WarmThru Supervezzoo Heated Vest Review
What are we looking at here?
A battery powered, heated vest that meets both CE and RoHS standards, manufactured by WarmThru. The SuperVezzoo is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Vezzoo. The new model has been modified to better suit motorcyclists, and is intended for all purposes of riding, as well as other outdoor activities.
Features
Charging - SuperVezzoo
To begin charging the battery in the SuperVezzoo, first you must connect the charging block to the 3-pin plug, then the battery to the block. Lastly, you connect the plug to the outlet. A red LED indicates that the battery is charging, and a green LED indicates that it is fully charged.
The first charge should take between 4 and 8 hours, with future charges taking up to 5. Once charged, the battery can be connected to the vest via the power cable, then stored in the right internal pocket.
Inside Pockets & Battery
It is recommended to only use the charger provided with the SuperVezzoo. 3-pin plugs are included with all British orders, and adapters are supplied for non-British locations.
Operating & Power - SuperVezzoo
The SuperVezzoo is powered by a 4000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, which can be recharged up to 500 times before it needs replacing. No other battery should be used, other than the 7.4v battery that comes with the vest.
There are a total of four battery heated carbon fibre panels integrated into this vest – two on the front and two on the back. The vest is switched on by holding the button on the front right side, for 2-3 seconds. A pulsing red LED will indicate that the vest has been switched on.
A Pulsing Red LED Indicates The Vest Is On
Low Setting – Blue LED
Briefly pressing the same button will change the temperature of the vest. There are 3 temperature settings, signified by different coloured LEDs. The length of time that the charge will last depends on the setting chosen.
• High (approx. 45°C) – Red – 4-5 hours
• Medium (approx. 35°C) – White – 6-7 hours
• Low (approx. 25°C) – Blue – 8-9 hours
By holding the button for another 2-3 seconds, the vest can be switched off.
Practicality - SuperVezzoo
This vest is not waterproof, and because of its electrical components, it is advised that it is kept as dry as possible. It is designed to be worn over a base layer, and under a waterproof jacket.
There are four zip fastened pockets on the SuperVezzoo – 3 external and 2 internal – one of which houses the battery.
Front Of Vest – 2 Carbon Fibre Panels & 3 External Pockets
Back Of Vest – 2 Carbon Fibre Panels
Washing - SuperVezzoo
Before washing the SuperVezzoo, the battery must be removed. To prevent damaging the integrated panels, this vest should be hand washed at 30°C, with a sponge or a damp cloth. It should not be machine washed, and the battery should only be reconnected once the vest is completely dry. Do not iron.
Sizing & Pricing - SuperVezzoo
The SuperVezzoo is available in a range of sizes from S to XXL. For precise measurements, a sizing chart can found on the WarmThru website. All sizes currently cost £155, and come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Spare batteries, chargers and other heated accessories are also available from the WarmThru website.
Pros
1. Right-Sided Button – This is an upgrade from the Vezzoo model, which had the button on the front left side. Having the button on the right side makes it easier to function with your left hand – meaning you don’t have to let go of the throttle.
2. Li-Po Power – Lithium-ion polymer is a light-weight power source, ideal for wearable tech. This battery makes the SuperVezzoo virtually unnoticeable when worn with other clothing.
3. Long Battery Life – Also upgraded from the previous design, and now lasts up to 4 hours longer! Even on the highest temperature setting, this vest stays heated for a minimum of 4 hours. On the lowest setting, it can last a whopping 9 hours. That’s a whole day of heat!
4. Fast Functioning – Within a minute of turning the vest on, I could feel the panels heating up. There’s no wait time whatsoever. Just switch it on the moment you feel cold, and the next you won’t!
5. Clipped Hips – Yet another improvement for this new version. The SuperVezzoo benefits from added comfort because the hips section has been raised into an arc, which prevents the vest from bunching up whilst in the riding position.
Cons
1. Don’t Get Wet – Although this vest is safe to wear when slightly wet, you’ll want to make sure it’s covered properly by a waterproof jacket. There’s no telling when the weather conditions might make it unusable, so it’s best to think ahead.
2. Is Blue For You? – Although it’s nice to have a range of temperature options available, I couldn’t see myself using the lowest setting often, if at all. It’s subtle, especially across the lower back, and for some, that may be all they require. When I was using the vest between a jacket and base layer throughout February, I wasn’t prepared to go any lower than the medium setting.
So, what's the verdict?
If you’re tired of dreading the cold, do yourself a favour. Grab a SuperVezzoo and start enjoying every ride like you’re meant to. It isn’t the cheapest vest you’ll ever own, but it serves its purpose perfectly, keeping you cosy in the colder months.
On the high and medium settings it provides substantial warmth across your whole torso, which improves your comfort, and more importantly your concentration. Lesser so on the lower setting, but keep in mind, mine is the opinion of a motorcyclist, who will be sitting still while wearing the vest. The SuperVezzoo is also intended for other outdoor activities like hiking – where the person wearing it will be exercising, and won’t be suffering from wind chill as severely. In that sense, it’s a vest for everybody.
With the tweaks from the original model, the SuperVezzoo now combines a well-thought out design with top of the range tech. As heated clothing becomes the hot topic in winter, consider how well WarmThru could warm you!