it a little extra stick to hold it in place if you are wearing clothing that has a shiny texture to it.

And if I’m being really picky, the battery life could be better. I’ve had to keep an eye on my run times to make sure I didn’t burn through the battery too quickly. But if you stick to the lower settings when you don’t need the full boost, or even the 300 lumens, you’re golden.

My verdict

Is it worth buying? Absolutely – at $55 from Nathansports.com, you can’t go wrong with this versatile little running light, if you run less than 2 hours at night.

It’s powerful enough for most use cases, versatile, and comfortable to wear. Plus, with the different brightness settings and adjustable beam angle, it fits a variety of needs, from intense trail runs to laid-back night walks. Oh it also has a strobe setting, should you need it.

Your turn: Got your own experiences with the Luna Fire 400 RX? Drop your thoughts below—let’s compare notes! And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my Newsletter and YouTube Channel for more gear reviews and tips.