Evaporative Cooling Vest: which Brick and Mortar stores carry them?

[RRrider]

it's going to be a very hot weekend...especially out at THill (I hear 108!). I'm thinking i need to invest in a Evaporative Cooling Vest, to use in between sessions to keep cool. So I don't have time for online shopping. Anyone know which Brick and Mortar stores carry them? Any recommendations as to store and/or brand?

thanks!

 

[TheRiddler]

Cycle Gear had them last time I checked.

 

[bluenoser]

Cycle Gear has the Bilt vest. Even though it was ~$30, I found it loose and poorly fitting.

Tri-Valley Moto carried a different brand, that fit much better (tighter to my body). CalMoto more than likely has them too. Price was only $5 or $10 more.

 

[spdt509]

call road rider?

 

[FoolishMortal]

Cycle Gear has the Bilt vest. Even though it was ~$30, I found it loose and poorly fitting.

Tri-Valley Moto carried a different brand, that fit much better (tighter to my body). CalMoto more than likely has them too. Price was only $5 or $10 more.

Buy a smaller size?

 

[bluenoser]

Buy a smaller size?

My fault for not clarifying...

Even the smallest size didn't seem to do a good job of hugging my torso, and at that point it felt like I was wearing the top part of a pantsuit. The vest lacked the rubber-band springiness to keep the business part of the cooling vest in close contact with my chest and back, leading to awkward folding and bunching under my jacket when I tried it on.

Plan B would be to get the med or large and add 60ish lbs of fat. Erm, no thanks. Adding a fat layer to make a cooling vest fit better seems a little counterintuitive.

 

[CRUZer]

I've got one that I've used only once. It's a quality one too. 20 bucks and it's yours. I'll be in SJ tomorrow evening. PM tonight if interested.

 

[fast4d]

Average about $40

But I found a lightly used one on amazon for $25 shipped this week

 

[Mr. White]

Cal Moto had some the last time I was there.

 

[ST Guy]

These work great http://www.silvereagleoutfitters.com/categories/Cooling-Vests/Classic-Cooling-Vests/

Unfortunately, I don't know where to get them at a brick and motor store. They only list three places in California that carry them:

California
BMW Fresno
4646 N Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA 93726
Tel. 559-229-7892
www.bmwoffresno.com
Cycle Specialties BMW
307 Maze Blvd., Modesto, CA 95351
Tel. 209-524-2955
www.cyclespecialties.com
Hutchins Motor Sports, Inc.
55405 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Tel. 760-365-6311
www.hutchinshd.com


You might just give them a call and see if there's anyone more local.

 

[RRrider]

Are these just good for under "street" MC gear, or do they also work under racing leathers at the track?

thx for the tips!

 

[mrmarklin]

Harley Stores typically carry them. Just came out with a new adjustable one.

 

[CRUZer]

Are these just good for under "street" MC gear, or do they also work under racing leathers at the track?

thx for the tips!

They need airflow to work. Under a suit with no ventilation was my reason for not liking it. Ymmv

 

[mrmarklin]

Cycle Gear has the Bilt vest. Even though it was ~$30, I found it loose and poorly fitting.

Tri-Valley Moto carried a different brand, that fit much better (tighter to my body). CalMoto more than likely has them too. Price was only $5 or $10 more.

If you try them in the store you don't really get any idea of how they fit because when soaked with water they can swell considerable. Don't get one that's too tight when dry.:rolleyes

 

[mrmarklin]

Are these just good for under "street" MC gear, or do they also work under racing leathers at the track?

thx for the tips!

They work best with a perforated jacket. I use mine on long road trips where the temps can get 90d+. Make for a very comfortable ride.

I've never tried it with my regular gear. I don't think it would work very well as evaporation from the air circulation creates the cool sensation.

 

[Go2Trackdays]

The easy/cheap way: wear a longsleeve COTTON shirt under your gear.

Turn on waterhose

Open collar of suit, fill up until soaked.

Fill helmet with water too, pour out the extra.

Ahhhh PERFECT!!!! :teeth

well, for about 20 minutes or so, depending on how hot it is, etc

OH - and Don't wear your FAVORITE SOCKS.... just in case your suit bleeds some of it's color into them. Guess how I know this...

 

[RRrider]

Ok, got a vest at calmoto. Will try this weekend both under leathers while riding and in-between sessions, and report back. Thx for tips!

 

[bluenoser]

If you try them in the store you don't really get any idea of how they fit because when soaked with water they can swell considerable. Don't get one that's too tight when dry.:rolleyes

Point taken. It may or may not fit better when wet. But I'm doubting it will swell 6 inches, which is how loose it was. Matter of fact, I don't want anything swelling 6 inches when pressed against me.

What's CG's return policy on sweaty, dripping wet gear? :laughing

 

[davidji]

What's CG's return policy on sweaty, dripping wet gear? :laughing

I returned my cooling vest to CG--tho I let it dry first.

I thought it was supposed to have a snug fit, but a CG sales person had told me the baggy fit of the smallest was fine. It wasn't. It made me hot & wet instead of hot & dry.

FWIW both leather and nylon are weaker when wet. Not sure how much being wet effects the abrasion protection, but it's something to be aware of.