While the year is beginning to wind down and seasons are changing for most of the country, it is safe to assume that this summer was a scorcher for most of us. Here in purgatory, also known as Oklahoma, it was one of the hottest on record, and that led to anyone on a golf course doing all they could to make things even a little bit cooler.
Obviously, the advancements in golf apparel materials have been game changing for most of us when it comes to surviving the heat with added breathability, as well as moisture wicking. However, the company Cool Spray has gone outside the box to try and use science to take things to another level of comfort when out in the heat. But, does it work?
Cool Spray – What is it?
Before we jump into answering that key question, it makes sense to dive into just what Cool Spray is and its origins. Apparently, it started while the company’s founder was on a golf trip outside of Bangkok, Thailand on a sweltering day of 95 degrees with 95% humidity. As the local caddy worked to keep their player cool, they turned to a spray substance that had an almost immediate effect. After that, a lot of time and collaboration with cosmetic chemists led to the creation of Cool Spray.
The concept is a simple one, spray the product on your shirt/polo and in a few minutes you will begin to feel a refreshing cooling sensation that helps the user stay engaged no matter the outdoor activity they are doing. Interestingly, this is not intended to be applied to the skin directly, but to your “bottom layer shirt” (for those of us who wear undershirts).
Cool Spray – Does it work?
Fortunately (or unfortunately for me), it has remained extremely hot here in Oklahoma and it was even more so on my golf trip to Scottsdale recently so Cool Spray was definitely put to the test. I alternated rounds using the spray and not, in order to get a better feel for its effectiveness, and over the course of twelve rounds of golf in 95 to 110 degree days, it definitely has a positive mental impact.
Now, I say mental impact because the sensation that builds is hard to describe, but if you have used any products with alcohol or menthol in them and had moving air hit it after application, then you are familiar. Being that this is applied to your shirt, it seemed to hang around longer than I expected. I can safely say that it mentally saved me a couple of times out there to be able to continue to focus on my golf and not wanting to just crawl under a shade tree somewhere.
I call it a mental effect because it is important to remember this won’t alter your core temperature, and you really must remain aware of your physical situation at all times on hot days and continue to hydrate. A tip of the cap to the company there as they make those things clear on the bottle as well. However, it did provide some clarity of mind that allowed me to stay more focused on those aspects and that is a big positive. Also, be sure to test it on your golf shirts somewhere inconspicuous before spraying it all over, because with any liquid it could potentially stain, though in my case there were no issues.
The Details
Cool Spray doesn’t actually lower your temperature but it does provide a cooling relief from extreme heat conditions, however it can also make you less aware of your body sending you signals, so stay diligent. A menthol smell is present with it as an active ingredient which reminds me of icy hot or mentalatum.
From a “what’s in it” standpoint, there is purified water, denatured alcohol, hydrogenated castor oil, menthol, polysorbate 20, phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. While at first glance this might be a lot, when you really look at the ingredients the picture becomes clearer as to how/why the potential cooling effect occurs.
Cool Spray is frankly, a cool concept. It is also a product that is impressively polished in its design, application and also packaging/aesthetic. It does what it claims to do and does so at a $19.99 price point for 16 fluid ounces of product. Cool Spray is currently available for purchase directly from their website www.coolspray.com
Kind of an interesting product.
Im not sure I am in the market for it, but at the same time, I am kind of the market for it. Does that make sense?
The alcohol increase the evaporation process and opens pores. That’s why it’s dangerous directly applied to skin. This is an old folk remedy to lower fevers but also leads to alcohol toxicity. The negatives outweigh the positives thus they don’t recommend skin contact.
The clothing application is interesting to me. Not sure I would use it but as JB said I could very well be the market for the product.
I’ll stick with the basics of 8th grade science (Boyle’s Law) and use battery operated misters with plain water to drop the temperature a few degrees rather than spray substances on skin or clothes.
I like that there are people out there thinking outside the box a little. I really wouldn’t have guesses that this product does what it does. I feel like it’s one of those things I’d dismiss until somebody convinced me to try their’s on a hot day.
Not cheap for a bottle of liquid. Did you get a sense of how long a bottle might last?
If it doesn’t lower your core temperature, it doesn’t seem like a winner to me. Potentially may affect the way you sweat so also not a good thing in extremely hot temperatures. I guess it’s all mental?
This is interesting. I can see the merit but not sure I would use it? I’m solidly on the fence
[QUOTE=”Cruskater, post: 12668260, member: 60027″]
If it doesn’t lower your core temperature, it doesn’t seem like a winner to me. Potentially may affect the way you sweat so also not a good thing in extremely hot temperatures. I guess it’s all mental?
[/QUOTE]
Increases evaporation. Nothing will ever work better than removing the heat source. May be some merit to this product just not sure it’s “needed”
Interesting product but spraying something on my clothes to give me a cooling effect likely isn’t something I’m doing especially since I don’t wear a base layer in heat. For those that live out west and play often in it though maybe it’s something useful to have in the bag?
In some ways sounds similar to something that was called Florida Water – some cologne or after shave or something, that was mixed with water and used to cool down. I read about it online, have a bottle of the product, but have never actually used it (yet).
