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Gerbing's NEW Heated Jacket Liner with Microwire
August 27, 2009
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| Editor Ratings * | |||
| Quality |
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10 | |
| Style |
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10 | |
| Comfort |
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10 | |
| Portability |
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10 | |
| Convenience |
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10 | |
| Price |
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10 | |
| Value |
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10 | |
| Overall | 10.0 | ||
| Spectacular | |||
| A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. | |||
| *Out of a possible 10 points | |||
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It seems that on a daily basis consumers are bombarded with advertiser’s claims that products are new, improved, revolutionary, amazing, and so on.
Rarely are those items worth the hype…that is until now.
Gerbing’s Microwire technology is NEW this year, premiering in their new G3 and T5 heated gloves. Now it is available in their new Heated Jacket Liner.
Gerbing’s Microwire technology is both IMPROVED and REVOLUTIONARY! Their patented Microwire technology truly puts them ahead of the competitors. Microwire was developed by Gerbing in response to the specifications of a contract with the US Navy Special Operations. Each wire carries hundreds of stainless steel conductive strands, far thinner than any copper wire or carbon-fiber wire in use in this industry today. And, each strand is 1/4 the thickness of a human hair.
Gerbing’s Microwire technology is AMAZING! Microwire provides instant heat, no more waiting for warmth, and it is remarkably thin and light-weight. The new Microwire Jacket Liner uses a single Teflon-coated Microwire, woven into heating pads, and placed strategically throughout the jacket. Each Microwire Jacket Liner also has one pound less wire weight than previous jacket liners.
Gerbing’s Heated Clothing (http://www.gerbing.com) was started in 1976 by Gordon Gerbing near Seattle Washington. Heated clothing was a hobby that became Gordon’s full-time passion in the 1980s. As more and more people learned of the benefits of heated clothing, Gerbing’s business continued to grow.
Gordon’s vision was to make a quality product at a fair price that genuinely improved the lives of customers. In 1999, that reputation earned Gerbing the respect of Harley-Davidson, who selected Gerbing to be the sole supplier of the Harley-Davidson label heated clothing line.
In the fall of 2008, Gerbing moved into a brand new 30,000 sq ft facility located in Tumwater, WA. Beginning as a family run business with Gordon, Marilyn, and their son, Jeff, currently Gerbing’s CEO, Gerbing has grown to over 50 employees, and Gerbing is still growing. Through all Gerbing’s growth, emphasis still remains on quality and service.
Comfort
Slipping on a Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner with Microwire was a pleasant experience for me. The Teflon coated, wind-resistant, soft nylon shell slipped easily over my other clothing without bunching. The silky micro denier collar felt soft against my neck. As I zipped the liner, I noticed a zipper tab at the top of the neck, to protect the wearer from sacrificing their neck or beard to the zipper gods.
The next obvious observation was the fit. Tall, slender women rarely find clothing that fit correctly. I recognize that other body shapes have unique fit problems, too, but I happen to be tall, slender, and writing this review, thus my perspective. For us, long sleeves are often three-quarter length, requiring the wearer to make a decision regarding fit: select a top that fits through the chest and accept that the sleeves will be short, or purchase a larger size so the sleeves will be long enough. Gerbing has solved that problem.
Gerbing’s semi-custom fit jacket liners are available in 21 sizes. Split sizing accommodates those in-between sizes, such as XS/S or M/L, in addition to regular or long sleeve lengths. That means someone like me can purchase an XS heated jacket liner with long length, long-sleeves and achieve the perfect fit. Obviously, manufacturing and stocking all of these sizes is an expensive way to do business. But as far as Gerbing is concerned, it is the right way to do business. Additionally, custom sizing of Gerbing liners is available at no additional cost, if one of the standard sizes doesn’t quite fit.
Gerbing’s Heated Jacket Liner with Microwire is lightweight and compressible making it easy to pack on any bike. Microwire has reduced the wire weight in each heated jacket liner by one pound, which makes it almost as light as air. Personally, I think a Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner is as important to pack as clean underwear, and should you encounter unpredictable weather, you will be glad you have it.
The exterior of each Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner includes two hand warmer pockets and glove connecting plugs in hidden zippered pockets on each sleeve. The sleeve cuffs and liner bottom feature 2.5” ribbing for improved fit and warmth. Heated jacket liners fit just below the waist to reduce the possibility of a gap between jeans and the liner and keep cold air out. The jacket liner fit under my leather jacket perfectly and discretely.
