Has anyone ever used "kool blues?"

[mac266]

This system is designed to keep you cool when working the plate.  Has anyone ever used it and what are your opinions?

https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/KB-CHEST/KoolBlues-Umpire-Chest-Protector-Cooling-System

[ArchAngel72]

I have not, but I do have them.

 

I loaned them to the PU one 98 degree day ( 3 games ) it was the 3rd game of the day, 4 man crew and all 4 of us were out there all day.  I was saving it for myself to use at 3rd but I figured he needed it more.  Well I got heat exhaustion and he was fine. LOL

 

Although he did tell me it did not last he whole game. He had to take it off in between innings as it wore out and the gel packs actually started to feel "heavy" and make him feel hotter than he should have.

Truth is though if they had not stopped the game due to me getting light headed dizzy and not well coordinated on my feet, they MAY have made it the rest of the game. I figure they stopped it probably 15 minutes for the other umpire to go get dressed and then jump into the game.

 

[mac266]

2 hours ago, ArchAngel72 said:

I have not, but I do have them.

 

I loaned them to the PU one 98 degree day ( 3 games ) it was the 3rd game of the day, 4 man crew and all 4 of us were out there all day.  I was saving it for myself to use at 3rd but I figured he needed it more.  Well I got heat exhaustion and he was fine. LOL

 

Although he did tell me it did not last he whole game. He had to take it off in between innings as it wore out and the gel packs actually started to feel "heavy" and make him feel hotter than he should have.

Truth is though if they had not stopped the game due to me getting light headed dizzy and not well coordinated on my feet, they MAY have made it the rest of the game. I figure they stopped it probably 15 minutes for the other umpire to go get dressed and then jump into the game.

 

Last year I worked a double header behind the plate (one umpire system) in 97 degree heat.  My house is at 7400 feet of elevation, so that kind of heat is rare around here.  None of us were acclimated to it, even the players got bogged down.  By the end of the second game, I know my strike zone was falling to pieces, and I got lightheaded a few times.  

[stevis]

I bought some to use last year, and then...sadness. Haven't been behind the plate since.  Was looking forward to it, though.

[Aging_Arbiter]

I used them and I love them.  I'm one of those glandular challenged people (I sweat worse than a w#ore in church) when its hot out.  I used it last year and loved them.  90-95 degree day, I dropped 2 packs into the holder and I was VERY comfortable until about the 5th inning when they had all but thawed out.  However, it did make the day a little more enjoyable. 

[ofhs93]

I bought a set have used them...they really *do* work. Yeah...it's more expensive than it should be...but it absolutely works...and works well.

[Koolblues guy]

Koolblues is my invention. I sell them to Ump-attire to resell.  I used to umpire alot in the summer in the heat and after many prototypes I came up with the finished product.  It wont last the whole game but it should get you through a few innings.  The key is to keep it in the cooler and put it on just before heading to the field.  I usually used it in games over 80 degrees. Hope you guys and girls get some relief using it as well. 

[wolfe_man]

34 minutes ago, Koolblues guy said:

Koolblues is my invention. I sell them to Ump-attire to resell.  I used to umpire alot in the summer in the heat and after many prototypes I came up with the finished product.  It wont last the whole game but it should get you through a few innings.  The key is to keep it in the cooler and put it on just before heading to the field.  I usually used it in games over 80 degrees. Hope you guys and girls get some relief using it as well. 

I just bought one of these from Ump-Attire.  I have 4 games (back-to-back x 2) on 6/18 coming up and I wanted any cheat I can use to help me get through the day.  I normally prefer 3 or less per day, but my assignor needed 4 so I'm cheating with KoolBlues and taking my All Star cryo gear as well (head and neck cooling packs) for between games (and between innings if necessary).

I bought a new Under Armour thermos with fence hooks and will liquidate a couple of days in advance.  I'll take fruit and plenty of water with me for between games.

I may buy some extra freeze packs off Amazon to put into the KoolBlues as well after the first pack wears off (change out between games).

[ump7tony]

I officiate in the Delaware/Pennsylvania/Maryland area. Summers are hot and very humid. Evaporative cooling vests and neck cooling towels do not work well here. Ice vests are too cold when first put on...at least for me.

I have tested a lot of cooling vests and have settled on this one...

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/203252358765?hash=item2f52c8de6d:g:TJkAAOSwzJ9gBlYf&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoN8btOTIg%2FNRsPL520GWlk1NCVhwidTRXdOyKHNGR7wrNFPdyJP5xZrerAg5PIQZ2qoZyXhmWA5lLon8f8GFEo86F7qHIr9j2EY20223nod48b065b9Idg3ceYShWC5Zj7gisAhxZeNu8N%2Bf24cC21aB9upfikWDQzosdKM9T9uVgFSdWiu7H2OApY3d3NksoqPN4IXKZaCyzeltG8YZdYk%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR6CHndf2YA

It is a bit heavy and bulky, but it keeps me cool even in 95F temps. It comes with 2 phase changing cooling pads. I only use on in the front and get a full 2-3 hours of cooling from one pad. For multiple plates, I wear one pad, keeping the other in an ice chest or simply an insulated bag until needed. I have found placing the pads in the freezer gives me longer cooling times. Despite the freezer temps, the pads "melt" at 54F and are very comfortable. No "freezer burn". Haven't found the reusable limit yet. 

The key is to use "phase cooling" or "phase change" products, not ice or evaporative.  Ergodyne makes various carrier vests if you don't like the orange look :-)   And there are several manufacturers of similar products. Search eBay for sources. 

Works great for me. Your mileage may vary.

[stevis]

On 5/19/2022 at 2:17 PM, Koolblues guy said:

Koolblues is my invention. I sell them to Ump-attire to resell.  I used to umpire alot in the summer in the heat and after many prototypes I came up with the finished product.  It wont last the whole game but it should get you through a few innings.  The key is to keep it in the cooler and put it on just before heading to the field.  I usually used it in games over 80 degrees. Hope you guys and girls get some relief using it as well. 

I used them in summer 2021 & 22 here in the mid-Atlantic.  On the worst days they were melted by the 4th (of 6, LL) but that was four innings saving me from overheating, and they were still cooler than the outside.

Great product and I heartily endorse.  Thank you!

[wolfe_man]

I used mine this summer, highly recommend.  Makes a big difference, even if only half the game - it's worth it!