A “review” of the Apex Flex
I’d heard whispering of its development for years. Its prior iterations were smaller by several orders of magnitude, and I was surprised to see North Face as the distributor. I’ll admit the new form factor was intimidating, but I went in with an open mind and a stiff upper lip.
Pros:
Thermally insulated
Waterproof
Cheaper than expected
Fits like a second skin
Cons:
NFC capabilities don’t seem to be working
Certain features like pockets and zippers are inaccessible
Lightheadedness and fever
Fits like a second skin
Supremely difficult to have installed. Every installer from the Partners Map that I called about it either hung up immediately after I sent them the link, or called me a lunatic before dramatically ending the call. I realized I’d have to do what I swore to myself I never would. Self-install.
North Face rudely didn’t include any installation tools, so I had to make due with the as-yet-extra drape, gauze, and chlorhexadine wipes from my xG2 kit. And so, armed with DT’s largest flex installation needle and a gibbering prayer (along with copious amounts of Everclear) I set to work.
It’s a singularly unique experience installing a thermal layer beneath the dermal layer. It was a mostly clean installation, though a few mistakes are to be expected when the shaking gets too bad. I’d received a noise complaint from my neighbors for the screaming, so I recommend some light jazz or lo-fi hip hop to drown it out. I must say, two little CH wipes were difficult to stretch over the entire upper torso and thoracic cavity, not to mention the single small gauze pad, but luckily it worked out. I could’ve used a larger drape, though. That rug, chair, and curtains will never get the stains out.
Long term results aren’t looking too good, but I have faith in Amal’s products. He hasn’t let us down yet.
Will update you again Soon™.