I was recently provided a couple of cooling devices from Aecooly, the Aecooly Magnetic Neck Fan (around $15 at the time of publication) and the Aecooly Cold Air Portable Handheld Fan (around $40 at the time publication). These are Amazon affiliate links (if you make a purchase using these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you). Both items have clippable 10% off coupons at the time of publication.
First off, a disclaimer. I was provided two review units at no charge. I was not paid for this review and this review was not subject to approval before publication.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a few occasions to use these products, but nothing like the last three days. First at an outdoor wedding on a 92 degree day with a heat index of 106 out in the country surrounded by corn fields. Corn Sweat is the real deal and will make you miserable. And last night in my golf league where we were playing in 102 heat index with absolutely no wind.
What They Are
The magnetic neck fan (the square white device in the photo) is exactly what it sounds like. The fan unit has a magnetic plate allowing you to clip it anywhere on your person. It blows in one direction with 3 speed settings. The portable handheld fan is a handheld unit with 5 speeds and a secondary water misting system with the reservoir located at the bottom of the handle.
What I Like
At the wedding, the magnetic clip fan was the easy winner. It was quiet enough to use during the ceremony clipped on to my shirt blowing up over my face. Battery life was great. Over the course of the 40 minute ceremony it only dropped 1 of the 5 indicator lights, so roughly 20 percent used. Officially they cite a 10 hour battery life. Note, it also comes with a lanyard so you could just hang it around your neck. The handheld fan was a little too loud to use during the ceremony so I left it in the truck.
At golf the handheld portable fan was the winner. The momentary cool shot of the mister while running the fan was a lifesaver. In similar conditions a couple weeks ago, sans fan, I actually quit after 4 holes as I was feeling the early signs of heat exhaustion. Last night, the fan did the heavy lifting and kept me cool enough to finish my round without incident.
The battery life is amazing. I used it much of my 2.5 hour round in the cart and while waiting at the tee box and it finished with 90% capacity left. Officially they cite a 20 hour battery life.
I was using the magnetic fan off and on during my round but my golf swing was strong enough to detach it from the magnet and it flopped around too much with the lanyard.
What’s Worth Knowing
These devices move air and use passive cooling. In some conditions the speed of the fan isn’t going to be able to drop the temperature but the passive cooling on moist skin does feel good. The misting capabilities of the handheld fan were great, but using the mister continuously only lasts about 8 minutes before needing a refill.
Is It Worth It?
Hands down the Aecooly Cold Air Portable Handheld Fan has earned a spot in my golf bag and I’ve since purchased a second unit for my wife. At around $40 before the coupon it’s not impulse buy territory, but after nearly bailing on a round two weeks ago from the heat and then finishing one comfortably with this thing in my hand, the math works out pretty fast. If you golf, work outside, or spend any time at summer sporting events, this is the one to get. The mister is the difference maker and the battery life means you’re not going to be nursing it through 18 holes.
The Aecooly Magnetic Neck Fan has its place too, just a different one. At around $14 with the coupon it’s an easy grab. My home office can get a little warm and it moves just enough air around my face to keep me cool at about the same clip as my USB-powered desk fan. Where it really shines is anywhere you need hands-free cooling and can’t be waving a fan around, like that wedding ceremony. It’s small enough to forget it’s clipped to your shirt until you feel the breeze.
If I had to pick one, it’s the handheld fan every time. But at these price points there’s no reason not to have both.