Miracool review
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Vroompuppy-how is this working out for you? I just placed the order for this as well, from TuffRhino.
luvtoride
My Indian name is "Pants On Fire"
The cooling effect works a little... but not a lot. I live in a high humidity area & rode with my old vest (Joe Rocket Sahara) quite a bit & it is only marginally cooling. Take the humidity away & it works GREAT! Just got a MiraCool a few weeks ago. I have not used that particular one, yet.
dsmack
"Old, Slow, but Lucky"
Here's a question for those of you who've ordered from TuffRhino: When I went to their site last night to place my order, when I went to checkout, I was told that my order didn't meet their minimum. Has anyone else run into that? If so, will it go ahead and accept the order anyway?
Looking at other vendors online, it seems TuffRhino is the lowest price generally available... what do they do, add to the shipping cost (approx $5.00) to get order "up to minimum"?
Taking a trip to the California Central Valley next month and thinking this could be a good investment in my comfort...
Don
Looking at other vendors online, it seems TuffRhino is the lowest price generally available... what do they do, add to the shipping cost (approx $5.00) to get order "up to minimum"?
Taking a trip to the California Central Valley next month and thinking this could be a good investment in my comfort...
Don
SkooterG
Purveyor of Crooked Facts
There's another option out there. A friend swears by it. Doesn't use water evaporation like most these vests, but 'cool packs' you remove and recharge in ice water. Supposed to keep you cool for a couple of hours. I guess it will work better in high humidity environments? Expensive though.
Clicky HERE for the Cool Vest
Clicky HERE for the Cool Vest
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Toecutter
What would DoG do?
Highly recommend it. 112 here yesterday, the 6th day straight of highs 105 or higher. Probably be about the same until October....
BwanaDik
Well-known member
Same as this one as far as I can tell. Cool Vest
Either a copy or a sub-contract. Same price. I have one and love it. Works perfect under my 'Stitch. However, it only works for about 1 1/2 hours in 100+ heat so it's poor for LDR stuff but great for commuting. Phase change at 65F is a shitload more comfortable than at 32-38F with the ice based stuff. Also, you can re-freeze it in the fridge while at work or carry a couple of extra cooling bags in the trunk in a cooler.
Auburn
Well-known member
Shiney - you might try just soaking the LD comfort and putting back on. I've beeing doing that in high heat and it works really well. Last long enough to go a full fuel load. Last year I tested it in the same areas you mentioned. Not as thick, and definitely more durable.Bastage mentioning my lack of extra wiggle roomYep...they're big...but that was the least of my worries when riding I-80 from Sacramento to Steamboat Springs CO last year. Or Sacramento-Caldwell ID-Stanley ID-Craters N.P.-Yellowstone the year before.
They are bulky to store when fully hydrated BUT I can commute or ride for 3 days with the MiraCool when my older hydration liner will last 30 minutes.
Of course, I have plenty of room under my CyclePort gear.
My trip was Crater, Hells Canyon, Southern idaho, Yellowstone, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, CO, Utah, NV, and home. Pulled it out in the high desert of Oregon and that was that...
Maybe I'll try again this year after losing 35 pounds and some of my man-boobs. If I can find the shriveled thing in the corner somewhere (assuming mice didn't make it nest material over the winter). Or maybe pass it forward to a forum member.... but right now it's low on the long to-do list I'm avoiding this morning by hanging out with all you guys and gals.
johnny80s
Turtle Gears
I have a Miracool vest and like it a lot so far. After it is charged with water (20 minute soak) is holds water a lot long than my vest from Cycle Gear. My Cycle Gear vest only last about 30 minutes on the freeway on 90+ degree heat. The miracool will last for hours. The mira cool is heavy when fully charged with water and I do look like a highway worker with my bright orange vest but it is well worth it. I took mine on our ride to camp outing this weekend and it lasted the entire weekend which was probably around 8 hours riding time over two days. It is holding water sitting in my garage.
I have a slightly used Cycle Gear vest for sale now. Now if I can just figure out how to get a pair of Mira Cool underwear.
I have a slightly used Cycle Gear vest for sale now.
Now if I can just figure out how to get a pair of Mira Cool underwear.
