DUI - Diving Unlimited International. sent me some new toys to test out in the Blue Heat system. Faith Ortins sent me the heated booties and newer style heated glove liners. I took the time today to test it all out, if only in my basement. The booties are bulky, I had to eliminate the double wool socks I usually wear, or I couldnt fit into my drysuit sock. I figure on wearing a very thin cotton or synthetic sock, then the heated bootie. They fit into the DS sock once I removed all the wool I usually wear on my feet. The DUI booties are thick themselves, so I think even if you dont have the heater on, there is still good insulation. The newer style glove liners are much better, less bulky. Basically the heater pad is on the back of your hand, and the material overall is very stretchy, a nice snug fit. I think I solved the problem of donning. Instead of trying to make the glove liner electric connection after putting my hand thru the zip seals, I instead made the electrical connection before putting on the drysuit, then I donned the DS with the liners on. Now the connectors are inside my sleeve, behind my dual wrist seals. I found it too awkward with the bulky electric connection on my hand, either on top or in my palm, it just gets in the way of dexterity, and is annoying. The tradeoff is that you have to don the rest of your kit while wearing the glove liners, but it wasnt too bad, as they are more form fitting. I then turned the heat on, and yes those gloves were nice and warm! I could hardly tell right off if the booties were on, I cranked it up to 100%, and I could feel them on, but not as effective as the glove liners, which are really toasty. The chest and back heater panels worked as usual. I would highly recommend the new heated gloves. I also have added bungees to the controller, I will wear it on my arm now, instead of clipping off to a chest d-ring. With all the gear I have to clip to the d-rings, I found it frustrating to find the heat controller, and get it into position to see what I was doing with it. Now the controller will be on my right arm, just behind my Hammerhead CCR Rev D secondary handset. Its a never ending process, especially if one is pushing the limits in depth and water temperatures. DUI is leading the way in the exposure garments, I am happy to help test this equipment out in the Deep Flooded Mine. Cheers!
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:52:47 +0000
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