by Chris Davala, PCI #490/EMSCI #056
IPMBA Membership Coordinator
Maryland State Police, Worcester County (MD)

As I write this review, many of us are yearning for the warmth of Scottsdale, Ariz., home to the 15th Annual IPMBA Conference. Many would even settle for any climate which lacks ice or snow falling from the sky. In the words of Chicken Little, "the sky is falling, the sky is falling…"

Hand-in-hand with frozen precipitation go cold, biting winds and freezing temperatures. The question is: how do you combat the sometimes-intolerable weather conditions? By layering your clothing and wearing items which, when worn properly, can reduce your level of discomfort.

Gail Ellison founded Maxit Designs, Inc., in 1986. The Ellison family wanted to offer a clothing line based upon simplifying the clothing needed to maintain comfort. The clothing is designed to hold warmth, reduce bulk, and maintain function. To ensure their products will meet these goals, Maxit neither conducts lab testing nor simulates weather conditions. Their products are tested by athletes, as nothing can compare to hands-on testing in "the real world." This commitment to field testing brought Maxit to IPMBA.

In early December, Maxit approached IPMBA in hopes of gathering information on how their product fares for cold weather use by public safety cyclists. In keeping with their corporate goal, Maxit wanted to gain insight on how their product performs when used day-in and day-out by professional utilitarian cyclists. By asking members of IPMBA to use their products constantly under grueling conditions, they would be able to conduct research and development and identify potential weaknesses for this application.

Maxit supplied me with several items of cold weather gear they felt would be beneficial for the day-to-day use by public safety cyclists. The gear, part of their main line of clothing, was constructed of Maxit's "ProMax IV." This material is described as being constructed of 92% Polyolefin and 8% Lycra. It is noted to be able to block out the cold and wind while allowing for maximum warmth and protection from the outside elements. This also includes the ability to remove sweat and moisture from against the body. The material is washer-safe, and it does not support the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The ProMax IV material also was described as being color-locked, meaning that, even if accidentally bleached, the color would not be affected. The cloth was also noted to be abrasion resistant. Maxit prides itself in the construction if the garments; all the garments displayed a "flat seam" construction, which provide for a less bulky look and reduces chafing.

Maxit provided five items for testing: QB Shirt, Motion Tights, Maxit HEADGATOR®, Maxit HOTHEAD® Balaclava and the Z-Beanie. All items were received in black even though a multitude of colors are available. During the testing, the items were worn either alone or in conjunction with other items of clothing. They were worn in several different climates and put through various types of aerobic and anaerobic activities. The average temperature during the two-month long trial was 14°F. There were periods of warmer weather, and a stint of three days straight at 0°F, not including wind chill. Upon figuring the average wind-chill and the outside air temperature, the testing period's climate was estimated at an average -7°F. While conducting the test, I encountered periods of snow, rain and sleet. During these times, except on two occasions, I found myself getting in and out of heated patrol vehicles. Otherwise, I was outside, in the elements, riding patrol bicycles.

Maxit QB Shirt and Motion Tights

These items were worn every day during the trial. The Maxit QB Shirt comes in three different styles - crew, mock and turtleneck. Colors include black, navy, royal, grey, white, purple, forest and brown. I was supplied with a black, mock collar design.

The Motion Tights come in three different designs as well - ankle, soxx and stirrups - and in the same colors. I was supplied with an ankle design in black.

The items were light and comfortable. The seam work was as advertised, low-lying and nonabrasive. The style and color of the shirt would be chosen based on personal preference as well as uniform standards. The style and color of pants would probably be based mainly on personal preference.

The QB Shirt

While crouched over the bike, I did not feel bulky and restricted. The mock turtleneck did not have a "strangling" feeling. I wore the shirt directly against the skin, as recommended by the manufacturer. This was comfortable, and during heavy exertion, I felt the perspiration was being wicked away from my body. The only drawback I found was that the shirt tended to ride up out of my pants. A recommendation to Maxit would be to have the shirttail made longer to accommodate the positioning of the rider.

I wore my bulletproof armor over the Maxit shirt. I noted the Maxit shirt start to "pill" in areas where the Velcro and cloth meet - a common problem when Velcro© is used. This can be removed with an old men's razor or an electric "pilling" razor. Once the pilling was removed, the shirt did not show signs of excessive wear.

Maxit Tights

The Maxit Tights were met with the same enjoyment as the QB shirt - with a few exceptions. Upon opening the package, I noticed that the tights were missing one small, but important, feature - a "fly." I soon realized how difficult it is for female officers, or any female who wears a duty belt while working, to use the bathroom. On the first day riding, prior to leaving the State Police Barrack, I needed to use the facilities. Well, because I had to drop the whole gun belt, I lost a set of keys to the porcelain goddess. Ten minutes and a pair of rubber gloves later, I retrieved my keys. Chalk one up for the ladies. Needless to say, I asked the staff of Maxit why they did not provide for a "fly" for men's long underwear. I was met with this response:

"…The MAXIT line of clothing was developed with input from the NFL players; they requested no fly in the underwear. This made sense to me because I wanted the line of thermal clothing to be unisex. Therefore, no fly. We did construct our bodysuit with an opening in that area. When wearing a one piece, a woman also needs to have this type of construction." - CEO Gail Ellison.

I would have to say, this should be considered when purchasing any line of long underwear.

