rkd@ccice5.UUCP (R. K. Downes) (12/28/84)
About a week ago I received a Eclipse vest. The price (via a local mail-order outfit) was ~$65.00 Sizes are small, medium, large, X-large. Some further details: I measured a current draw (X-large size vest) of 4 amps (13.8VDC), ~50 watts. A fused (10 amp) cable is provided for direct hookup to the battery. To this cable another coiled cable is connected which hooks to the jacket. A large on-off in-line switch is provided. The cable connectors are similar to the type commonly used for auto trailer hookup. A rheostat-like device is also available as an option. The vest is provided with a front zipper w/wind flap. A ~3 inch heated collar is provided, along with a heated "shirttail" Color (that I've seen) is a slate/blackish combination. As I have a full-faired bike, and the weather has been VERY mild lately, I have only tested it in the cold once (high 20s), for about 60 miles. It worked very well. The heated collar and shirttail solve two coldspot problems (I reach for low bars, and have a low windscreen). As is claimed, the vest kept my hands and thighs warm, because of core heating. With long-johns, the vest, and skiing gloves as a base, cold temperatures are not bothersome at all. Ice and salt are. -- Ray Downes Computer Consoles Inc. ccice5:rkd (CCI Central Engineering systems only)