We have learned that Bosch has developed a new 12V Max heated jacket (PSJ120) that will be available starting in the early Fall of 2013. Bosch’s heated jacket features 3 quick warming core heat zones and a 3-level heat controller. Runtime is said to be up to 6 hours on low with a 2.0Ah battery, or 11+ hours with a 4.0Ah battery pack.
The jacket is designed to keep you warm, comfortable, and highly maneuverable in wet, windy, and cold jobsite conditions. But it looks subtle enough, at least in my opinion, for casual wearing as well.
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Features
- 3 heating zones: 2 in the chest area, 1 in the back
- 3 heating levels: high, medium, low, with color coded LED indicator
- Push button heating level control
- Water and wind resistant
- High collar
- 5 inside and outside pockets
- Adjustable sleeves and waist
- Reflective features for improved safety
- Available in S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL sizes
- Included BHB120 power port can power or charge USB-compatible personal electronics simultaneously with PSJ120 heated jacket
- 12V batteries and charger look to be sold separately
The USB charger has a maximum output of 5V DC at 1 A, which should allow for quick charging of USB-compatible personal electronics, such as smartphones and MP3 players.
The heated jacket is powered by a new 12V power port (included and also available separately) that can power the jacket and personal electronics (such as cell phones) at the same time.
What I particularly like about the power port is that it can be stowed away in the jacket’s built-in holster pocket, or placed on your belt with built-in clip. This way you can move it around so it doesn’t poke into your back or side. Plus, you can carry it around easily for use as a cell phone battery backup with or without the heated jacket.
Buy Now(Jacket via Amazon)
Buy Now(Power Port via Amazon)
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Bosch 12V batteries & starter kits: 1.5Ah, 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 2.0Ah starter kit, 2.0Ah 2-battery & L-Boxx starter kit (via Amazon)
Pricing: Sizes S-2XL: $179; 3XL: $189
For new Bosch 12V Max users, the SKC120-102 starter kit comes with a 2.0Ah BAT414 battery and charger for $49.
The jackets will be available around October 1st.
First Impression
First off, the jacket looks GREAT! Milwaukee’s black heated jackets look good, but these look better, at least going by the product images. I am a sucker for small details, such as contrast stitching and quick-grab zipper pulls.
It will be interesting to see how Bosch’s heated jacket compares with Milwaukee’s in terms of comfort. The original Milwaukee heated jacket was well received, and the second generation is quite warm and comfortable.
Amazon’s preorder price is a bit high at ~$230 for the jacket, and I anticipate that the prices will drop down a bit once the products are officially released in 2 months or so.
The jacket looks comfortable, insulated enough to provide enough warmth for cool weather, and with thoughtfully placed heating zones to provide enough warmth for cold weather.
Right now Black is the only color option. I don’t mind the color, but hope to see the jacket released in Bosch blue as well.
jesse
Gee, wonder where they got that idea…
Stuart
If you’re trying to suggest that Bosch was inspired by Milwaukee, you should remember that Milwaukee is not the first company to have developed an electric heated jacket.
John S
Innovation does not always require absolute originality
Stuart
That’s very true. Plus, competition is partly what drives innovation.
Stephen
This Idea is very long history…
We have made these heated jacket for many years old.
Javier
They do look better and more premium than milwaukees. These look to fit better in my opinion as milwaukees look quite bulky although I havent tried any on. The bosch power port is very nice too. I have the milwaukee m12 power port and its huge for what it is. The bosch looks much more compact but then again the m12 has a 12v cigarette lighter port.
Also until now I didnt even know bosch had a 4.0 12v battery.
Stuart
The adapter that comes with Milwaukee’s jackets have USB ports but no 12V auto ports.
Bosch’s 4.0Ah battery is due out in August.
Javier
Oh yeah I was comparing the bosch jacket power source to a m12 power port. I forgot about the m12 jacket power source.
John S
Does Bosch ever alert us of these products in ways besides seeing them on amazon for the first time?
Stuart
Yes, of course. But I was too excited about the product to wait for the official press release. =) I did check with Bosch first as a courtesy, and they were okay with me spilling the beans.
