KoolBlues Umpire Chest Protector Cooling System

I have used this item one time the temperature that day was 93 with a high heat index of about 100, it definitely kept me cool with two packs in. Filed type was crushed brick dust. Looked forward to seeing how it holds up. I would recommend this to umpires who are calling several games in the summer.

It was initially burning to the touch because it was so cold but after about 5 mins it was amazing. This product kept me relatively cool behind the plate the whole day.

Maybe I can update my review at a later date. My biggest complaint is that it did not fit my chest protector. The velcro straps were way too short--missing by at least 6 inches. My wife plans to craft an extension so maybe I can at least try it out. But for $40, I expected more adjustability and higher quality.

This is not as good as I expected. I substituted the cool packs for some lunch gel packs. Not exactly a $40 product, more like a 10$ product.

Hands down the best equipment investment ever! Instant cooling and relief. Cooling effect last at least 1 hr and could feel cooling beyond that point (additional hour) if I pressed on my chest protector 95+ degrees. I wear a Force3 chest protector and fit was great and not bulky. Comes in 2 sheets and I was able to cut them in half to make 4 sheets. Make sure you read the instructions and make sure you dry them before freezing. They will stick to each other or other items in your freezer if your not careful.

Definitely regulates the body temperature here in Southern California. Stays cool for at least an hour when using 2 ice packs at a time in 95+ degree heat. I didn't feel the difference in weight during the game. Game changer for sure. It's best to have it than not.

Ordered the KoolBlues with the upcoming Little League All-Star schedule. Early July and 90s with high humidity. I added in the KoolBlues and was able to easily regulate my temperature in the early innings of games. It was difficult to change out the ice packs during the game, but in between doubleheaders it was great to add in a fresh set for the second game behind the plate.

Works well for about a hour, hour and a 1/2.

We just had a short run of warm weather and this thing was amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anybody to help you with those long hot games.

This works great. Keeps you cool for a game, but as you use it, a slimy/sticky residue will form on the porous side of the pack.

They are better than nothing in the heat. I work mostly in high humidity and average 90 degree temps. in summer. They last about an hour at most so I bought 2 sets since I average 4-6 games a day at times. The downside is: 1) When freezing the packs make sure they are not wet so that they don’t freeze to other items in freezer, the packs will stick to other items and tear apart when you try to separate them releasing jell ruining the packs. 2) I believe the price is high considering the quality of this product. To me they don’t seam they will last more than a year or two. 3) Again, they do help. If you do moderate amounts of ball and only work a game or two in the extreme heat, then this product will work for you. Buy extras if you do high volumes of games per year.

Love this on hot summer days! Depending on how many packs I put in the pouch and how hot it is, it keeps cool for 5-6 innings and then still somewhat cool after that. My only challenge is that the strap doesn't stretch easily around my Force3 chest protector.

I worked in a Regional south of Fresno, and to say it was hot was an understatement. My first game on Monday at 11:30 am it was 114 and I had the dish. This did exactly what it said it would and helped keep me cooler than expected in that heat. It fit perfectly under my chest protector and was not noticeable. I was able to refreeze it overnight and used it every game, and every game I had on the dish was over 105. In this extreme heat, it stayed cold for over 45 mins, which was way longer than expected. I was able to swap out ice packs in between innings to try and keep as cool as possible in that heat. You will love this!

This product is so simple in its design but helps oh so much in the heat. I don't leave home without it now in the Texas heat.

I've now used my KoolBlues in temps up to 112 degrees here in Arizona, and yes, it definitely helps, albeit for a limited time as expected. For me, in those temps, the cold feeling lasted roughly about hour total, which was maybe 2-3 innings into the game (it's already on for at least 20 minutes of pregame). The one thing I did notice was that if the smooth sides (versus the rough side) of the ice packs face you inside the pouch, the "cold/cool" feeling lasted a bit longer. Not much you can do about these packs in crazy temps like we get here in the desert, but every little bit helps.

It works. Not a silver bullet, but I would 100% rather have it than not. No doubt. I don't like the heat once it gets over 90 degrees. Been using it ever since I didn't prepare and found out the hard way what some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion/ heat stress are when working the plate in 94 degree temps and above. It helps drop your body temp, and shortens the time exposed to the heat. Won't last a full game, probably will last until the mid 3rd or 4th inning. You can fit multiple sheets in the pouch to help lengthen the time and feel it even more than when you just use 1 sheet. Solid heat management tool and I strongly recommend it. It's not like putting a neck gator on and having it warm in 5-10 minutes. This product will help you work in extreme heat.

Another great cryo-option to have as umpires to help us beat the heat. This item may appear bulky in the photos, but in reality it is very thin and you will not notice any difference when wearing it under your CP. But you will notice the coolness and comfort that it will bring you on those hot days. Even if it doesn't last an entire game, you will be very glad you have it while it lasts. You can always buy more cold packs online and change them out between games if you wanted. I think you could also wear this in the field if you really wanted too. It's very thin and not bulky at all.

They do help keep you cool. The pads last about three to four innings.

I just purchased this but got to wear it one day this past weekend - temps high 80's/low90's, so small sample size, but it is a good product and does help keep you cooler. I also was able to change out the Therma Freeze packets to use some plastic ice packs in my cooler and they worked too, when you have several games in a day. IMO anything that helps keep the body temp down in the heat is worthwhile.

Really work great but...when I brought them out this year. The packs lost their "rigidity" being in the freezer all winter. They basically became a cold piece of paper.

Working with 95 plus degree heat and looking for any way to handle the heat. This helps with keeping body temp down and games completed!!

