Q.
A.
What are the benefits of owning a Hotsuits® Heated Kidney Belt?
A Hotsuits® Heated Kidney Belt quite simply allows you to spend more time in the water. You will be more comfortable. It will allow you to wear a thinner wetsuit which is lighter and more flexible and in some cases even prevent the need to own both a summer and winter suit. You will also be able to surf, kitesurf, windsurf, kneeboard, water-ski, wakeboard or dive for longer and in more extreme or undesirable conditions.
Most importantly you will never be asking yourself the question 'Is it cold in the water today?'
Q.
A.
What's the difference between your heat pack and cheaper generic 'hand warmer' gel packs?
The Hotsuits® heat pack has been designed from the ground up to allow simple one-handed activation through layers of neoprene. The Hotsuits® heat pack has a fixed activator button which can be located instantly and simply requires a 'press' action to start the heating process. This allows our pack to be activated through several layers of rubber and only when NEEDED.
Generic heat packs contain a small circular disc which floats in the gel and must be located with your fingers before being 'flexed' - this, in our experience, is almost impossible through a wetsuit and generally requires the generic heat pack to be activated BEFORE you suit up and enter the water, when additional heat is not of any real benefit. The functional shortcomings of the generic activator was one of the key issues which drove Hotsuits® inventor Chris Lyons to create his revolutionary belt.
Q.
A.
How long do the heaters work for?
This can vary due to the conditions and thermal properties of the wetsuit. The actual heat time derived from the heater is approx 45-60 minutes although due to the heat remaining in the wetsuit and the raising of the core temperature tests and feedback received indicate in some instances this time can be extended. Remember, the heat pack only starts to produce heat from the moment you choose to activate it - ensuring you get up to an hour of supplemental heat from the moment it's needed, and not a minute before.
Q.
A.
How do I recharge/re-use the heaters?
All the instructions are printed on the heat pack. Always place the heater in the protective pouch supplied. Boil in saucepan for 10-15 minutes until the contents are completely melted. Allow the pack to cool before reactivation.
Q.
A.
Are the heaters heavy or bulky?
The kidney heater only weighs approx 260g and measures 23cm x 13cm x 1.2cm. It fits in the natural curve of your spine and can be massaged to mould to the shape of your back. Other than the warming sensation that you feel, you barely notice it is there. It also fills the natural gap between the curve of your lower back and your wetsuit, displacing the pool of cold water that tends to sit there.
Q.
A.
Will I ever get too hot wearing my
Heated Kidney Belt?
The maximum temperature that the heat pack will reach is
54C/130F, though this gradually diminishes towards the end of the
chemical reaction. We have taken into
account the fact that people do have sensitive skin, and made the
neoprene belt 1.5mm thick to provide a good compromise between heat
distribution, weight, longevity and comfort. If you are unsure it is a good idea to perform a
short test on land before putting on your wetsuit and getting in the
water.
Q.
A.
Will the heat pack ever 'lose' its heating properties?
Our heaters have been tested in the surf for the last 5 years, which has added up to over 500 'activation and use' cycles with one heat pack. As long as you take care of your pack and follow the care instructions printed on it, you should get years of productive use out of a Hotsuits® Heated Kidney Belt!
Q.
A.
Are the heaters safe?
The chemical inside is
non-toxic food grade sodium acetate (basically salt and water) and
completely safe. It is recommended
that you store it in liquid state over long periods, and if you are
traveling or shipping them overseas you should take/send the heaters
in solid form.
Q.
A.
Can I purchase additional
heaters?
Additional heaters are
available at the time of purchase or at a later date with proof of purchase of a
Heated Kidney Belt. An additional heat pack is very useful, as it is common for
divers to perform multiple dives on a single trip and for surfers to
get in for multiple sessions on days when the surf is pumping.
Q.
A.
What other uses are there for my Heated Kidney Belt?
The number of other uses for your Heated Kidney Belt is only limited by your imagination. They are suitable for use on land or in water, as a heat pack or a cold pack!
To give you a some ideas: surfing, diving, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, sailing, fishing, motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, camping, first aid, heat therapy, sports injuries, arthritis relief etc. etc. etc. etc.............let us know if we have left any out!