Just a note ... Hotsuits do not make an electric model and I do not see any mention of a new electric model on their website ... Hotsuits Wetsuit Heaters....because every hour in the water counts
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Suzzy,
I finally have your answer for you. I ordered one of the battery operated Hotsuit wetsuit heaters and I was not satisfied. Let's begin with refering to my previous posts. I am a big fan of the chemical Hotsuit heaters, because my experience with them has been wonderful and satisfying. I had previously told of my first use of them last year in 64 degree water but I mistakenly said that I was wearing a 5 mil two piece when it was actually a 3 mil two piece. (I don't have a 5 mil two piece). Everyone else in our group was wearing 5 mil suits and they reported getting cold, but after I activated the chemical pack I finished the dive warm and happy. Allow me get back on track.
I volunteer at a local zoo and Aquarium once a week. I am usually in a 100,000 gal. saltwater reef tank in which the maximum depth is 11 ft (to go lower you'd need a jack hammer). I decided to test the battery operated Hotsuit heater on a dive in the reef tank. Now bear in mind that the rated depth the company told me was 150'. The instructions tell you to hand tighten the connection and dry it off before opening it back up. I read the manual fully and followed all instructions. On three dives in this reef tank, saltwater got into the connection all three times. Now I am known for my hand strength and having a very firm grip, so I think that we can eliminate that I didn't tighten the connection well enough. I notified the company and inquired about this occurance. They graciously offered a refund or a replacement. When I inquired about how frequently this had occured, they did not answer my question but suggested a refund. Now I am a big fan of the chemical Hotsuit wetsuit heater, however when you travel away from home you can rarely find facilities to boil the packs. I have used a Hot Pot with success but in a day and age when airlines now charge for carry on luggage this is not practical when you fly to your destination or go abroad. The chemical pack are easily activated by mistake. If you drop them even from a height as low a 12'' they will activate. So I carry spare heat packs and keep them in a foam lined case. I was really hoping that the battery opperated Hotsuit heaters would solve this problem.
I certainly don't want to trash Hotsuits. I don't know that this was just an isolated occurance. I hope that they can solve this problem because they have a great idea and there is a need for this product.