KEY POINTS
- Heated gloves will keep your hands warm in extreme cold
- Suitable for working outside and riding in winter
- Dual-heated gloves are the most convenient but expensive
- Heated gloves are safe if you follow proper safety precautions
Riding in snowy conditions with cold hands is not something you would look forward to. How many times has it happened that you can’t feel your thumb and feel like you may have frostbite?
Using disposable hand warmers could be an option but putting them inside the glove is cumbersome and mess your grip on the handlebars.
Heated gloves could be a solution for surviving the cold weather extremity. They are water and wind-resistant to contain body temperature and thin enough to ensure superior grip.
Are heated gloves any good? There are various types on the market designed specifically for winter riding. So, should you ditch your regular gloves and try out a heated design?
Let’s discuss their types and features to see whether they can prevent the bites of cold weather.
What Are Heated Gloves?
These are gloves that keep your fingers and hand warm in cold temperatures. They work by transferring heat from a heating element inside the glove directly to your hands.
The gloves are handy for people like construction workers who work outside in extreme temperatures or those who suffer from chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis.
The gloves help motorcycle riders keep warm hands and stay active while riding. They work by trapping body heat and maintaining it, even in extreme cold.
Heated gloves also have other features such as fingerless dexterity and adjustable straps for a snug fit. They could be made of various materials, including fleece, wool, nylon, lycra, or something else. A layer of heating elements provides solid protection from cold air.
They have a thin profile, so they don’t get in the way of your grip on the handlebars, and they’re usually waterproof and windproof to keep your hands warm in winter. A pair can be a great addition to your riding gear, especially if you live in a cold climate.
Are Heated Gloves Worth It? Can They Keep You Warm in Snow?
Heated motorcycle gloves are a great way to stay warm while riding your motorcycle. They are like a mitten but heated mittens and thinner.
But don’t be fooled by their simplicity. The gloves have a lot going on inside them, like the thermal element and mechanism to crank up the temperature when it’s super chilly.
You can also find heated motorcycle gloves powered by either batteries or electricity, so various options are available depending on the type of machine you ride. There are tons of different kinds out there, but thankfully they all share one thing in common: they work.
To summarize: leather exterior? Check. Windproof material? Check. Insulation? Check. Heating element? Check!
If a pair of gloves has all these features, then yes: they will keep your hands warm while riding your motorcycle—which is probably what you want to hear since that’s why you’re here reading about them in the first place.
Depending on your desired features, heated gloves will run you anywhere from $50 to $500. The higher price point buys you things like:
- More advanced materials (like high-quality leathers)
- Extra padding or reinforcement in areas like the palms and fingers (to protect against wear)
- A better liner for more protection from cold weather
But there are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not these gloves suit you. They are slightly more expensive than the non-heated ones, so it’s essential to figure out if they’re worth your investment.
Check this video to find out why people working outside or riding in winter should buy heated gloves:
Types of Heated Motorcycle Gloves
Not wearing suitable gloves could be painful when riding in cold weather. Fortunately, various heated motorcycle gloves are available on the market today.
Let’s look at them so you can choose the perfect pair for your riding experience.
Battery powered gloves
Battery-operated heated motorcycle gloves are much more affordable if you are on a tight budget.
Previously, the old models required changing batteries when they ran out of power, but the latest ones are rechargeable. You can juice them up by plugging them into a USB port.
They are affordable and portable but can be pretty heavy and uncomfortable as the gauntlet of each glove has a bulky battery pack.
The battery life depends on the level of warmth you require. For example, if you choose not to use them on high and keep them on low instead, they will last longer than if you had them on high.
The biggest inconvenience of these models is you must diligently remember to charge them before use. The higher the temperature of gloves, the faster they run out of power. It can also be challenging to carry around heavy packs of batteries.
However, they are suitable for short rides. The duration of these batteries is around 3 to 5 hours. So, these would be perfect for someone who will need them for riding around the city.
Wired heated gloves
Wired heated gloves are much more efficient in case you love long trips. They last longer than battery-powered ones and perform better in snowy or rainy conditions because of giving a high heat output.
Available in 12V and 7V versions, the electric gloves are connected to a wiring harness and run off the motorcycle’s electrical system. The heat is generated and distributed in a very balanced manner.
