Hot in front: overview of heated equipment for motorcycles

24/02/2022 By acomputer 825 Views

Hot in front: overview of heated equipment for motorcycles

Let's start with the gloves, because it's compulsory equipment (which must be homologated, so for motorcycling too, so be careful not to take models that are not homologated for motorcycling but which will be fine for skiing! ), and because it is the hands, and in particular the fingers, that are most at risk. Textile, leather, or a mix of both, there are many models in many brands (see our file Choosing the right gloves). To choose, remember to check their approval, therefore, the presence of a waterproof membrane, a quality thermal insulator, as for the protections, this will depend on your use (urban, road, more or less sporty, etc.). Finally, the most "techno" offer connectivity with your smartphone via an app, to control the heating, the battery level...

The best is to be able to try them to check:

- that the cuff is wide enough to go over the jacket knowing that the battery is placed on the lower side of this cuff (most of the time, and it is better so that it does not weigh on the arm

- that the battery does not get in the way and can be removed/placed easily. And the smaller they are, the better! Recent progress in terms of density makes it possible to reduce their size, but inevitably this increases the price...

The batteries on heated gloves are generally 7.4 V and between 2 and 3 A (often mentioned in mA, so 2000 to 3000 mA), often closer to 2 than 3. Some brands like Ixon offer 3 A batteries optional, other, rare, gloves that can accept two batteries per glove (Racer) for more autonomy. But it's heavier to carry! Finally, note that there are also heated under-gloves (at VQuattro for example) to wear under your usual gloves.

Some brands and models (prices may vary depending on the retailers...):

- Connected (from around €250): Furygan Blizzard Heat, Ixon It-Aso Evo, Racer Heat 4...

- Gerbing XRL (around €300), heating system guaranteed for life

- Heated glove liners: VQuattro Ices 18

- For women: Gerbing, VQuattro

- For less than €150 excluding promo: Tucano Urbano FeelWarm at €149 (HandWarm at €189)