TESTCENTRE
This external controller comes in the form of a wrist-mounted unit . It is no larger than the average watch-style diving computer , and substantially lighter . Preparing the vest for use is simplicity itself : just connect the batteries to the supplied charger , a USB cable to the wrist control ’ s charging station , plug in to a mains supply and when the flashing indicator lights turn solid , you ’ re ready to roll .
The vest has two zippered pockets to house the battery packs . Inside each is a watertight connector that corresponds with those on its battery . Press the activation button , pair the wireless control and you ’ re ready to go .
The pockets have a clear window in order to monitor the current state of charge via the same indicator LEDs . A long press on the wrist control activates the heating , while further presses toggle between the heat settings .
All good so far , but how do you access this information when the vest is hidden beneath an undersuit and drysuit ? That ’ s easy . Not only does the wrist control show a trio of LEDs to indicate all the above information , but the vest incorporates another LED panel ( mirroring the wrist display ) including haptic feedback so you ’ re able to feel it too .
Over or under ?
There are no hard and fast rules as to whether the vest is worn over or underneath your normal exposure protection . First time out , I used it over my undersuit in conjunction with a membrane drysuit , although it ’ s worth noting that the vest is suitable for use with both wet and drysuits alike .
There ’ s obviously going to be a little extra bulk with the chunky batteries sitting slightly proud of the vest , but my frontentry suit coped easily with this . A crotch strap is provided to avoid any riding-up during use .
Unfortunately , before I could properly zip myself up , I slipped near the water ’ s edge and took on an uncomfortable amount of water . Without the vest I ’ d have probably have de-kitted and changed undersuits . Instead , I decided to look on it as an opportunity to see how it would cope in such a scenario . I ’ m happy to report that even if you do get a little damp in your drysuit then it will continue to keep you warm .
Paired wireless wrist control and vest haptic feedback / indicator
With an air temperature below freezing and my pre-dive soaking , I initially switched the vest to its lower setting for the 45-minute RIB trip . I also flipped between the settings as and when I felt the need to do so .
Despite the added wind chill of the journey , the infrared heating elements kept my body core at a very comfortable temperature .
The water was a relatively balmy 11 º C and as I descended to a depth of around 25 metres I flicked between the low , medium and high settings . The haptic feedback provided such an efficient means of confirming the individual heat value that I found little need to glance at the wrist control itself . I remained warm – if not totally dry – and found the
heat also more than welcome during my safety stop , and particularly on the trip back to shore .
On subsequent dives there was a little less wriggle room when I wore my tighter-fitting neoprene suit , though once zipped-up , it wasn ’ t particularly noticeable .
The Venture Heat Vest is available in sizes XS to 3XL ; each comes complete with a side extender panel , has a battery duration of up to 360 minutes plus a two-year guarantee . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
Venture Heat ’ s Dive Vest is a boon to divers who are susceptible to cold or are diving in harsh conditions , keeping its wearer warm in the water , and at the surface .
Batteries with mains charger and wrist control with USB charging cradle
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