RIDGID 18 Volt Heated Jackets

RIDGID 18 Volt Heated Jackets available NOW!

RIDGID recently announced it too will now offer heated jackets at select Midwest Home Depot stores and exclusively on HomeDepot.com. This is an exciting announcement for the many folks who run RIDGID battery packs and in general the saturation of the heated gear market, which will ultimately lead to a drop in prices across the board for this technology.

We here at a Concord Carpenter have tested almost all the heated gear from the biggest players in tools and we’ve got a lot to say about RIDGID’s model and some of it’s unique features. First let’s look at the models and advertised specs on the RIDGID 18 Volt Heated Jackets.

 

Models & Availability

 

Black Jacket Only

• Sizes: L,XL,2XL
• Models: R8702B, R8703B, R8703B
• Suggested Retail: $149
• Available: In Select Midwest Home Depots & HomeDepot.com

 

Camo Jacket Only

• Sizes: L,XL,2XL
• Models: R8712B, R8713B, R8714B
• Suggested Retail: $169
• Available: In Select Midwest Home Depots only

 

Black Jacket w/Battery & Charger Kit

• Sizes: L,XL,2XL
• Models: R8702K, R8703K, R8704K
• Suggested Retail: $199
• Available: On HomeDepot.com

Features

 

• Run-Time – Up to 18 hours with 4.0 Ah Hyper™ Lithium-Ion battery (sold separately)
• Integrated USB Power Port –Charges portable electronics in zippered pocket
• 3 Core Heat Zones– Chest and back areas
• Heated Pockets – Keeps your hands warm
• 3 Heat Settings Per Zone – Adjust core and pocket heat zones independently
• Water and Wind Resistant – For tough jobsite conditions
• Multi-Layered Fabric Technology
• Convenient Battery Storage – Expandable battery pouch holds any RIDGID® 18V battery
• Removable Belt Clip – Gives you the option to wear the battery on your belt

 

Overall Impression

 

We are excited to get a hold of these RIDGID Heated Jackets to see how they hold up on the job-site and to give you our thoughts on how some of RIDGID’s unique features compare to the current heated gear market.

In particular we are excited to take advantage of the heated pockets, with the ability to control zones independently this model could allow users to have a reliable place to warm their hands ALL DAY without having to walk to a warm room or waste time by an external heat source. We see this feature saving you time and keeping you comfortable on the job-site.

Additionally the RIDGID 18 Volt Heated Jackets allow the option to clip the power source and battery to your belt, our biggest peeve with the heated gear that takes large batteries is the discomfort the battery and power source create while seated or when wearing a tool belt. Furthermore, access to the power source and battery is much more convenient for battery changes or checking on remaining power.

RIDGID has made its way on the professional job-site through a variety of power tools, accessories, and hand tools, if this jacket holds up to job-site conditions and the price is as competitive as other RIDGID products I’d say you can add this to the list!

Review coming soon!