Whats the Best Cooling Vest???

[Austin city limits]

I started out with a Joe Rocket... I swear,,, that company is owned by the Keebler Elves as their stuff is small!!! ;) Also,,, you do not,,, REPEAT,,, DO NOT,,, want to see me in a Joe Rocket as it perfectly frames my "Tub of Goo" in that nice shiney silver color... :eek:

Then,,, last year I had a Cooling Vest that was Black and cost only $19!!! It worked and all,,, but,,, after 10 days use out of a 20 day trip,,, I found out the material inside was,,, "Wood Pulp" mostly... :confused: Also,,, it got to be drying out quicker and quicker too... BUT,,, at $19 you could buy a new 1 each year for 3 years and still be money ahead...

So,,, I am at that crossroads again my friends...

I am looking for "The Bestest" Cooling vest out there,,, and the cheapest place to buy 1...

Opinions??? Suggestions??? Rants??? Raves??? Lets hear it!!!

[AZST]

The guy (Mark from Tempe) that I rode back from WESTOC X with last year just submersed a wet t-shirt under his mesh gear. He said it worked great.

Seems like a cheap alternative.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Bones]

The guy (Mark from Tempe) that I rode back from WESTOC X with last year just submersed a wet t-shirt under his mesh gear. He said it worked great.

Seems like a cheap alternative.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

I've done that for years. Gives you incentive to find a lay-by with a clear-running stream to dunk your shirt in. A long sleeved T-shirt works especially well. Try carrying a wet shirt in a zip lock bag in your pannier, and put it on when you need it.

[AZST]

I've done that for years. Gives you incentive to find a lay-by with a clear-running stream to dunk your shirt in. A long sleeved T-shirt works especially well. Try carrying a wet shirt in a zip lock bag in your pannier, and put it on when you need it.

LOL...not too many roadside babbling brooks out here in the desert southwest !! :rolleyes:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Bones]

LOL...not too many roadside babbling brooks out here in the desert southwest !! :rolleyes:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:
Good point, Bryan, and another reason why some of us choose to endure winter in New England so we can enjoy the three other seasons.

[Louie Louie]

LOL...not too many roadside babbling brooks out here in the desert southwest !! :rolleyes:
--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

Yes, need more help..Tell us more about the cool cooling vest. Headed to Death Valley in a few weeks and would like to take one or a wet T shirt..

[Austin city limits]

I am looking at this one as the leading canidate... It is made by SILVER EAGLE... Anybody have any reports on these???

[alan]

I tried the wet tee shirt last June while crossing New Mexico on I-40 with the temps in the mid 90's. The tee shirt worked well for about 20 to 30 minutes, then was dried out. I have bought a vest from White Horse Press but have not yet tested it, still a bit chilly up here in Michigan.:D

[Louie Louie]

I am looking at this one as the leading canidate... It is made by SILVER EAGLE... Anybody have any reports on these???

Lets check it out..Where is the link Terry?

[Austin city limits]

Here ya go!!! (http://www.coolingapparel.com/shop/vests.htm)

[Louie Louie]

Thank you thank you ! Thats better! :bow1:

[Mark]

Silver Eagle and the JoeRocket are both made of the same stuff; and, it didn't last even a season.

Here is what I use (the 'T shirt' Bryan alluded to... :-), I like it because it stays wet for days (I'm not kidding!).

http://industrialsavings.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=900&Category_Code=vests

And there are a bunch of people who make them like this one: some of them are bit cheaper (but this looks like about what I paid).

Mark

[AZST]

Silver Eagle and the JoeRocket are both made of the same stuff; and, it didn't last even a season.

Here is what I use (the 'T shirt' Bryan alluded to... :-), I like it because it stays wet for days (I'm not kidding!).

http://industrialsavings.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=900&Category_Code=vests

And there are a bunch of people who make them like this one: some of them are bit cheaper (but this looks like about what I paid).

Mark

lol...Mark, is the guy in the hardhat the same guy from the Village People??!!

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Louie Louie]

lol...Mark, is the guy in the hardhat the same guy from the Village People??!!
--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

Lets put it this way, I would not show up for work w a scarf around my neck in an industrial setting w/ teamsters..

[Louie Louie]

Where can I check out the JR Sahara..I was unable to find it?

[Louie Louie]

Thanks...

Cant beat the price IMHO..$67.. and we get to donate to the forum... And I get to ride more in Hot Weather!.

[Putt]

Guys,

I have seen some wet t-shirts in the local bars (in my younger days, of course) and let me tell you,
they looked GREAT!!! But they did not make you feel cooler, especially when the bartenders dumped those
buckets of ice water on the wearers of said t-shirts, kinda warmed you up, actually...


Putt...

[AZST]

Guys,

I have seen some wet t-shirts in the local bars (in my younger days, of course) and let me tell you,
they looked GREAT!!! But they did not make you feel cooler, especially when the bartenders dumped those
buckets of ice water on the wearers of said t-shirts, kinda warmed you up, actually...


Putt...

