This came up a couple of months ago. Not sure if its had any more users since but someone did give some feed back

http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/forums/other-dive-equipment/209458-anyone-using-these.html

 

I got a good deal on one at the show, I am yet to use it underwater.
On land, it's pretty quick to heat, responsive and can get quite hot (I was advised to wear a thin base layer underneath the vest) - the heated section is on the back. They're quite comfortable, like a sports style training vest and set up is pretty straight forward. It uses vibrations to let you know what setting you are on - low, medium, high, off and the controller is a decent size. It comes with a wrist strap but I wouldn't trust that so I'll stick it on a D ring.
Only downside so far is that the batteries do seem bulky on the side, but I'm assuming as soon as my undersuit is over the top, I wont even notice them.
You can also buy a car charger for it too, which is good for multiple dives if it needs a boost.
When I've tried it out properly I'll give better feedback.

 

Only downside so far is that the batteries do seem bulky on the side, but I'm assuming as soon as my undersuit is over the top, I wont even notice them.

The batteries are inside the drysuit? You're a braver man than I. Are they LiPo?

 

Thanks folks, quite tempted by one of these it has to be said.

 

It is excellent. I found I had a warm head and hands in 4ºC water but as one observer said, for that money he'd buy an air ticket somewhere warm! I'm going to get one (on loan) when I dive in Lake Geneva this January.

 

Would certainly agree with the advice to wear a base layer underneath!!

 

Would certainly agree with the advice to wear a base layer underneath!!

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Is that from a thermolution? or A.N. Other?

 

Is that from a Thermalution vest? I'm surprised because of the way it works. It uses what is called “Far Infrared technology". Undersuit ThermAlution Yellow grade advanced heated undervest - Divernet

 

Pretty sure that it's a thermalution but will email him to double check

 

It is from the Thermulation. I have seen it on a couple of people. Rash vest is enough to stop it, but 20min on full, in the afternoon was still visable the next morning in places. Though it was supposedly like diving in a kettle on that temperature.

 

and what were you doing with him to know how it looked in the morning?

and him being a married man to boot!

 

I might have to give this a try, the wireless version looks just the ticket.
I am looking for something to complement my Fusion Bullet and Thermal fusion in the extremes of winter, and this might be just the ticket.
Will get onto Dive life and see what they can do for me.

 

I'm taking it the Whites undersuit isn't as warm as claimed then?

 

Perfectly warm mate, in fact, if you take a look in the sales section you will see I have sold my Arctics and Halo there this week. (Xerotherms still for sale if you fanc them? )
But I have some pretty cold diving planned and dont have any intention of them being ruined by cold. Silfra in Iceland for example. Its reported as 2deg C.

Plus, no matter how warm our undersuits, in a dry suit with no thermal properties at all like mine, you can always be "Warmer" and I really fancy a crack at this as it looks just the ticket.

 

I have taken the plunge and will be the proud owner of the wireless one on Friday.
Just trying to figure out how the hell to pick it up to be trialled at dotty Saturday.

 

I tested it at Capers today. Okay, so my max depth was only about 8m for 30 mins twice (teaching) but still.
The responsiveness was good, and the wireless device easy to work with gloves. The vibrations underwater can definitely be felt so you know what setting you're on.
I have the wireless device attached to my wing by a split ring, and carribiner.
The heat was definitely a whole new experience! I had a base layer underneath because even only on the first low setting, it's that's nice feeling of leaning on a radiator that's not too hot.
I didn't have it on constantly as I don't know how long the battery lasts as of yet, just on the surface to warm from the rain and at various points during the dive. Actually, it's worth it just for surface intervals!
I could definitely feel a difference - especially in my hands! I could actually feel the water that had warmed in my gloves, usually I hardly any feeling in my fingers at all.
I feel the cold very easily, so this has been a brilliant investment for me to actually enjoy being in colder waters! And this is after 2 short dives!
Also, on the Whites undersuit, I'd also recommend that (especially in combo with the Whites suit! - Ste @ M Developments: I read your thread on undersuit comparison and ended up buying the suit and undersuit!)
The batteries aren't bulky as soon as you get an undersuit over the top and they sit in a nice position that you don't even know they're there.
I didn't feel like the heat would cause burns, but I can see how that could happen with skin contact which is why I chose the base layer option.
I'd like to know how long it could last on each power, low is hot enough. I will probably test this out next time

 

Brilliant news, thanks for taking the time to review it for us. Mine turned up too late for me to collect on Friday for the dotty dive yesterday so I am hoping to collect it tomorrow sometime for diving on Wednesday. Excited to try it, will leave it switched on and see if I can answer that batty life question for you.


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No problem It was only a quick review as it was hardly a proper test of the vest at 8m! I look forward to hearing how long the batteries generally last

Just to add, I found it easier to put the vest on first and then put the batteries in the pouch as if you do this before hand and put the vest on they fall out and dangle by the connection.
And also that once you turn the heat off, the vest soon cools which is good I think as there's no prolonged heat if you're too hot etc - but you still have a nice warm core!

 

Thanks for the tip, will remember that. Will be doing three maybe 4 1hr+ dives at capers on Wednesday so will take it easy on the first couple and leave it switched on for the last two, see how it goes. Advertised run time is 3 - 4hrs so in theory it shouldn't run out on me. Be interested to know how quick it charges too as I have 240v in the car for charging stuff up.


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Used one for most of this "Summer". It works.

I don't use a base layer under it as the direct contact with skin is much warmer and more efficient. (Tried a base layer and then went back).
That said I have found that I only use it at the first setting. Generally I turn it on on the surface, as the RHIB pulls away, and keep it on until back out of the water. It is easier not the get cold in the first place than to try to rewarm once cold.
Another advantage is that as I can now wear less i.e thinner undersuit; I have greater flexibility and carry less lead.

Regarding the batteries being inside the suit... for the moment I am happy with this arrangement as I have not had to breach the integrity of my drysuit, I can use it in my backup suit (older one) if I need to, and as stated above, I can use it for wetsuit based stuff as well.

Would be nice if they were cheaper, but happy with mine.

Neil

 

My review here.
http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/for...suits-undersuits/215303-undersuit-review-thermalution-wireless-heated-vest.html