KCampbell
New Member
I've had a couple of rides with the Tour Master Synergy 2.0 Heated Vest (with collar) - about $160 including dual controller. Wiring installation was simple because I've got a Denali Power Hub; the lead isn't particularly long and I've routed it to by my right knee - the cord from the controller is long enough to cross over my lap from my left thigh where it's strapped to make the connection.
The included controller has two rheostats each with 5 settings and power LED, so can control two items independently; the vest also has a female connector so you can daisy chain it to another item on the same controller. Rated draw is 4.5A. The controller clips to a provided elasticated thigh strap that was the envy of the Gerbing owners on our ride - their installations seemed less convenient to them.
Following advice I'd read I went for a snug fit: I usually wear a 46" chest and chose a LG vest which is sized at 44" chest/46" abdomen relaxed. The elastic side panels provide plenty of give and, worn over nothing but a shirt, the fit is pleasantly snug without being tight. I'm 6'3" and length was pretty much perfect.
One 6:00am trip at freezing, and a 185 mile ride yesterday that started out at freezing and warmed to around 50F. This is the only heating I've got - no heated grips or gloves. Once the body acclimatises I was perfectly comfortable without ever needing to go above level 3; I'd seen research some time ago that had shown how much dexterity is preserved so long as the body core is kept warm and my experience bears this out - I didn't need heated grips or gloves. I wear a Tour Master Saber jacket and Venture Air pants - both with respective thermal linings in place.
Temperature control feels consistent without any sense of cycling hot and cold. Warmth is felt broadly across the back and from the two panels on the front - it's less obvious through the collar. Very satisfied!
The included controller has two rheostats each with 5 settings and power LED, so can control two items independently; the vest also has a female connector so you can daisy chain it to another item on the same controller. Rated draw is 4.5A. The controller clips to a provided elasticated thigh strap that was the envy of the Gerbing owners on our ride - their installations seemed less convenient to them.
Following advice I'd read I went for a snug fit: I usually wear a 46" chest and chose a LG vest which is sized at 44" chest/46" abdomen relaxed. The elastic side panels provide plenty of give and, worn over nothing but a shirt, the fit is pleasantly snug without being tight. I'm 6'3" and length was pretty much perfect.
One 6:00am trip at freezing, and a 185 mile ride yesterday that started out at freezing and warmed to around 50F. This is the only heating I've got - no heated grips or gloves. Once the body acclimatises I was perfectly comfortable without ever needing to go above level 3; I'd seen research some time ago that had shown how much dexterity is preserved so long as the body core is kept warm and my experience bears this out - I didn't need heated grips or gloves. I wear a Tour Master Saber jacket and Venture Air pants - both with respective thermal linings in place.
Temperature control feels consistent without any sense of cycling hot and cold. Warmth is felt broadly across the back and from the two panels on the front - it's less obvious through the collar. Very satisfied!