Hmmm...seeing Mark in his wet t-shirt coming back from WESTOC did nothing for me....actually made me cooler :eek:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Mark]

Hmmm...seeing Mark in his wet t-shirt coming back from WESTOC did nothing for me....actually made me cooler :eek:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

But everyone liked Bryan's scarf... :bump

Mark

[STeveGray]

Silver Eagle and the JoeRocket are both made of the same stuff; and, it didn't last even a season.
Mark

Hmmm. No personal experience yet and Mark doesn't say so I don't know what his experience was, but I won a Silver Eagle at WeSTOC X and the consensus of those at my table was that it was a really good product. The price was certainly right for me (free) and the company was good to work with (I did order some other stuff.) Won't help Austin with his decision, I don't suppose because I haven't used it yet but FWIW John Parker apparently thought well enough of the company to solicit their support for WeSTOC and Silver Eagle came through.

[AZST]

But everyone liked Bryan's scarf... :bump

Mark

:rat:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[AZST]

ahem. He started it. :p:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Mark]

Sorry Steve,

I bought the JR for Chris and myself: mine stopped working in less than 9 months, Chris's worked for 2 riding seasons.
The SilverEagle worked for about the same length of time.

I found ones that use the crystals; that they hold water for 3 days instead of 1 to 3 hours (anyone who gets a whole day from a SE or JR does not ride in 115F with 20% humidity), and then I figured out that I can get the crystals at a hobbie store... so even though the crystals give up I can 'reload' the vest and I'm back in the saddle.

Mark

[STeveGray]

Sorry Steve,

I bought the JR for Chris and myself: mine stopped working in less than 9 months, Chris's worked for 2 riding seasons.
The SilverEagle worked for about the same length of time.

I found ones that use the crystals; that they hold water for 3 days instead of 1 to 3 hours (anyone who gets a whole day from a SE or JR does not ride in 115F with 20% humidity), and then I figured out that I can get the crystals at a hobbie store... so even though the crystals give up I can 'reload' the vest and I'm back in the saddle.

Mark

Thanks, Mark. How often did you use it? I'm in So. Cal. so I do get in some warm desert rides but they're just periodic. If yours were really frequent and/or lengthy I could see where our experiences could be really different.

[Louie Louie]

I received my Sahara Vest from New Enough today. Look forward to testing it soon!

[Austin city limits]

I found 2 Silver Eagles Cooling Vest brand new in my size for sale on E-Bay... I got one tonight,,, shipped for $30.45... :D

[ligito]

Caution: Wet T-shirts have been known to increase blood flow.
Just like Viagra:D

For the best cooling vest, see NASCAR suppliers.:chrfl1:

[Austin city limits]

Now??? Wish I would have bought BOTH of the Silver Eagle Black Cooling vest for $30.45 shipped!!! These look sweet!!!

[Keith R.]

marseeproducts.com

HYDRO WEAVE is what you should be looking for when selecting a cooling vest. Marsee Products uses this in there cooling vest.

There vest isn't cheap but it does work. Have had mine for 3 years now. Granted, I only use it when the temps are triple digit. I helped Rex in the development years ago by helping with the testing.

On a 105° day inside the vest with a themometer placed between me and the vest read 85°. 3 to 5 hours later the vest needs to be recharged. To recharge you simply get it wet again, squeezed out most of the excess water, put it back on and go on your way.

It cost more than the rest but actually works IMO. If you live where it gets really humid I dont think you will find a vest that works like you want it too. All vests made work by way of evaporation. You do see what im getting at here? But for those hot days riding across the hot dry desert cooling vests work great. Just some better than others.

[Mark]

Thanks, Mark. How often did you use it? I'm in So. Cal. so I do get in some warm desert rides but they're just periodic. If yours were really frequent and/or lengthy I could see where our experiences could be really different.

Steve,

I've been working so I'm a bit late with this follow up.

I use the vest daily when the temps get high for me, YTTWV of course (your temp tolerance will vary). I find ride in the morning without it and use the vest in the afternoon most hot days.
I've worn it in Feb and I've worn it through Oct...
Your SoCal deserts have a bit more humidity; but, it works well in Anza Borrego, Santa Ynez, and the high Mojave, by my biased testing methods.

I would not expect it to work well along the coast; but, it hasn't been hot enough for me to try there so I am not sure...

Mark

[STeveGray]

Steve,

I've been working so I'm a bit late with this follow up.

I use the vest daily when the temps get high for me, YTTWV of course (your temp tolerance will vary). I find ride in the morning without it and use the vest in the afternoon most hot days.
I've worn it in Feb and I've worn it through Oct...
Your SoCal deserts have a bit more humidity; but, it works well in Anza Borrego, Santa Ynez, and the high Mojave, by my biased testing methods.

I would not expect it to work well along the coast; but, it hasn't been hot enough for me to try there so I am not sure...

Mark

Hey, Mark, not to worry about the time lapse. I'm still a member of the working class, too. Thanks for the update. You give yours more use than I think mine will get. It doesn't get hot enough along the coast to use it. I don't anticipate breaking it out unless it's for a long ride in the triple digits (temperature, that is... not speed...) :D

[Horst]

Cooling vest talk in MARCH for crying out loud !

