Larson wrote in with a good question about whether we knew anything about an upcoming Ridgid heated jacket. After asking around, we learned that Ridgid really is coming out with a heated jacket!
The new Ridgid heated jackets will be powered by their 18V Li-ion batteries, with runtimes of up to 18 hours with a 4.0Ah Hyper Li-ion battery pack (sold separately).
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Features
- Black and camo style options
- 3 core heating zones
- Heated pockets
- 3 heat settings per zone (i.e. separate core and pocket settings)
- Water and resistant fabric shell
- Multi-layered fabric for greater warmth
- Expandable battery pouch (to fit compact or high capacity 18V batteries)
- Removable belt clip for battery power source
- Power source has a USB output with 2.1A max current
MSRPs and Availability
Black jacket (bare): $149, HomeDepot.com and select MidWest Home Depot stores*, models R8702B, R8703B, R8703B.
Camo jacket (bare): $169, select MidWest Home Depot stores*, models R8712B, R8713B, R8714B.
*Select stores in MN, WI and AK.
Black jacket (kit): $199, HomeDepot.com, models R8702K, R8703K, R8704K.
Each bare jacket comes with the heated jacket with power cord, an 18V power source, and operator’s manual. The kit comes with a compact 18V Li-ion battery and charger.
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I presume that the 3 model numbers for each jacket corresponds to medium, large, and extra large sizes.
ETA: January 2014
First Impression
Related: Who Makes the Best Heated Jacket? (thus far)
There are a few things I am happy to see Ridgid designed into their new heated jackets: separate core and pocket heating zones, multiple heating settings (which is pretty much expected on any new heated jacket), and a belt-mountable 18V power source with high output USB charger.
At first look, the styling is unobjectionable, and the pricing seems reasonable.
Right now there are only three sizes available, presumably medium, large, and extra-large, and I hope that Ridgid makes additional sizes available later on.
I also find it curious that the jackets will only be available in-store at select MidWestern locations, and hope that next year we see wider in-store availability. This might reflect low initial inventory or could be a strategy to gauge whether it will be worth putting these jackets on display at all Home Depot locations next year.
Overall I am optimistic about the new jackets, but am a little worried that their release might come a little too late in the season.
The new jackets look similar to Milwaukee’s, and seem to be similarly featured, which is a very good thing.
Cameron
I guess it was only a matter of time. I like the orange and black but wish there was more of it! it would be a great way to discern themselves from the other competitors jackets. I would also like it if the logo was towards the top not a fan of the bottom.
Hope your holidays were one to remember and thank you for all the work you do here to build a wonderful tool community.
Thanks,
Cameron
Javier
I second that Stuart they do look very similar to Milwaukee’s. It’s great to see them in stores and this will help push heated tool brand jackets to the masses. Will probably start seeing many ridgid branded jackets no doubt.
I wonder why they don’t fit ridgids 12v batteries but it’s not a big deal and wonder where the on off/ heat setting controller is located?
itguy08
They should look like Milwaukee’s. Ridgid cordless tools are made by TTI who also owns Milwaukee. And they also make Ryobi power tools so I expect we’ll see a Ryobi version next winter too.
I just wonder why HD as not put these or the Milwaukee jackets in stores??? I want to order one but am between sizes and want to try one on rather than order both and return the one that doesn’t fit.
Adam
See if a local tool shop carries them. We have a Fasteners in town and they had some of the Milwaukees to try on. You might find a local place stocking them, rather than HD
itguy08
That’s a good idea. The one local place I know would have them (and would really like to deal with) is only open M-F 7am-5pm. Not good since I work to 5.
Javier
@ itguy08, that’s how I felt before I got my jacket. Luckily the one I ordered online fit great. I suggest going through the hard work of looking at the sizing charts Milwaukee gives out and start measuring your dimensions for a good fit
Jesse
Are the cost decent.and the coats built good
Dennis winkler
I would really like to get a black extra-large ridge it heated jacket (Georgia)