I like this product because it straps to your chest protector and helps keep you cool underneath your protector. The only downside to this is it stays cold only an hour but being as flexible and not having the feeling of a block of ice under your protector, I don’t see how it could do much better. I think it’s a very helpful product just wished it stayed colder longer but does exactly what it says so can’t complain.

I cheated and used larger gel packs and it worked the entire game. Working on a lot of artificial turfs during the summer temps (between 95 - 100) can be excruciating, but this product actually helps.

Works great, especially when you have multiple games in a day!

Great idea and able to keep hidden over the cooling towel hanging out over the collar of your shirt, depending on how you tight you wear you chest protector. Won’t last entire game and have to take of chest protector to change out but that is mentioned in the instructions but it helps out to cool you off for few innings. Every little bit helps in the humidity, heat and lack of breeze that happens and will keep working all day. Just stick back in cooler between games. Package came with enough that you can use one while other set is recharging.

WOW!! KoolBlues are excellent for umpiring in the Virginia heat and humidity! I would recommend them to anybody working in the heat. KoolBlues will get you through about half your game in cool comfort, I found after that I could compress my chest protector a little and still feel a cooling relief. Excellent buy for anybody in hot climates!

This umpire chest protector cooling system definitely makes a difference. Each pack seems to be really effective for about half a game. But, I think there is still a cooling effect the second half of the game. The issue to deal with is keeping them cold during the day. A cooler full of ice works, but on a long day they thaw a bit even in a cooler. I would recommend this to anyone that tends to overheat. I recommend it to everyone on very hot days.

I bought this Umpire Chest Protector Cooling System for the TX summer heat. It lasts about 5 innings and is worth every penny! One of the best pieces of equipment I’ve purchased for umpiring.

How can this Umpire Chest Protector Cooling System not be a good thing. Keeping your core cool on those hot days is priceless. The pack fits nicely under your chest protector. The pack stays nice and cool for most of the game. It definitely makes a difference.

This product is great for catchers, not so much for umpires. The cooling cells work every bit as well as advertised, but its design requires an umpire to untuck his shirt before allowing the switching of the cooling packs. Not an absolute impossibility, but not terribly convenient in most instances either.

Definitely helps cool you with the gear on. I think that the strap system could be improved. My Wilson West Vest, it is a little tight with. It takes a while to get used to the feel of having it under the vest, but is worth the cooling feature for sure. Video review said it lasted approx 4 innings in Louisville, mine lasted a little longer, but that will depend on how hot the temps are where you are at. Have already recommended to some buddies for purchase!!

Very easy to use. Works good!

Love it, love it, love it. This past Saturday got pretty warm and this product kept me cool! This a must buy!

Last year I bought the KoolBlues product but didn't get a chance to use it. Yesterday, had the opportunity. Temp at start of game was 87 and game took a little over 2 hours. It worked great, kept me Kool and in the game, no heat stress. Beat my expectations. Highly recommend this product to anyone working in hot temps or on those occasional hot days.

It attaches awkwardly to my chest protector because the straps aren't quite long enough (I'm a big guy and chose a larger protector) but the attachment was good enough. The cooling works great. Used it on a day in the low 80s and it felt cool on my chest through 5-6 innings and was still cool to the touch after the game.

Works great, kept me cool through 8 innings. I recommend this product if you umpire in hot weather.

This thing is astonishing. I love it especially in the Texas heat we have 7-8 months of it. It keeps me cool, and the packs last 4-5 innings if you pack them right. I wish I could purchase more packs however!

Two thumbs up for KoolBlues. They stood the test in a tournament last weekend. Provided much-needed heat relief in Phoenix. Had to change them out for back-to-back plates. Worked multiple back-to-back plates over three days. Highly recommend these jewels. Have a 6:30 varsity game tonight in Tucson. Will definitely be wearing one.

Very nice item.

An awesome product definitely, makes a difference. My partner said he would cover the plate if I let him use my Kool Blues, I did and he had his own within the week! Need something for base umpire many a sleeveless compression shirt with the pouch sewn in??

This really works. I didn't try to put in fresh sheets during the game, but the two sheets that I started with stayed cool for about two hours. Now if they could develop something similar to go in our caps (that would be the ultimate).

Only lasted me one inning. Comfortable to wear, I didn't feel it on after it warmed up. Wish it lasted longer.

I'm using this at a National in Broken Arrow. The heat index is 105. It gets you through 4 innings. Helps keep you in the game!

Works very, very well. Makes a difference on hot days. Not a wow, it feels like 65 degrees kind of difference, but it helps noticeably. I would recommend everyone get this if you live in an area that gets hot during the summer, and where doesn't it?

Outstanding way to beat the heat. Be comfortable behind the plate and concentrate on the pitch by using Kool Blue cooling system. Easy to use, freeze packets. Insert them into the cover pocket and velcro to the inside of your chest protector and beat the heat.

Fantastic product!!! Used it a few times in high 90s heat and never missed a beat.

Love this!! I am a big guy who sweats a lot. Normally when it's really hot, I have to slow down on the amount of games I can do. This product along with a few other tips the crew here at Ump-Attire.com has given has allowed me to umpire as many games as I choose! Be careful out there guys and stay hydrated on those hot days. Use these tools to help keep your body temp down! Those cooling packs they sell for helmets are great as well!

Just bought this last week, and received it on Friday. Worked a double header American Legion ball on Saturday, and KoolBlues is awesome! It fit well under my chest protector, though I did fiddle with it a little during the game. It really did help me deal with the 93F heat with 85% humidity. Plate game was about 1 hr 50 mins, and it was still very cold when I took it off. It will definitely be a part of my game days whenever the temperature gets above 85F.