Heated motorcycle gloves have really come on over the last few years.
They used to be bulky and unreliable, but with modern materials and improved technology, they now offer a similar feel to a standard motorcycle glove with the bonus of guaranteed toasty fingers on even the longest winter ride.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO XRL
Typical Gerbing reliability and top-notch armour protection. These gloves tick all the boxes.
Top Heated Gloves Reviewed
Let’s have a look at our top five models.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO XRL Heated Glove
The MicroWirePRO gloves are similar to the XR’s (reviewed below) in terms of specification; however, there are some key differences – firstly, these gloves offer better armour protection with the addition of scaphoid hard armour and soft wrist armour.
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Secondly, these gloves come with a Y-cable for direct connection to the motorbikes battery. There is also the option to power them with rechargeable batteries, but these will need to be purchased separately.
To adjust the temperature, a convenient push-button controller is located on the top of the glove, easily accessible while riding.
Pros
Supple leather for a comfortable fit- Lifetime warranty on heating elements
- Y cable Included for connecting to bikes battery
- Easily change temperature with controller
Supple leather for a comfortable fitCons
- No batteries included
No batteries includedGerbing MicroWirePro XR Gloves
Another pair from the Gerbing range, the XRs, don’t offer quite as much armour protection as the XRLs but do come with a battery cable (more on this below).
Protection comes from armour to the knuckles and scaphoid, while heat comes from Gerbing’s patented Microwire system, providing safe warmth to the entire finger.
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The XR is a hybrid glove; it can be connected to your bike’s battery for long journeys, or you can use the included battery cable for shorter trips. (Note: the actual batteries need to be purchased separately.)
There’s a reassuring lifetime warranty on the heating elements. No surprise that the liner is both waterproof and windproof.
Pros
- Adjustable wrist closure
- Thinsulate thermal liner
- Microwire heating technology
Cons
- May not offer the protection of thicker gloves with more protective accessories
Keis G601 Premium Heated Armoured Gloves
Keis are well known for their heated motorcycle clothing, and this is their premium heated glove offering.
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These gloves come with a power cable for direct connection to the battery. They can also be heated by rechargeable batteries, but they must be purchased separately.
Armour protection is excellent, with hard coverings to the knuckles and a scaphoid guard as standard.
The gloves are waterproof and windproof with a Hipora membrane.
Pros
- Integrated heat controller
- Power cable included
- Visor wipe that actually works!
- Well armoured
Cons
- If you want to use battery power, batteries must be bought separately.
RST Pro Series Paragon 6 Heated CE Gloves
The Paragon 6 Heated Gloves from RST are more than just heated gloves; they are excellent motorcycle gloves above anything else.
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CE certified to Level 1, they have been upgraded with a new TPU knuckle protector and memory foam thumb/finger protection.
They also have a built-in visor wiper to help keep your visor clear in the rain, which is a great handy touch.
RST have ensured the fingers are pre-curved for extra comfort and movement, while smart fabric has been used on the fingers and thumb so you can navigate your phone and sat nav without having to take your gloves off.
They are also fitted with a SinAqua waterproof liner to keep your hands dry; the rechargeable battery sits in a waterproof pocket.
When it comes to the heating side of things, RST has improved on the last version of the Paragon gloves by repositioning the control buttons and LED indicator. The rider can access the button to control the heat while riding, and the Red, Orange and Green heat setting indicators are clear and visible.
The heating element has extended to the entire length of the fingers and back of the hands, and you get 4 hours of continual heat for those long cold riding days.
Pros
- Protective
- Waterproof
- Visor wiper
- Easy to use even while riding
- 3 heat settings
Cons
- Sizing can be a bit mixed
- Battery life could be longer
Macna Foton Mixed Heated Gloves
The Macna Foton Heated Gloves have a premium feel, largely thanks to their goat leather construction with spandex that allows freedom of movement and stretch.
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The batteries are tucked away into the cuffs and can provide up to 4.5 hours of heat. There are 3 different heat levels that you can switch between using one button. An LED light indicates the heat level.