DeweyIsgod
Well-known member
I was looking at cooling options choosing between the MiraCool vest and a Texas CoolVest. Given the price premium on the phase change stuff ~$170, I decided to try a Miracool first.
I got the full vest and a super neckband. TuffRhino had the lowest price, but it took them ~10 days to ship, so be careful if you need it before a trip. The vest works and holds a fair amount of water. It's only marginally effective on high humidity days. It takes a while to charge because in a full sink, you need to flip it over a few times to allow water into all recesses. In essence, it takes a lot of planning and I still need to wear my mesh jacket (not as good of protection) to get enough airflow. I don't find it practical for commuting to work. In contrast, I like the neckband a lot. It can charge in a big coffee cup in 10 minutes and because of where it rides on the body, it gets enough airflow to cool.
I'll use the miracool vest for longer trips or in drier whether, but I'm going to lay down the $ for a Coolvest as soon as the budget allows. I have a small fridge in my office I can throw the phase change packs into during the day...same as home overnight and I'll always be ready to go without much planning.
I got the full vest and a super neckband. TuffRhino had the lowest price, but it took them ~10 days to ship, so be careful if you need it before a trip. The vest works and holds a fair amount of water. It's only marginally effective on high humidity days. It takes a while to charge because in a full sink, you need to flip it over a few times to allow water into all recesses. In essence, it takes a lot of planning and I still need to wear my mesh jacket (not as good of protection) to get enough airflow. I don't find it practical for commuting to work. In contrast, I like the neckband a lot. It can charge in a big coffee cup in 10 minutes and because of where it rides on the body, it gets enough airflow to cool.
I'll use the miracool vest for longer trips or in drier whether, but I'm going to lay down the $ for a Coolvest as soon as the budget allows. I have a small fridge in my office I can throw the phase change packs into during the day...same as home overnight and I'll always be ready to go without much planning.
BwanaDik
Well-known member
Keep in mind TexasCoolVest/Motor Sport Cool Vest=Zero air flow to make it work,i.e., keep the 'Stitch zipped up tight
Miracool=big airflow, i.e., vents ALL open or mesh jacket
Coolvest doesn't work well at all with lots of airflow. Same principal as an electric vest for heating.
black cherry
Well-known member
I have a hydration type vest made by "Techniche" and I love it! I've riden with it on in 95+ degree days in Southern Ohio and in Kentucky and I think it works like a charm! Last time I checked, it's humid here.
After about 2 1/2 or 3 hours I couldn't "feel" the cooling effect anymore, but when I took off the gear at the house, my whole torso was about 70 degrees. For a minute, I thought I was sick or something. For the next 30 minutes or so, I sat in the chair enjoying my personal A/C! ( I was almost cold ) The moral of the story is, just because you can't "feel" the cooling because of the wind, doesn't mean your vest is not working any more.
The only down side from my chair is that it is "slimy" and you are wet. but I'd be "wet" with out it in 95 degree weather.
This type is easy to re-hydrate on the road, frozen pack type, not so much... But if your ride and destination is within 2 hours and you'll have access to a freezer when you get there, (ie, work) the pack type would be a plus because no "slimy".
After about 2 1/2 or 3 hours I couldn't "feel" the cooling effect anymore, but when I took off the gear at the house, my whole torso was about 70 degrees. For a minute, I thought I was sick or something. For the next 30 minutes or so, I sat in the chair enjoying my personal A/C! ( I was almost cold ) The moral of the story is, just because you can't "feel" the cooling because of the wind, doesn't mean your vest is not working any more.
The only down side from my chair is that it is "slimy" and you are wet. but I'd be "wet" with out it in 95 degree weather.
This type is easy to re-hydrate on the road, frozen pack type, not so much... But if your ride and destination is within 2 hours and you'll have access to a freezer when you get there, (ie, work) the pack type would be a plus because no "slimy".
DeweyIsgod
Well-known member
That's part of the justification for spending more for the Coolvest...I'll be able to wear my better gear throughout the year. My mesh provides good impact protection, but nearly no skid protection.
johnny80s
Turtle Gears
vroompuppy
Well-known member
I would warn any of you ordering Miracools from TuffRhino that my experience w/them was very poor. I waited 2 weeks and they still couldn't fill my order at that time so I cancelled and ordered from....
