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 very similar feel to a standard motorcycle glove with the added bonus of guaranteed toasty fingers on even the longest winter ride.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO XRL
Fully armoured
Typical Gerbing reliability and top notch armour protection.
These gloves tick all the boxes. Check SportsBikeShop
Gerbing 12V Tex-12
Reliable Warmth
Warmth and protection at an affordable price.
A less bulky option that would suit shorter commutes. Check SportsBikeShop
Top Heated Gloves Reviewed
Let’s have a look at our top five models.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO XRL Heated Glove
The MicroWirePRO gloves are pretty 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 an included 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 there is a convenient push button controller 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
Cons
- No batteries included
Gerbing MicroWirePro XR Gloves
Another pair from the Gerbing range the XR’s don’t offer quite as much armour protection as the XRL’s but do come with a battery cable (more on this below).
Protection comes from armour to the knuckles and scaphoid whilst heat comes from Gerbings patented Microwire system which provides safe warmth to the entire finger.
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The XR is known as a hybrid glove, it can be connected to your bikes battery for long journeys or you can use the included battery cable for shorter journeys. (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
Gerbing 12V Tex-12 Gloves
These are a shorter glove option aimed at scooter riders and lower speed commuters.
Includes all the same features such as the Microwire heating technology and Thinsulate thermal liner.
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You can connect these heated gloves directly to your bike with Gerbing’s battery hook-up. Or use the included battery cable and controller to connect to battery pack.
The gloves are made from textile and are aimed at lower speed vehicles such as scooters.
They come in a good bit cheaper than the more premium offerings and many riders have reported satisfactory performance even at higher speeds, there may be a bargain to be had here if you can live with the tradeoffs.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on the heating elements
- Battery cable and junior controller included
- Adjustable wrist closure
Cons
- Good value
- Only rated for scooter\moped riders
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 these will need to 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 then batteries will need to be bought separately.
Racer Heat 4 Gloves
This waterproof glove combines both textile and leather in its construction with reassuring hard armour to the knuckles and standard soft armour for scaphoid 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 actually come with batteries and a dual charger included so 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 important to familiarize yourself with their use and handling. Not everyone likes to have wires running about their gloves and handlebars but with practice and good routing they won’t pose a problem.
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’d expect from any other 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 are capable of burning 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.
As long as the cables are secured and long enough to avoid any restriction of rider movement then with a bit of basic familiarization you shouldn’t even notice them.
This video shows how to install the wiring directly to your motorbike battery.
The two main charging voltages are 7 volt and 12 volt. 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 extent their working life and avoid you being caught short on a cold day.
For example, when you finish your journey make sure you’ve turned the batteries off in your gloves or put them on charge again. Leaving them on all day while sat in a drawer or locker will drain them.
In the summer when they’re not in use, 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
Image Credits:
All images via SportsbikeShop