Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent Gen 2.0 Review

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Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0

During a great water year there is little to complain about except maybe all the hordes of water loving mosquitoes.  Throughout this year we have been blessed with a great snowpack and precipitation. However, this water does come at a cost, mosquitoes, and lots of them. Luckily, I have been using the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 to keep the biting flies away.  

The company Thermacell has been protecting outdoor enthusiasts since 1999 from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects. What is unique about Thermacell products is that their mosquito repellents are not placed on the skin. This company vaporizes the repellent so that the insects stay away.   

This summer I have had the chance to use the latest product, the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0. This product has traveled with me from Colorado to Northern Michigan in order to fight off the bugs.     

About the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 is a small device that can fit easily in hand and weighs less than ½ of a pound.  

To operate the mosquito repellent there is a large power button that lights up when in use. The lights of the power button indicate the battery level, whether the device is locked, or if it is operating. On a single charge it is operational for up 12 hours. In the event of being left on there is an automatic shut off every 1.5 hours. When the battery does finally wear out a full charge can be had by USB in about 5 hours.  

Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0, Power Cord, and Refill

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 works by aerosolizing the type of insect repellent called Allethrin. Allethrin repellents are the synthetic version of the more recognized repellent Pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is commonly used in coating insect resistant apparel and is safe to be around. This insecticide is found in the Pyrethrin flower which is a type of Chrysanthemum or Mum that is commonly sold at gardens. Allethrin breaks down in the environment quickly, does not accumulate in the body, and the company has not had any bad effects from use.  

The repellent comes in small refill containers that can be easily be inserted. There are both 12hr refills as well as 40hr refills.    

Using the Thermacell Radius 

This year there have been no shortages of opportunities to use the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0. With the abundance of water, all over the US, mosquito populations have been out of control.  

Mosquito Larvae in Puddle on Recent Hike

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 is really different than any other mosquito repellents that I have used. My only familiarity with mosquito protection is topical formulas that include DEET, citronella, and other smelly ingredients. Since this device aerosolizes the repellent it was an entirely new experience.  

The number one advantage I experienced, was not needing to put smelly mosquito repellent on my skin. Some of the products that I have used in the past are pretty nasty. Active ingredients like DEET work well but have some serious side effects. One of those that I have experienced first hand has been ruining synthetic clothing like a raincoat and other products. I have lost more than one expensive fly fishing line to DEET when fishing mosquito infested waters.  

I found the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 pretty simple to operate. Before that first use I needed to charge the unit for awhile. I really like how the battery is charged by USB. Charging took somewhere around 4 hours, which would be important to remember before going out into the field.  

Placing the Allethrin cartridge into the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 is straightforward. Once on it takes about 15 minutes to really get the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 rolling. Vapor is visible out the top once it is really going.  

Out in the Field

There is a small lake in Northern Michigan that is great fishing. The only problem with this place are the bugs. I found this lake to be perfect for testing out the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0. My plan was to place the Thermacell in the boat and see if it was able to keep the mosquitoes of myself and my fishing partner.  

Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 at the Lake

While setting up the boat, rods, and getting the gear in order we were getting chewed! Never have I been so excited to have mosquitoes all over me. Once in the boat I turned on the Thermacell. For about 10 minutes or so the bugs were still a problem. However, after that the mosquitoes were quieted and we were able to enjoy a morning of fishing. Without a doubt, this was my most enjoyable fishing experience on this lake.  

Back home in Colorado we have lots of standing water from the all of the rain and snow. Even my backyard is pretty buggy in the evenings. The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 works great on our patio table keeping us mosquito free. 

Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 on the Patio Table

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 does a nice job keeping the mosquitoes at bay if you are close to the unit. When moving away, say 15 feet or more, it definitely starts to get buggy especially if there is a slight breeze. This unit is is really ideal for a sitting situation like a picnic, fishing, a patio table, or just hanging out.  

Being here in Colorado, it was nice to have a mosquito repellent that could handle high elevations. From what I have read, the butane versions of repellents are not nearly as effective in elevations exceeding 8000 ft. If high mountain camping is in your future definitely pick the Allethrin version.  

Specs on Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 Taken Directly From Thermacell

• MSRP $49.99
• Active Ingredient Metofluthrin
• Assembly Details No assembly required
• Batteries Rechargeable Li-Ion (included)
• Dimensions 3.1″ x 1.9″ x 3.3″ (LxWxH)
• Hours of Protection Included 12
• Light N/A
• Model Number LZ1
• Rubber Armor No assembly required
• Warranty 1 Year Satisfaction Guarantee
• Weight (lb)0.4
• Zone Check No
• Zone of Protection Size 15 Feet

Final Thoughts  

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent – Gen 2.0 is a game changer in mosquito protection. When bugs get nasty this unit provides a 15 ft zone of mosquito protection without having to smear repellent all over the body. This unit charges easily by USB and refills are readily available. If you are out and about during the buggy times of year the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent is perfect for keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

For more information on the Radius Zone Gen 2.0 or other Theremacell products, visit thermacell.com