It should be noted that any type of long underwear advertised to "wick moisture away from the body" should be worn directly against the skin. This is a bit contradictory for cyclists, as many wear padded shorts. I ran into the quandary about whether to wear my cycling shorts under or over the long underwear tights. I tried it both ways, even though I do not normally wear padded cycling shorts. When I wore them under the long underwear tights, I didn't feel restricted, but I did feel a bit "bow-legged" while walking. When I tried to wear the padded bike shorts OVER the Maxit tights, I got the feeling of bulk. It was uncomfortable for me to ride, and I removed the cycling shorts after only an hour of riding. Thus for me, just wearing my usual unpadded Lycra shorts, then the long underwear and then my patrol pants, was sufficient. For some, just wearing the Maxit tights will suffice. Like the shirt, the tights started to pill in the groin region, the result of the constant rocking back and forth on the saddle. This, too, was remedied by using the razor. I would have liked to have tried the stirrup tight, as the ankle tights rode up my calf; this was remedied with a pair of firm-fitting cold weather socks. To Maxit, I recommend they consider manufacturing a pair of tights with a sewn-in chamois and a fly for men. A pad in the groin region may cut down on the wear and tear of the fabric by the bike's saddle.

Maxit HOTHEAD® Balaclava (pronounced: bl-klv, -kläv)

A balaclava is defined as a close-fitting, woolen cap that covers all of the head but the face. There is no exception with Maxit's product. The balaclava was as advertised - breathable, comfortable, versatile, warm, unisex and one-size-fits-all. It kept my neck warm and free from wind gusts. The HOTHEAD® fit well under my helmet, with no hot spots. I found it beneficial to tuck the balaclava inside my patrol jacket's collar, thus creating a unified look and appearance. However, when speaking with people, I constantly found myself pulling the mouth/nose section down so people could see my face. Some people with whom I stopped and chatted remarked that I was "intimidating-looking." One elderly woman remarked that if it wasn't for the STATE TROOPER on my jacket, she would have thought I was a bandit on a bike. Another said I looked like I was about to rob the local convenience store. I didn't care for the overall impression I gave to those in the community, but I have to admit, I was the warmest thug in town.

Maxit HEADGATOR®

The HEADGATOR® was an interesting item resembling a sleeve. I quickly learned that it is advertised as "6-in-1 headgear." It has been recognized as the official headwear of the USCF (United States Cycling Federation) for four years. Before using the HEADGATOR®, I reviewed the directions supplied by Maxit. The HEADGATOR® notes itself to be able to multi-task, turning into a neck warmer, hood, balaclava, ear band, sweatband, or hat. I have to admit, I wasn't at first impressed; to me, it looked like a scrap piece of cloth Maxit tried to find a use for. But after two months, I had learned to like the item. The neck warmer and hood were my favorite metamorphoses. The ear band and "sweatband" I found to be bulky when folded as per the directions; they didn't work well when using a helmet. The hat was warm and comfortable, but not appropriate for a uniform. But if are looking for an item which can aid in cold weather climates and extreme weather changes, the versatile HEADGATOR® would be a good bang for your buck.

Z-Beanie

What can I say? I loved this thing. Simple, with clean lines, and well-designed. Unisex and one-size-fits-all. I normally wear a "do-rag" under my helmet, but after trying this product, I am a changed man. The Z-Beanie was comfortable. It covered my head and ears. 75% of your body heat is release from your head; keeping the heat from escaping from your head is the best way to keep warm. The Z-Beanie was professional-looking, so much so that I began wearing it under my dress uniform Stetson when working the highways on regular patrol. Several Troopers asked how I got away with wearing the skullcap. Upon donning it and then my Stetson, you could barely tell I was wearing it, even while it was covering my ears. The cap was easy to wash and it dried quickly for next day's use. None of the seams were felt under my helmet and I never got the dreaded "hot spots" from the stitching.

Innerwear or Outerwear?

At the end of the trial period, I concluded that Maxit offers a quality line of clothing for the cold weather adventurer. It is also adaptable for police, EMS and security use. I was skeptical, however, of their claim that the line of clothes I tested could be worn as outerwear. I tried it, though, by wearing the tights under a pair of non-wind resistant pants. During this time, the wind blew at or about 20 knots. My legs were not as warm as an outer garment should have kept them. However, when I wore the tights under a pair of wind-resistant pants, they were warm and comfortable. Of course, every person's weather tolerance is different, but I felt that this garment would not work well if worn alone.

I also tried the shirt as an outer garment when exercising outside. Again, I did not feel the clothing would be an adequate lone cover for low temperatures. However, Maxit attests to their garments having been tested atop Mt. Everest and Pike's Peak, and by the US Cycling Team, US National Triathlon Team and the National Football League. In my opinion, the Maxit products are best worn in layers to provide a high level of protection from the elements.

The Bottom Line

As for police, EMS and security, I believe Maxit has a product most consumers could use. Their product line is so extensive that most persons could find a product which appeals to and works for them. As for prices, I feel Maxit's line of clothing is equal to many of the competitors in price and quality.

Maxit's customer service far outpaces that of some other vendors when it comes to cold weather apparel. They are eager to get involved with public safety cyclists. They offer numerous products which could either be used "as is" or adapted for use by the public safety cyclist. Bottom line - if you live in an area with seven or more months of cold and extreme weather, or you just like to travel to cold regions for a little fun, Maxit's line of clothing has something to keep you warm.

Chris Davala has been a member of IPMBA for over six years and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has fought to establish and maintain the first bike patrol unit on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for the State Police. He can be reached at cdavala@mdsp.org.

© 2005 IPMBA. This review appeared in the Spring 2005 issue of IPMBA News.