Inside the Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner is the power distribution unit (PDU) to connect the jacket liner to the power source. The PDU simplifies plug connection and eliminates any dangling cords.
Also inside the liner are an interior slash pocket on the right side of the chest and a zippered pocket on the left side of the chest. The zippered pocket was added to secure items such as wallets, glasses, etc. inside the liner.
Each heated jacket liner purchase includes a fused battery power harness to connect your heated clothing directly to your motorcycle’s battery. Portable temperature controllers are available and recommended to help the wearer adjust the temperature with the turn of a knob.
Note: Gerbing Heated Jacket Liners are not recommended to be worn as outerwear, except as a light jacket for off motorcycle activities. If you are looking for heated outerwear, consider a Gerbing Cascade Extreme Heated Jacket or Union Ridge Heated Jacket.
Quality and Value
Gerbing’s Microwire Heated Jacket Liner uses a single Teflon-coated Microwire, woven into heating pads, and placed strategically throughout the jacket in the chest, back, both sleeves, and the collar. Because of Microwire’s flexibility, Gerbing was able to increase the heated areas in their jacket liners, particularly in both upper arms approaching the shoulder and elbow areas.
Each Gerbing Microwire heated system pathway is laid out and computer-controlled to deliver the heat per a specified model. Consistency in pathways from garment to garment is insured by using computerized sewing machines. That means each Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner performs exactly the same. Consistency is one of the core elements of Gerbing’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Gerbing’s new Microwire is 1/3 of the overall thickness of copper-resistance wire (which was the industry standard for years) and about 1/4 the thickness of the carbon-fiber wire. It draws 5% less wattage than copper resistance wire when maintaining a stable temperature. While Microwire is more expensive to produce than the traditional copper-resistant-wire heating technology, Gerbing has chosen to absorb the costs and keep its current pricing. How many manufacturers can make that claim?
Another way Microwire is different, is its insulation. Where other wire types commonly use poly vinyl chloride (PVC) as an insulating medium, Microwire uses a specially formulated hi-temp Teflon derivative, which is as ultra-flexible as the Microwire itself. PVC insulation would crack if it were as tightly-flexed as Microwire capabilities, especially in cold weather. Don’t forget, Microwire had to meet the specifications of a US Military contract. They have pretty high standards, and so does Gerbing.
Cycle Matters has had the privilege of reviewing several of Gerbing’s heated products. Quality is built into every Gerbing product we have reviewed. Product quality continues to be apparent as the heated garment is worn…and worn…and worn. Gerbing’s quality and customer service, in our mind, is unbeatable.
Still have questions about Gerbing quality? Check this out. Gerbing is so confident in the quality of their garments they offer a lifetime warranty on the electrical heating elements. According to Gerbing that means “no matter how often you crumple your heated clothing to fit in a stuff sack, no matter how many years you own your heated clothing,” your heating elements are guaranteed…for life.
Price
Gerbing’s New Heated Jacket Liner with Microwire is available for $199.95. The semi-custom garment is well-constructed, light-weight, and guaranteed to make your cold weather riding more pleasurable.
Highly recommended are temperature controllers; available in Single ($69.95) and Dual ($99.95) Control models. Controller covers are $10.95 to fit either model. Temperature controllers are worth the money and allow the wearer to control the heat output of the jacket liner versus an on/off switch.
Final Thoughts
Gerbing’s patented Microwire technology is truly revolutionary! One try and you will agree. Microwire offers the ability to adjust heat quickly in cooler areas or valleys and then dial it back in warmer areas. Microwire provides instant heat. No more waiting for the warmth. It happens right now! Stop and think about that…and how nice it would be on a cold ride to be warm instantly.
A one-pound difference in wire weight makes the new Heated Jacket Liner with Microwire so thin, light-weight, and comfortable, it can travel everywhere with you. And, believe me, you will want to take it with you; I never leave home without mine.
Whether you are girly girl or the toughest biker dude out there, you will never regret this purchase. Aside from your motorcycle, this will go down as one of the best purchases you will ever make.
Please refer to other Gerbing heated clothing reviews on this website or click here to learn more about Gerbing heated gear for motorcyclists.
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