You guys make me sick ! :)


HEATED VEST, buddy ... HEATED !!! :D


<<< btw I was here yesteday ! ... Jordan River ... whoo hoo :D

<<< so were a few others ... 8C but sunny ... awesome.

[Mark]

Cooling vest talk in MARCH for crying out loud !

You guys make me sick ! :)

HEATED VEST, buddy ... HEATED !!! :D


Don't get your shorts in a knot Horst...
About 1.5" of rain in 24 hours and snow on all the mountains surrounding us.
And the final insult to my riding: it is only 59F right now.

Maybe I should check out heated clothing... :-)

Mark

[Bones]

Don't get your shorts in a knot Horst...
About 1.5" of rain in 24 hours and snow on all the mountains surrounding us.
And the final insult to my riding: it is only 59F right now.

Maybe I should check out heated clothing... :-)

Mark

Mark, if you turn on the heated clothing at 59F, some of us Northerners are going to have to come down and thwack you!

Desert dwellers....sheesh! :rolleyes:

[Horst]

Yeah !

... what Bones said ! ... :)


some people's kids ... sheesh ... :rolleyes:

[Mark]

Mark, if you turn on the heated clothing at 59F, some of us Northerners are going to have to come down and thwack you!

Desert dwellers....sheesh! :rolleyes:

I'd have to buy and install the heated gear first... Chris will tell you that I will never upset my Frozen-North riding brethern enough for it to come to physical abuse (with all the projects I have in the fire!).

Of course if want to know why my blood is so thin...
Garage will fit 2 more bikes (if we park carefully), front room has futons, hot tub is hot... :-)

Mark

[Horst]

There he goes, being nice again !

Man, I have to get to AZ one of these days ....


but for now it's WA and OR ... mebbe Kalifoh-nia ... :D

[Louie Louie]

marseeproducts.com
HYDRO WEAVE is what you should be looking for when selecting a cooling vest. Marsee Products uses this in there cooling vest.

Whats the difference and why is it better than a Sahara?

[Mark]

There he goes, being nice again !


Naw...
We really invite Frozen-North riders here to watch them melt!

:-)
Mark

[Keith R.]

Not sure what filler the Sahara vest is linned with. I did try to research the vest and see what they are using. All I could find is that they use a speacial polymer material what ever that means. They said it only stays wet fo 1 1/2 hrs before needing to be recharged. It does sound like a nice vest for the price.

Rex at Marsee once said to watch out when selecting a cooling vest. Some manufacturers are actually using the same thing found in baby diapers for a filler in there vests. They don't seen to last all that long. At some point the linning all shifts to the bottom of the vest.

I do know for a fact that my Marsee Cooling Vest works and doesn't need to be recharged for well over 3-4 hours. The membrane linning and the filler (Hydro Weave)is what makes it all work. The Sahara sounds like it is linned with something like the Marsee vest but once again they do not mention the filler.

Doing a further search using one word "Hydroweave" It seems Silver Eagle uses Hydoweave in there vest too. I'll be damned! You learn something everyday.

Amazing how all the vest seem to look like the Marsee vest thats been around for years.

Has anyone else here have one of the Marsee Cooling Vests? And if so have they been pleased with the results the same as I am with the product?

Try doing a Google search under "HYDRO WEAVE" and you will see many things come up in the way of reviews with the Marsee Cooling Vest while comparing it to others.

Just did a search using one word "Hydoweave" and it appears Siver Eagle uses Hydroweave in there product too.

[Louie Louie]

Just did a search using one word "Hydoweave" and it appears Siver Eagle uses Hydroweave in there product too.


Thanks very much..Its appreciated!

[Louie Louie]

marseeproducts.com

HYDRO WEAVE is what you should be looking for when selecting a cooling vest. Marsee Products uses this in there cooling vest.

There vest isn't cheap but it does work. Have had mine for 3 years now. Granted, I only use it when the temps are triple digit. I helped Rex in the development years ago by helping with the testing.

On a 105° day inside the vest with a themometer placed between me and the vest read 85°. 3 to 5 hours later the vest needs to be recharged. To recharge you simply get it wet again, squeezed out most of the excess water, put it back on and go on your way.

It cost more than the rest but actually works IMO. If you live where it gets really humid I dont think you will find a vest that works like you want it too. All vests made work by way of evaporation. You do see what im getting at here? But for those hot days riding across the hot dry desert cooling vests work great. Just some better than others.

I got the HYDRO WEAVE and after testing it against my Sahara I have to conclude the JR Sahara works better for me. Fow some reason the Hydro weave felt akward and did not have the same cooling efect as the sahara.

[bygdawg]

Hey guys. I just bought a Mira Cool on ebay for like $20.00 shipped and it works great. I used it in 95 degree weather the other day. Although, it does make me look a bit like the hulk underneath my Joe Rocket. I haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing yet. LOL

[Mark]

Although, it does make me look a bit like the hulk underneath my Joe Rocket. LOL

Yup... really bulks you up... but I'm after the cool and not worried about the 'look'... :-)

Mark