Once this or any other new Bosch product is officially announced, you can typically expect to see coverage on media sites such as ToolGuyd, introductions via Bosch’s newsletter, and messages via Bosch social media channels (Twitter, Facebook), at the very least.
mnoswad1
i like the look of the the milwaukee jacket better. What are those weird armpit reflectors on the Bosch jacket? Looks very trendy, which is different than good…….the milwaukee jacket just looks more aesthetically utilitarian both suited for a worksite or art show or urban spelunking, the Bosch looks like a fashion inspired jogging jacket. Time will tell.
First hearing about the 4.0 ah batteries as well. cool.
hangfire
A 4.0Ah 12V battery? My mind boggles. I’m not sure that large lower flange would be comfortable in the jacket.
Stuart
Seems like as good a place to position wide reflector strips as any. It’s probably easier to place there because of the seams, but I like the way it looks too.
It’s not easy for design teams to balance form and function; kudos to Bosch’s team for what looks to be a nice job.
John S
What clothing manufacturer is behind it?
Stuart
It’s hard to say, and brands typically don’t like to openly discuss their OEM contracts. It’s also possible that Bosch set up their own manufacturing lines for these jackets.
Stephen
You want to know the OEM manufactory?
swell
Well Mascot make the other items in Bosch’s clothing product range, so I’d assume its reasonable to expect them to make this, although I don’t see any heated items made by Mascot
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum)
Like the look of Milwaukee’s jacket much more.
I guess dewalt will be next in line with a heated jacket.
RobertBosch
Bosch WSJ 18 Professional Softshell Stretch Jacket , here in Europe “non heated”
I paid €50
OEM Snickers Workwear ??
Robert
“mnoswad1”
“i like the look of the the milwaukee jacket better. What are those weird armpit reflectors on the Bosch jacket? Looks very trendy, which is different than good…….the milwaukee jacket just looks more aesthetically utilitarian both suited for a worksite or art show or urban spelunking, the Bosch looks like a fashion inspired jogging jacket. Time will tell.”
I see the Milwaukee as having more of an “American work wear” look. The Bosch seems to have more of the European look. They’re probably similar in terms of durability.
Robert
Tom J.
Wow! Bosch just obliterated the two reasons (USB power adapter and 4.0 ah 12v battery) I was gonna jump ship to the Milwaukee 12v line. Keep it up guys.
Gerry
So are they bringing outs a mens version ?
Stuart
Knowing that you work for a Bosch competitor makes your comment much more amusing.
Phil
Busted!
matt
He may work for a competitor but its a good point.. that thing looks like a girls jacket!!
Phil
Well, well, well, it’s about time that Bosch comes up with a 4.0AH battery, aka a double battery pack like Milwaukee has had since their 12V debut. I always thought Milwaukee had a patent on the perpendicular format, leaving Bosch with the single version packs. Either there was no patent, or Bosch licensed the layout. Either way, I gotta get me a few of them, not only for the runtime, but to give my collection of 12 Bosch tools a big footprint to stand up on.
The jacket looks nice! I have the original red Milky, it’s been great for the past couple years, especially when I was going through health issues and surgeries that had me chilled even in a heated room, much less winter weather. I had been planning on getting Milwaukee’s black version and probably will still, but the Bosch looks less like work wear and would be better in some instances. Granted, my mode of dress is more in the workwear style anyway, but there are those times I don’t want to look like I just breezed in from a construction site. 🙂
Hopefully the initial prices will ease up somewhat. $230 for the jacket without the battery and charger is a lot. It’s generally 40 dollars more than the red Milwaukee that includes the charger and battery. Euro chic ain’t cheap.
Ryan
Looks like the price has dropped about $50 on Amazon. Now $179. Hopefully it comes down a bit more.
Stuart
Thanks for the update! It’s definitely good to see that Amazon’s list prices have been lowered to match Bosch’s recommended retail prices.
$179 seems pretty good to me, but remember that the battery and charger are sold separately.
Terry
I just purchased this jacket on amazon. I notice the on button is not lighting up to indicate what level of heat it is on. The light comes on for a second when I hook the battery. But nothing else. Any idea what is wrong?
james
your zippers are very poor and where can I go to get the zipper fixed?