Finally got out today in the heated vests get to give you some feedback on it .

First up I grabbed a small after reading all the size charts and recommendations . I weigh , depending on how many rumbos I have for the week and on the activity in the home gymnasium between 65 and 75 kgs . A small on me is tight probably should have grabbed a medium .

Cost - RRP $300 I managed to grab a new one on e-bay for $150

Presentation - comes in 2 reusable boxes pretty cool idea as can use boxes to carry vest and chargers/ battery around in car without damaging them . Comes with mains charger / battery / car charger / vest/ instruction booklet . Charging the battery is pretty simple as is connecting the battery to the vest prior to use

Use - the battery sits in pocket on the vest against the ribs under the right arm . One hour surf I never noticed it except when I tucked the board under my right arm getting out which pushed the battery into my rib .the vest has 2 temp settings which are adjusted by pushing a button on the battery easy to do and the vibrations given out to indicate settings are easy to feel . It gives out real good heat . Water temp here today was 13 degrees so I started on high had to switch to low pretty quickly as was too hot . Surfed easy in a 3/2 on low never felt cold . air temp 13 with a fresh S /W wind

Overall pretty happy with it I reckon it will keep me in a 3/2 for the winter . Have concerns about the longevity of it as it is a bugger to get off .Reckon I could use this vest in the snow as well so will multipurpose it .

obct said...

good report, thanks for taking the time.

I guess if you were able to go all winter with the 3/2 plus the vest, it could work out cheaper than forking out for a high end 5/4/

True OB . I think the big advantage for me is staying in a thinner suit means easier paddling .it's amazing how much energy I have when I surf in a pair of boardies compared to being layered up in wetsuits / vests / booties . The big concern I have with this vest is longevity it is a bugger to get off so I wonder how long before I damage the vest itself or the wiring or the heat pads .the rip curl heated vest offers side entry which is a huge bonus in my opinion .

Have Read about those Ted . Everyone you speak to about them says they would love to have one but the price is a killer , $1500 ( that's a new board for me ) .

Plus with the vest you can still use your old favourite wetsuits and my wetsuit closet is full , even though I threw 2 old ones on the weekend .

I think I might get one this year. Not sure.

The Torquay Boys pretty much say this;
- paddling out, don't have it on.
- once you've been out the back for 5 minutes or so, time to switch it onto low
- high setting, it chews through the battery quicker, and use sparing only... or if you are really cold towards the end of the session...

Tassiedevel said...

Simondo I have been cranking it to full in the car so it's nice and warm when I dive in . Then paddling out and reducing it to low . Takes the bite out of the cold when it 1 st hits you .
Is a bit of a weird feeling when I am nice and warm and yet I can feel the cold water through my booties and gloves .

Hey Tassie - can you PM me the link you got yours from - can not find one for under $300 incl postage on line sadly