I'm hunting for something to help with the summer heat while racing and have been looking at this EVS shirt. I'd like to find something that works, yet is not bulky. There are a number of cool vests out there, but they look more industrial and less performance minded. So, I'd like to stay away from them and find something a more, "task developed". Anybody have any experience with these vests / shirts? Here's what they say: CTR Cooling Vest: Core Temperature Regulator helps prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion while allowing optimum strength & performance. + Constructed of thin, strategically placed layers of “Super Absorbent Polymer” + Once saturated with water, polymer retains and slowly disperses to keep you cool + Strategic sections will keep your core temperature down longer + Helps to maximize your riding session
Leatt also has a short sleeve & a sleeveless version, starting at $69 US http://www.leatt-brace.com/index.php/choose-your-sport/mx/leatt-coolit-evaporative-cooling-vest
Here's the biggest clue I got for ya -- Don't wear black ... Just being white in color goes a long way to stopping heat buildup. I used to wet my jersey down with water before a moto ... its works but draws dust ... -- And during my running yrs, I found out that they have all kinds of cool materials to wick sweat away and help stay cool ...
http://www.soundrider.com/archive/products/techniche_evaporative_cooling_vest.htm I have one of these its not as good as I imagined but does work. the 661 discontinued collar type one I have is better and uses those hydro absorbing pellets (like baby diaper stuff). This one sounds good may give it a try.
I thought about modifying a veskimo to have active dc cooling, depends on what you consider hot. Often times it is 44°C out here in the desert and water cooled would be awesome.
Under Armour Heat gear compression shirt with the old 661 core cooler collar underneath works pretty good. However, it doesn't fit too well with the Leatt brace.
I went ahead and went with the EVS vest, mainly due to price. I didn't want to invest to much in one, since I wasn't sure they actually work. But, I wore it yesterday in about 80 degree, humid weather, and I have to say it did a good job of keeping me cool. The first hour of the race it was really good, then I started to notice it fading away on me. But, I have to say, that first hour was great. Considering the conditions, I amazed how cool I was staying in the first parts of the race. I soaked the thing in water before I left the house and had it in the cooler until I put it on. I was afraid it was going to be a bit of a shock putting it on after being in the cooler so long, but we were all just standing around sweating anyway, and it felt pretty good. I cooled down almost instantly and felt much more comfortable right away. Those other shirts might even work better, but for $45 I'm really happy with it. I don't know if it would be any better, but I may have to try one of the Leatt vests, just to see how it works.
I've got the Leatt and I feel it works pretty good. I ride the SoCal desert and my buddies thought it was kinda weird to put this soggy thing next to your skin-until they tried it themselves!
Yeah, one of my buddies said the same thing, "Why you want to put that wet shirt on for?" Hey, I was a bit skeptical too. That's why I went with the cheaper one.
ive been on the fence about these vests after reading they turn into serious heaters after the cooling phase has run out. any issues with that yet?
No, I've just wore it once now, for about 2 hours, so I don't know for sure. But, thanks for the heads up.
no problem, thanks wasn't sure how long you rode in it. i ended up buying an UnderArmour "Heat Gear" tank top for now. cheap and comfy so far.
still evaluating but i think so... i've worn it 3 times, once in super cold and twice in sorta hot. sunday's ride got a little steamy. i definitely felt more comfortable riding in it than without all three times. it's the fitted, compression shirt sans sleeves. certainly not a 'cooling' type vest but seemed to keep me comfortable even though i was sweating like a pig.