Macna has ensured that the thumbs are ergonomic with plenty of movement so you can easily access your motorcycle controls.
A visor wiper is integrated, and the index fingers use a smart fabric so you can navigate any touchscreens on your tech.
The Foton gloves are Macnas longest running product in their heat range. They have become a staple, reliable product that keeps your hands warm and dry in the coldest riding weather.
Pros
- Goats leather construction
- Comfortable
- Index finger can be used on touchscreens
- Visor wiper
- Battery pack tucked into cuffs
- Waterproof
Cons
- Lack of hard knuckle protection
Racer Heat 4 Gloves
This waterproof glove combines textile and leather in its construction with reassuring hard armour to the knuckles and standard soft armour for scaphoids and fingers.
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They are fully waterproof and windproof and have 4 different heat settings; finding the right temperature should be a doddle.
Unlike some of the Gerbing offerings, these gloves come with batteries and a dual charger, so they should be considered if you are looking for a complete solution straight out of the box.
Pros
- Low key but durable protection
- 7v rechargeable batteries included
- High-quality materials used
Cons
- Some quality issues reported
Buyers Guide
What to look for in a pair of heated motorcycle gloves.
Cost
A good pair of heated gloves should keep the vulnerable areas of your hands warm when riding in the cold. These are the places most exposed to the elements, such as the fingers and the back of your hands, although a quality glove will heat the palms too.
Heated gloves may cost three times the prices of a non-heated glove on a like-for-like basis. For example, a thick pair of winter riding gloves may stretch to over £100. Its heated counterpart may well retail at nearer £300.
Like any new piece of kit, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their use and handling. Not everyone likes wires running about their gloves and handlebars, but they won’t pose problems with practice and good routing.
Protection
While the benefits of heated motorcycle gloves are obvious, let’s not forget that gloves are also to protect and shield against injuries.
Make sure your heated gloves have the same protective qualities you expect from any motorcycle glove.
Recommended Reading: Best Motorcycle Heated Grips
Alternatively, you can buy a thin heated glove designed to be worn underneath a normal glove but make an allowance in size for the extra pair.
Temperature Adjustment
Most heated glove models have a temperature control button or switch.
Best to ‘power up’ than ‘power down’. Start your journey with the lowest setting because it’s easier to increase temperature than lower it quickly. The highest settings on some models are seriously hot.
Perhaps you don’t need to turn on the unit at all but keep an eye on excessive heat as these items can burn your hands if not operated correctly.
Batteries and Cabling
There are two choices for powering your heated gloves.
1. Small pre-charged batteries can be inserted into your gloves and connected to the heating system, although long-distance riders may find that 3-5 hours may not always be sufficient.
Watch this video for more:
2. Plug your wiring into the motorcycle battery via extension cables running through the jacket.
The cables routed through your jacket and into your gloves needn’t be as cumbersome as some riders report.
If the cables are secured and long enough to avoid any restriction of rider movement, you shouldn’t even notice them.
This video shows how to install the wiring directly to your motorbike battery.
The two primary charging voltages are 7 volts and 12 volts. The latter is usually achieved by connecting your gloves to your bike’s battery. This is more reliable and gives you a longer heated journey.
7v batteries at full temperature setting will drain a battery quicker and, in the extreme cold, are unlikely to match a fully connected 12 v charge.
Care and Maintenance
These expensive accessories shouldn’t be taken for granted.
A little consideration for their care and operation will extend their working life and avoid you being caught short on a cold day.
For example, when you finish your journey, ensure you’ve turned the batteries off in your gloves or put them on charge again. Leaving them on all day while sitting in a drawer or locker will drain them.
When they’re not in use in the summer, make sure they get the occasional charge to retain their capacity to power and hold that charge.
Recommended Reading:
- Best heated motorcycle grips
- Best heated motorcycle jacket
- Best heated motorcycle vest
- Oxford hot grips review