Exactly one year ago, we posted about Makita’s heated jackets, which were available in Canada and the UK but NOT the USA. We expected them to be released here, but for whatever reason, they weren’t.
Now, it looks like same heated jacket is destined for USA release.
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Makita’s heated jacket, model DCJ200Z, offers a number of features shared by competing products, including multiple heating zones, multiple heating settings, LED indicators, an 18V power source with built-in USB charging port, and cozy liner materials.
The fact sheet explicitly references Makita’s BL1850 battery, indicating that Makita’s 5.0Ah battery pack might be hot on the heels of the 4.0Ah batteries that have just started shipping here in the states.
Features
- 3 core heat zones (left chest, right chest, back)
- 3 heat settings (high/medium/low)
- 4 pockets: zippered chest pocket and side pockets (left and right), sleeve pocket
- On/Off heat controller with 3 LED indicators
- Battery pocket on rear left side
- Removable zip-off sleeves, converts jacket into a vest
- Knitted storm cuffs, fleece-lined collar, drawstring waist
- Power source works with Makita 18V compact and LXT Li-ion battery packs
- 94% polyester / 6% spandex shell
- Sizes: small, medium, large, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Street Price: $200
First Thoughts
Things are heating up in the heated jacket market.
Dewalt updated their design and came out with new hoodies, Milwaukee refreshed their designs and introduced new colors, Craftsman’s got a heated jacket, and Bosch came out with a women’s jacket.
Makita’s offering looks competitive, but it’s a little disappointing that it hasn’t been updated at all since it came out internationally a year ago. As mentioned in my initial preview, I think that the teal zipper makes the jacket look a little goofy. The right-side chest pocket is also somewhat of an oddity.
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The 2-in-1 jacket-to-vest conversion seems handy in theory, but I still don’t see the practical benefit. If you remove the sleeves, wouldn’t you want or need to wear a heavier sweater or jacket underneath? And if so, then won’t that diminish the warming-performance of the core heating elements?
The jacket is competitively featured and priced, but I think the design is one that only a very dedicated Makita 18V fan could love.
Pete
I completely agree, the jacket looks funky with the teal zipper. I really like the black rigid jacket instead and for the same $200 i can buy the rigid as a kit. Or i can buy it in camo which is pretty cool. Another swing and a miss for Makita.
Garrick
I think the vest option is a good idea. The core of the body is less costly, in terms of bulk and in this case, electricity, to heat. As a backpacker, I always carry a fleece vest for mildly chilly hikes, and only carry the sleeved fleece when necessary. Vests also provide more freedom of arm movement. The problem is with removable sleeves is the attachment system… they are usually bulky and clumsy to use.
As for the teal… that’s the deal breaker.
jason. w
Ha. I like the teal and thinks it pops.
The right side pocket I believe is a European thing.
Troy
I’m for anything heated, the kansas winters suck while framing a house. Anything that will keep me warm is a plus. Don’t really care how it looks because you probably wont see it under my 3 layers of clothing.
Tess
I have the Makita jacket and it’s great. The black and teal actually looks really good and I get compliments often. Core is heated but zip off the sleeves for any activities. Fishing is great with the sleeves off. They have a camo jacket, too.