The concept is interesting, but if it could potentially be detrimental in this heat, might not be a good idea.
Not a chance. This looks like heat stroke in a bottle.
That is an very interesting product for sure. You could not have tested it out in any better areas [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER].
Product seems like it could be actually dangerous. Big pass.
very interesting concept. The origins weirdly make sense, as I bet those regions of the world try everything to not get dominated by the heat and humidity.
An interesting read as to the origins of the product.
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this, but cool that the product exists.
Those of us who wear undershirts get a cooling effect from that! This sounds like a good product for golfing in Thailand at 95 degrees and 95% humidity….WOW
In moderate heat I could see less stress on the body being fooled into thinking your cooler. Not sure I would try it when activity should be limited anyway in dire heat conditions.
[QUOTE=”Doubleb21, post: 12668399, member: 50153″]
That is a very interesting product for sure. You could not have tested it out in any better areas [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER].
[/QUOTE]
Hahahaha, right?
Just purely miserable weather was the perfect opportunity
[QUOTE=”Dougie, post: 12668545, member: 10934″]
In moderate heat I could see less stress on the body being fooled into thinking your cooler. Not sure I would try it when activity should be limited anyway in dire heat conditions.
[/QUOTE]
It’s the big thing for me, and to their credit, they have disclaimers on the bottle about it. But we both know, golfers (and people) are stubborn, and in extreme situations fooling your brain/body into thinking it’s cooler is something to be very very careful of.
[QUOTE=”WICHITAREJECT, post: 12668475, member: 46010″]
Those of us who wear undershirts get a cooling effect from that! This sounds like a good product for golfing in Thailand at 95 degrees and 95% humidity….WOW
[/QUOTE]
I wear undershirts, and this sprayed on that layer did, in fact, add to the effect.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12668414, member: 65950″]
Product seems like it could be actually dangerous. Big pass.
[/QUOTE]
Only in the hands of someone who doesn’t pay attention to the big disclaimers on the box, bottle, and such.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12668226, member: 3″]
Kind of an interesting product.
Im not sure I am in the market for it, but at the same time, I am kind of the market for it. Does that make sense?
[/QUOTE]
Makes total sense imo.
That’s Fair. But makes me question if a product is worth it if there needs to be big disclaimers all over the bottle and box.
Water spray bottles, a cool towel, a fan. All seem like they have a much lower threshold for danger.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12668554, member: 1579″]
It’s the big thing for me, and to their credit, they have disclaimers on the bottle about it. But we both know, golfers (and people) are stubborn, and in extreme situations fooling your brain/body into thinking it’s cooler is something to be very very careful of.
[/QUOTE]
I’m sure their legal team insisted it be on there (good for them to do it) before Darwin takes hold. Better to have a warning label on their before it’s needed. Agree with you fully.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12668569, member: 65950″]
That’s Fair. But makes me question if a product is worth it if there needs to be big disclaimers all over the bottle and box.
[/QUOTE]
They’re not big, and they’re not scary, they’re just factual. I appreciate that.
Moreover, it does work, and as long as you’re aware if your surroundings, then there’s nothing to fear.
[QUOTE=”Dougie, post: 12668571, member: 10934″]
I’m sure their legal team insisted it be on there (good for them to do it) before Darwin takes hold. Better to have a warning label on their before it’s needed. Agree with you fully.
[/QUOTE]
Facts. People, are not bright.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12668574, member: 1579″]
They’re not big, and they’re not scary, they’re just factual. I appreciate that.
Moreover, it does work, and as long as you’re aware if your surroundings, then there’s nothing to fear.
[/QUOTE]
Oh you said ‘big’ I haven’t seen them so I’ll take your word for it.
Still feel like there are several other potentially safer options like cold towel, water mist bottle, or a fan.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12668583, member: 65950″]
Oh you said ‘big’ I haven’t seen them so I’ll take your word for it.
Still feel like there are several other potentially safer options like cold towel, water mist bottle, or a fan.
[/QUOTE]
There’s a picture of the back of the bottle in the article where that disclaimer is ?
I think logically, most will still use those things, I know I did, the spray was used in coordination with them.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12668590, member: 1579″]
There’s a picture of the back of the bottle in the article where that disclaimer is ?
I think logically, most will still use those things, I know I did, the spray was used in coordination with them.
[/QUOTE]
You’re right that’s small, so small I can’t even zoom in on the phone to see it. ?
I am intrigued. Could see a definite use for this in so many aspects of my life. Golf, bike, yard work. I need to try it.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12668636, member: 6727″]
I am intrigued. Could see a definite use for this in so many aspects of my life. Golf, bike, yard work. I need to try it.
[/QUOTE]
Just don’t spray it in your eyes Beags. There’s a warning for that too. ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12668669, member: 1579″]
Just don’t spray it in your eyes Beags. There’s a warning for that too. ?
[/QUOTE]
I can make no promises!
The menthol smell was mentioned. Is it strong enough to be bothered by it?
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12668673, member: 5944″]
The menthol smell was mentioned. Is it strong enough to be bothered by it?
[/QUOTE]
Weaker than icy hot