The only negative side of wired gloves would be the portability. They are attached to the motorcycle, so you can not take them everywhere with you.
Dual heated gloves
The model is still not the most popular but convenient of all types. They offer the comfort of switching between battery and wire.
The gloves are the most useful in terms of functionality, but the price could be excessive for many.
If you live in a place that suffers severely cold weather, dual-heated gloves might be worth investing in.
SEE MORE: Do I Have to Winterize My Motorcycle?
Are Heated Gloves Any Good? Discussing the Key Features
Heated gloves might seem like an extra addition to your winter wardrobe, but there are a few reasons you might want to invest in them.
Look for these features when you search for the best heated gloves on the market.
Size
Always follow the size charts provided by the manufacturer and measure your hands accordingly with a soft measuring tape from your wrist to your fingertips.
Choose a snug but not tight-fitting pair when buying heated gloves. Your hand might swell over time, and a tight-fitting pair will restrict your blood flow in that case.
If a pair of gloves are too loose, they can move around or slip while you are riding, which can also be very dangerous.
Protection
The primary purpose of heated gloves is to give warmth, but you still need to ensure that they are as good as standard motorcycle gloves to protect your hands.
A high-quality pair should have features such as knuckle armor, scaphoid protection, reinforced palms, etc.
Gloves featuring extended cuffs and robust fastening will create a tight seal over your clothing, so the heat is kept within to make the warmth everlasting.
If you have sweaty palm issues, look for a pair with a breathable lining.
Temperature Control
Top-grade models have temperature control and settings to give you the utmost comfort. Most models have three basic temperature control features: low, medium, and high.
Temperature setting is a tricky matter. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should set the heating level to the max. It may cause burns on your skin and drain battery power in the blink of an eye.
You should test heated gloves at different settings and see which heating level suits you. Since there is no direct contact between the heating device and your skin’s surface, there is the risk of getting burned.
Power Source
A pair of battery-powered heated gloves will be perfect for occasional short rides. On the other hand, wired gloves provide satisfactory service for long journeys.
Dual-powered gloves are another option. They are pricey but will save you in the extremity of winter. Their additional power keeps your hands warmer than battery-run and wired gloves.
Are Heated Gloves Safe?
Ensuring the safety of a product requires ticking several boxes. Remember that any device run by battery or electricity may pose some risks.
Some potential risks associated with heated gloves include burns, electrocution, and fire. However, you can mitigate the danger by following proper safety precautions. For example, only using the products tested and approved by a reputable organization, avoiding using damaged or frayed cords, and not wearing gloves while sleeping.
There are also some benefits to using heated gloves. For example, they can provide relief from conditions such as arthritis or Raynaud’s disease. They also save your hands from numbness, pain, and other cold-related problems when you have to go outside in winter.
If you are considering using them, weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about using heated gloves.
If you take expert advice, these gloves are completely safe. Like any commercial item, the manufacturers have tested them for all safety guidelines before releasing them to consumers.
The gloves have heated coils with waterproof barriers for rainy day protection. Also, there is no way the coils touch your skin.
FAQs about Are Heated Gloves Any Good?
How long do heated gloves stay warm?
On a single charge, you can expect the gloves to stay warm for around 3-4 hours. However, this will vary depending on the brand and model of heated gloves and how high you have the heat setting set to. If you are using them for extended periods, keeping them on the lowest heat setting is best to prolong the battery life.
What are heated finger gloves?
These have built-in heating elements to keep your hands warm in winter. The heating elements inside are powered by batteries and can be controlled via an interface.
Which is better heated gloves or mittens?
They are entirely different products, although both are used for protecting your hands from cold temperatures. Some people find that heated gloves provide more dexterity and allow them to perform tasks more efficiently, while others find that mittens are warmer and more comfortable. However, you can ride a bike by wearing a pair of mittens.
Should you wear glove liners with heated gloves?
Some find glove liners better for keeping their hands warm and dry, while others find them bulky and uncomfortable. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to wear glove liners with heated gloves.
How hot are heated gloves?
Heated gloves are usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, which provide good insulation and durability. The heating elements are typically located in the palms and fingers of the gloves, and they can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius).
Will heated gloves help me stay warm this winter?
It depends on several factors, such as the severity of the winter weather, how well the gloves fit, and how good the quality of the gloves is. However, heated gloves generally help you stay warm during the winter months.
