Just in time for the start of spring my EXO2 Storm Chaser heated jacket arrived.
Previously I've enjoyed the BMW heated waistcoat but the stupid connector finally gave up the ghost after about 5 years use so I went looking for an alternative. I was keen to try something with heated sleeves as well as the body area so that led me to the Keis heated jacket which I bought from Infinity along with a battery for use off the bike (mainly when photographing football games in winter).
I wasn't very happy with the Keis jacket though as it wasnt very comfortable and the it didn't actually work with the battery so that was rather disappointing. It heated up quickly though and was toasty warm, but not for me. Also the connector wire which is bolted onto the battery so live all the time didnt have a cover on it so is open to the elements and easy to short out given a bit of water spray.
I was keen on the new EXO2 StormChaser jacket but they are very new and nobody was carrying any stock. In fact after calling EXO2 up in Scotland they had no stock either after selling their first small batch. I liked the fact that they had a conductive membrane rather than wires, with a battery that would work (though only heating then rear section) and was also windproof and waterproof so could be used as an outer jacket if off the bike.
Pricey though, £100 more than the Keis one then add the controller and battery and it's near £400! However I know I will get a lot of use out of it so its worth it for me. I ordered from Infinity after the chap at EXO2 confirmed he was getting more stock in so they did a special order for me.
I took the linng out of my Rukka jacket and the EXO2 acts as a lining jacket. With just a thin base layer underneath it was sensationally cosy at 2C the other day, set at the lowest setting on the controller. Warm sleeves are excellent compared to just having a gilet style waistcoat. I also used it on Tuesday night as an outer jacket when shooting a football game and had the battery on the lowest setting and the back panel kept me nice and cosy as the temperature went down. It will be very useful next winter when pitchside.
Being told they come up large, I bought a medium size which is just right for me at 6'2" and 42" chest.
So, recommended, and multi talented as a heated liner and an off-bike waterproof breathable outer jacket.
Previously I've enjoyed the BMW heated waistcoat but the stupid connector finally gave up the ghost after about 5 years use so I went looking for an alternative. I was keen to try something with heated sleeves as well as the body area so that led me to the Keis heated jacket which I bought from Infinity along with a battery for use off the bike (mainly when photographing football games in winter).
I wasn't very happy with the Keis jacket though as it wasnt very comfortable and the it didn't actually work with the battery so that was rather disappointing. It heated up quickly though and was toasty warm, but not for me. Also the connector wire which is bolted onto the battery so live all the time didnt have a cover on it so is open to the elements and easy to short out given a bit of water spray.
I was keen on the new EXO2 StormChaser jacket but they are very new and nobody was carrying any stock. In fact after calling EXO2 up in Scotland they had no stock either after selling their first small batch. I liked the fact that they had a conductive membrane rather than wires, with a battery that would work (though only heating then rear section) and was also windproof and waterproof so could be used as an outer jacket if off the bike.
Pricey though, £100 more than the Keis one then add the controller and battery and it's near £400! However I know I will get a lot of use out of it so its worth it for me. I ordered from Infinity after the chap at EXO2 confirmed he was getting more stock in so they did a special order for me.
I took the linng out of my Rukka jacket and the EXO2 acts as a lining jacket. With just a thin base layer underneath it was sensationally cosy at 2C the other day, set at the lowest setting on the controller. Warm sleeves are excellent compared to just having a gilet style waistcoat. I also used it on Tuesday night as an outer jacket when shooting a football game and had the battery on the lowest setting and the back panel kept me nice and cosy as the temperature went down. It will be very useful next winter when pitchside.
Being told they come up large, I bought a medium size which is just right for me at 6'2" and 42" chest.
So, recommended, and multi talented as a heated liner and an off-bike waterproof breathable outer jacket.
