But when you go to http://www.hi-tec.com/ion-mask/ , then click on 'ion-mask IN ACTION' then click on SEE THE PROOF, a little graphic comes up that says an 'ion mask shoe' is only waterproof for 180 minutes during a 'waterproof flex test'. (whatever that is). Still, if it extends the waterproofness of leather by any decent amount it is probably a good thing.
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The "little graphic" mentioned is independent proof and evidence that ion-mask technology, in test conditions, is as waterproof as a leading branded membrane tested for a period of 180 minutes. This test is an accepted industry standard used as a benchmark for waterproofing. This does not automatically mean the product fails after 180 mins of testing.
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As I read the graphic Helen, it says that the 'penetration time' (y-axis) is 180 minutes for a 'sports shoe+ ion mask'. I can't see any other way of interpreting the graph other than after 3 hours in the flex-test, water penetrates. What else does a penetration time of 180 minutes mean?! Are you connected with this product or company BTW?
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| Edited: 27/08/08 14:32 |
 I too was interested in this. The details of the test and caveats given with the graph ('certain test conditions', etc) make it a little difficult to interpret. However, if indeed this process gives waterproofing equivalent to membrane-lined footwear, it would be very attractive to me as membranes typically have a limited life.
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Who knows. 180 minutes is a very short life for sure. Since the treatment is nanometers thick (or thin) won't it easily be abraded off as you scuff rocks? Time will tell.
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 Why is this technology being applied in the first instance to leather boots? Are there any plans to apply it to clothing any time soon? I'd be interested in its application to trekking trousers, for instance.
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| Edited: 02/09/08 22:24 |
 We're getting hiking boots first because HiTec have decided to use it  To be fair waterproof liners in shoes do also not work at all well. You don't see many people purposefully not weating waterproof tops but you do with shoes. When considering clothing you've got to remember that you treat the whole garment to not take up any water - both sides too. Could be 'exciting' next to the skin with sweat! I'm not sure but I'd expect that to make trousers a bit problematic along with the gloves I've been contemplating. Still Epic seems to work all right so maybe baggy hiking trousers would be mangable. Otherwise it would be better for the outer layer in 2 layer things.
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 I'm looking forward to it being used on tent fabrics, and sleeping bag shells.
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 would be interesting to hear from anyone who has actually used these new hi tech boots???
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Well it'll take a little while for proper testing of them to come through. A few hints here http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/24889/ and on PTC's blog. The actual boots seem well enough made. The waterproofing - from what PTC hints at in the thread above - seems potentially more 'interesting'. Fabric/mesh stuff boots turn out to be happier places for the technology (where it might speed up drying times.).
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yes i looked at a pair in millets liverpool yesterday they are exceptionally light for full leather boots and felt really comfy when i tried them on, was tempted to buy them there and then but wanted to see if any one on here had experience of them. oh the link on your last message mc doesnt link 
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Works if you cut and paste it. Maybe just for me though - look for a thread called HiTec ion-mask review. It's not much information and we'll no doubt get more detailed reviews in a month or two.
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ok cheers mc wil wait an see
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Just thought I'd flag that there's a pretty comprehensive review of these in this months TGO by Chris Townsend + some feedback from someone else. Well worth reading if interested The odd reservation but overall they definetly seemed to like them so if they fit well they might well be worth trying. Really long term durability yet to be tested I guess but then waterproof liners are hardly the most reliably durable things.... It's nice to see that the promise of quicker drying time seems to hold up in practice - if they can do fabric boots/shoes which resist wet grass/rain etc but dry very fast then I'll start getting interested.
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