The Peltier Vest, the heated and cooled clothing that caused a huge buzz online last year, has evolved.
Workman was originally a manufacturer and shop specializing in workwear. Recently, they have expanded their range to include affordable casual wear, evolving into a fast fashion brand. As they expand into outdoor and sportswear, they have also released a series of motorcycle wear, and have been exhibiting at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show since last year. This year, they have prepared a number of new motorcycle items.
The Peltier vest, which was released last year and became a huge hit with many moto bloggers, has already evolved into its second generation. “Peltier” refers to the semiconductor Peltier element, which utilizes the effect of passing an electric current between two types of metal, transferring heat from one metal to the other. The Peltier element used in cooling suits works by connecting a mobile battery or similar device and passing a direct current through it, transferring heat from the inside to the outside, cooling the inner metal plate. If connected in reverse, the inner plate will heat up, making it a heated suit.
The Peltier Vest PRO2 has five Peltier elements, improving the cooling and heating effect.
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The Peltier element on the back is large, so you can feel the coolness immediately after turning it on.
Since heat is released to the outside, if you wear riding wear you need to make sure these five areas are not blocked.
Workman’s upcoming WZ-5 WindCore ICE×HEATER Peltier Vest PRO2 features five Peltier elements on the back and sides, providing instant cooling of up to -28°C (surface temperature approximately -3°C) and instant warming of up to +39°C (surface temperature approximately 49°C). When wearing it, the large Peltier element on the back felt icy cold, and the four Peltier elements around the sides were also cool, suggesting they would thoroughly cool areas with large blood vessels. While I’ve never thought Peltier elements would provide much cooling, this vest will likely be effective even for midsummer riding. It even includes a battery, making it a reasonable price of 19,800 yen (tax included). A limited-edition special edition will also be released, with the Peltier elements glowing blue when cooling and red when heating. Delivery is scheduled for June, but advance orders were already open at the venue. It’s sure to be a hot topic this summer.
A new leather-look model has been released for the popular riding wear. Denim-look fabric is also available.
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It has a soft texture and a sheepskin-like finish. It is lighter and more comfortable to wear than real leather.
Workman also sells professional riding wear, and the Cordura Euro 3D Mesh Jacket is already a popular item. In addition to the nylon fabric available until now, this year the lineup has been expanded to include leather-like synthetic leather and denim-like fabric. The Cordura Euro 3D Jacket uses mesh fabric on the chest and back for good ventilation even in summer, and is equipped with protectors on the shoulders and elbows. It also has protector pockets on the chest and back, so commercially available protectors can be attached. The back is mostly mesh fabric, so it can also be combined with a Peltier vest. It’s priced at a whopping 3,900 yen! Mesh pants made from the same fabric are also available, also priced at 3,900 yen.
