Jackets: Heated gear, what do you recommend?

evl_twn · 10-29-2008, 07:56 AM

I have heated grips on my VFR, and I wouldn't want to ride without them with the weather we've had lately. I've often thought about getting a heated vest, and I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly about what is out there. I've heard a bit about Eclipse, Widder, and Gerbing, but now Tourmaster makes an interesting one too, which includes a temp controller. I'm not sure why other manufacturers charge extra for them

. So, what have you ridden with, and what do you recommend?

gt702 · 10-29-2008, 11:08 AM

I have one from Vanson and it has worked pretty good. Like some features, dislike others.

There are laces on the sides to get a snug fit, which is good and bad. Possible uncovered/leak areas if they aren't tight, or just extra strings hanging down if you are smaller. Good thing is that if you get the right size, you can snug it up so it is close to the skin where it works best.

I bought the variable controller which works very well though a little bulky. The nob is good sized to work with a gloved hand, and where it comes out of the vest lets it sit on a thigh where it is easy to get to.

I think it was better priced than some of the others at the time. Something to consider.

Let us know about the grips and if you think one is better than the other. I'm in the market for a set of those.

TCD · 10-29-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt702

Let us know about the grips and if you think one is better than the other. I'm in the market for a set of those.

Yeah, me too. I just bought a set of Polly Warmers and didn't realize that I couldn't put them in the bars until I went to install them. The 600RR has a huge weight in there (I assume to reduce vibration). I'm now looking at the kind that wrap around the bars underneath the grips...

DUX · 10-29-2008, 07:05 PM

I did some research and decided to stay away from the vests. If it's cold enough to need the vest, then your arms will certainly get cold.

My wife and I have the Gerbing jacket liners and love them.

- Heating elements guaranteed for life.

- Jacket zips all the way up like a turtle-neck and there are heating elements in the collar/neck.

- Plugs in the sleeves by the cuffs that allow you to plug into heated gloves or glove liners (you may consider this option instead of grips.)

- If you're walking around, you can take the riding jacket off and wear the heated liner as a wind-breaker (kind of 80's Members-Only style

)

- GET the temp controller. I keep mine set very low...the jacket is VERY warm. It's amazing what a difference it makes on long, cold rides. Your alertness and reflexes stay much higher.

- If you think that you may eventually add gloves, pants, or socks, you may want to go ahead and get the dual-zone temp controller. It's $30 dollars more than the single. It will save you money in the long-run. Single = $60. Dual = $90.

maxib · 10-29-2008, 07:38 PM

After what you did in the MTV thread, I don't think I want to tell you that I use the Kanetsu vest from Aerostich RiderWearHouse with their variable heat controller. I velcro the controller onto my left thigh and ride toasty warm. Haven't found the need for sleeves when the torso is warm.

After thinking about this a bit more, I've decided not to tell you now. I'll tell you after seamus gives his regards at Grattan.

Hammer · 10-29-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxib

After what you did in the MTV thread,

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gt702 · 10-29-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxib

Haven't found the need for sleeves when the torso is warm..

I'm with him. Haven't had a need for sleeves with the torso warm. Besides, my street jacket fits snug in the arms so the armor stays where it is supposed to be, so not a lot of room for extra bulk. Down south there, you should be OK

JimCulp · 10-29-2008, 08:21 PM

I've used Widder vests for years, but I think they've closed down now. I also have an older Eclipse that still works pretty well, and a Kanetsu airvest from Aerostich which is okay, but not as warm as the other stuff. I've never owned a Gerbing, but with Widder gone I might try one sometime.

10-29-2008, 07:56 AM	#1
evl_twn CAN CRUSHER Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Central Illinois Age: 41 Bike(s): worm gear Posts: 2,025 Images: 6	Heated gear, what do you recommend? I have heated grips on my VFR, and I wouldn't want to ride without them with the weather we've had lately. I've often thought about getting a heated vest, and I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly about what is out there. I've heard a bit about Eclipse, Widder, and Gerbing, but now Tourmaster makes an interesting one too, which includes a temp controller. I'm not sure why other manufacturers charge extra for them . So, what have you ridden with, and what do you recommend?

10-29-2008, 11:08 AM	#2
gt702 Gear Driven Cams Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): Some Hondas and a Kwacker Posts: 1,352	I have one from Vanson and it has worked pretty good. Like some features, dislike others. There are laces on the sides to get a snug fit, which is good and bad. Possible uncovered/leak areas if they aren't tight, or just extra strings hanging down if you are smaller. Good thing is that if you get the right size, you can snug it up so it is close to the skin where it works best. I bought the variable controller which works very well though a little bulky. The nob is good sized to work with a gloved hand, and where it comes out of the vest lets it sit on a thigh where it is easy to get to. I think it was better priced than some of the others at the time. Something to consider. Let us know about the grips and if you think one is better than the other. I'm in the market for a set of those. __________________ Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. Albert Einstein

10-29-2008, 07:05 PM	#4
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 38 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 885	I did some research and decided to stay away from the vests. If it's cold enough to need the vest, then your arms will certainly get cold. My wife and I have the Gerbing jacket liners and love them. - Heating elements guaranteed for life. - Jacket zips all the way up like a turtle-neck and there are heating elements in the collar/neck. - Plugs in the sleeves by the cuffs that allow you to plug into heated gloves or glove liners (you may consider this option instead of grips.) - If you're walking around, you can take the riding jacket off and wear the heated liner as a wind-breaker (kind of 80's Members-Only style ) - GET the temp controller. I keep mine set very low...the jacket is VERY warm. It's amazing what a difference it makes on long, cold rides. Your alertness and reflexes stay much higher. - If you think that you may eventually add gloves, pants, or socks, you may want to go ahead and get the dual-zone temp controller. It's $30 dollars more than the single. It will save you money in the long-run. Single = $60. Dual = $90. __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

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10-29-2008, 07:38 PM	#5
maxib Wake me up...save me from the nothing I've become Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,359	After what you did in the MTV thread, I don't think I want to tell you that I use the Kanetsu vest from Aerostich RiderWearHouse with their variable heat controller. I velcro the controller onto my left thigh and ride toasty warm. Haven't found the need for sleeves when the torso is warm. After thinking about this a bit more, I've decided not to tell you now. I'll tell you after seamus gives his regards at Grattan.

10-29-2008, 08:21 PM	#8
JimCulp Join Date: 09-06-2008 Age: 58 Bike(s): GL1500 Posts: 153	I've used Widder vests for years, but I think they've closed down now. I also have an older Eclipse that still works pretty well, and a Kanetsu airvest from Aerostich which is okay, but not as warm as the other stuff. I've never owned a Gerbing, but with Widder gone I might try one sometime.