Better vendor IMHO
Only slightly more expensive and they got me the product in 3 days. Besides, this vendor doesn't require you to establish "an account". I can't tell you what my account password was for Tuffrhino but it started with "F" and ended in YOU!
Best,
VPup
dsmack
"Old, Slow, but Lucky"
Vroom~
Wish I'd read your comments about TuffRhino an hour ago... I just got through ordering a Model 900 MiraCool from them. Don't really need it until the first of September for the California ride, but it would be nice to get it sooner.
This whole cooling vest thing has turned way too complicated! I wavered back and forth between the MiraCool (I like the one with the velcro closure rather having to pull it over my head), and the Techniche vests. I finally read reviews from a number of sites and the concensus seems to be that the crystal technology used by MiraCool is longer lasting and more effective than the woven polymer fabric that Tech and others use... who knows, really?
I figure for a total out of pocket of about $40, shipped to my house, I'll take a chance.
My readings also consistently mentioned that the compression/wicking typeT shirts rather than a standard cotton T under the vest improves the feel by removing the moisture from the skin rather than feeling "clammy". Guess a trip to wally world is in order to buy some cheap, knockoff t shirts.
Don
Wish I'd read your comments about TuffRhino an hour ago... I just got through ordering a Model 900 MiraCool from them. Don't really need it until the first of September for the California ride, but it would be nice to get it sooner.
This whole cooling vest thing has turned way too complicated! I wavered back and forth between the MiraCool (I like the one with the velcro closure rather having to pull it over my head), and the Techniche vests. I finally read reviews from a number of sites and the concensus seems to be that the crystal technology used by MiraCool is longer lasting and more effective than the woven polymer fabric that Tech and others use... who knows, really?
I figure for a total out of pocket of about $40, shipped to my house, I'll take a chance.
My readings also consistently mentioned that the compression/wicking typeT shirts rather than a standard cotton T under the vest improves the feel by removing the moisture from the skin rather than feeling "clammy". Guess a trip to wally world is in order to buy some cheap, knockoff t shirts.
Don
Toecutter
What would DoG do?
canyonman
Well-known member
been using my miracool while touring here in CA and could not ride without it (using a full stich).
when I went through fresno the other day the miracool was not enough so I stopped for some "camping supplies" ie couple tall boys and a can of soup. still had an couple hour ride to get to the camp site so I grabbed a 7# bag of ice.
half the bag went in my 6 pack cooler and the other half went in my hip pockets.
that was the ticket. temp gauge said 109 during the evening rush on ca99 and I was totally comfortable. that ice sitting on my femoral arteries cooled my whole body down.
I wear nothing but polypro everything while touring. dries very quick. the miracool is completely comfortable with a poly shirt.
I don't know if they are everywhere or not but have gotten really good deals on poly stuff at TJmax not that it helps now but in the fall you can grab some good deals on name brand stuff (nike, addias, underarmor).
when I went through fresno the other day the miracool was not enough so I stopped for some "camping supplies" ie couple tall boys and a can of soup. still had an couple hour ride to get to the camp site so I grabbed a 7# bag of ice.
half the bag went in my 6 pack cooler and the other half went in my hip pockets.
that was the ticket. temp gauge said 109 during the evening rush on ca99 and I was totally comfortable. that ice sitting on my femoral arteries cooled my whole body down.
I wear nothing but polypro everything while touring. dries very quick. the miracool is completely comfortable with a poly shirt.
I don't know if they are everywhere or not but have gotten really good deals on poly stuff at TJmax not that it helps now but in the fall you can grab some good deals on name brand stuff (nike, addias, underarmor).
dsmack
"Old, Slow, but Lucky"
Hey Toe~
Thanks for the link to Sierra Traders! That is an excellent site, and I found just what I was looking for in wicking T shirts and Briefs. Those prices beat WallyWorld, including the shipping, no sales tax, and NOT made in China!
Thanks again,
Don
Thanks for the link to Sierra Traders! That is an excellent site, and I found just what I was looking for in wicking T shirts and Briefs. Those prices beat WallyWorld, including the shipping, no sales tax, and NOT made in China!
Thanks again,
Don
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