Cooling Technology Comparison
There is no single "best" cooling technology, only the best one for how you live and where you'll use it. We offer four cooling technologies and here's how they compare.
Polar Cooling Technologies
Kool Max®
Reusable frozen water-based cooling packs
- How effective is it? This technology provides the highest cooling energy of any of the pack based passive technologies. These reusable packs deliver comfortable cooling for up to 3-4 hours depending on environment, activity, and personal metabolism.
- Weight? Moderate weight. (Vests weigh 1.7 to 5.5 lbs.)
- Insert Packs? Yes; KM style vests include 5 to 12 small packs, weighing .4 lb that allow flexibility in weight and cooling location. PC style vests include 4 strip packs; 2 in the front and 2 in the back. The strips come in .8 lb (2 section) and 1.2 lb (3 section) weights.
- Polar's price range for a typical vest: Starting at $120
- How does it work? Put cooling packs in freezer and allow time for them to freeze solid.
- Adjustable temperature? Yes; with the KM style vest you may adjust the number of packs used and their location on the body.
- Climate? Effective in all climates.
- Discreet? All styles can be worn beneath clothing. The Fashion vests and Secrets vest are especially well suited for discreet wear.
- Airplane Carry-on? No. Packs must be placed in checked baggage.
- Available Accessories: Neck & upper spine, wrist, ankle, seats and much more!
Limitations?
- Requires access to freezer and time for the packs to freeze.
Cool58®
58º Phase-change Cooling packs
- How effective is it? Excellent choice when freezers are not available. Packs will recharge quickly in a cooler of ice water! These reusable packs deliver comfortable cooling for up to 2-3 hours depending on environment, activity, and personal metabolism.
- Weight? Vests weigh 4 lbs to 6.3 lbs
- Insert Packs? Yes; Cool58® style vests include 5 to 12 small packs, each weighing .4 lb that allow flexibility in weight and cooling location. PC style vests include 4 strip packs; 2 in the front and 2 in the back. The strips come in .8 lb (400 gram), 1.1lb (500 gram), and 1.7 lb (800 gram) weights.
- Polar's price range for a typical vest: Starting at $150
- How does it work? Packs can be chilled ("activated") in ice water. Refrigerator or freezer optional. Packs turn solid white when they're ready to use.
- Adjustable temperature? Yes, the KM style vest allows you to easily vary the number of packs used and their location on the body.
- Climate? Effective in all climates.
- Discreet? Yes, all styles can be worn beneath clothing. The Fashion vests and Secrets vest are especially well suited for discreet wear.
- Airplane Carry-on? No. Packs must be placed in checked baggage.
- Available Accessories: Neck Wraps, Bra & Groin Coolers, Hats & Head Cooling and much more!
Limitations?
- Cost is higher than Kool Max® vests.
- For equal weight packs, the cooling potential is lower than Kool Max®. (the energy required to charge the pack is less than Kool Max® and therefore the cooling energy available is less also...its science!)
Cool Flow®
Circulating Cold Water System
- How effective is it? Most effective deep core body cooling. Will cool for extended periods of time.
- Weight? Lightweight; up to 1.9 pounds with water in the lines.
- Insert Packs? No. Ice water is pumped from a cooling reservoir through insulated water lines built in to a vest.
- Polar's price range for a vest system: Starting at $750
- How does it work? The system circulates ice water through a series of tubes built into the vest or garment. The vest is connected to a reservoir which is filled with ice and water. The reservoir works on 12 volt DC current pumping the ice water to the vest.
- Adjustable temperature? Yes, the Digital Temperature Flow Control can adjust the level of cooling.
- Climate? Effective in all climates.
- Discreet? No, the vest can be worn beneath clothing, but you are connected to a 9 quart cooling reservoir.
- Airplane Carry-on? Yes, if the cooler is empty. (Please check with your airline prior to travel)
- Accessories: Blanket, Seat cushion, head cap and more!
Limitations?
- Most expensive type of cooling
- Requires power and a connection to a cooler
Cool Comfort® Water Activated Cooling
Evaporating water cools the body
- How effective is it? Effective in low humidity climates where dampness is ok. Delivers comfortable cooling depending on environment, activity, and personal metabolism.
- Weight? Lightweight.
- Insert Packs? No.
- Polar's price range for a typical vest: ~ $30
- How does it work? Cools through the evaporation of water that is retained in the garment or vest.
- Adjustable temperature? No
- Climate? Best for drier climates and for low-humidity days elsewhere.
- Discreet? Generally should be fully exposed to the air or worn under loose fitting cotton.
- Airplane Carry-on? Yes. Great for travel!
- Accessories: Cooling Wraps & Hats
Limitations?
- Garments must be soaked in water
- Poor performance in high humidity climates
- Lowest cooling potential
Still deciding? Call us at 1.800.763.8423 and we'll help you find the right fit.