Team Geared Up

ROCHESTER, New York (Geared Up Blog) - Yesterday saw the first snow up here in Rochester, we’ve been consistantly under 10 degrees (C) for the past 3 weeks, its always around 0 degrees in the morning and its just gonna get colder. For those of you who live where it doesnt get this cold for another month or two or not at all, we have some gear that guarentee to keep you roasty toasty. First up for the hardcore who are still surfing/sailing etc. up in the Northern hemisphere we got something for you:

Introducing the H-Bomb by surfing company Rip Curl, the world’s first power heated wetsuit. Powered by two Polymer Lithium Ion 7.2v batteries the provides the heat that is spread around the core of your body via two coated fibre elements. The elements conduct electricity that generate heat. The elements are made of fibre ­ so there is no metal involved ­ which means theres no metal to corrode when it is exposed to water. The guys over at Engadget posted some much about the whole exploding battery scandle that they won’t even look at it but don’t fret its not the same kind of battery. Anyone familiar with The Bomb line of wetsuits will be happy to know it comes with all the same bells and whistles as the F and E-Bomb wetsuits (ie. chest zip, Elastomax, seamless shoulders etc).

The H-Bomb has two temperature settings, Low: 50­55C (120­130F) and High: 60­65C (140­150F). A thin layer of neoprene lies between the elements and your back to spread the heat evenly and protect your skin. It’s an infrared heat with a therapeutic quality usually used to relieve muscle soreness and tension.

The first test pilot was 2005 World Championship Tour number 7 Nathan Hedge, who commented “It’s one out of the box, it feels sooo good! You keep really warm, even on the low setting and it just keeps you feeling warm all over throughout. I didn¹t want to give it back after the R&D session”.

The H-Bomb is powered by two Polymer Lithium Ion 7.2v batteries. These are the same type of batteries found in your mobile phone or iPod. There is no danger of radiation, electric shock or explosion from these batteries by ­even if it is called the Bomb! The batteries weigh 0.12kg each and are positioned on your lower back where they are cushioned against your body by a layer of neoprene so you can’t feel them.

Next on the list we have the Zanier Heat-GX, power heated ski/snowboard gloves. These gloves have the heating elements at the tips of the fingers and have three temperature settings and runs for 10 hours on the lowest setting. The idea is to prevent frostbite or numbness in the tips of the fingers and have the heat flow back into the hand. It has the weather proof-ness you’d expect from a snow sport glove.

Last we have the Dual Zone Heated Cargo Pants, power heated pants (yes, another power heated clothing item).